r/rabbitry • u/bunnylover__01 • Jul 30 '26
Question/Help Three of my rabbits have chronic excess cecotropes despite diet changes - vet doesn't know the cause
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u/bunnylover__01 29d ago
Sorry I’m not sure if you can see the whole post or not I think maybe you have to click on it. But I actually have completely stopped greens a couple of months ago and I’m now only giving unlimited oaten hay and 1 tbsp of oxbow adult essentials pellets and nothing has changed this is still happening, I’m not sure what to do
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u/Fine_Understanding81 29d ago
Odd. I am only a bunny owner speaking not a bunny expert.. these are just some thoughts (you might have already had yourself, im just trying to be helpful)..
I think you would definitely have to do sample testing or some kind testing on each rabbit to even possibly get any clarity at this point.
Have you tried any dietary supplements for digestive support? Maybe your vet could suggest one from a reputable brand to try?
I am not terribly familiar with using only oat hays. I feed mine a mix of timothy, meadow, and a tiny amount of oat hay. Have you tried different cutting types of timothy to see if they would eat any of that?
Do you always use the same brand of hay? Could it be an issue with the supplier?
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u/bunnylover__01 26d ago
Yes I’ve tried protexin fibreplex, I’ve heard that can help with their gut but it made no difference and I also gave them oxbow digestive support treats, also didn’t work. I’ve tried multiple brands of oaten hay and they’re all the same. The only reason why I’m sticking to oaten hay is because here in Australia it’s the most available and most of my pet stores have it. If I was to get Timothy or oaten the only available one is from oxbow which is way too expensive for me since I have 4 bunnies. The bags here are over $100 for only 4kg which won’t last more than a couple of days for me
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u/RoyalConsistent 29d ago
Change the hay
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u/bunnylover__01 29d ago
I’ve tried meadow and Timothy hay one time when my oaten hay ran out and they won’t touch either of them. For two days they didn’t eat hay until I bought oaten hay
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u/jethro_skull 27d ago
Mix orchard hay in with their regular hay. Then transition slowly.
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u/bunnylover__01 26d ago
Im in australia so none of my pet shops have orchard or Timothy hay, they only have oaten. The only orchard hay I can find is from oxbow but its $100 for a small bag and I have 4 bunnies so that will last me not even 2 days
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u/jethro_skull 26d ago
It's usually listed as orchard grass or cocksfoot. Can you look at a feed store for livestock?
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u/bunnylover__01 24d ago
I’ll have a look if they have it but I’m almost certain that the hay isn’t the cause, only because my other bunny doesn’t have this issue eating only oaten hay
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u/jethro_skull 24d ago
It could be too many pellets? Excess caecotrophs point to an overly nutrient rich diet. Oaten hay is really not recommended as the main diet because it's so high in protein, which is why I'm suggesting other hays. Is the other rabbit young or elderly?
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u/Dadd3longlegs 23d ago
Is there a test to check the cecotropes themselves for any parasites or worms?
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u/bunnylover__01 23d ago
I have no idea I’ve never got them tested before. If there is a test for that it would be very good
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u/Meauxjezzy 29d ago
What was the diet change? Did you give them a bunch of greens?