You don't have to be an award-winning chef to create delicious, nutritious treats for your pet bird at home. In fact, all you need is a little time and a few ingredients to concoct some culinary creations that will delight your bird's palate while giving them an extra dose of vitamins and nutrients at the same time. Strap on your apron and try whipping up a few of these fun and easy bird treat recipes at home. Chances are that your bird will love them, and you might just find that you're a better cook than you first expected!

•Fresh Fruit Platter

For a fail-safe treat that will delight your bird while providing extra nutrition, try cutting up a plate of fresh mixed fruits and veggies for your feathered friend. Parrots love fruit, and bird treat recipes just don't get much easier than this! Choose options like sliced apples, chopped bananas, orange wedges, and grapes to give your pet easy bites that he or she can grasp with their feet. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even add a dollop of plain yogurt to the plate to give your bird more variety plus beneficial bacteria that will help his or her digestive system.More »

•Banana Strips

In a pinch, this recipe for Banana Strips for birds is good to have on hand. Not only is it full of important vitamins, it's a great way to give your bird some variety in texture and flavors. This easy recipe requires only a spoon and mixing bowl, a plate, and a microwave, and is the perfect homemade bird treat for kids to help make for their pet birds. To make this recipe even more fun for your family to put together, use cookie cutters to make neat shapes for your bird instead of strips. A drop or two of food coloring can make things even more exciting!More »

•Fruity Parrot Pops

When the weather starts to get warmer outside, this recipe for Fruity Parrot Pops is a great way for you and your bird to relax and cool down. By altering the ingredients to include foods that are tasty and healthy for both people and birds, you can create a variety of different types of treats that you and your bird can share together. Alternatively, throw in some millet or pellets to make a "birds only" treat that your feather friend will go wild for. Creating a signature blend customized to your bird's own tastes can be a fun way to give your bird the ultimate reward. Your imagination is the limit with this versatile recipe!More »

•Peanut Butter Raisin Pockets

Just about everyone loves a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but the sugar and sodium found in this old favorite is way too much for an exotic bird's digestive system to handle. Instead, this health-concious recipe for Peanut Butter Raisin Pockets delivers healthy fats and proteins, not to mention a burst of flavor, without all the sugar and sodium found in jelly. This fun and easy recipe is another great treat for little ones to try making, and is safe for owners to share with their birds.More »

•Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Although many people like to reserve this treat for autumn, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds are a fun and healthy recipe that you can make for your bird any time of the year. Easy to prepare and surprisingly nutritious, pumpkin seeds are a parrot favorite that you can often find in commercial seed mixes for larger species. Making your own fresh toasted pumpkin seeds at home can ensure that your bird doesn't miss out on nutrients that get lost when seeds are stored for periods of time the way that they are in commercial production settings. Plus, toasting them yourself can be a load of fun!More »