Rabbit poop - strong smell

Question
QUESTION: My rabbit's poop smells horrible!  It is not the cecotropes but the regular droppings.  I have heard that rabbit poop is not supposed to smell.  Is it his diet or something else?  He had a fecal test for parasites and coccidia in March and it came back negative.
ANSWER: Dear Kelly,

Are your bunny's fecal pellets small and round and relatively dry, or are they sort of large and "marshmallowy?"  If the latter, he could have what we not-so-affectionately call "Cowpoop Syndrome"--a genetic condition in which the fecal and cecal pellets appear to mix together, resulting in fecal poops that have a strong, almost cecotrope-like smell.  This condition can have other health implications, so if you think that might be the problem, please write back to me at dana@miami.edu

We have one bunny like that, and there's just not much you can do.  If your bunny isn't neutered, then neutering may help reduce the odor, since he may be scenting them with musk (as a healthy adult unneutered male will do).

I hope this helps, but please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The poops look normal size and are dry, and he isn't neutered yet.  He's about 3 months old, and he just reached puberty because he started circling my feet and making the honking/oinking noises.  Could he just be scenting them with musk?  He doesn't seem sick, just smelly.

Is Marshall Bi-Odor Rabbit Waste Deodorizer safe for rabbits?  I have heard of people using it but I want to make sure it is okay to use.

Thanks,
Kelly

Answer
Dear Kelly,

Ahhh, yes.  The Sweet Smell of Puberty.  Yes, he's probably musking his pellets.  The smell is kind of "skunky," right?  Once he's neutered and the hormones have percolated out of his system for a few weeks, his poops should lose their musky smell.

I have not used any type of deodorizer, but if you can look at the label of the one you are mentioning and tell me the ingredients, I can tell you if it's safe.  I can't tell you whether it will be effective, though.

Dana