|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 5, 2013 11:56:56 GMT -8
Hello, I was wondering how many gerbil/jird species are in the US besides Mongolian gerbils.
Particularly the charming dipodil and shaws jird.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by Shooting Star on Feb 5, 2013 14:32:07 GMT -8
It's mainly Mongolian Gerbils and Bushy-Tailed Jirds. Duprasi and Shaw's Jirds might still be around, but they're near-impossible to find.
|
|
|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 5, 2013 15:16:20 GMT -8
Hmmm, what would be involved in import?
I mean, we're going to Europe for a few months next winter anyway, and I was thinking of a new line of schimmels...
Just an idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shooting Star on Feb 5, 2013 15:47:07 GMT -8
A lot of red tape and a fair amount of money, from what I understand. Libby Hanna has a webpage about the Blue import she did in 2008: US Blue Gerbils. |
|
|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 5, 2013 16:10:32 GMT -8
Ya, I know. I read it like a hundred times.
The main authorities behind it are the USDA and CDC.
|
|
|
|
Post by reesesturtles on Feb 5, 2013 17:04:40 GMT -8
I've never even seen a bushy tailed jird. Pics sure look cute though. Are they often sold in pet stores or by breeders? Probably illegal in Georgia anyway  |
|
|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 5, 2013 18:10:22 GMT -8
And also, how big do shaws jirds grow?
|
|
|
|
Post by MoonstoneGerbils on Feb 6, 2013 7:09:29 GMT -8
Jirds will be very difficult to import, because they are originally from africa. Duprasi (fat tailed gerbil) you might be able to. You will have to be careful about which airports you use and the legality of the animal being at that airport in the country/state/city.
I have had the pleasure of handling a Bushy tailed Jird, however they are basically extinct in the USA captive population. I've been looking for them for about 5 years to no avail. the one i held was too old to breed.
Beyond that, schimmels are going to be very regional based. i know some european breeders have them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shooting Star on Feb 6, 2013 8:10:26 GMT -8
From what I can tell, Shaws are roughly rat-sized. Different websites disagree on whether that's doe-sized or large-buck-sized. UK Shaws are also different from continental European Shaws.
I've kept an eye out for US Shaws over the years, but haven't seen any so far. I'd love to keep them someday.
I didn't realize BTJs had disappeared! I remember several breeders in the midwest, and I got to see some once when I picked up gerbils from a breeder in the Carolinas, but I guess that was 5 or 6 years ago, now.
|
|
|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 6, 2013 12:50:58 GMT -8
Also, I can't import any african species, because their has been some disease in a species or something, so the USDA doesn't allow it  So I'll need to find non African species. |
|
|
|
Post by Shooting Star on Feb 6, 2013 15:08:14 GMT -8
No, actually the monkeypox ban was lifted in 2008. I don't know why the CDC website still has them banned. I would put in a call or email to the CDC for clarification before totally ruling out African species. ( Relevant FDA docket) |
|
|
|
Post by Shooting Star on Feb 6, 2013 15:47:46 GMT -8
Answered my own question: the FDA ban was lifted, but the CDC ban is still in effect. ( Source.) So you're SoL on most gerbil and jird species. That includes Shaw's jirds, Libyan jirds, bushy-tails, pallids, rock gerbils, charming dipodils, fat sand rats, duprasi, Sundevall's jirds, Anderson's gerbils, Greater Egyptian gerbils, Lesser Egyptian gerbils, and Baluchistan gerbils. Species not found in Africa include Tristram's jirds, Cheeseman's gerbils, and Persian jirds. |
|
|
|
Post by gerbilfan on Feb 6, 2013 17:48:11 GMT -8
I guess I'll have to stick with Persian jirds, though I'll check with the airports before we leave.
Thanks for all the help!
|
|
|
|
Post by banditcuster on Oct 21, 2013 15:14:56 GMT -8
yeah, I am not happy about the ban on incoming rodents from Africa... I want to get a few Jerboas... but i doubt i will get any in this life time.
|
|
