I do use home remedies sometimes, but usually under the advice of a veterinarian. My bird had recurrent yeast problems in his crop thanks to the conditions he used to live in (he's a rescue) and the antibiotics he needed when I first adopted him. His avian veterinarian told me to add apple cider vinegar to his water occasionally as a preventative. If I ever see even the slightest sign that the yeast is coming back, I'll use the vinegar every day for a week or so. The vet also recommended some supplements to use if I ever notice Buzzy seems a little "off." Of course, I take Buzzy in to see the doctor if it's anything more serious, or if things don't improve with the vinegar or supplements.
As for my cat, I couple months ago, I noticed he'd been clumsy, and I remembered the vet once telling me about a joint supplement for older cats. I found the supplement online and ordered it, and now the Monster cat has improved dramatically.