If you see soft poop in your rabbit’s cage along with normal (firm) poop, you’re likely looking at cecotropes. However, if all the poop is soft and you don’t see any firm droppings, your rabbit may have diarrhea.
You’ve been a rabbit owner for years and never had any problems with your rabbits’ poop. But lately, you’ve noticed that their poop is soft and liquidy. You’re not sure what’s causing it, but you’re concerned about your rabbits’ health.
Is this something to be worried about? What could be causing this change in their poop? And what can you do to fix it?
Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more!
What You'll Learn
Rabbits Have Delicate Digestive Systems
As a rabbit owner, it’s important to remember that rabbits have a delicate digestive system. Their intestines are very sensitive, and any change in their diet or environment can cause problems. For example, something as simple as a sudden temperature change can cause stress, leading to diarrhea.
A diet that is too high in sugar can also cause diarrhea. And if a rabbit doesn’t have enough fiber in their diet, it can get (you guessed it) diarrhea.
Is Soft Poop Normal For Rabbits?
This is a bit of a complicated question. There are two primary reasons a rabbit would have soft poop.
1) Cecotropes
2) Diarrhea
While cecotropes (soft, mushy droppings eaten by the rabbit) are normal and healthy, true diarrhea is not. If your rabbit is producing soft, liquid poop regularly and you don’t see any firm stool along with the soft poop, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Cecotropes Vs. Diarrhea
This is why it’s so important to understand the difference between cecotropes and diarrhea. One is an indication of good health, and the other is an indication of poor health.
So, what’s the difference?
Cecotropes are soft, liquid droppings that are produced by rabbits. They are high in fiber and nutrients and help rabbits absorb more nutrients from their food. Rabbits will usually consume cecotropes immediately.
On the other hand, diarrhea is soft poop that is watery and may contain blood. Diarrhea is a sign of an underlying health issue and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Examining the rest of the droppings is the easiest way to tell if your rabbit is producing cecotropes or diarrhea. Are there any regular droppings along with the soft ones? If so, you’re looking at cecotropes. If all the droppings are soft/watery, then it’s diarrhea.
Why Would My Rabbit Have Diarrhea?
If you’ve determined that the soft poop is cecotropes, great! You have one healthy rabbit. However, if you believe it’s diarrhea, you might wonder what caused it.
As previously stated, rabbits have sensitive digestive systems. Any change in diet, environment, or stress level can cause problems. Here are some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in rabbits:
Diet Change
If you’ve recently changed your rabbit’s diet, it could cause diarrhea. A sudden change in food can cause stress and upset the delicate balance of their digestive system. If you’re planning on changing your rabbit’s diet, do it slowly over a period of weeks to give them time to adjust.
Illness
If your rabbit is sick, it can cause diarrhea as their body tries to get rid of the infection. If you think your rabbit might be ill, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Stress
As previously mentioned, stress can cause many problems for rabbits, including diarrhea. If there have been any changes in your rabbit’s environment or routine, it could be the cause of diarrhea. Try to identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible.
Parasites
If your rabbit has parasites, it can cause many health problems, including diarrhea. If you think your rabbit might have parasites, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Should I Be Concerned?
The answer to this question depends on whether the soft poop is cecotropes or diarrhea. If it’s cecotropes, there’s no need to worry. However, if it’s true diarrhea, you should be concerned and take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other serious health problems.
Preventing This Issue In The Future
The best way to prevent this issue is to closely monitor your rabbit’s diet and environment. Any changes in their diet or environment can cause stress and upset their delicate digestive system. If you do need to make a change, do it slowly and carefully to give your rabbit time to adjust.
You should also keep an eye out for signs of illness or parasites. If you think your rabbit might be sick or have parasites, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Following these tips can help keep your rabbit healthy and prevent soft poop from becoming a problem.
Knowledge is Power
Now you know the difference between cecotropes and diarrhea. You also know some of the most common causes of diarrhea in rabbits. If you think your rabbit has diarrhea, take them to the vet as soon as possible. You can help keep your rabbit healthy and prevent this issue from becoming an ongoing problem with proper care.
