Rabbits are charming, curious creatures with a unique digestive system that often surprises new owners. One of the most fascinating — and sometimes misunderstood — aspects of rabbit health is the production of cecotropes and the importance of “golden poos.” Understanding both is essential to keeping your bunny healthy and happy.
What Are Cecotropes?
Cecotropes (pronounced see-ko-tropes) are soft, nutrient-rich droppings that rabbits produce and then eat — yes, eat! This might sound strange, but it’s completely normal and vital for their health.
Produced in a special part of the gut called the cecum, cecotropes are packed with vitamins, amino acids, and beneficial bacteria that a rabbit needs to re-digest. Think of it as nature’s way of giving them a second chance to absorb essential nutrients.
You’ll rarely see cecotropes because rabbits usually eat them straight from the source, typically during the night or early morning. If you’re seeing lots of uneaten cecotropes, it could be a sign that something is off — like a poor diet or too many treats.
The Golden Standard: Healthy Rabbit Poop
Aside from cecotropes, rabbits produce regular fecal pellets — the “golden poos” that every rabbit owner should become familiar with. These are dry, round, and about the size of a pea. A healthy rabbit will produce lots of these daily, and they should be uniform in size, light brown to golden in color, and crumbly when broken open.
So what creates golden poos? The answer is high-quality hay.
Why Hay Is Everything
Rabbits are herbivores with a digestive system designed to process large amounts of fibre — and hay is the cornerstone of that system. Good-quality grass hay (like timothy or meadow hay):
- Keeps the gut moving and prevents dangerous blockages
- Encourages proper dental wear to prevent tooth problems
- Produces firm, golden fecal pellets — a sign of a balanced gut
Hay should make up at least 80–90% of a rabbit’s diet. Pellets and treats are fine in small quantities, but hay is what keeps everything functioning smoothly.
And remember: More hay = happier tummy = healthier bunny.
So stock up on that fresh, fragrant hay from White Rabbit Hay today by shopping here — your rabbit’s digestive system (and your vet bills) will thank you!
