Birds are complex creatures that sometimes behave in ways that are difficult for us to understand. While some quirky behaviors are normal and acceptable, owners need to know the proper ways to manage undesirable behaviors such as biting, chewing, and screaming. Read on for some helpful hints about basic training and correcting bad behavior. With love, patience, and consistency, most behavior issues can be worked out.

• Why Birds Bite
  
  
• Correcting Bad Behavior in Birds
  
  
• How to Tame an Aggressive Bird
  

Egg binding is a serious and often fatal condition that affects female birds of breeding age.

Because it's so important for egg bound hens to receive prompt medical treatment, owners should know what signs and symptoms to watch for in their pets. Read on for the most common signs of egg binding in birds, and always keep a close eye on mature female birds. Recognizing the signs of egg binding early on can be the key to your pet's survival.

• Signs of Egg Binding in Birds

Many pet bird owners, at least once or twice, entertain ideas of allowing their pets to have a family. While having a nest full of adorable chirping babies may seem like a great idea at times, owners should know what they're getting into when they choose to breed their birds, and should take several key issues into consideration before rushing out to buy their bird a mate. To find out if you are truly up to the challenge, take a look at some pf the possible scenarios in "Should I Breed My Pet Bird?" Chances are that you'll decide that breeding is best left to the professionals.

It's easy for new bird owners to become a little bit disoriented when it's time to shop for their new pet -- there are literally thousands of different bird products on the market! Unfortunately, not all of the products that are available are as effective as they claim to be, and some can even be harmful to your pet's health. Concrete perches and sand perch covers are just a couple of those items -- read on to find out why.

• The Truth About Concrete and Sand Bird Perches

It's good for pet birds to get some fresh greens in their diets, and I can't think of a more fun way to give it to them than to start a small indoor herb garden for your pet.

Not only are herbs tasty and good for your bird, they are easy to grow and can be kept in small containers. As a bonus, you can use them to liven up your own meals, if you feel the urge. To learn more about some of the most popular bird-safe herbs, check out the following articles from your Guide to Herb Gardens, Amy Jeanroy.

• Oregano - This familiar herb is a favorite of many parrots. Try making yours a bird-sized "pizza" out of an unsalted cracker, a little crushed tomato, and some fresh oregano.
  
  
• Rosemary - Sprigs of fragrant Rosemary can be clipped and hung in your bird's cage for an all natural, shreddable treat.
  
  
• Thyme - Most birds (and some people) flip for thyme. Fresh Thyme has an alluring aroma and packs a lot of flavor into its leaves and stems.

What is the true secret to a bird's ability to fly? Primary Flight Feathers, of course! While a bird's skill at flight is normally attributed to the wings, the truth is that the wings would be useless for flying if the primary flight feathers weren't in place. To learn more about how these fascinating feathers work, check out this quick explanation of the Primary Flight Feathers. You're virtually guaranteed to learn something new!

Photo (c) 2006 Alyson Burgess licensed to About.com, Inc.

During this time of year, many bird owners begin discovering eggs in their pets' cages. If you have only one bird, or if you keep your birds seperated, then babies aren't a possibility. But if you are one of the many bird owners that keep more than one bird in the same enclosure, then you will want to know whether or not those eggs are fertile. For a great illustrated guide to identifying fertile eggs, check out Candling Eggs from Nan & Flock's Bird Behaviorist's Website. It's a handy resource for those who need to know exactly what to look for.

More on Eggs and Breeding:

• Do You Really Want to Breed Your Bird?
  
• The Dangers of Egg Binding in Female Birds

While the vast majority of bird owners and aviculturists keep their birds caged for safety and security reasons, a growing number of enthusiasts are allowing their pets to live freely in their homes. For example, Flickr.com, the popular photo sharing site, hosts a large community of bird owners who allow their birds free flight indoors. The group, Uncaged! Birds in Our Homes, shares many hundreds of photos of their pets online, and welcomes all new members who keep their birds uncaged in their homes.

Would you ever consider allowing your bird free run of the house? Why or why not? Post a comment with your opinion below or fly over to the forum to let everyone know what you think!

This wonderful Apple Salad Recipe from Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, your Guide to Home Cooking, is a fresh, fun treat that the whole family can enjoy! Last night I whipped up a batch for myself and the hubby, reserving a portion (without the mayonnaise) for the birds. They went wild when I served them their little salads! The best part, however, is that the recipe utilizes a variety of bird-safe fruits and vegetables, each packed with wholesome nutrients. Why not try your hand at making this treat for your own bird? Just don't forget to skip the sodium-rich mayonnaise, like I did. If you'd like to add some extra calcium, just substitute a tablespoon of plain yogurt.

More Bird Treat Recipes

Spring is here, and that means that birds everywhere, both captive and wild, are well into breeding season -- and that means that people are more likely to find wild baby birds that could use a helping hand. If you've stumbled across a wild baby and are unsure of what to do next, check out this great article on How to Rescue Injured or Orphaned Wild Birds by your Guide to Birding and Wild Birds, William Webb. It will provide helpful direction if you are faced with having to rescue one of our wild feathered friends.

More on Finding Fledgelings:

• Caring for Wild Baby Birds