This article covers everything you could ever want to know about rabbit poo! From how much your bunny should poo, to what rabbit poop should look like, and why it’s perfectly normal and healthy for bunnies to eat their own poo.
Why do rabbits eat their own poop?
Let’s get started with the age-old question- why do bunnies eat their own poop? First of all, it’s important to note that rabbits pass two different types of poo. One type is the more common, hard, dry, waste pellets that your rabbit will produce on a more regular basis, and the second type is called a caecotroph (also know as a caecotrope or caecal pellet), which is softer and squishier poo.
Your rabbit won’t produce as many caecotrophs as they will normal pelleted poos, and when they do it will probably be overnight. Caecotrophs are the faeces your bunny eats (a process called coprophagy), and your bunny does this because these poos are packed with protein and vitamins which are an important part of your bunny’s diet.
So, even though you may find it a bit yucky when your rabbit eats poop, it’s actually a way for your furball to maximise the nutrients they are able to absorb from their diet!

Rabbits not eating caecotroph
Because caecotrophs are normally produced overnight, and your bunny will normally eat them straight away, you won’t always see them in your bunny’s hutch, and if you do it probably will be early in the morning. However, if you do start to see caecotrophs building up in your bunny’s hutch or run, this could be an indication that your bunny is not well, so it’s important to speak to a vet.
The most important thing is to never, ever try and prevent your bunny from eating their poop! This is because the caecotrophs they eat contain vital nutrients that are a key part of your rabbit’s normal diet, and without them, your bunny may become ill.
How are caecotrophs made?
Unlike most animals (including humans) the first time your bunny digests its food, it won’t be able to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients. This is why bunnies eat these special caecotroph poos so they can have a second go at digesting in order to properly absorb all those lovely nutrients!
What does rabbit poop look like?
Waste pellets should be very dry and light brown to golden in colour. The poo should have no smell and should be formed in little round balls. It’s important that these poops are dry and odourless, as this indicates that your bunny is getting a good diet that is high in fibre. If your rabbit is producing darker, harder pellets, with more of a smell to them, it could be because your bunny isn’t getting enough hay or grass (key sources of fibre) in their diet- and you can read more about the right diet for your bunny here. Unlike pelleted poops, caecotroph poos are a darker brown colour, and are stickier and larger than waste pellets. They are often found stuck together in your rabbits’ hutch or run in a shape resembling a bunch of grapes.

Why do rabbits poop so much?
Rabbits can produce up to 200 droppings a day! Despite this, they are extremely clean animals, and they stay clean by making sure they have a designated toileting area which can either be a certain area of their hutch or run, or a litter tray if they live in the house.
Rabbits poop so much because they have a very special digestive system. Their digestive tract relies on constant movement in order to keep your bunny in tip-top condition and, if your bunny isn’t able to constantly graze and keep their gut moving, there can be very serious consequences, so if your bunny stops eating, always speak to a veterinary professional.
Want to know more about bunnies and other small furries? Visit the Small Pets Articles section on our website.