What Does Guinea Pig Poop Look Like?
Most guinea pig owners are familiar with the little piles of black, green, and brown droppings they leave behind. But, have you ever wondered what they mean?
Black Droppings
The black droppings that guinea pigs produce are usually composed of digested food and are generally normal.
Green Droppings
Green droppings are usually caused by one of two things: either a diet high in grass hay or cecotropes.
Brown Droppings
Brown droppings are usually caused by either a diet high in pellets or a bacterial imbalance in the gut.
Other Things To Look Out For
In addition to the color of the droppings, there are other things to look out for. Here are some other indicators of a healthy guinea pig:
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- Size and Shape: Droppings should be round and roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Small, misshapen droppings may indicate a dietary deficiency or ill health.
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- Consistency: Droppings should be firm but pliable. Soft or liquidy droppings can indicate an illness.
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- Smell: Droppings should not smell overly offensive or acidic. If they do, it could be a sign of a digestive problem or infection.
Overall, it is important to keep an eye on your guinea pig’s droppings so that you can quickly spot any changes in their health and seek medical attention if necessary.