Pet rabbits are one of the cutest animals on the planet, but they have one bizarre habit that confuses many new owners. Brace yourself because it’s pretty disgusting: they eat their own feces. This may seem very weird, but it’s normal behavior for our long-eared friends. It also has many benefits, so we shouldn’t try to stop them.
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about why your pet rabbit eats its poop.
Eating Poop Helps Rabbits Absorb Nutrients
If you want to understand why rabbits eat their poop you must understand their diet. They primarily eat hay because it contains plenty of fiber. Usually, owners will feed them a high-quality pellet mix, as well as green leaves like spinach and kale. This food is crucial for their digestive system and overall dental health. However, despite these many benefits, rabbits need help digesting their food.
They can’t get all the nutrients they need by eating their food once. That’s why they eat it again in a process known as hindgut fermentation. By essentially consuming their food, they ensure they absorb all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to stay healthy. Yes, it’s strange, but it’s very efficient, and there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s all part of a bunny’s complete and balanced diet!
Rabbits Don’t Consume All of Their Poop
Rabbits have two types of poop. The first type is their regular droppings that have no extra benefit. These are the hard black pellets that owners know well from cleaning their pet rabbits’ hutch. However, there is a second type that is softer. These are known as cecotropes, and they are easy for rabbits to digest. As noted, experts call this process hindgut fermentation coprophagy. It’s very similar in concept to how a cow chews its cud.
Rabbits only produce cecotropes at night, and they eat them almost immediately. Likely, most owners will never even see them because of this. They have a stickier, softer texture than their regular fecal matter. Usually, the only time you may see them is if your rabbit has a health problem and stops eating their cecotropes for some reason. Otherwise, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever notice them.
Rabbits Are Very Hygienic Otherwise
Some people assume that rabbits aren’t hygienic because they eat their poop. However, the opposite is true because they are fastidiously clean. Pet rabbits will groom themselves and their hutch mates. This is why many people keep rabbits in pairs or small groups; not only will the rabbits keep each other company, but they’ll groom one another. Don’t think that because they eat their feces that they are naturally unclean. This isn’t the case because it’s just part of their natural bodily processes.
Should I Stop My Rabbit from Eating Poop?
Never stop a rabbit from eating its own poop; this is a very healthy practice. Impeding this natural process prevents your bunny from getting key nutrients. What’s more, stopping poop-eating may cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to health issues. It’s perfectly normal behavior for pet rabbits, so leave them to it. Remember: they will only eat the nutrient-rich cecotropes, not the harder fecal pellets.
What if My Rabbit Stops Eating Poop?
If your rabbit stops eating its poop, it could indicate a common health problem. There are several reasons why it may stop consuming its cecotropes. Consider the following:
- A rabbit may have a digestive issue or a problem with their intestines.
- Obese pet rabbits may stop because they’re too full.
- Older bunnies may also stop eating them because they’re suffering from arthritis, and it’s a struggle.
If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health, consult their veterinarian to learn more.
Will Rabbits Eat Other Bunnies’ Poop?
Pet rabbits will eat each other’s cecotropes. This is common when they’re young because baby rabbits (called “kits”) will imitate their mother. It’s a social act that encourages them to bond, and it also builds their gut health. Yes, it may seem strange, but there’s nothing abnormal about this. If your rabbit stops eating its poop, it may be worth giving it another bunny’s cecotropes to help build up gut health.
Rabbits may eat each other’s poop, but their urine has a different purpose. Unneutered male bunnies may urinate around their cage because they want to mark their territory. There are even recorded cases of them peeing on their owners’ bed! Here, they may smell their owner’s presence and wish to claim their bed for themselves. Rabbits don’t consume urine in the same way as cecotropes. However, its color is usually a good indication of your pet’s health. The urine’s shade will show if your rabbit is suffering from dehydration or has a UTI.
Rabbit Poop Generally Isn’t Harmful to Humans
Rabbit poop is generally not harmful to humans. Still, we advise washing your hands immediately after cleaning your bunny’s hutch, even though the risk of contracting health problems is low. If you have a weak immune system, you may wish to exercise further caution when cleaning your rabbit’s cage by wearing a mask or gloves. Also, take care with young children who may accidentally ingest a rabbit’s fecal matter, as it can contain tapeworm eggs that could lead to further complications.
