rabbit cecotropes — the second kind of poop you shouldn't see

updated 13 May 2026 by xavier fok

most rabbit owners are surprised to learn rabbits produce two types of droppings. one is the familiar round, dry one in the litter pan. the other is softer, grape-like, and the rabbit eats it directly from their bottom.

this isn’t gross. it’s essential to their nutrition.

what cecotropes are

rabbit digestion involves two passes through the intestine. on the first pass, rabbits extract some nutrients. then specific bacteria in the cecum (a large pouch in the rabbit’s intestine) ferment the remaining material, producing:

B vitamins
additional protein
specific nutrients

these enriched droppings (cecotropes or caecotrophs) get expelled and immediately re-ingested. the second digestion pass extracts these vitamins and proteins.

without cecotrope consumption, the rabbit becomes nutrient-deficient.

what they look like

cecotropes are:

softer than normal droppings
grape-like cluster
darker, more glossy
stronger smell
usually formed in 6-8 hour intervals

normal “outer” droppings are:

round
dry
firm
consistent size
the ones you see in the litter pan

why you typically don’t see cecotropes

healthy rabbits eat cecotropes directly:

the rabbit knows when to expel them
bends down to eat
the cecotropes don’t usually hit the floor
you rarely see them in the litter

if you regularly see cecotropes in the litter pan:

the rabbit isn’t eating them
this is usually a sign of something wrong

when cecotropes become visible (the problem)

common reasons you see them:

1. obesity:

the rabbit can’t reach their own bottom
physical limitation
needs weight management
our weight management guide covers this

2. dental issues:

pain or difficulty eating prevents re-ingestion
selective eating affects the digestive process
see our dental issues guide

3. mobility issues:

elderly or injured rabbit can’t bend to eat
spinal issues or pain
specific veterinary care needed

4. dietary imbalance:

too much pellet or sugar in diet
not enough fiber from hay
specific dietary changes help

5. illness:

digestive disturbance
pain
specific illness affecting feeding behaviour

the diet connection

cecotrope production is influenced by:

high-fiber diet:

produces firm, normal-looking outer droppings
supports proper cecotrope formation
ideal for digestive health

high-sugar or carb diet:

produces softer outer droppings
may produce more soft cecotropes
can lead to soft pile in litter

high-protein diet:

can affect cecotrope composition
adult rabbits don’t need high protein
timothy-based diet preferred

our feeding guide covers the broader diet framework.

the visible-cecotrope troubleshooting

if you see cecotropes in the litter:

1. check for obesity:

weigh and assess body condition
if overweight, diet adjustment

2. check for dental issues:

vet examination
selective eating signs

3. check for mobility:

the rabbit’s ability to bend and reach
age and any visible issues

4. check diet:

pellet quantity and quality
treat frequency
fiber level

5. vet visit:

if no obvious cause, professional assessment
may be illness

the soft droppings vs diarrhea distinction

important to differentiate:

soft cecotropes (sometimes seen):

clusters of softer droppings
formed shapes
can be passed without illness

actual diarrhea:

unformed
liquid or near-liquid
watery
often urgent issue
vet emergency

cecotropes look like soft grapes. diarrhea looks like watery splash.

the very young rabbit consideration

very young rabbits:

start producing cecotropes around 3 weeks
eating cecotropes is important for normal development
the mother’s cecotropes provide important bacteria for the kit

the SG-specific considerations

three patterns:

1. tropical fruit moderation:

high-sugar fruits cause soft droppings
avoid as regular treats
moderation prevents cecotrope issues

2. humidity affects droppings:

soft droppings dry slower
monitor carefully in humid weather
prevent fly strike with daily checks (see our fly strike guide)

3. SG-stocked greens:

some are higher in sugar than others
our feeding guide lists SG-available options

the bonded pair consideration

in bonded pairs:

mutual grooming sometimes includes assistance with cecotrope consumption
partners can help each other with the behaviour
both should produce healthy cecotropes

what owners often get wrong