Chances are you have seen your guinea pooping on their own. It may seem strange and disturbing to a new owner of guineas, but it is normal behavior!
It does not actually poop. The little pellet that your guinea is happily eating is technically not poop. Confused? Don’t worry!
This article will explain why guineas eat their own poop.
Coprophagy
Two types of pellets are actually produced by Guinea Pigs. However, most people refer to both as “poop” and the other is standard poop. This is the waste material that their bodies no longer need. However, the other type of pellet is rich in nutrients that their bodies haven’t absorbed. These are cecotropes. The process of animals eating their own feces, also known as coprophagy, is called coprophagy.
Animals such as guinea pigs and hamsters can’t properly chew or digest fibrous food. This results in pellets that contain vital vitamins and minerals that your rabbit will need to eat again. These cecotropes will be rare because guineas consume them quickly after they pass them. These cecotropes are usually softer and more sticky than regular poop pellets. If you see them around your guineas’ cage, it is likely that something is wrong.
Cecotropes have a softer and lighter color. They are also noticeably more yellowish in color. This makes them easier to identify from regular poops, which can be harder to see. Because they eat the cecotropes as soon as they pass them, which is often over 100 times per day in healthy guineas, they are not commonly seen.
Coprophagy has nutritional benefits
These cecotropes contain vital nutrition because plant matter isn’t completely digested in one go. These cecotropes contain many essential vitamins, including vitamin K. They also have almost twice as much protein and half the fiber of regular dark poops. The nutrients are easier to absorb because of the lower fiber content.
Cecotropes are also rich in beneficial bacteria, which is essential for the health and well-being of guineas’ intestinal flora. They can be very helpful to other sick guineas as they help to restore their gut biome. Cecotropes can even be stolen from the bottom of friends by sick guineas!
Sometimes sick guineas require antibiotics to recover. However, antibiotics can cause damage to your guinea’s gut biome. They kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, which can lead to death. It’s a good idea to give your sick guinea cecotropes that have been given antibiotics to help restore their biome.
Final thoughts
Guineas can eat their own poop, which is not only natural and normal but also good for their health. Small mammals also do the same thing, so there’s no reason to be concerned if they don’t eat their poop. You can rest assured that your guinea is healthy and happy and that their behavior is normal.
What happens if guinea pigs consume their feces?
Not to worry! While we humans would get sick if we ate our own excrement, guinea pigs eating their own poop is really totally natural guinea pig behavior!
How filthy is guinea pig feces?
Guinea pig feces frequently include microorganisms that are dangerous to humans. Salmonella is a common example, as it frequently causes fever in people. If you have a pet guinea pig, it is better to avoid direct touch when cleaning the excrement. After cleaning the animal’s bedding, a thorough washing is also recommended.
Is my guinea pig sad?
A worried guinea pig will typically exhibit irritation and more aggressive behavior, such as head tossing, fidgeting, or teeth-baring. A sad guinea pig, on the other hand, would become drowsy and lack energy.
How does guinea pig excrement smell?
Because of the hay they digest, the texture may feel gritty. Surprisingly, guinea pig feces does not have a strong odor.
What causes guinea pigs to purr?
Purring is commonly connected with contentment or happiness. You’ll probably hear it when softly touching your pig. However, when they hear a shocking noise or feel threatened, they will vocalize the same sounds in short bursts.
What foods aid in guinea pig poop production?
Try giving your piggies more watery vegetables, such as cucumber, and sprinkling water on their vegetables. You might also encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables. If the poo is moist and damp, there was not enough fiber in the guinea pig’s diet, which they require up to 70% of the time.
What is toxic to guinea pigs?
Make certain that your guinea pigs are not fed the following foods (this is not a complete list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, maize, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any variety; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms;
Which fruits are excellent for guinea pigs?
The 6 Most Popular Guinea Pig Fruits Kiwi. Kiwis are strong in vitamin C, and even tiny amounts of kiwi can provide a significant boost to their vitamin needs, Banana, Blueberry, Watermelon, and Cantaloupe.
When should you feed your guinea pigs?
How to Feed Your Guinea Pig Offer A 2-pound guinea pig requires 1/8 cup of pellets every day. Hay should always be accessible. Every day, at least 1/2-1 cup of fresh leafy greens or other vitamin C-rich foods should be provided.
How much feces do guinea pigs consume each day?
A ‘typical’ guinea pig will poop up to 100 times each day. This figure is naturally lower in guinea pigs who are older or less mobile. If the quantity of feces pellets per day falls below 50, it might indicate that something is amiss. Reduced food intake or slower intestinal motility can be causes of lesser poo quantities