do rabbits have cheek pouchesdefective speedometer wisconsin
Instead, it seems that they rely on their internal cheek pouches to carry food. The scientific name of the domestic rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus. Asymmetrical alignment in face, or a bulging eye. Sea otters often have a favorite rock for cracking open shellfish and clams, and they keep this rock in one of their pockets typically, according to science, the left pocket. Flemish Giants, the largest rabbit breed, tend to have particularly impressive dewlaps. Those big eyes, huge ears, wiggly nose, those strong back legs and that unusual tail. BTW the pouch is the least weird aspect of marsupial reproduction; most marsupials have double-headed penises and triple vaginas. How does civil disobedience relate to society today? [15][16][17], Chipmunks (Tamias) have large cheek pouches that allow them to transport food. Only ground squirrels have cheek pouches, including chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs. Rabbits can become very sick if their diet is altered suddenly. The skeleton of the rabbit is quite delicate when compared to that of other animals. Rabbits are induced ovulators, like cats and ferrets, and do not have an estrus cycle. Each uterine horn opens into the vagina separately. To be specific, these foods are difficult to digest and are usually very high in calories. In contrast, their GI tract cannot handle large amounts of fat, protein, or starch. In the rabbit, the right atrioventricular valve of the heart has only two valve leaflets (cusps) instead of the usual three in other species (bicuspid vs. tricuspid). The external orifice is the vulva, and it usually swells and becomes reddish-purple when the doe is receptive to the buck for breeding. For example, elongated cheek teeth (known as mandibles) may develop from a diet lacking rough feed, and may lead to the formation of . I am currently continuing at SunAgri as an R&D engineer. Clipping the fur away is helpful, and the application of an astringent will help the skin heal. Demonstration of cheek pouches in geomyid. Volumetric analyses within this study attributed the differences in net cheek volume between male and female rats to the average size of the respective sexes. The seeds and nuts they do not dig up germinate in the spring and become trees, aiding in forest regeneration. At that point it will start to grow. Sometimes theyll be so small that you can hardly tell they are there. A dewlap is a pouch beneath the chin of female rabbits if they are not spayed early. How do rabbits chew their food? The gravel is a natural blender, mashing the food for the toothless platypus, who consumes his to-go meal at the waters surface. Consult your vet for advice. The skin of a rabbit infected with rabbit syphilis or vent disease caused by the spirochete bacterial organism (Treponema paraluis-cuniculi), may show lesions suggestive of the disease, such as ulcers, scabs, white lesions or swelling. You can split these into small portions because rabbits feed up to 30 times a day. Fleas can also infest rabbits, especially those rabbits that are housed outdoors or those that live in a multiple-pet household with dogs or cats. Of all the strange habits that rabbits have, this one of the most curious. All rights reserved. Added to which, they are relatively high in calories, so eating them regularly will result in weight gain. They have well-rounded, compact bodies, with short, strong legs, and a broad head with full cheeks, and short, erect ears. In general, smaller breeds of rabbits will have smaller dewlaps. If a rabbits dewlap seems to be getting rapidly bigger, its best to have it checked by a veterinarian to make sure there are no cancerous lumps. Its still a good idea to check with your vet to make sure your rabbit is at a healthy weight though. Unspayed rabbits will also sometimes have false pregnancies. If you dont, your rabbit is likely to develop health complications, such as uterine or ovarian cancer. This opens in a new window. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. When a rabbit is pregnant, she will start to make a nest for her soon-to-be babies. Heres the technology that helped scientists find itand what it may have been used for. We have now covered the anatomy of the rabbit from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. An abscess can form, which can be confused with protuberance with stored food. Rabbits tolerate the cold much better than high heat and humidity. Post author: Post published: February 17, 2022; Post category: vango 600xl dimensions; Post comments: . It may also help to prevent Enterotoxemia by cleaning the GI tract. One thing we still dont know: Can they carry these onto a plane for free, or do airlines charge per cheek? Platypuses feed on worms, snails, and shellfish on the river bottom, scooping them into their cheek pouches along with some gravel. The pouch is clearly divided between