Guinea Pig Poos - What's Normal & What's Not?

A great indicator of good or poor health in a guinea pig is by checking their poo!

Guinea pigs' health can go downhill very abruptly, so checking their poos at least once a day will help you keep on top of any changes. Healthy piggy poops should be dark, glossy, smooth, with round ends, and, as much as we hate the cleanup, there should be LOTS of it! 💩💩💩 Lighter coloured poops can point to dehydration or malnutrition and can be an easy case of changes to their diet.

When there isn't enough fibre (either from reduced appetite or poor diet), piggies' digestive systems start to shut down. This is when the poops can get smaller, tear-drop shaped, and stringy. Other bad signs are bloody poops, poops covered in mucus or crumbly/smeary poops. If you see any poop problems, get to your exotics vet asap!

✔ NORMAL GUINEA PIG POO

Shape and Size: Healthy guinea pig poos are oval or slightly elongated and uniform in shape. They are typically around 1 to 2 cm long.

Texture: Normal poos should be firm but not too hard, resembling a slightly soft but cohesive pellet.

Color: Healthy poos should be medium to dark brown and consistent in colour. Guinea pigs also pass greener poos which are called cecal pellets, these are special poos that you guinea pigs will re-eat as part of maintaining their gut health. So don't worry if you see your piggy eating their's or another piggy's poops - it's completely normal! 💩

Frequency: Guinea pigs poop a LOT, often producing hundreds of pellets each day! Frequent pooping is normal due to their high-fibre diet. So the more poops, the merrier! We apologise in advance for the constant clean up.

❌ ABNORMAL GUINEA PIG POO

Diarrhea: Soft, watery, or mushy poos are a sign of diarrhea. This can be caused by dietary issues, infections, or parasites. Diarrhea is serious and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Dry, Hard or Clumpy (pictured): If the poos are very dry and hard, your guinea pig might be dehydrated or not consuming enough fibre. Ensure they have access to fresh water and plenty of hay. Older guinea pigs can also display these types of poos.

Odd Shapes or Sizes: Irregular, misshapen, or very small poos can indicate digestive issues, stress, or other health problems.

Color Changes: A sudden change in color, such as very light or greenish poos, can indicate dietary issues or illnesses. Red or black poos might indicate blood, which is a medical emergency.

Excess Mucus: If the poos are coated in mucus, this can be a sign of digestive distress or infection.

Unusual Smell: While guinea pig poos have a mild odour, an unusually strong or foul smell can indicate a health issue.

Gut health is crucial for your piggy's wellbeing. If you notice any abnormal poos or other signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or weight loss in your piggy, consult your nearest exotics vet immediately!

Find your nearest exotics vet here.