A dilemma that many bird owners face is the problem of providing enough toys for their precocious pets. While many great bird toys can be found online and in pet shops, paying retail prices for toys can get expensive -- particularly if your bird is a heavy chewer and destroys his toys very quickly. To help cut the cost of providing playthings for your pet, check out these common household items that you can turn into cheap homemade bird toys. It will help keep playtime fun, and practically free!

Photo (c) 2008 Alyson Burgess licensed to About.com, Inc.

Looking for a bird that is intelligent, affectionate, and a great talker? An African Grey Parrot may just be the bird for you! Check out this profile on African Grey Parrots to learn about the history of these birds, as well as information on diet, exercise, lifespan, and more! If you are thinking of adding an African Grey to your family, check here first for a detailed look at the species.

Photo of "Magic" courtesy of Wilma Crawford

If you've ever been scratched by a bird's claws, you know how sharp and painful they can be! There are, however, many other reasons for trimming a bird's nails than for your own personal comfort. A quick nail trim now and then can help prevent foot problems in your bird, protect your furniture and valuables, and let's face it -- a little bit of extra handling time never hurts!

Check out these handy tips on trimming a bird's nails to make sure that the experience goes as smoothly as possible for all involved.

If you like cooking for your bird, then you'll enjoy the virtual treasure trove of bird-friendly recipes at ParrotRecipes.com. Featuring recipes for everything from birdie breakfast items to delectable desserts, the site is sure to be one that you will bookmark for easy reference!

Don't forget, preparing fresh foods for your bird is not only fun, it's the best way to boost your bird's nutrition. Do your bird a favor by practicing your kitchen skills on some of these delicious and nutritious selections:

More Bird Treat Recipes

Personally, I cook for my birds more often than I cook for myself and my husband! Do your birds have you trained as well as mine have trained me? Post a comment below to share your kitchen adventures with me and other bird owners.

Photo courtesy of Ginny Dille