a buccal (cheek) and sublingual (below the tongue) portion. [20] A hamster "can literally fill its face with food. However, its important not to overfeed your rabbit. Most animals use their cheek pouches like grocery bags: If a predator shows up, they can escape with both their life and their lunch. Sometimes a dewlap may noticeably increase in size when a rabbit becomes pregnant, or during a false pregnancy. . Their elasticity and the fact that they have their own blood vessels are among the traits that make them popular for research on transplants and microcirculation, says La'Toya Latney of the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine. The testicles descend into the scrotal sacs by about 12 weeks of age, however, the inguinal canals do not close, as they do in many other species, preventing the testicles from retracting back up into the body cavity. Even baby rabbits should not be given cow's milk to drink. Its kind of gross, but its pretty cute at the same time. Rabbits are herbivores so they lack the necessary enzymes to digest meat. If the stomach is distended by food, gas, foreign bodies or hair, or if the liver is very enlarged, this can prevent the stomach from emptying into the intestines. Can a Rabbit Die from Eating Too Much? Because a rabbit's teeth are continually growing, rabbits have to grind to keep their teeth short. They are non-cancerous but can grow very quickly. The skin around the urinary opening, perineum and ventral abdomen may become scalded from chronic exposure to urine. they find a safe spot to rest. Also, a hungry rabbit is more likely to graze on unhealthy or toxic foods. The pouches are used for storing food, particularly seeds, as the animal forages. Rabbits who are fed an appropriate diet are less likely to graze on unhealthy or toxic foods. The cheek pouches can become infected as a result of an injury caused by a sharp object inserted into them or a fight. Salves and ointments usually are detrimental, and not helpful. The primary causes of these conditions are abscesses, impaction due to using incorrect nesting material (cotton wool), infection, and prolapses. This site has been so helpful thanks!!! It does not have a pouch for its young as do marsupials. from Small Pet Select! What You'll Learn [ show] The scientific order 'rodentia,' or rodents, might be more diverse than you might expect. It comes down to different adaptations for dealing with food, Spevak says. Guinea pigs do not store food in their cheeks. If your rabbit doesnt increase its intake of hay in response, you should speak to your vet. Cheek pouches (bursae buccales) are epithelial-lined pockets in the lateral walls of the buccal cavity found in all species of extant Cercopithecinae ("cheek-pouched" monkeys). The most common causes are teeth and mouth issues, which encourage a rabbit to chew excessively. Insects are a quick and easy meal, Spevak says, so things like nuts, which take more manipulation to open, get put into storage. Normally, the intestines contract sequentially, to propel ingesta through the gastrointestinal tract from north to south, so to speak, and this is called peristalsis. [25] The buccal divisions of this nerve supply much of the masseter muscle, which ultimately facilitates the voluntary retention of food within the cheek pouch. There are two separate uterine horns, but no uterine body, as dogs and cats possess. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, This empress was the most dangerous woman in Rome. Unlike most species, the pus produced by rabbits is almost solid. Root vegetables such as parsnips, sweet potato, etc are OK in small quantities. Aggressive hamsters that live with other hamsters are more likely to develop abscesses from bite wounds, while hamsters that live alone could be injured by their cage or toys. Sea otters also use their pockets to store food gathered on dives. If you ever should notice a nasal or ocular discharge, audible breathing, mouth breathing or other respiratory signs, you should have your rabbit examined by a veterinarian familiar with rabbits. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. [7] Other species of hamsters are known to fill their pouches with air, allowing them to float better while they swim. So, rodents need to constantly . The Short Answer: Squirrels will eat just about anything, but they primarily eat nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, vegetables, grains, and plants (with a heavy emphasis on nuts and seeds). The pouches are used for storing food, particularly seeds, as the animal forages. Daniels. Dewlap.. Muesli-based rabbit feed was once a popular pet food, but we now know that its unhealthy. A rabbit is an uncommon passive mob and is a source of rabbit's foot, rabbit hide, and raw rabbit. [4] tienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire described that some bats of the genus Nycteris have an amazing form of cheek pouches, as they have a narrow