Your rabbit’s waste (and I don’t mean leftover food) is one of the most important things you’ll need to monitor on a daily basis. Rabbit’s poop A LOT! And let’s face it, in reality, what your rabbit puts out, is a good indicator of what is going on inside as well as a means of early disease detection.
Waste & Well Being
Monitoring waste in pet rabbits is a vital aspect of ensuring their health and well-being. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and their waste can provide valuable insight into their overall condition. By regularly observing the size, shape, and consistency of their droppings, as well as their urine output, you can detect early signs of health issues such as gastrointestinal stasis, dehydration, or dietary imbalances. Promptly addressing these concerns can prevent serious complications and improve your rabbit’s quality of life. Additionally, waste monitoring helps maintain a cleaner environment, benefiting both you and your the rabbit.
Common Causes of Unhealthy Waste
- Dietary imbalances or changes
- Dehydration or overhydration
- Stress, illness, or environmental factors
- Hair ingestion during shedding
The Scoop on Poop
Rabbits produce two main types of solid waste. The first are Cecotropes which are dark, soft, shiny, and clustered like a bunch of grapes. They are often black or deep brown, sticky and squishy with a noticeably strong pungent odor. Cecotropes are fermented nutrient-rich droppings 1-2″ in length that are produced in the cecum part of their digestive track. Ceco’s are then re-ingested to obtain essential nutrients like vitamins and proteins. This process is called coprophagy. Typically eaten directly from the anus you will most likely not see them, but if you do it could be a sign of a dietary imbalance (lack of fiber, too much sugar or starch), mobility or obesity issues.
The second type of sold waste is called fecal pellets which are typically small, round, dry balls uniform in size and shape. They may range anywhere in size from 7-12mm depending on the size of your rabbit. These are the poops you want to be monitoring in your rabbit’s litter box.
Appearance & Cause
- Cecotropes: small, dark, grape like clusters that are totally normal. Soft or Mushy ceco’s could indicate an imbalance in the gut flora (stress or illness) or dietary issues (too much sugar/carbs and not enough fiber). These types of poops can range from a pudding like consistency to semi-formed cecos and can cause what is referred to as “poopy butt”.
- Healthy: these should be uniform in size and shape (size is dependent on your rabbit’s size): rounded, golden hay like color, non-odorous, solid yet will fall apart if pressure is applied. Note: these may change color slightly if you have changed your rabbits diet. Size, shape and consistency should, however, remain the same.
- Stringy Poop (Pellets Linked by Hair): poops strung together like a pearl necklace are common during molting seasons when the rabbit ingests a lot of fur. Time to groom and provide more hay, fresh greens and water to help move the fur through the digestive tract.
- Small or Misshapen Pellets: small poops are often caused by malnutrition, stress, dehydration, early signs of gastrointestinal stasis, intestinal impaction or even parasites. Misshapen poops may mean your bunny is not eating enough fiber which again could be from stress or even pain.
- Very Dark: dark moist poop can be indicative of too much protein in your rabbit’s diet.
- Diarrhea: there is an absence of any formed stool at all. It is rare in rabbits, but it when it does occur it is very serious. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of things…read more below
- Mucoid: can occur due to antibiotics, parasites or cecal impaction.
- No Poop: This is an emergency, as it could indicate GI stasis, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Health Implications
Constipation: true constipation does not exist in rabbits. If you are not seeing any output of poop, most likely your rabbit has stopped eating or is severly impacted.
Gastro-Intestinal Stasis: unfortunately this is a very common issue amongst rabbits. Typical reasons for this are a diet is too low in fiber, lack of water, stress, pain, a blockage, tooth abnormalities or obesity and inactivity. The stomach loses it’s normal movement. At this point, stasis can lead to an accumulation of fur and dehydrated food in the stomach. Sometimes the intestine is affected as well. NOTE: Not all abnormal poop is a sign of GI Stasis, however a rabbit with stasis may have abnormal or no poop at all.
If your rabbit has not had any droppings within a 24 hour period or they have stopped eating and look to be in pain (flattening of the belly to the floor) it is imperative to get them to the vet ASAP!
Diarrhea: Although not common in rabbits, it is a life threatening illness. It involves watery, unformed stools and is different from soft or mushy Cecotropes. Enteritis (inflammation of the bowel) and diarrhea can be due to several factors: diet (overgrowth of abnormal bacteria that results in toxins and gas), stress, bacterial infection (Salmonella or E-Coli), parasites, GI Neoplasia (cancer), Kidney and Liver disease as well as some medications.
Emergency Treatment for diarrhea: This is a life threatening illness…Do not restrict fluids, substitute cool chamomile tea in place of water if your rabbit will drink it, keep your rabbit warm and seek veterinary care immediately.
