Oh no! Why is my bunny eating poop? It might sound gross, but this behavior is completely natural for rabbits. Rabbits have a unique habit called coprophagy—the act of eating their own feces. This strange quirk plays an important role in their digestion and nutrition.
Rabbits need to process large amounts of plant fiber, so their digestive system is designed to handle it efficiently. In fact, a rabbit's digestive organs make up about 10 to 20 percent of its total body weight. Among them, the spiral-shaped cecum is especially large, taking up about half of the digestive tract's capacity.
Because of this special system, rabbits produce two types of droppings: the hard, round pellets you normally see, and the darker, softer "cecotropes." These cecotropes are packed with protein, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria. When rabbits eat them, they go through a second round of digestion, allowing their bodies to absorb as many nutrients as possible.
Veterinarians recommend that rabbit owners feed their pets a diet made up of about 80% hay as the main food, while vegetables and fruits should only be given as occasional treats. This balance helps baby bunnies grow up healthy and strong.
