Almost any healthy food you fix for yourself can also be shared with your parrot, such as pasta, rice, casseroles, meats, cereal and, of course, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Try to keep fatty and sugary foods out of the mix, along with dairy products. (Because they're not mammals, birds don't have the ability to digest regular or large amounts of dairy products.) Also avoid chocolate, alcohol and caffeine.

Another cross-species surprise: You can occasionally add dog kibble or monkey food (the latter is often available at bird-supply shops) to your pet bird's meals.

Sharing your meal with your pet bird helps your relationship, too. So knock yourself out fixing fabulous meals you both can enjoy.

Just keep your portions separate: Your bird shouldn't eat food that has been in your mouth and vice versa.