Caecotrophy is a completely natural phenomenon for the recovery of nutrients. In fact, the practice of caecotrophy consists of an animal producing two types of excrement during the same day which is different from coprophagy where only one type of feces is produced.

The rabbit exclusively reingests the type of droppings called caecotrophs (or soft droppings) which are made up of partially modified digestive contents and systematically rejects the other type which in fact represents the real droppings which are nicknamed hard droppings and which are found in the litter. Caecotrophs are characterized by their appreciable nutritional content in proteins (20 to 30% in dry matter) and their undeniable richness in water-soluble vitamins.

This behavior, although it seems strange at first glance, is of great importance to the rabbit, for the recovery of nutrients produced by the bacteria in its intestinal tract and which are essential for maintaining optimal health.

Caecotrophy is present in young rabbits as early as 3 weeks of age. However, you may not notice this habit since this type of feces is mainly produced at night, excreted at dusk and consumed by the rabbit as soon as it leaves the digestive tract.

In short, if you see your rabbit consuming its feces… there is no need to worry. This is a completely natural behavior and the absence of this behavior would be rather alarming. Note that stress, illness or the type of food are all causes that can disrupt this vital and delicate process.

Sophie Gauthier, agr
General Manager Nature Division Bélisle