Cecotrope question

[Lorri]

Hello, I am reading that it is important for rabbits to eat their cecotropes. How does this happen when rabbits are in a wire cage? Can/will the cecotropes fall through before the rabbit has an opportunity to consume? Thank you

 

[countrygirl1178]

No they usually eat it right out of themselves only the excess falls out but i have two rabbits that their cage and butts need cleaned often

 

[Lorri]

Ok, that makes sense! Thank you!

 

[countrygirl1178]

And also when the babies are a certain age the eat some from the mother too

 

[countrygirl1178]

Here is more informed explanation of you question

Cecotropes, also called 'night feces' or 'soft feces,' are the material resulting from the fermentation of food in a part of the digestive system called the 'cecum.' Cecotropes are nutrient-rich and are passed out of the body, like feces, but are reingested by the animal so the nutrients can be absorbed. Cecotropes have twice the protein, and half of the fiber of the typical hard fecal pellet. They also contain high levels of vitamin K and the B vitamins.