Pet parents who have lived with their hamsters for quite some time can identify what healthy hamster droppings look like. Being stoic animals, hamsters are able to hide illnesses but by identifying changes in hamster poop you can tell when it is suffering.

You will rarely find healthy hamsters drop green poop. The primary reason why hamsters poop green is consuming a green leafy diet or processed foods with green dye. However, green poop could also be a sign that your hamster is suffering from health issues such as diarrhea, effects from antibiotics, or stress.

In this article, we will discuss why hamsters poop green and what you can do to restore normal poop color.

Reasons why hamsters poop green

Some reasons why hamsters poop green include a leafy diet, gallbladder issues, medicines, and dirty cages.

a). Leafy diet

It is okay to feed your hamster green leafy vegetables but it should be at a regulated amount. Hamsters consuming too much of a leafy diet can not only make the pet rodent poop green but also cause digestive problems.

The reason why hamsters poop green after eating too much of a leafy diet is simple to explain. The green color of vegetables will dominate the color of the droppings. The same applies when hamsters consume manufactured food with a green dye.

The solution to hamsters pooping green due to consuming a green-colored diet is gradually changing the food available for the pet.

b). Diarrhea

Cases of diarrhea in hamsters are common when the pet is fed too much of a green diet. When the cause of diarrhea is overfeeding green vegetables then the loose poop will have a green color.

Other causes of diarrhea such as stomach infections induced by bacteria can make the poop turn out to be green.

Diarrhea is fatal to hamsters and you should consult a vet immediately if you notice any signs.

c). Wet tail

Wet tail in hamsters is more like diarrhea only that it is more severe. The infection is caused by bacteria and it mostly attacks young hamsters.

Just like diarrhea, wet tail in hamsters is a common reason why hamsters poop green. You can identify a hamster suffering from a wet tail infection by loose poop making the anus area dirty, a hunched posture, and lethargy. 

Severe diarrhea in hamsters is fatal and can cause death within three days. 

d). Cold weather

Cold weather is a common reason why hamsters poop green. Green poop in hamsters is therefore likely during the winters of the year.

Cold temperatures may cause illnesses in a hamster. When an illness that affects the digestive system attacks the hamster, it may alter the color of its poop.

You can avoid cold temperatures affecting your hamster by keeping the cage warm. Using heat pads, warm bedding, and positioning the cage away from windows are some ways to keep your hamster warm.

 e). Respiratory Infections

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) directly affect the digestive system. This makes RTIs a potential reason why hamsters poop green.

Respiratory infections such as chronic lung inflammation may cause inflammatory bowel diseases which affect the intestines. Infected intestines may eventually affect the poop thus making the hamster have green droppings.

f). Gallbladder issues

Gallbladder is responsible for releasing bile which is essential for the digestive process. However, the gallbladder may have issues that may in turn be a potential cause for green poop in hamsters. Gallbladder can cause the hamster’s poop to be green when it releases excessive bile into the digestive system. Traces of the excess bile can be identified in the hamster’s poop with a green color.

g). Medicines

When hamsters are under medication, they are likely to have green poop. Green poop in hamsters under medication could be a result of an accumulation of chemicals in the digestive system.

Antibiotics are the most abused hamster medicines. Excessive use of antibiotics can cause stomach problems. This eventually causes hamsters to poop green. You should strictly follow veterinary prescriptions when treating your hamsters to avoid abuse of medicines.

h). Poor hygiene

Hamsters are fairly clean animals. However, like any other pet, they depend on their owner for better personal hygiene.

Keeping a hamster in a dirty cage can prove to be hazardous as it creates a breeding environment for bacteria. When these bacteria find their way into the hamster’s digestive system they can cause illnesses. The illnesses will in turn change the hamster’s poop into green.

The easiest way to reduce the chances of hamsters consuming bacteria is to keep their feeding and water bowls clean. You should also make it a habit to change the bedding at least twice per week and while at it clean and disinfect the whole cage.

i). Stress

Stress is a common reason why hamsters poop green given that these pets can easily get stressed. Stress in hamsters triggers the release of hormones into the digestive system which may affect its poop color.

Some factors that may cause stress in hamsters include sudden weather changes, loud noises, and changes in the environment. If stress is causing your hamster to poop green, you should find ways to calm down a stressed hamster.

FAQs

What does unhealthy hamster poop look like?

A healthy hamster poop should be firm dark colored pellets with a rough texture. Unhealthy hamster poop will therefore have odd colors and textures. Green poop is one of the odd colors mainly caused by a diet.

What are the signs of infections in hamsters?

Early signs of infections in hamsters are seen in their poop. There can be changes in poop color, texture, and smell. Other signs of infections include loss of appetite, lethargy, arched posture, and weight loss.

Why do hamsters poop green in winter?

Hamsters are likely to poop green in the cold months of winter. Changes in temperature can trigger stress which leads to the release of chemicals into the digestive system. These chemicals may interfere with the hamster’s poop color making it green.