opening, through which the bat can introduce air, closing the nasal canal through a special mechanism and pushing air under the skin, so they expire in the tissue, which unites the very loose skin to the underlying muscles. Added to this, these foods contain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that may be unnecessary. If you are concerned that the dewlap is not due to your rabbits weight, bring him to the vet to get him checked out. These North American animals pouches are fur-lined, likely having evolved as an extension of the gophers furry cheek flap, Spevak says. Scientists just confirmed a 30-foot void first detected inside the monument years ago. In some cases, they may need to be drained or removed by a doctor. Swelling can occur on both sides of the face in parotid glands, causing the appearance of chipmunk cheeks. Reintroduce one new vegetable at a time and closely monitor your rabbits bowel habits. Tail flagging may occur during the breeding ritual. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.7 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. So, if you serve up some apple as a treat, make sure that all of the pips have been removed. These contain trace amounts of cyanide. Some people believe rabbits have pouches in their cheeks and mouth to store food and eat later, as hamsters do. Only ground squirrels have cheek pouches, including chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs. Lipomas can be found all over the body and, when squeezed, are usually softer or more "squishy" than other types of tumors. Heteromyidae and Geomyidae, or gopher), yet a common misconception is that certain families, such as Muridae (including the common black and brown rats), contain this structure when in fact their cheeks are merely elastic due to a high degree of musculature and innervation in the region. Many animals, including rodents, monkeys and platypuses, have cheek pouches for storing food. While they are not marsupials, they are close relatives of bats and other mammals with pouches. Any discharge from the vulva should be evaluated by a rabbit veterinarian. According to MAG, hay should comprise 80% of a rabbits diet. Pull apart the hay a little and sprinkle some herbs inside. Right now she is eating willow, and not touching the hay, greens, and pellets. This is because a high-carb/high-sugar diet can lead to the following problems: In theory, muesli should be healthy because it contains high-fiber pellets. In this case, you should take your bun to a rabbit-savvy vet for advice. Although when they do, Spevak says, its like running with a fanny pack around your mouth.. The pouches are formed by a fold of skin that runs from the hamster's jaw to its cheeks. Flying squirrels, which do not actually fly but glide, do not have cheek pouches, perhaps because it would make them less aerodynamic. It is therefore a grave sign if a rabbit must resort to mouth-breathing. There are about twelve on top and ten on the bottom. All rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout the rabbit's lifetime. This is not always the case though. We may only come to realize when our rabbit falls sick. In very extreme cases you may have to talk to your vet about the possibility of having a dewlap reduction surgery for your rabbit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. But they dont stuff their faces for parties or even because theyre hungry. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! This big pouch of fur under a rabbit's chin is known as a Dewlap. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. Hamsters have stretchy cheek pouches that can nearly triple in size. Rabbits dietary requirements arent intuitive, so never make any assumptions. The final size of the does dewlap is mostly based on genetics. So, if you grow rhubarb in your yard, make sure your rabbit does not have access to any. make sure you are gentle. Rodents that store food have pouches in their cheeks, which they use to carry the food. Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! If this happens the rabbit could suffer from skin irritation or get an infection. Rabbits should always have their hind end supported when they are lifted, as they are likely to kick, which may result in a fractured back and resultant spinal cord damage. Unfortunately, this is not the case. But rabbits should never be given processed carbs (biscuits, cakes, etc.). So if you have a large rabbit or a lop rabbit, this is not necessarily a sign that your rabbit is overweight. Directly after giving birth, this superdad is ready to onboard another set of eggs. link to 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls, Learn about male vs. female rabbit characteristics, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product, Hess, Laurie DVM; Tater, Kathy, DVM. Inability to eat food, rabbit is hungry but cannot actually eat. In the rabbit, the thymus is functional and present throughout the life of the rabbit. