Guinea Pig Poop Guide: Normal Pellets, Cecotropes & Red Flags

Guinea pigs produce two distinct fecal types – both normal and essential.

1. Hard Fecal Pellets

• Dry, oval, uniform, dark brown.
• ~100–200/day; passed throughout day.
• Indigestible fiber waste.

2. Cecotropes (Cecal Pellets / "Night Feces")

• Soft, shiny, grape-like clusters; greenish-brown; strong odor.
• Produced in cecum via hindgut fermentation (bacteria synthesize B-vitamins, vitamin K, amino acids).
• Directly consumed from anus (cecotrophy) – usually early morning/late night.
• Essential for nutrition; recycling prevents deficiency.

Abnormal Signs – Vet Needed

• Diarrhea (unformed, watery) – not cecotropes.
• Small, dry, few pellets – GI stasis (emergency).
• Mucus/blood in stool.
• Cecotropes left uneaten – obesity, dental pain, arthritis, illness.
• Clumped pellets on fur – diarrhea/cecotrope soiling.

Diet for Healthy Digestion

• Unlimited grass hay (timothy, orchard) – 80% diet.
• Fresh vegetables (1 cup/day) – bell pepper, romaine, cilantro.
• Pellets (1/8 cup/day) – timothy-based, no seeds/nuts.
• Vitamin C supplement (10–30 mg/day) or high-C veggies.
• Water always available.

Monitor poop daily – it's the #1 health indicator.