• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Black Poop ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rockyhorrorsusiekat
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rockyhorrorsusiekat

I recently switched my 4 Guinea Pigs (rabbit and chinchillas as well) from store bought, Kaytee Timothy Hay to bulk stuff I found on the internet (http://www.sweetmeadowfarm.com/hay_timothy.html)... and now my Piggies have all got black, dry poop. I was wondering if this is a serious health concern ? I can't get to the Vet's until Monday to ask... but they're all doing well, eating and drinking normally and more than active. Do you think this is normal for a diet change ? Should I continue with the bulk hay ?

Thank so much !
 
Welcome to the forum, I am sorry it has taken a couple of days to get back to you. :)

Is the change in hay the only change in the diet?

Very dry poop could suggest dehydration to me - are they drinking as much as normal? - but the change in colour can happen with a change in diet. Darker poops often appear when foods like cabbages/broccoli/kale, and forages like grass or dried grass, are fed.
 
Have you made sure that your piggies are getting enough fluid either through veg or a bottle? the colour of poos can change with a change of food, but even more important is the consistency.

Have you made sure that your bottle is not leaking? You need to fill it right to the top so there is no air left before you put the cap on. That will create a vacuum which keeps the water from leaking.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top