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. In this case, alfalfa hay and/or a large serving of pellets can be used to bulk them up. When a hamster finds food, they will stuff as much into their cheeks as possible and then take it back to their burrow, where they will cache it (hide it away). If the rabbit is not spayed at this point, the dewlap will start to appear and slowly increase in size over the next few years. Fishing bats, for example, will grab a fish and fly away, letting them continue to fish. Rabbits typically stuff their mouth with hay for three reasons: They're being territorial. The cheek pouches can also turn outwards. The testicles may be swollen, hot or red, or the abscesses may be internal, with minimal swelling. New World monkeys don't have cheek pouches. Two species of African colobine monkeys, the red colobus, Piliocolobus badius (above and below), and the black-and-white colobus, Colobus guereza (center). All rabbits have the genetic ability to form a dewlap, but its not necessary for male rabbits to have a dewlap for nesting. While the human cecum is also called the appendix and appears to serve no useful function (other than to provide a diagnostic challenge to human surgeons), the cecum of the rabbit folds on itself three times and contains semifluid ingesta. Cercopithecine cheek pouches are highly innervated, allometrically scaled, and produce high quantities of -amylase for carbohydrate (starch) digestion. A hamster's cheek pouches stretch to impressive sizes so that they can accommodate large stores of food or even live newborn hamsters, but this also makes them a highly sensitive, delicate part of the body. This calcium that is excreted through the kidneys can result in the mineral causing a variety of problems as it precipitates out, resulting in depression, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, blood in the urine, decreased or no urinary output, straining to urinate, grinding the teeth, a hunched posture and urine scalding of the skin around the hind end. The liver is located under the diaphragm and performs various functions regarding metabolism, detoxification and digestion. Cheek pouches are expandable sacs located on each side of a hamster's mouth. These rabbits are considered the largest breed in the world. Hamsters carry food to their underground storage chambers using their spacious cheek pouches. Although gerbils appear physically similar to hamsters in a lot of different ways, they do not have cheek pouches. The testicles of a buck may become infected with bacteria, resulting in orchitis. The branch that extends dorsally to the ear is known as the auricular branch.[25]. This is okay because hamsters eat their own poop that are filled with nutrients. The most common problems associated with the eyes and nose are infections caused by the bacterium, Pasteurella multocida. Does in heat may barber their own fur and pregnant does that are close to giving birth may pull hair from the forelegs, the dewlap, lower part of the chest and hips to build a nest. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Infection may affect both the epididymis and testicle at the same time, or each structure may be infected independently. Which is Clapeyron and Clausius equation. An abscess can form, which can be confused with protuberance with stored food. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Below is the introduction of the legume (pod) of peanut in the cheek pouch of a chipmunk: Chipmunk in profile with cheek pouch swollen by a peanut pod, One of the classic behavioral characteristics of hamsters (subfamily Cricetinae) is food hoarding. Thats why its so important to feed your rabbit a species-appropriate diet and to moderate food types that lead to obesity. Home > Uncategorized > do rabbits have cheek pouches. Cheek pouches are expandable pockets inside the mouth that start at the cheek and can extend across the shoulders, as they do in hamsters, or down the sides of the neck, as they do in monkeys . Interestingly, there are seven breeds of small sized rabbits that would be completely disqualified from the show if they have a dewlap. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Let's learn what makes the rabbit the creature that it is. [24], Due to muscle's high nutritional demand, this muscle exhibits vascularization that has been highly studied. Interestingly, a two kilogram rabbit will drink about as much water as a 10 kilogram dog in a normal day, so when compared to other species, rabbits have a high water intake normally. 