Knowledge & information
Consult this page for information on various topics such as care, parenting, nutrition, medical conditions, and more. Use the filter to narrow down the articles to just the topics you're looking for.
Parrots
The power of the feeding branch
In nature, birds spend a large part of their day searching, processing and obtaining food. A feeding branch is a simple but powerful way to provide natural food in captivity.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
27-02-2026
Other animals
The theme surrounding supplementary feeding of wild birds.
In this article I explain why supplementing wild birds with seed food is not in the interests of these birds.
drs.Jan Hooimeijer
19-02-2026
Other animals
Almost all of the world’s mammal biomass is humans and livestock
Almost all of the world’s mammal biomass is humans and livestock. This is an article that is frequently cited.
Hannah Ritchie & Fiona Spooner
09-01-2026
Parrots
Domestic violence in cockatoos part 2
It is a major problem worldwide that male cockatoos exhibit aggressive behavior towards the chrysalis. The results are injuries and even fatal consequences.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
02-01-2026
Cats
Toxoplasmosis – Guideline (R.I.V.M.)
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis is spread worldwide exclusively by cats. Infection can occur orally or through vertical transmission.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
04-12-2025
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
18-08-2025
Parrots
From shortness of breath to shortness of breath in the parrot/parakeet
Breathing problems/shortness of breath is possibly the most common complaint in parrots and parakeets. Most of the causes are preventable and are the result of the owner's ignorance about preventing health problems.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
29-07-2025
Parrots
Nutritional errors casefile 2
Feeding mistaker, casefile 2: a baby canary, dead from seed obstruction.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
10-07-2025
Parrots
How do you choose the perfect friend?
To be fair, we humans just want to be able to choose our friends and not just be “stuck” with someone. This is no different for a parrot or parakeet.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
22-05-2025
Parrots
Nutritional errors casefile 1
Nutritional errors, casefile 1: a 3 year old canary with too tight leg ring, clearly short of breath and molting problems.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
07-05-2025
Parrots
Do a health check regularly
Because parrots/birds conceal health problems for as long as possible, it is important to regularly check the health of your feathered friend(s). This way you are there in time if something threatens to go wrong.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
09-04-2025
Parrots
Make them work for their food!
In nature, parrots and parakeets have to make an effort to gather food. We know that if parrots have the choice of food in a food bowl or food that requires effort, they prefer not to eat from the food bowl.
drs. Jan Hooimeijer
26-02-2025