A rabbit’s poop is an important indicator if they are eating well, feeling good or falling ill. Our rabbits are prey animals with high pain tolerance and will not show sign of weakness easily. Rabbit owners should pay close attention to their poop texture to pick up signs of distress before it’s too late.
1. NORMAL POOP should have consistent size and color. It should be dry when touched and should not stain your fingers. It should have some moisture so when gently pressed, disintegrates into powdery fiber. It also shouldn’t have a strong smell.
?: If your rabbit is producing normal poo, he is eating sufficient fiber and is well hydrated!
2. POOP NECKLACE is normal poo strung in a chain! While it’s good that ingested fur is exiting, too much fur can cause a blockage to his narrow intestines, causing discomfort and leading to GI stasis.
?: Your rabbit is probably shedding and ingesting excessive fur. Up your grooming and give some oil-based digestive aids (eg. Fiberplex) daily until resolved.
3. BABY POO are tiny like green beans and black in color. It can feel wet and may even leave some brown stains on your fingers. It is very hard, has no moisture and doesn’t disintegrate easily. It also has a stronger smell to it.
?: Your rabbit is not getting enough fiber and may be dehydrated. Up the hay and water and introduce appetite stimulant (eg. Applelin). If condition persists, bring to a vet for a check!
4. CECAL PELLETS also known as cecotropes look like clumps of black berries. They are black, wet and has a very strong smell. They are packed full of nutrients and are usually ingested by the rabbit directly from the anus.
?: A healthy rabbit produce enough to re-ingest so if you find them lying around, your rabbit is over-producing! Cut down on treats, pellets and ensure he eats more hay.
5. SOFT LUMPY STOOLS may look like normal poo but when touched, is soft and extremely smelly. It will stain everything it lands on and your rabbit probably has stained and smelly bottoms and feet.
?: Your rabbit is producing malformed cecotropes (or ‘intermittent soft stools’) and this is bad. He should be on full hay diet to detox until resolved. We will suggest you seek a vet’s opinion ASAP to rule out parasitic infections such as coccidia and E Cuniculi.
6. LIQUID STOOLS are literally puddles of brown liquid. It is a serious and often fatal condition caused by an alteration of the flora in the cecum. The rabbit is severely dehydrated and needs vet intervention!
?: Stop thinking and rush your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately!
For more information, read here:
1. https://rabbit.org/the-mystery-of-rabbit-poop/
2. http://www.therabbithouse.com/diet/rabbit-droppings.asp
3. http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Rabbit_poop