When Poop Does The Talking...
- by The Hay Experts
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Introduction
Yes, we’re talking poop—and for good reason! Your rabbit’s droppings can reveal a lot about their health. From fibre intake to stress levels, a quick litter tray check can help you catch issues early and keep your bunny hopping happily along.
In this post, we break down the different types of rabbit poop and what they’re trying to tell you.
✅ What to look for:
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- Uniform round shape
- Light-to-medium brown
- Slightly crumbly when pressed
🟢 Tip: A steady supply of high-fibre hay like Timothy or Meadow Hay is key to maintaining these healthy droppings.
🔵 What it means: These nutrient-rich droppings are designed to be re-ingested by your rabbit to absorb essential vitamins (yes, it's normal!). These are usually produced at night and eaten directly from the anus.
- A diet too rich in pellets, protein or sugary treats
- Obesity or arthritis making it hard to reach them
- Stress or illness
🍃 Solution: Cut back on rich foods and increase high-fiber forage. Herbal blends and natural forage mixes can also support gut balance.
3. Stringy Poop (Connected by Fur)
🔶 What it means: Your rabbit is ingesting hair, often during molting. A small amount can pass normally, but excessive hair can lead to GI stasis—a medical emergency.
💡 What to do:
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- Groom daily during molting season
- Offer plenty of rough, fibrous hay like 1st cut Timothy to help push hair through
- Encourage hydration
🔴 What it means: Slowed gut motility. This can be a sign of:
- Stress
- Pain
- Dehydration
- Inadequate fiber
⛑️ Act fast: Offer fresh hay, monitor water intake, and contact a rabbit-savvy vet if there's no improvement.
5. Mushy or Smelly Poop
🟠 What it means: Your rabbit’s gut bacteria may be out of balance. Likely culprits include too many greens, too many pellets, or sudden dietary changes.
🌿 How to help:
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- Stick to a hay-focussed diet
- Introduce new foods gradually
- Add dry forage like dried plantain or dandelion to support digestion
⛑️ Attention: No Poop?
🚨 This is an emergency. If your rabbit hasn't pooped in 8–12 hours, it could be GI stasis. Immediate vet attention is essential.
It may not be glamorous, but poop monitoring is one of the easiest, most effective ways to safeguard your rabbit’s health. Consistency, shape, and frequency are your best clues—and your hay choice plays a huge role.
Need help choosing the right hay or forage to support healthy digestion? Try our Taster Selection Box and see what is enjoyed.
Our Registered Animal Medicines Advisor is also on hand to help - get in touch today!
