poop question again

[Laluvschins]

Hi guys. I absolutely feel like im going crazy. I've had some issues in the past with small poos. Vet said they may be eating too many pellets and not enough hay. Since I have increased the hay throughout the cage. They eat oxbow pellets and hay and drink nursery water. Treats is very moderation such as oats, rose hips, and rose buds. I am a night owl so I am up with them most the night. I see them both eat and drink well. Again lately I've been seeing very small and thin poos. I was playing with one of them earlier on the wheel so I know it was his poos. Some were small and then some kind of weird shaped and kindof large!! Im not 100% but I think it may have had a smell!!! Im totally confused and sooo upset. If there is a smell does that mean for sure its gardia?? My boys seem so active and playful and seem so normal. And im trying not to ramble on but I feel like I could go on for hours talking about this. Im wondering if I should do the puree pumpkin again and what is acidophillus used for? Would that be an option??? Please help, I don't know what to do at this point, im dealing with small thin poos and then the larger weird shaped poo really surprised me today.

 

[Stackie]

Poop can and will vary in size and shape through out the day. Can you take a picture of both the small poop and the large? Is the poop slimey/wet at all? A smell does not necessarily mean giardia, and usually the smell is very noticeable. You can always take a sample in to the vet for an intestinal parasite exam if you are unsure.

Acidophilus is a supplement of live bacteria that naturally resides in the gut and can be beneficial for digestion.

 

[Laluvschins]

Yes it does seem wet/ moist. Is that a bad sign?

 

[Laluvschins]

I will take pictures as well. Not sure about the slimness. Maybe a little. No mucus though.

 

[Cuddlebug]

Poo is usually wet when it is fresh and then dries fairly quickly. Acidophilus can be given for both small dry poos and moist poos. It will help to balance the digestive system which corrects either problem as long as there are no parasites present.

 

[Cuddlebug]

Poo is usually wet when it is fresh and then dries fairly quickly. Acidophilus can be given for both small dry poos and moist poos. It will help to balance the digestive system which corrects either problem as long as there are no parasites present.

ETA sorry about the double post. My computer was locking up.

 

[AZChins]

I think the vet may be on to something about this chin not eating enough hay. That definitely could be an issue, but normally it wouldn't cause the droppings to be thin. I have my own methods of correcting this issue, but acidophilus can help along with getting the chin to eat more hay. Do the boys seem to enjoy their hay? Do you see them eating it? Some of my customers have had some issues with Oxbow hay and their chins or guinea pigs not wanting to eat it.

I wouldn't worry about handfeeding them at this point.

 

[Laluvschins]

Yes I see them both eating it. I have ordered some hay from KMS Hayloft just for a change. Do you think I should try some of the acidophillus should be tried at this point? I would love if this would correct itself naturally. Both my boys are eaters I have had to ban them from cardboard. I know most there toys they prolly eat. But they are strickly wood and yuka wood and loots. You think this could be a problem?

 

[Laluvschins]

I mean yuka wood and loofa. I have also noticed they like alfalfa hay pretty well too but I have been laying off of that a little and timothy and oat hay everynight as well. AZ Chins, what's your method to thin small poos?

 

[Laluvschins]

Please, I hope I'm not loosing post yet with this thread. I have watched the boys poos today and most seem pretty normal but some still pretty small. I have a huge question. If there is a slight smell with the poos what does that mean?? I've never really smelled of them but I've been such the poop expert lately, I've been smelling and it seems there may be a slight smell, does that mean definate something is wrong? Bacteria? I have some samples I'm thinking I'll take to the vet, but what could this mean??they are both still so active and playing normally...please, all posts are so welcome!

 

[Stackie]

We can't really tell you much more. I would take a sample to the vet so you can have some peace of mind of what's going on. Intestinal parasite exams are usually not expensive (we charge $24 at the clinic I work at) and take about 20 minutes. Just make sure the samples you take are fresh. I honestly do not see any huge red flags in what you are describing.

 

[Laluvschins]

Thank you Stacey I will. I just wondered if a very slight smell was normal?

 

[Stackie]

I have noticed a slight smell when I get really close to the poo and take a whiff. (You know you're a chin owner when...)

 

[Laluvschins]

Yes, I really feel like im crazy obsessed with turds hear lately. Lol. That does make me feel a little rest assured thank you so much for continuing to answer. Im still taking a sample in tomorrow. But on the other small turd hand, what would you recommend? Ever trued the probiotics or anything?

 

[Stackie]

I have one boy who has chronic small, dry poops ever since he had a foreign body and he also has teeth spurs that need filed down every 4 months or so, and he's not a big hay eater. I give him a 10-15 mL mixture of Critical Care, Lifeline, and probiotics every morning that seems to help with the small poops. Causes can be lack of fiber in the diet and dehydration, among other things. Some chins just have small poos.