What I feed my Bunnies?

I've been getting questions about what I feed my bunnies, so I thought I would write up my routine.  Those who know me, know how much I love my furry and feathered friends. Waking up to my daily feeding routine puts me in the best of moods and I talk enjoy checking on each one...I'll explain later.

  Happy, healthy bunnies make happy, calm and trusting pets.  I feed them Rabbit Complete by Purina every morning, with a fist full of  Timothy hay every day.  There are many brands of food that will be fine, I just chose Purina because I get it in bulk at the feed store and the employees suggested it.  Actually, as long as it is a reputable COMPLETE pellet, it will keep the bunnies on a predictable diet.  I don't change food brands or mess with types because it is simply not necessary.   The Timothy Hay keeps their digestive organs good, too.  I give my bunnies LOTS of water that is clean and available at all times.  This is VERY important.  I use the large water bottles and fill them daily.  A bunny with no water can overheat in a hot house in summer!  Bunnies should never be lethargic.  If you put your bunny outside, be careful he/she is not in direct sunlight. 
  On Sundays, I collect rose petals, strawberry leaves and orange leaves from my backyard and give each bunny a little treat.  Too much will cause runny or sticky poop so just a small handful makes them very happy.  Every couple of weeks or so, I will give them some apple branches and grape leaves/vines.  Again, these are all from my backyard.  I don't use pesticides and I know what I put on my own plants.  ALL my bunnies LOVE treat time. 
   Occasionally, I will give the bunnies carrot tops or bread ends (oat or wheat, no white) or kitchen pieces that we don't eat.  Be careful not to go too "treat" diet.  Like humans, bunnies can become diabetic and "human food" is very sugary.  Yup, I spoil my bunnies but with love and not food.

Okay, that pretty much makes up their diets.  Now, the "daily checking" while I feed them part.  This is nuts, but I pick them up and kiss them good morning.  The babies are so cute, I can't not cuddle them.  I talk to them and the older ones always come over for their cuddles.  While doing this, I am checking their bodies for any bumps or hair balls or torn nails on their fuzzy feet.  I honestly believe this is why my bunnies are calm and sweet.  They all have different personalities and I just adore getting to know them.  Some are just more skiddish than others, but I've never had a bunny nip or bite.  The girls are less friendly when they are pregnant, but come racing if I have food.  Similar to humans, in my opinion, they probably just don't feel that great.  Once I figure out one may be pregnant, I hold them on my lap in the evening.  I think it calms them and they are not protective when the babies come.  I feed more and pet my mamas more when the babies come.  I don't pick her up when she is close to her due date, and when she is nursing.  When she is weaning the babies, after about 6 weeks, I take the babies out and give the mama some time to herself.  I return the babies 5-6 hours later in the evening so they can still nurse. 

So, this is my bunny routine.  And yup, every day.  Then, I go to work.  LOL!