Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat Poo?

How Much Poop Does a Guinea Pig Eat?

Guinea pigs will produce 100 poops a day on average, with the number reducing gradually as they age. However, it’s hard to count exactly how much poop guinea pigs will eat in a day since they only eat a certain type of poop.

The type of poop your guinea pig will eat is called caecotrophs. This type of poop is the first poop they take after a meal and they will eat it almost immediately before our eyes.

 Essentially, guinea pigs digest their food twice, with round one of poops being cecal pellets, and round two being the poops we clean from their cage. Since the cecal pellets are produced after their mealtimes, it can be estimated that guinea pigs eat about half of the poops they make in a day.

What Does Guinea Pig Poop Look Like?

A guinea pig’s poop is a great indicator of their health. The shape, texture, and colour can all show what’s going on inside their digestive systems.

A Normal Poop

A healthy guinea pig poop should be oval in shape and about 1-2cm long. They should be medium to dark brown and are usually able to hold their shape when a guinea pig walks over them. Normal poops should be odourless.

An Unhealthy Poop

An unhealthy poop can be identified usually by its shape. A guinea pig that is experiencing gut issues may have tear-shaped poops or clumped poops. To help these poops return to normal, you’ll want to make sure your guinea pig is eating the correct diet. Lots of fresh hay and veggies, with no grains, rice, or seeds. A guinea pig may also experience clumped poops as they begin to age, and their rectal muscles weaken.

A mushy and smelly poop would suggest your guinea pig is experiencing diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can be quite concerning in guinea pigs as it can very quickly lead to dehydration. If your guinea pig is experiencing diarrhoea, then it may be best to give your vet a call.

The Green Poops

The green poops your guinea pig has are the caecotrophs. These are the poops that they will eat. These poops will be the same shape as a healthy poop, but much greener due to the higher amounts of protein found in it.

These poops will also contain good bacteria that help maintain your guinea pig’s gut health.

Is Eating Poop Good for My Guinea Pig?

Yes, eating poop is good for your guinea pig. Their caecotrophs contain lots of nutrients from their food that their body didn’t process the first time while eating, so eating these poops will mean they get a second opportunity to absorb those nutrients. Guinea pig poop is a natural and healthy component of their diet, so there’s no need to be concerned if you do see your piggy eating its poop.

This behaviour is called Coprophagia and is quite common in rodents, especially in rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and of course, guinea pigs. The idea of eating poop will definitely feel a bit gross to us, but at least our piggies are helping clean up their own mess!

What if My Guinea Pig Doesn’t Eat Poop?

If you notice your guinea pig isn’t eating their caecotrophs, then there might be something wrong. These poops are essential for your guinea pig’s diet as it helps them get the right amount of nutrients, so if you’re guinea pig doesn’t seem to be eating them then they’re potentially at risk of becoming malnourished.

There might be many reasons your guinea pig stops eating their poop. First, you’ll want to observe your guinea pigs for a little while to see how much they are eating in general, or if they’re experiencing any discomfort. It’s important to see if your guinea pig is just not eating their poop, or not eating in general. If they are simply not eating the cecal pellets, then most likely they are digesting enough nutrients the first time around, or don’t need to eat all of the cecal pellets they’re producing.

On the other hand, if your piggy doesn’t seem to be eating at all, then there might be something else going on. A piggy that’s refusing to eat may be unwell and possibly experiencing some digestive issues or dental issues. To get to the cause of the problem, it would be wise to consult a vet and see what can be done to get your piggy chowing down again!