Penn Foster Bird Handling and Restraint

Are Birds easy to Handle and Restrain?
Bird present the biggest challenge in handling and restraint because by the time the bird gets to the clinic it will already be under extreme stress.

What three things should you do before handling a bird?
Make sure you have a net or towel to recapture the bird.
Make sure that all doors and windows are shut and all exhaust fans are off.
Ask the owner if the bird is trainer to hop in a finger or arm.

What is your goal in handling and restraining a bird?
The goal in handling and restraining a bird is to always hold the bird so it cannot fly, bite, scratch or become injured.

How do you capture a small bird in a cage?
To capture a small caged bird:
First, open the cage door and block it with your hand or towel, then remove all perches and toys so the bird cannot injure itself if frightened.
Grab the bird with your hand by placing your palm around it's wings and securing it's head between your thumb and index finger. Then cradle the bird in your palm and place your index finger across it's legs.
You can hold small birds this way for restraint and most technical procedures.

How do you capture a Large Bird in a Cage?
To capture a large caged bird:
First, dim the lights to protect yourself from the bird's severe bite.
Open the cage door and use a towel to block the opening, then remove any excess perches and toys; and place the towel lengthwise across your palm.
Reach into the cage and grab the bird from behind by placing your hand behind the bird's head and positioning it's lower jaw between your thumb and index finger.
Drape a towel around the bird as you pull it to the cage door. As you bring the bird through the cage door, use your other hand to hold the bird's feet securely.

How do you capture a Bird that is trained to hop on a finger?
To capture a bird that is trained to hop on a finger:
Reach into the cage and allow the bird to hop on your finger; once you have the bird out of the cage, gently drape a towel over it's back; then place your other hand on the bird's feet and hold them securely.

What should you never cover or press down on when handling a bird?
Never cover or press down on the bird's breastbone area because the breastbone must move for the bird to breathe properly.

What can the Towel Restraint be used for?
A towel can be used to restrain birds for examination and some technical procedures.

What are some tools you can use for handling birds?
Lightweight leather gloves: A tool used for protection against bird bites.
Tape: A tool used to tape an aggressive bird's beak shut.
Towel: A tool used to restrain a bird for examination and most technical procedures.

What restraint techniques are used on a bird for some technical procedures?
Some technical procedures require you to stretch the bird's neck slightly and some may require you to provide access to a wing for an injection into the wing vein.