Normal fecal pellets

Firm, rather dry, round.  Like tiny Cocoa Puffs!

Rabbits usually will choose one corner of the cage to be the potty corner.  Watch to make sure your bunny is producing these normal pellets each and every day. 

If you see a marked decrease in the number of pellets, or if the bunny has stopped producing pellets, it may be going into GI Stasis -- you need to seek help right away.

Cecotropes

Looks like a clump of grapes.  Because it is coated with mucous, it appears shiny and wet.  Dark brown in color.  Rather pungent, disagreeable odor.

Cecotropes are the normal "night feces" produced by the rabbit, usually during the evening or early morning.  The rabbit will ingest these clumps as they are produced, which is completely normal.  By doing this the bunny puts vital minerals and nutrients back into it's system and provides desirable bacteria to help keep the intestinal tract healthy.  The mucous coating actually protects the nutrients (notably vitamin B12) as they pass through the stomach, so they can be absorbed in the intestine.

Unformed Cecotropes (Picture coming when I find and example)

These are most likely unformed cecotropes, which will appear as mushy or thick runny clumps of poop which won't fall through the wire floor, so collect on the wire.   Sometimes you will also see these clumps attached to the bunny's bottom in large clumps.  Nasty.

This is a sign that the rabbit's digestive tract is out of whack somewhat, and you should take notice before the situation becomes worse, and possibly dangerous.

The intestine may be moving too slowly, the diet is too rich in carbohydrates and too low in fiber, or it may be a sign of an impending attack of coccidiosis.  Could also result from feeding "treats" like fruit or greens too often in too large amounts.

Stabilize the diet.  Increase fiber (oats, hay).  Keep a close eye on the situation and see the vet if it doesn't clear up quickly.

String of Pearls

Normal-looking fecal pellets connected by a "string" or thread of ingested hair.  Often seen (especially in wool breeds) when the rabbit is in a molt and is ingesting large amounts of fur as it grooms itself. 

Not to panic, but the presence of large amounts of wool in the intestinal tract could cause a blockage.  So, if we see this in the dropping pan, it is a good idea to give the bunny a little Petromalt (or cat fur ball remedy) to help it slide that fur on through.

Mild diarrhea

Bottom may be soiled with loose runny stool.  Dark brown, wet, does not have an extremely foul odor, is about the consistency of mashed potatoes (or maybe runny mashed potatoes).

Okay, something's up.  Could be stress, change of feed, fouled drinking water, parasites, coccidia, or any number of things.  Look for clues:  what has changed in the bunny's environment.  In this particular case, we have a young rabbit which is just beginning to be fed a conditioning grain mix to enhance flesh and wool quality... oops!  Too much too fast.  We backed it off.

Give the bunny more fiber in the diet (grass hay, rolled oats) and decrease or take away the regular pelleted ration.  Be sure it has plenty of clean water.  You can even give it a little Kaopectate, but usually the hay and oats will clear it up in a few hours.

If several bunnies in the herd exhibit diarrhea, you may have a case of coccidiosis or other illness breaking out.  Treat with the appropriate medications (talk to your vet or see Lisa Smith's web site off our Links page.)

Pinworms  (I'll put a picture up when I find an example.)

The most common parasite you will see in the bunny's feces is the pinworm.  It will look like tiny pieces of rice embedded in the fecal pellet and are usually more evident after the bunny has been treated for worms.

Many people are surprised to learn that rabbits commonly carry pinworms and should be on a regular worming program.  Here we worm three to four times a year, or with the seasons.   Again, Lisa Smith's web site (off our links page) has some excellent info on types of wormers and dosages.  (Thanks Lisa!!!)

Enteritis (picture when I find an example)

This severe form of diarrhea is a symptom of Enteritis, which is a life-threatening condition most often seen in weanling and young rabbits, but can affect adults as well. 

You will see unformed, watery feces.  It may be dark and foul-smelling.  The hallmark trait is the presence of mucous or jelly-like secretions with the feces.  It is usually copious in amount, covering the bunny's bottom and often the hind legs.  If you hold the bunny next to your ear and shake it gently you will hear a sloshing sound in the gut.

This is the late stage of an emergency situation.  The bunny will need subcutaneous meds, antibiotics, and critical care to have a hope of pulling through, so get thee to a vet STAT.