Uneaten cecotropes

Question
Hi
I bought a 9 week old mini-lop from a breeder almost 2 weeks ago (she'll be 11 weeks old this Saturday),and I am concerned about her droppings.  I am feeding her the same rabbit mix and hay that she was given before, and nothing else.  Every morning there are a few clumps of squashed and uneaten cecotropes.  I have witnessed her eating them, but sometimes she'll spit them out and leave them on the floor.  I'm feeding her the correct amount, perhaps even a little less than recommended as I don't want to overload her digestive system and I want to encourage her to eat them.  She is leaving these 'clumps' almost every night and I'm concerned that she isn't getting all the nutrition she needs to grow stong and healthy.  I understand that she may be stressed after moving home, but I had hoped that it would have cleared up by now.
I'd greatly appreciate any advise.
Regards
Samantha Garbutt

Answer
Dear Samantha,

Rabbits who are getting a very rich diet (excess protein seems to be a trigger) often leave a few cecotropes behind (ha!), but it isn't a problem as long as they are eating most of them.  Your bunny may just be a bit sloppy, or she just may get tired of the cecotropes if she has a lot of other rich food.

For a complete rundown on a healthy rabbit diet, please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

I would not worry too much about a few "lost" cecotropes.  Several of our bunnies do this on occasion, and no one is worse for the wear.

For all the best rabbit info, please also visit:

www.rabbit.org

Hope that helps!

Dana