When a rabbit suffers from dietary causes of diarrhea, they should be given meadow hay solely for 2-3 weeks then a slow re-introduction of healthy greens and vegetables. It would be wise NOT to give them processed pellets again. Baby rabbits transitioning from milk to solid food are particularly vulnerable if their diet isn’t managed properly. Also, ingesting toxic plants (e.g., certain houseplants or wild plants) or chemicals can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea.
Parasitic diarrhea, Coccidiosis, is caused by Eimeria parasites. This is a common issue in young rabbits or those in crowded conditions. Sometimes if a rabbit is infected by parasites such as ringworm or pinworms, they can be visible clinging to the fecal waste.
Salmonella, much like humans, is caused by contaminated food and your rabbit will need anti-bacterial drugs from the vet. (It is always wise to keep an eye on any recalls especially on produce!)
Enterotoxaemia is the most dangerous form of enteritis. It is caused by a rapidly multiplying bacteria called Clostridium Spiroforme. Symptoms of this are profuse, watery and sometimes bloody stools along with depression. Death typically comes within a day or two. It is most often seen in newly weened young, but also occasionally in other aged rabbits after the use of certain antibiotics.
Another more common form of diarrhea is Mucoid Enteritis. Rabbits with this type of diarrhea are usually severely emaciated. The stools are generally covered in a gelatinous mucous. Rabbits can be lethargic, have a rough coat, low temperature, dehydrated or have large distended abdomens. Causality is not known and unfortunately rabbits that have this typically only live for up to a week.
Medications such as antibiotics, like penicillin-based drugs, are toxic to rabbits’ gut flora. They can kill beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate and cause diarrhea.
Note: Rabbits that have high calcium or crystals in their urine can leave a white sediment when they urinate on top of their poop. The urine hardens leaving a white residue.
Prevention
The best way to prevent any gastro-intestinal illness is to maintain an adequate, fiber-rich diet. Unlimited grass hay and fresh water, low calcium and low starch greens and veggies, occasional fruit with a limited amount of hay based pellets will give way to the perfect form of waste. Do not give cereal, nuts, seeds or any human foods.
Understanding Urine
Your rabbit’s other waste by product, urine, can also be a helpful indicator of your rabbit’s health, so paying attention to its color and changes is a proactive way to keep your bunny happy and healthy! Rabbit urine should be mostly liquid, though it may leave a chalky or powdery residue after drying. It has a natural, strong ammonia smell, however, an unusually foul odor could indicate infection or dehydration. Rabbits urinate multiple times daily. Sudden changes in frequency or difficulty urinating (e.g., straining, squeaking) could indicate urinary or bladder issues.
Urine is indicative of hydration and a well hydrated bunny is a healthy bunny. If you have a fussy drinker there are some things you can try. Switch from a bottle to a water bowl or fountain. It is more natural for a rabbit to drink this way. Especially in the case of a sick bunny, wash some herbs, but don’t dry them. This will “trick” your rabbit into getting some extra water. Another tip is to give your bun a cool “tea” made from urinary supporting forage. The taste alone may make them want to drink.
NOTE: A diet too high in calcium is the leading cause of urinary problems. Grass hays are the recommended hay for rabbits. Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium and should be avoided except in kits. If you do feed your rabbit pellets, they should contain no more than 0.6% calcium.
Color Characteristics
Rabbit urine is their liquid waste by-product that comes in a variety of colors which can be a little daunting at first as it can be affected by what your rabbit has to eat. Certain foods rich in pigments may alter the color of their urine.
- Clear or Pale Yellow (Normal)
- If the urine is clear or pale yellow and the rabbit drinks a lot, it might indicate overhydration, especially in hot weather or after eating water-rich foods like lettuce.
- Excessively clear urine can also suggest a possible kidney problem if the rabbit’s behavior or appetite is abnormal.
- Bright Yellow (Normal)
- Often seen in well-hydrated rabbits. Diets rich in greens or carrots can contribute to this shade.
- Could indicate early signs of bladder sludge if accompanied by cloudy appearance or difficulty urinating.
- Orange (Normal)
- Caused by pigments from certain foods (e.g., carrots, dandelions, or spinach) or dehydration.
- Ensure your rabbit is drinking enough water.
- Dark Orange or Red (Normal)
- Certain vegetables or plant pigments (red berries, beets) can darken urine. For example Beta Carotene rich foods like carrots may turn your rabbit’s urine orange.
- Temperature changes or stress can also alter pigmentation especially if the temperature drops.
- Potential Concern: If the red color persists for multiple days or is unrelated to diet, it could indicate blood in the urine (hematuria) due to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or reproductive issues.
- Brown
- Common in rabbits that are slightly dehydrated.
- Prolonged brown urine could indicate a urinary tract problem or kidney issue.
- White or Milky (Normal in small amounts)
- Rabbits excrete excess calcium through their urine, resulting in a milky appearance when drying. This is called calcium carbonate precipitate.
- Frequent milky or chalky urine, combined with gritty residue, may indicate bladder sludge or sludge or a UTI, a condition caused by excess calcium. Get to the vet!
