Why Does My Hamster Eat Its Poop? Understanding This Natural Behavior

It's never comfortable to imagine, let alone witness, your hamster eating its own poop. If you've seen this behavior, you might feel confused or even grossed out. After observing my hamster do this a few times, talking to other hamster owners, and doing some research, I discovered why this happens. The good news is that there's no need to panic—there's actually a very good reason for it.

Why Is Your Hamster Eating Its Poop?

The short answer is that hamsters produce two types of poop: regular, dry droppings and softer droppings that occur mostly at night. When your hamster eats its poop, it's consuming the softer, night droppings known as caecotrophs. These droppings are essential for your hamster's health because they contain high levels of vitamin B12 and other nutrients that your hamster's body needs.

Caecotrophs are produced in the hamster's small intestine but can only be absorbed effectively when they pass through the stomach again. This means your hamster needs to re-ingest these droppings to obtain the full nutritional benefits.

While it might sound unpleasant, this behavior is completely normal for hamsters and other rodents like guinea pigs, mice, and rabbits.

Can You Stop Your Hamster From Eating Its Poop?

No, and you shouldn't try to. This behavior is a natural part of your hamster's digestion process and is crucial for their health. Even if you provide a highly nutritious diet, your hamster will still need to eat its caecotrophs to fully absorb certain nutrients. Changing your hamster's diet won't stop this behavior, as it is an ingrained biological necessity.

So, while it might be a bit off-putting, it's important to let your hamster eat its night droppings—it’s a normal and healthy activity for them.

The Nutritional Value of Night Poop

Your hamster's night poop is rich in nutrients that aren't fully absorbed the first time food passes through their digestive system. By eating these droppings, your hamster ensures they get the most out of their food, particularly vitamin B12, which is vital for their health.

This behavior starts early in a hamster’s life. Baby hamsters, whose guts don't initially contain the necessary bacteria to break down food, will eat their mother's caecotrophs to populate their own digestive system with these beneficial bacteria. This process also helps them learn what is safe to eat.

The Dry Poop You’re Used to Seeing

The more familiar, dry poop you often find in your hamster's cage is different from the nutrient-rich caecotrophs. These dry droppings are usually hard and lack nutritional value, so your hamster won’t eat them. However, you might find them in unusual places like your hamster's food bowl, house, or even in their cheeks.

Hamsters are not particularly concerned about where they leave their droppings, so you might find poop scattered throughout their living space, including in their food or bedding.

Dealing With Hamster Poop Around the Cage

It's not uncommon to find your hamster’s dry poop in unexpected places, and managing this can be a bit of a challenge. Hamsters are known to hoard and sometimes even throw their poop across their cage. Although this behavior is normal, it can lead to a mess, especially if their cage is placed directly on a carpet or other difficult-to-clean surfaces.

To make cleanup easier, consider placing your hamster's cage on a piece of cardboard or a washable cloth. This will help contain any stray bedding or droppings that fall out of the cage.

Conclusion: A Word About Hamster Poop

As unpleasant as it might seem, your hamster eating its night poop is a natural and essential behavior. It doesn't mean you're not feeding them properly; rather, it's just a part of how hamsters are designed to get the nutrients they need.

Remember, this behavior is common among many rodents, not just hamsters, so there's no need to worry. Let your hamster do its thing, and continue to provide them with the care they need.

If you're interested in learning more about hamster care, including choosing the best cage, feeding tips, or understanding why hamsters are nocturnal creatures, feel free to explore the other articles on this site. You'll find plenty of valuable information to help you take the best care of your furry friend.