Rabbits - the importance of poop

Yes, your rabbit’s fecal output (poop) can be a very significant factor in determining your bunny’s health. The size, shape, consistency and quantity are just as important in a rabbit as in a human, cat or dog, however, changes in the fecal output must be addressed immediately or the outcome could be fatal for your bunny within 24 to 48 hours.

The feces’ should be round and firm. Odd shapes could indicate foreign bodies - such as hair - in the digestive tract. Brush your bunny regularly to remove loose hair and make sure he has plenty of hay to help keep the hair moving through the digestive system. If it builds up in the digestive system, it could cause GI Stasis. GI Stasis could kill a rabbit within 24 to 48 hours after it develops.

Normal size and quantity of feces differs between rabbits. To determine the normal size and quantity of your rabbit’s feces, clean your bunny’s litter box a couple times per day. If you notice that the quantity is decreasing and/or the fecal pellets are getting smaller, this should be a warning sign to you that your bunny is developing GI Stasis - one of the most common fatal problems in a rabbit. If this happens, begin administering oral fluids immediately and contact your veterinarian.

If your rabbit develops diarrhea, it could also cause death quickly. Diarrhea will cause dehydration and dehydration will cause GI Stasis. If you detect diarrhea in your bunny, rush him to your rabbit savvy veterinarian.

Diarrhea should not be confused with cecotropes, also known as night feces. Cecotropes are a small soft odorous fecal output consisting of small round clusters of feces together in a shape that looks much like a bunch of grapes. Cecotropes are very important to your rabbit’s health, so if you see any under the hutch where your bunny can not reach them, put them back in the hutch so he can eat them. These clumps of feces contain important minerals, vitamins and proteins necessary for your bunny.