A bony mechanism in front of the orbital cavity on the skull of some jerboas protects the eye when the head is used in digging. In the late spring and summer, jerboas often plug their burrows during the day and sometimes after leaving at night. Thus they keep the heat out and the moisture in, maintaining a suitable microclimate within the burrow during the hottest parts of the year. This is characteristic of many burrowing mammals and is an essential survival mechanism in arid regions. Jerboas often lie on their side when sleeping in the burrow so as to better accommodate their long legs.
Most species become dormant during the winter.
Dipodids feed on seeds, the succulent parts of plants, and insects. They apparently do not require free water in nature, but they drink readily in captivity. When handled or disturbed, these animals sometimes emit grunting noises or shrill shrieks, but they are usually silent. Tapping sounds, made within the burrow by the hind legs, have been reported for some species. Except for females with dependent young, generally only a single animal inhabits a burrow.