The effect of prolonged water deprivation, applied progressively since weaning, was studied on body weight in growing sub-desert rodents (Meriones shawi). Then, water metabolism, food consumption and kidney weight were measured in these adults animals. During partial water deprivation the weight curve was similar to that of controls, whereas with total water deprivation three different stages were noticed: a decrease, a stabilization and an increase in body weight as a function of age. At the end of the experiment, the body water volume was similar in dehydrated and in control animals. However, in water deprived animals, there was a lower rate of water influx and efflux compared to controls. Their food consumption was two-fold that of controls. Dehydrated meriones showed a significant increase in kidney weight as compared to controls.