2025 is an anniversary year, because 25 years ago in 2000, the Bird Advisory Practice took the initiative to organize the first picnic/walk on the Veluwe with parrots.
Clients of the Bird Advisory Practice were invited to these walks/picnics. This initiative emphasizes the importance for parrots to experience being part of the family, just as dogs and children naturally are. They should get outdoors as often as possible. Walking and cycling are essential.
Over 30 years ago, Jan Hooimeijer formulated definitions of normal, desirable, undesirable, and enforced behavior. He also uses the definition of "overshooting behavior" (overshooting behavior was defined over 70 years ago by Prof. Niko Tinbergen, one of the founders of ethology and a Nobel Prize winner in 1973).
These definitions are crucial for understanding the behavior of parrots, animals, and children and knowing how to respond accordingly. In combination with these definitions, the 5-step behavioral protocol has been developed as a tool for creating a relationship with a parrot, animal, or child based on mutual respect and trust. This forms the basis for walking, picnicking, and cycling with parrots.
More people in the Netherlands now walk and cycle with parrots than in the rest of the world. Cycling is more than healthy; it provides a sense of freedom, experiencing the sun and rain as part of nature.
In the photo, taken by photographer Dimitri Steinmeijer, avian veterinarian Jan Hooimeier cycles with the 70-year-old Yellow-fronted Amazon Dorus. Dorus is whistling and singing.
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