Is It Normal for a Totoro to Eat Its Poop? How to Handl

Part 1: Why Does a Furry Friend Like Tama Eat Poop?

1. A Natural Instinct

As a rodent, the tamago (a type of rabbit) shares a curious trait with many of its kind in the wild: consuming their own feces is actually quite common. Besides the tamago, animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, squirrels, and capybaras also engage in this behavior, which is deeply ingrained in their nature. It's not easily corrected, regardless of the availability of resources.

2. Reabsorbing Nutrients from Food

Originating from the resourcepoor Andes Mountains of South America, the tamago's diet primarily consists of limited plant matter like hay, roots, bark, and cacti. To adapt, their digestive system has evolved a unique nitrobacter, which breaks down indigestible plant fibers into nutrients the tamago can absorb. However, this beneficial bacteria primarily resides in the cecum. Since the small intestine is where most nutrients are absorbed, the first pass through the digestive tract leaves much of the food's nutrients unabsorbed. This is why the tamago's feces still contain a wealth of usable nutrients, leading to the habit of eating their own droppings.

Part 2: What to Do If Your Tamago Eats Poop?

The tamago doesn't just eat its feces on a whim; they typically assess the nutritional value by scent before indulging. Therefore, when they experience digestive issues, this behavior may become more frequent. Here are some ways pet owners can gently intervene:

1. Supplement with Probiotics

Feeding your tamago probiotic supplements designed for small pets can help regulate their gut flora, improve digestion, and enhance their overall digestive health.

2. Adjust Their Diet

Consider a feeding schedule of one day of food followed by one day of hay, with Timothy hay as the primary choice due to its high fiber content, which aids in gut health. Include a meal of alfalfa hay once a week to provide additional nutrition. Minimize treats or avoid them altogether, as they can introduce harmful preservatives and additives that may harm your tamago's delicate digestive system.

3. Clean Up Promptly

If possible, clean up after your tamago immediately after they defecate to prevent them from consuming their own waste.

Understanding why your tamago eats feces and how to manage it can be reassuring. While it's generally harmless, a lack of gut probiotics can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Pay close attention to your tamago's bowel movements and maintain their gut health to ensure they live a happy and healthy life!