9. They have long ears, up to 3 in (7.5 cm) long, and powerful hind legs. 1 In the wild, hamsters use their cheeks to bring food back to their burrows. This is important to keep the teeth filed down properly. There are two inguinal pouches, one on either side of the urogenital opening in both sexes, and these pouches may be filled with a strong-smelling, dark-colored glandular secretion. Skin abscesses are usually not dangerous and disappear on their own with time. Like with many other species of pets, rabbits are judged in shows for showmanship skills and breed standards. This is risky when there are pets inside the home. mister saddlebags Hamster Cheeks The primary purpose of the pouches is to carry food from place to place. The only thing you as an owner can do to avoid these problems is to stay away from sharp or sticky food that might get stuck in the cheeks or . do rabbits have cheek pouches. Well, hamsters have cheek pouches for 2 major reasons: to hoard food, . They have elongated cheek pouches extending to their shoulders in which they carry food back to their burrows. The ears represent a large portion on the total body surface of the rabbit, approximately 12%. They have lower, more distinct cusps on their molar teeth than do colobines, and have cheek pouches for storing food. Is there a database for insurance claims? Even small amounts of these foods can be fatal. (See more nudibranchs in our ).
, The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? The skin of the female rabbit has four or five pairs of mammary glands and nipples, and unlike other mammal species, bucks do not have any nipples. Also, according to TandF, raisins can obstruct the exit of the stomach if they become lodged there. Abscesses are collections of pus caused by an infection under the skin. A dewlap is a pouch of fat beneath the jaw of a female rabbit, especially if they were not spayed early. Unfortunately, cheek pouch diseases are very common in pet chipmunks. Although parsnips are acceptable in small amounts, they are not a recommended food for rabbits. You may also be able to feel marble-like lumps if you gently touch her abdomen. Rabbits are such endearing animals. A mans world? You pull the skin around their cheeks and they will open their mouth. The vet (one of the most experienced rabbit vet in the area, and a choice vet of our rabbit rescue org.) Does also use the scent glands to mark their kits. However, there are plenty of healthier ways to treat your rabbit. Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae. Correction of the underlying problem is imperative so that the skin can heal. In some rodents, such as hamsters, the cheek pouches are remarkably developed; they form two bags ranging from the mouth to the front of the shoulders. my hamster does that too. If the abscess bursts and the pus contained therein is absorbed by the animal, it can develop sepsis and die of the poisonous toxins. The most common problems related to the urinary tract involve high calcium levels in the blood that create stones, sludge or sand that may affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. The benzodiazepines are known for their anxieolytic properties and midazolam is very useful in calming rabbits and rodents (0.5-5 in rabbits and 3-5 mg/kg in rodents IM or IV). Your vet can advise if any treatment is required. Pet rabbits eat up to 30 times per day, so they need a steady supply of food. Dissections at Boston University by Frank Brodie describe the various bifurcations (or splittings) of the common carotid. Lactucarium is not usually harmful in small amounts, but a large portion of iceberg lettuce could cause diarrhea and physical weakness. This may occur as a result of a rabbit that has urinary tract problems. Malocclusion. Hamsters have distensible cheek pouches that may be mistaken for lesions by owners. The platypus fills its cheek pouches with gravel. Pet hamsters can sometimes experience problems with their cheek pouches, including abscesses, infections and tumors, so it's important that owners keep an eye out and carry out regular health checks. Rabbits are such endearing animals. Here are five animals that come with built-in pockets. He made himself small, trying to weasel his way out, but was stopped when Alise pushed her leg in between his own, trapping him in place. An entire monkey subfamily, Cercopithecine, including guenons, baboons, and macaques, is defined by having cheek pouches, which extend down the sides of their neck. Baboons have cheek pouches similar to hamsters where they may smuggle some foodstuffs they don t have time to eat right away. Inside the chest cavity, in addition to the heart and lungs, the rabbit has a thymus, which is a lymphoid gland found in the mediastinal area (inside the chest cavity, on the midline, and ventral to the heart) of the chest and the lower part of the neck. These can interfere with calcium absorption. Because they are animals subject to predation, their senses are well-developed. