Rabbits are adorable, fluffy, and full of quirky behaviors. But one habit, in particular, tends to shock new rabbit owners—rabbits eat their own poop.
If you’ve ever caught your bunny munching on something suspicious, you might be wondering:
- Why do rabbits eat their poop, and is it normal?
- What are cecotropes, and why do rabbits eat them?
- How often do rabbits eat their poop?
It may seem gross, but this behavior is completely natural and essential for a rabbit’s health. The rabbit digestive system is unique, requiring a second round of digestion to extract all necessary nutrients. This process, known as coprophagy in rabbits, plays a vital role in rabbit nutrition and digestion.
So, should you be worried? Not at all—unless your rabbit suddenly stops eating its cecotropes. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rabbit digestion and uncover why eating poop is not only normal but also crucial for a rabbit’s survival.
Understanding the Rabbit Digestive System
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of fibrous plant material. But unlike cows, which chew cud, rabbits have a different way of breaking down tough fibers. Their digestive system is designed for efficient nutrient absorption, but it requires an extra step.
Inside a rabbit’s gut, there’s a special organ called the cecum. This large fermentation chamber sits between the small and large intestines, filled with beneficial bacteria that help break down plant fibers. However, the nutrients in these fibers aren’t fully absorbed the first time around.
Instead of letting valuable nutrients go to waste, the rabbit’s body creates cecotropes—soft, nutrient-rich droppings that are re-ingested for a second digestion cycle. This process allows rabbits to absorb proteins, B vitamins, and fatty acids that weren’t extracted the first time.
In short? Without eating their own poop, rabbits wouldn’t get enough nutrients to stay healthy.
Cecotropes vs. Regular Rabbit Poop: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever cleaned your rabbit’s cage, you’ve probably noticed two distinct types of droppings. Understanding rabbit poop types is essential for monitoring your pet’s health.
1. Hard, Round Droppings (Feces)
These are the small, dry pellets you see scattered around the enclosure. They’re waste products—fully digested material that no longer contains useful nutrients. Rabbits do not eat these.
2. Cecotropes (Soft, Nutrient-Rich Droppings)
Cecotropes look completely different. They’re soft, sticky, and often clustered together like grapes. Unlike regular feces, cecotropes are packed with vitamins, proteins, and healthy bacteria—all of which are essential for gut health in rabbits.
And here’s the key: a healthy rabbit eats every cecotrope it produces. Most owners never even see them because rabbits consume them immediately—usually directly from their anus.
Why Do Rabbits Eat Their Poop?
Now that we know what cecotropes are, let’s answer the big question:
Why do rabbits eat their poop, and is it normal?
Absolutely! This behavior isn’t just normal—it’s necessary.
Rabbits need to eat cecotropes to absorb essential nutrients that weren’t fully digested the first time. Think of it as nature’s way of recycling nutrition. The rabbit digestion process is designed to extract every possible benefit from food, and without eating cecotropes, rabbits would miss out on crucial vitamins and minerals.
So, if you see your rabbit eating poop, don’t panic. It’s a sign that their digestive system is functioning properly.
How Often Do Rabbits Eat Their Poop?
Rabbits produce and eat cecotropes once or twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk. This behavior aligns with their natural instincts as crepuscular animals, meaning they’re most active during these twilight hours.
Because rabbits eat cecotropes directly as they’re produced, owners rarely witness this behavior. If you do happen to catch your bunny in the act, just know it’s completely normal and healthy.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Although rabbit cecotropes are a vital part of their diet, there are times when something might be wrong. If your rabbit stops eating them, or if you start seeing excess cecotropes left in the cage, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
Signs of a Problem:
✅ Cecotropes left uneaten: Your rabbit should be eating them, not leaving them behind.
✅ Malformed or mushy cecotropes: This can indicate an unbalanced diet.
✅ Rabbit eating the wrong poop: Rabbits should eat cecotropes, not regular feces.
✅ Digestive distress: signs of bloating, diarrhea, or reduced appetite are red flags.
Possible Causes:
- Obesity or mobility issues: Overweight rabbits may struggle to reach their cecotropes.
- Dental problems: Painful teeth can make it hard for a rabbit to eat cecotropes.
- Poor diet: Too many pellets or sugary treats can throw off gut bacteria, leading to soft, unappetizing cecotropes.
- Digestive disorders: Conditions like GI stasis can interfere with cecotrope production.
If you’re asking, “Is it bad if my rabbit doesn’t eat cecotropes?”, the answer is yes—it’s a sign of an issue that should be addressed immediately. A visit to the vet may be necessary to rule out serious problems.
How to Support a Healthy Rabbit Digestive System
A rabbit’s diet plays the biggest role in maintaining gut health and digestion. Providing the right balance of fiber, vitamins, and hydration ensures your bunny produces and consumes healthy cecotropes.
The Best Diet for a Healthy Rabbit:
✅ 80% High-Fiber Hay: Essential for digestion. Hay (like Timothy or Orchard Grass) should always be available.
✅ 10% Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce, parsley, dandelion greens, and cilantro are great options.
✅ 5% High-Quality Pellets: Choose high-fiber, low-sugar pellets to support gut health.
✅ 5% Occasional Treats: Fruits, carrots, and sugary snacks should be limited.
A diet too high in carbohydrates or sugar can disrupt rabbit nutrition and digestion, leading to unhealthy cecotropes that rabbits refuse to eat.
Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Your Rabbit Eating Poop?
If your bunny is eating its cecotropes, congratulations—it’s a sign of a healthy digestive system. This behavior, while strange to humans, is a fundamental part of rabbit health and poop regulation.
However, if you notice leftover cecotropes, abnormal poop, or signs of digestive distress, it’s time to reassess their diet and overall health. Keeping an eye on your rabbit’s eating habits is one of the best ways to ensure they stay happy, active, and thriving.
So, the next time you catch your rabbit eating poop, just remember:
It’s not weird—it’s science.🐰💩