Why Do Guinea Pigs Poop So Much? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info
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We love our pets. We love everything about them. They are our cuddle buddies and the ones we turn to when we’re feeling blue. Our little pals don’t even need to be big to make a huge place in our hearts. Take guinea pigs for example. Who wouldn’t love one of these adorable critters in their home? This is why so many people decide to make guinea pigs their pets.
Unfortunately, while snuggling and playing with a guinea pig is all fun and games, one thing new piggy parents aren’t always aware of is the amount of poop these little cavies can produce. Within the first day or so of owning a guinea pig, you may be pulling out your hair and asking, why do guinea pigs poop so much? The easy answer to your question is that guinea pigs are constantly eating. That means it has to go somewhere, right? Let’s learn a few facts about guinea pigs and their poo. This will help you better understand why there’s so much of it and when there might be a problem.
Understanding Your Guinea Pig’s Appetite and Digestive System
Guinea pigs are primarily herbivores. Like many rodents, their front teeth (incisors) constantly grow throughout their life. Consequently, they’re frequently chewing and eating food almost all the time. This behavior is considered normal for them.
The average amount of time it takes for a guinea pig’s stomach to empty after it is full is just 2 hours, and food is digested in around 20 hours on average. Additionally, guinea pigs engage in coprophagy, or eating their “first pass” feces to re-digest them. However, the nutritional benefit of this process in guinea pigs is still not completely understood, as guinea pigs benefit less from coprophagy when compared to other rodents. If coprophagy is factored in, the transit time of food in a guinea pig is around 66 hours.
Guinea pigs have a very high dietary fiber requirement, which makes hay and grass very important for their health. The absolute minimum amount of fiber they require is around 10%, and most commercially prepared formulations contain anywhere from 10 to 20% fiber.
Interestingly, guinea pigs do not seem to eat more when offered foods high in fiber, and instead, they seem to detect “fullness” when their entire gut distends from being full (not their stomach). They seem to constantly eat and manage their requirements as needed. This means that lack of access to food can be very detrimental to them, as their gut can unexpectedly “crash” if they’re not allowed to constantly graze on hay and grasses. This also means that their appetite seems to be constantly in high-drive.
What Should Guinea Pig Poop Look Like?
While it may seem like a foolish question to ask, knowing what your guinea pig’s poop should look like is essential in ensuring your furry pal is healthy.
Guinea pigs produce two types of poop. The first is a very soft poop which they eat as part of coprophagy. The “second pass” guinea pig poop should be darkish brown, oval-shaped, and mostly scent-free. Healthy adult guinea pigs do not eat this poop.
Guinea Pig Poop Facts
Now that you know guinea pig poop is ongoing and what it should look like, let’s learn a few other things about your piggy’s poop.
The Amount
Not surprisingly, guinea pigs poop several times a day due to their constant eating habits. Guinea pigs are not very particular about where they poop and will readily soil their substrate, water dish, food dish, or any surface they’re on (including your hands!)
Consistency
Your guinea pig should produce poop that is rounded on the ends and firm. You may also notice a bit of a glisten when you see them. You should take your pet to the veterinarian if their feces seem too dry, bloody, too runny, or exceptionally smelly. You should also seek prompt veterinary care if they don’t seem to be eating despite appearing otherwise “healthy”.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand a bit more about your guinea pig’s poo you can keep track of how things are moving and ensure your pet is in good health. While it may be annoying to have guinea pig poop all over their cage, it’s a normal part of their lives. Make sure that you keep your pet’s enclosure cleaned regularly so your piggy isn’t living in all the poop they pass.
Featured Image Credit: TJ Images, Shutterstock