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Many foods that we think are OK for rabbits are harmful. Foods like iceberg lettuce and cookies are less likely to be fatal to healthy, adult rabbits. In the wild, hamsters remain underground during the day to avoid being caught by predators. Echidnas have a temporary, convertible pouch for carrying their eggs and young. Rabbits actually have six incisors: right behind the upper incisors there are two small "peg teeth," with another two on the top and another two on the bottom. Male rabbits of these breeds may also develop small dewlaps. One of the most common signs is that dribble will fall out of your hamster's mouth. Because rabbits have such a small oral cavity, it is difficult to place an endotracheal tube inside the trachea (windpipe) during anesthetic procedures. The appearance can be anywhere from a small bump under the rabbits chin, to a large pillow around their neck. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. If your rabbits dewlap is too big because of obesity, then you will need to adjust your rabbits diet. Also, it contains a high concentration of oxalates. Their main food should be grass based hay. Usually, the rabbit with orchitis may have intermittent fever, decreased appetite and weight loss. Interestingly, if for some reason, the rabbit is restrained tightly around the neck for any length of time (as for ear cleaning, grooming, etc. The urine of rabbits may occur in a variety of colors, including red, due to porphyrins from plants being excreted in the urine. If a rabbit ingests too much Persin, it will quickly develop breathing problems. Sometimes, the lining of one or both cheek pouches can get scratched by something sharp (usually an overgrown tooth). They are the largest rabbit breed. . Rabbit veins are very thin-walled and are prone to hematoma formation (a blood-blister under the skin) after having blood drawn, so it is important for vets to take special precautions during and after venipuncture to prevent tears and hematoma formation. If you have more than one rabbit in the house, carrying the straw in their mouth could be a power play on your rabbit . Most mammals have a fractional urinary excretion of calcium of less than two percent, but in the rabbit, the range for calcium excretion is around 45-60 %. The Flemish Giant breed is an outlier and can weigh in around 20 pounds or more. Each day, provide a bundle of hay thats at least as big as them. Rabbits have three pairs of scent glands used in scent-marking behavior. Esophagus. If the flank glands, which are found in males over the hip, are infected, your veterinarian may shave the area around them, clean them, and apply ointment with antibiotics and steroids. Rhubarb is an irritant that can cause severe reactions in rabbits. Habitat: . Or maybe its extra fat that has developed into a rabbit double chin. You may need to find an exotics vet or one familiar with small animals, so the cost could be higher. Graduated from ENSAT (national agronomic school of Toulouse) in plant sciences in 2018, I pursued a CIFRE doctorate under contract with SunAgri and INRAE in Avignon between 2019 and 2022. Larger dewlaps can form all the way around a rabbits head, and look like a comfortable little pillow for them. This will give your rabbits GI tract time to adjust. These built-in pockets are marvels of engineering. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. Baboons also hunt the young of large mammals like gazelle. These veg include: The problem with these vegetables is that they can cause hemolytic anemia (loss of red blood cells). Do not put a bowl of milk out for wild rabbits (or cats or any other animal). Infections. When youre enjoying a cookie or a piece of cake, you may be tempted to give your rabbit a bite, but you shouldnt. The night cecotropes are coated with a type of mucus that acts as a barrier to the acidic pH of the stomach, ensuring that the contents will be absorbed from the small intestine. The primary aforementioned muscle, the masseter, is supplied by two large neural branches known as the temporalis and zygomatic nerves. They also have cheek teeth along the side of their mouth. In terms of leafy greens, the following vegetables are safe for rabbits: You should feed your rabbit 1 cup of greens per pound of body weight (per day). So, what is a good treat for rabbits? There are chin glands, anal glands and inguinal glands. Ground squirrels, which do not climb trees but burrow under the . These foods are high in calories so eating them will probably cause weight gain. Lipomas are growths that are filled with fatty tissue. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? The rabbit does possess a gallbladder and the main secretion from the gallbladder is bile, containing biliverdin, rather than bilirubin, which most mammals produce. Shown here is a Townsend's chipmunk in western Washington. This is completely normal behavior for rabbits. Its not just apple pips that are harmful, but apricot, peach, and plum pits, too. They do still have stretchy cheeks which can expand outwards, and a small gap where food could go. Alfalfa-based pellets should not be offered, as alfalfa is high in calcium, and if any pellets are offered at all, timothy/grass hay based pellets should be given.