Why Gerbils Eat Their Own Droppings

Many gerbil owners are bothered when they first see their pet eat their own droppings but many do not realize that this is actually a natural part of their digestion process. Often called coprophagy gerbils and other small rodents eat their own droppings in order to get the most nutrients from the food that is being provided to them. Though it may be a little unappetizing owners need to know that this is totally natural and okay for them to do.
Gerbils are herbivores and get all of their nutrition from plant material. Pet stores such as The Rabbit Hutch Shop offers gerbil food that is nutritionally balanced just for them. Of course gerbils do not get all the nutrients out of the food when it passes through their bodies the first time since they are too large to be properly absorbed.
By ingesting their droppings gerbils are taking that same gerbil food back into their bodies in order to digest it one more time. This time the nutrients are smaller and break down even more where their bodies can absorb them the absolute best. This process allows the bacteria in the gerbil’s body to break down the plant matter completely and get every bit of what is in the food you offer them. By passing through their body more than once the food that owners provide their pets have a chance to be fully utilized by their small intestine and colon to provide their bodies with what they need to be healthy.
It is hard for gerbil owners to believe but the feces of their pet actually have a substantial amount of nutrients inside that is good for them. While it may be unpleasant to see this habit does have a good purpose and owners should not discourage their gerbil from doing it.