Re: Does the Jerboa need water, and what space do they require for living?

I say keep him! 

Jerboa
Class:  Mmmalia
Order:  Rodentia
Family: Dipodidae
Genera and species:  Allactaga sibirica Dipus sagitta
Average life span: 6 years

Jerboas are small desert-living rodents, also known as  "desert rats".  
Jerboas are found in northern Africa and Asia east to northern China and 
Manchuria.  Jerboas survive the desert heat by living in burrows and coming 
out in the cool of night to eat (they're nocturnal).  Being a solitary 
animal, usually only one jerboa lives in a burrow at a time.  When chased, 
jerboas can move very fast, covering up to 10 feet at each bound and 
reaching speeds of up to 15 mph; otherwise they "trot", jumping 4-5 inches 
at each bound and often stopping.  Their walk is an awkward movement with 
nose down, rump in the air and tail dragging on the ground.  

In the wild, Jerboas feed on desert plants (both succulent and dry); in the 
dry season, they survive on dry seeds.  The jaws of jerboas are weaker than 
those of gerbils, so they cannot eat hard seeds.  They don't need much water 
in the desert. living in burrows and, in the hottest weather, become 
dormant.  They can survive the summer on dry seeds containing very little 
moisture, while in the laboratory jerboas have lived for 3 years on a diet 
of dry seeds.  By comparison, rats could survive for only a few days.  

Their survival on this diet is due to their ability to hold water in their body 
and pass a very concentrated, acidic urine, although in these circumstances 
jerboas are much less active so less body waste is formed and water can be 
conserved.  

I would recommend keeping a fresh supply of water (change once a week) 
in the cage at all times, and feeding a good seed mix along with a 
small amount of table food - like greens, fruits, and vegetables.
You may want to replace the habitrail with a large fish tank - see how the 
little guy is getting along. If he seems to have trouble getting around, 
then make the change; if he seems content and able to move around freely, 
then he'll be O.K. in the habitrail.  Fish tanks can often be found  at 
garage sales very cheaply, but they can be difficult to clean because they 
are so heavy.  A large plastic container is more manageable.  You could 
convert a plastic tub (purchased from a department store) into a cage, but you 
would have to make a secure lid out of some kind of wire or plastic mesh 
material.  

Just make sure it doesn't get too humid in there.  Being a 
desert animal, he's going to feel better in a warm, dry climate.  I 
recommend using corn cob for bedding, stay away from pine and especially 
ceder shavings!!

Good luck and have fun with your unusual pet.