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Why does my hamster eat its poop? Is this normal or healthy behavior?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

Why does my hamster eat it's own poop

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Rebeccah Wood

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on July 28th, 2017

Hello there! Unfortunately for us, this is a very normal behavior for rodents. The medical term for poop-eating is coprophagy, and in hamsters, it's healthy for them to do so. Many animals, like rodents, that eat a mostly plant-based diet don't get all the nutrients from their food the first time it passes through their digestive system, so they literally digest it a second time by eating their feces. This helps them get as many nutrients out of their food as possible. I hope this helps, and that Willy stays a healthy and adorable friend!
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