If you’ve ever watched your rabbit eat what looks like their own droppings and felt alarmed, you’re not alone. Many rabbit owners are disturbed by this behavior, called coprophagy, and some even try to prevent it. However, groundbreaking new research reveals that this seemingly disgusting habit is actually essential for rabbit health—and blocking it can cause serious problems.
Research Background
Rabbits have a unique digestive system that requires them to consume a special type of soft feces called cecotrophs (also known as “night droppings”). Unlike regular hard pellets, these nutrient-rich cecotrophs are produced in the cecum and contain vital nutrients that rabbits need to absorb. Despite this being well-known among rabbit experts, the full consequences of preventing this behavior had never been thoroughly studied under controlled conditions.
This research was needed because some rabbit owners, disturbed by the behavior, use devices like Elizabethan collars or other barriers to prevent coprophagy. The study aimed to definitively demonstrate what happens when rabbits cannot access their cecotrophs.
Study Details
Researchers conducted a controlled experiment with 15 healthy rabbits divided into three groups of 5 animals each:
- Control group: Normal feeding with full access to cecotrophs
- Coprophagy prevention group: Fitted with specially designed collars that prevented cecotroph consumption while allowing normal eating and drinking
- Pair-fed group: Fed the same amount as the prevention group but with access to cecotrophs
The 28-day study carefully monitored:
- Growth performance and weight gain
- Blood chemistry and health markers
- Gut microbiome composition
- Intestinal tissue health
- Production of beneficial compounds
Key Findings
Primary Results
The results were striking and immediate. Rabbits prevented from consuming cecotrophs showed significantly reduced growth performance, with slower weight gain and decreased feed efficiency compared to controls. Most concerning, microscopic examination revealed damaged gut lining in the prevention group, with inflammation and tissue deterioration in the cecum.
Secondary Findings
The study uncovered the biochemical reasons behind these health problems. Rabbits unable to eat cecotrophs had substantially lower levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids—compounds crucial for gut health and nutrient absorption. Their gut microbiome also shifted dramatically, with reduced populations of beneficial bacteria that help break down fiber and produce essential nutrients.
Blood tests revealed altered protein metabolism and decreased levels of certain vitamins, confirming that preventing coprophagy creates genuine nutritional deficiencies that regular food cannot compensate for.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If you own a rabbit, this research delivers a clear message: never interfere with your rabbit’s natural coprophagy behavior. What might look unappetizing to humans is actually a sophisticated nutritional strategy that millions of years of evolution have perfected.
Rabbits typically consume cecotrophs directly from their anus, usually during quiet periods or at night. This behavior is completely normal and necessary—think of it as their version of chewing cud, but more efficient.
To support your rabbit’s digestive health, provide high-quality timothy hay as the foundation of their diet, along with nutritionally complete rabbit pellets.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice your rabbit is producing fewer cecotrophs than usual, if the cecotrophs appear unusually hard or dry, or if your rabbit seems unable to reach them due to obesity or mobility issues. These could indicate underlying health problems that need professional attention.
Supporting your rabbit’s gut health with digestive supplements designed for rabbits may also be beneficial when recommended by your veterinarian.
Also consult your vet if you’ve been using any device that might interfere with coprophagy, as this study shows such interventions can cause serious health consequences.
Study Limitations
This research involved a relatively small sample size of 15 rabbits over 28 days. While the results were clear and consistent, longer-term studies with more animals would further strengthen the conclusions. The study also used laboratory rabbits rather than pet rabbits, though the digestive physiology should be identical.
The researchers noted that individual rabbits might show varying degrees of sensitivity to coprophagy prevention, and some animals might develop coping mechanisms over longer periods, though this seems unlikely given the fundamental nature of the digestive process.
Bottom Line
This study provides definitive scientific proof that coprophagy is not a disgusting habit to discourage—it’s an essential biological process that rabbits absolutely need for proper nutrition and health. Preventing rabbits from eating their cecotrophs causes measurable harm including stunted growth, damaged gut lining, and nutritional deficiencies.
For rabbit owners, the message is simple: let your rabbit do what comes naturally. If the sight of coprophagy bothers you, remember that it’s a sign of a healthy, properly functioning digestive system. Your rabbit knows what they’re doing, and this ancient behavior is keeping them healthy and thriving.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you support your rabbit’s digestive health and overall well-being. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
Oxbow Garden Select Adult Rabbit Food
Sherwood Pet Health Digestive Support
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Small Pet Bedding
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.
