Seeing Cecotropes

[Patrick]

I am seeing my buns cecotropes. The only change to his life is that we changed where his pen is in the house. Could this be the cause?
The other thing is his appetite is not the same today as he is not eating as much as usual (still eating/drinking though).

[Lops4Life!]

Hey!

this could be triggered as there are new smells in this area/maybe not safe for rabbits? Where abouts are they?
alicia

[Patrick]

He was moved from one living room to another. Same litter box and but new blankets. In terms of his health he is fine, teeth checked, no gas, and still is eating and drinking.

[Lops4Life!]

Have the blankets been washed with the same thing as you normally wash them with? I think it’ll just have some getting used to- sooner or later the blankets will get his scent on.

Is he neutered?

[LBJ10]

Two things typically cause this:

1. A young bunny on a rich diet will simply produce too many and they won’t eat some of them.
2. An older bunny starts to develop arthritis and it make it difficult for them to reach them.

Other causes can include a bunny having GI issues (lots of causes) or a bunny responding to stress (although this seems less common). If the cecotropes are well formed, then I wouldn’t be overly worried. Just keep an eye on it. I don’t know how old your bunny is, but if it continues you could have him checked for arthritis. People think their rabbit has to be really old to have arthritis, but it can actually start to develop when they are around 5 or 6… sometimes sooner, depending on the breed.

[Wick & Fable]

I agree with LBJ in those are the most likely reasons. At the same time  yes  you may see an occasional one here or there and that doesn’t need to be too much of a concern. Regardless, it’s great that you were able to recognize this change.</p>
How many have you been seeing lately?

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Bam]

I agree with LBJ. Just keep an eye on things. Stress changes the pH of the gut which in turn changes the bacterial/fungal flora in the cecum. It doesnt have to be severe/detrimental stress, just the impact of a change of enviroment. It’s nothing to worry about  as long as the bun keeps eating, especially hay, and drinking.

Check daily for “sticky poop”, i e cecotropes stuck to his bum. If that happens, you can either give a butt bath, or, for minor incidents, give a dry “bath” with corn starch that you work into the poopy clumps with your fingers, then brush out.

 

[Patrick]

Thanks for everyone’s replys. He’s doing well, I’ve now seen him eat his cecotropes in the normal way on three occasions, he is still eating/drinking. He’s a one year old lion head called bruno and just before lockdown he had his check up (that he gets ever six months) and everything was all good.

[LBJ10]

Glad to hear it! Given his age and the absence of other symptoms, I’m going to say it was likely stress-induced. Nothing to worry about, especially if you’ve observed him eating them since the incident.

[Author]

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