Rabbit poop is a common sight in any rabbit hutch or enclosure. It’s an essential part of your bunny’s digestive system and is produced in very large quantities. A rabbit’s digestive system is designed to extract as many nutrients as possible from their food, which means their droppings are uniquely small, round, and dry. They are the least-gross type of poop that I’ve ever dealt with (and as someone who works with a rescue, I’ve come across lots of different kinds of poop)
If you’re here looking to identify wild rabbit droppings, this should still be helpful. Wild rabbit feces looks pretty much the same as domestic rabbits except they tend to be slightly wet-looking and a little darker in color due to the higher protein diet of most wild rabbits (from eating fresh grass instead of dry hay).
While it may seem gross at first, paying attention to your rabbit’s poo can also clue you in to many health problems. A change in size, shape, or consistency is an early symptom that can help you detect and treat potential illnesses before they become a serious problem.
What does rabbit poop look like?
When you’re caring for rabbits or come across them in your garden, you’ll notice that their droppings are very distinctive. Rabbit poop typically consists of small, round pellets that look a little bit like cocoa puff cereal. They are the least-gross type of poop that I have ever dealt with (and that includes dropping from a lot of different types of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, hamsters, etc.)
Normal rabbit fecal pellets should be dry, hard, and composed mostly of undigested fiber (they look like sawdust if you crush them). Rabbits also produce a second type of droppings called cecotropes, which are softer, stickier, and usually clustered together, but I’ll get to these a bit later.
Shape and size
Normal rabbit droppings are round and are often compared to peas in terms of size, but it can vary. Some rabbits may have poop that is closer to the size of a chickpea. Most rabbits will poop in piles, but you will also see single poops around if the rabbit gets surprised and lets one go, or if they are scattering poop around to claim their territory.
Color and Texture
The color of rabbit poop can range from dark brown to almost black depending on their diet. Occasionally, you might see tan-colored poop as well, but this is less common.
The texture of rabbit poop is generally hard and dry; they may be just slightly sticky when your rabbit first poops, but they harden pretty quickly (within 5 minutes).
Also something that I’ve noticed with shelter rabbits that haven’t been neutered yet is that some male rabbits will produce softer droppings. This seems to happen more frequently when there is a female rabbit around that the male is trying to attract.
Smell
Rabbit droppings don’t smell very much (the ammonia-like smell coming from their litter box is the urine). There might be a very slight odor when your rabbit first produces the droppings, but it usually fades pretty quickly. This isn’t too surprising since most rabbits are herbivores, and meat-eating animals tend to have smellier poo.
Again, I have noticed a slight difference in male rabbits who have not been neutered yet. I’m not sure if it’s their poop or the scent glands located next to their anus, but there does seem to be more smell compared to female rabbits or rabbits who have already been neutered.
Amount
Rabbits poop a lot! You can expect most rabbits to produce around 200-300 fecal pellets per day. These pellets should be uniform in size and shape, indicating a healthy digestive system. It’s important for rabbit owners to monitor the quantity and quality of their rabbit’s droppings, as changes can indicate health issues.
Wild rabbit poop vs. domestic rabbit poop
When you’re observing rabbit poop, there’s a subtle distinction between the waste of wild rabbits and their domesticated counterparts. Wild rabbit poop is typically found in small, round pellets, and clustered in groups. Since wild rabbits graze on a variety of grasses and leaves, the moisture content in their droppings tends to be much higher, making their droppings somewhat softer, larger, and darker in color.
Due to the dry-food diet that many pet rabbits are on, their poop often seems drier. Don’t be surprised if you find the pellets a bit lighter in color as well; this is usually a reflection of the commercial food they consume.
Keep in mind, though, that variations exist, and diet plays a significant role in the appearance of rabbit droppings. If your pet rabbit gets a fair share of fresh greens along with dry food, their poop may resemble that of a wild rabbit’s more closely.
The other kind of rabbit poop: cecotropes
When you’re taking care of rabbits, you’ll notice they produce another distinct type of droppings. These are called cecotropes. They are softer, stickier, and look almost like a cluster of tiny grapes. Rabbits actually eat their cecotropes. This might sound strange, but since rabbits evolved to live on an extremely high-fiber diet, this mechanism allows them to absorb essential nutrients that weren’t digested the first time around. Think of it as nature’s way of ensuring that they get the full benefit of their meals.
Cecotropes—sometimes called “night feces”—look like small, shiny clusters. Inside these clusters are rich nutrients like protein and vitamins, vital for your bunny’s health. These droppings are a critical part of a rabbits digestion and diet, but you usually won’t see them. Your bunny tends to eat cecotropes straight from their behind, typically during times when they have some privacy.
If you start spotting these around the hutch, it might indicate a dietary imbalance or a health issue. Learn more about why your rabbit might not be eating all of their cecotropes like they should.
Changes in rabbit poop and what it means for their health
When observing your rabbit’s poop, certain changes can indicate health issues that may need attention. Here’s a quick guide to understanding what different poop types mean for your rabbit’s health. (If you want a more thorough explanation, check out my full length article on rabbit poop)
- Mushy Poo: If your rabbit’s poop is mushy and deformed, this could suggest a dietary imbalance or digestive issue (usually too much sugar or starch in the diet). This may also start getting stuck to your rabbits behind, causing a condition known as poopy butt.
- Double Poops: These are two pellets that look like they’ve collided together, signifying a slow-down in your rabbit’s digestion
- Small Poops: Typically, a smaller size can point to dehydration or stress. Ensure your rabbit has constant access to water and keep an eye out to make sure the poop size returns to normal.
- No Pooping/Few Poops: This is potentially serious, as it could signal gastrointestinal stasis, a condition where the digestive system slows down or stops. It’s crucial that you contact your vet immediately if you notice a lack of poop.
Remember, a sudden or prolonged change in poop appearance should prompt a consultation with your veterinarian to rule out or treat any underlying health issues. Regular monitoring of your rabbit’s excrement can be an excellent early indicator of their well-being.
Significance of diet on rabbit poop
Your rabbit’s diet has a direct impact on what their poop looks like. Fiber-rich diets tend to produce well-formed, hard pellets, while a lack of adequate fiber can cause softer stools or even diarrhea.
Effects of hay on rabbit poop: Hay, especially timothy hay, is crucial for maintaining your rabbit’s digestive health. It provides the fiber necessary for proper gut movement, resulting in regular, hard droppings.
Effects of fresh vegetables on rabbit poop: The inclusion of fresh vegetables can slightly alter the consistency, making droppings less dry. This is why it’s important to change your rabbit’s diet slowly, and introduce fresh foods a little bit at a time so their digestion can get used to it. Too much fresh food at once can end up causing mushy poops and digestive distress.
Water and digestion: Water intake is also a factor in rabbit poop appearance. Adequate water ensures pellets are well-formed, as it helps digestive processes. If your rabbit isn’t drinking enough, their poop might look misshapen or smaller than usual. Keeping an eye on their water consumption, alongside their diet, can provide you with good clues about the state of their digestive health.
