Why is my guinea pig eating its own poop? Should I be worried?

Question

Hi! I have 2 guinea pigs. 1 white Abyssinian guinea pig, and 1 dark brown Peruvian guinea pig. I've recently noticed that my Abyssinian guinea pig, Vanilla is trying to eat her own poop. This is something she has never done until now. I'm very concerned and worried about her. What should I do? Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Guinea pigs naturally eat the night poop, which is also called Cecotropes, it is a normal behavior and they all do it, you may or may not see them doing it (usually at night or early morning only). 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.

Why is my guinea pig eating its own poop? Should I be worried?

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