- Pink (Normal)
- A light pink tint can occur due to food pigments or slight irritation in the urinary tract. Monitor for changes.
- Persistent pink urine might signal minor blood contamination.
- Red Spots or Streaks
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) could indicate: Urinary tract infection (UTI), Bladder stones or sludge, or Uterine problems in unspayed female rabbits (e.g., uterine cancer or pyometra).
- If you suspect blood, consult a vet immediately.
Note: You can test your rabbit’s urine at home if you suspect blood. Simply apply some Hydrogen Peroxide. If it bubbles up, then there is probable blood. Otherwise it should not react with healthy urine.
Long Island Rabbit Rescue has some wonderful images of different types of rabbit urine to help you determine what is normal, what is calcium, what is sludge, and what is blood.
Symptoms
- urine scalding around the genital area and under the tail (skin rash that develops from exposure to urine)
- frequent urination
- accidents outside the litter box or inability to control themselves-don’t pass this off as bad behavior especially if your rabbit has been fastidious in their litter box.
- straining or pressing belly to the ground
- thick, creamy residue
- blood
- dribbling pee is a sign of stones or sludge
- no urine output at all
Health Implications
- Kidney Disease
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) or Urinary Tract Infection
- Bladder Stones or Sludge
Calcium is a mineral necessary for good bone and teeth growth, nerve function, muscle contraction, heart function and blood clotting, however rabbits regulate calcium differently than other mammals. They absorb 60-80% of calcium ingested within their small intestine. This is why their levels fluctuate depending on their diet. Excess calcium is filtered through the kidneys and excreted in their urine. Calcium combines with other molecules and forms calcium carbonate which then can accumulate in great quantities in the bladder. The urine will then look gray or feel gritty. This is known as sludge. Bacteria will build up in the urinary tract and/or bladder thus making it difficult to urinate which leads to UTI’s. Calcium carbonate can also form into stones which can be present anywhere in the urinary tract.
Causes
There are several reasons why a rabbit might be prone to Urinary illnesses. Genetics, lack of hydration and/or exercise, inappropriate diet, unsanitary litter area or too small of a habitat. All with the exception of genetics are easily remedied.
According to Bishops Stortford Veterinary Hospital, the average rabbit will drink anywhere from 50-150 ml per day. That being said, their output should be about 120-130 ml. (larger rabbits will be a higher amount). Excessive output of urine can be a sign of Diabetes (due to a pancreatic tumor), kidney or lover disease, drugs or behavioral problems. If you notice your rabbit drinking abnormal amounts of water, it is best to get them to the vet for a check-up.
Treatments
Treatments for urinary illnesses can range from antibiotics to surgery. The vet will probably order urine and blood tests as well as x-rays to determine the course of action. Obviously the easiest treatment would be medication, however in some cases a rabbit may need catheterization to flush the bladder or even operating to open the bladder. Surgeries will always be dependent on age and health of the rabbit.
Preventative Measures
When it comes to waste, it’s important to keep in mind your rabbits diet. A good rule of thumb is a diet consisting of unlimited hay and fresh water, a handful of low calcium greens, and the occasional non-starchy low sugar veggies & fruit. If you must give pellets, they should be hay based and only a tablespoon or so per rabbit. Always introduce a new food solely and slowly watching as to how your rabbit reacts to it.
Regular grooming is very important, but you may be thinking “what does grooming have to do with my rabbit’s waste”? Brushing your rabbit frequently during shedding seasons will help to minimize fur ingestion. Fur can get stuck in the gut not allowing your rabbit to pass it’s waste. Encouraging exercise is essential in promoting gut motility as well.
Don’t forget that litter box hygiene and regular cleaning are a necessity as well, especially in the case of bonded rabbits. Many diseases can be spread through rabbit waste.
Flowers, herbs, weeds and branches can complement a rabbit’s diet to promote healthy digestion and normal urinary function, but they should always be offered as part of a balanced diet. Always ask your exotic vet before using any supplements, even all natural ones. TIPS: Rotate offerings to provide diverse nutrients and prevent overconsumption of any one herb or flower, use fresh or dried herbs and flowers that are pesticide-free and suitable for consumption and introduce new herbs or flowers gradually and in small amounts to ensure your rabbit’s digestive system adjusts.
Final Thoughts
When monitoring your rabbit’s waste it’s important to look for color, consistency, quantity and smell for poop while checking color, smell and quantity for their urine. Keep track of their hay and water intake and make sure to check their teeth weekly for signs of dental problems.
Caring for a pet rabbit involves more than providing food and shelter; it requires attentiveness to their unique needs, including regular monitoring of their waste. By keeping a close eye on their droppings and urine, you can quickly identify potential health problems and take proactive steps to address them. This practice not only helps to ensure a rabbit’s comfort and longevity but also strengthens the bond between pet and owner. A commitment to monitoring waste, alongside proper diet, enrichment, and routine veterinary care, forms the foundation of a happy, healthy life for your rabbit.
