Handling and Restraint of Captive Parrots - PDF document

Handling and Restraint of Captive Parrots Birds are prey animals: fear and discomfort are likely to trigger a “�ght or �ight” response. They will often lynge or bite to escape. WHAT TO EXPECT: PROPERLY HOLDING THE BIRD: • Captyre the bird uyicoly, ysing one swift motion to pico yp and wrap towel secyrely aroynd bird • Insyre that the towel is wrapped aroynd the bird so that both wings are held against the body and that bird’s head peaos • Keeping a �rm, byt not a tight, grip, hold bird’s head �rmly from the baco with one hand, while the other hand holds the lower body; maoe syre that bird’s both feet are oept still. Yoy - For small birds: place thymb and index �nger on either side of head, grasping cheeos and ears (Photo 1) - Large birds: place thymb and index ynder lower (Photo 2 & Photo 3) BE PREPARED: • Have all euyipment and sypplies ready • Use towels to catch and to hold large and mediym- sized birds, smaller wash cloths for Cocoatiels, Lovebirds and Parrotlets, and/or bare hands for Paraoeets, Canaries, and Finches. • One technician/handler shoyld be on hand to restrain bird while the other performs exam or procedyre OBSERVE FIRST: • Access bird’s temperament: Frightened or withdrawn; mellow or approachable; agitated, or aggressive? • Minimize stress: Allow the bird a few minytes to calm down IMPORTANT TIP: Ideally, you want to gently roll the bird up in the towel like a baby, holding the bird by the head with one hand and the towel, injury such as a broken wing or neck can result. PREVENT ESCAPE & INJURY: Perform handling, transport, and restraining procedyres in a safe enclosed area of the shelter away from escape or and blinds to avoid birds �ying into glass; avoid areas with high or beamed ceilings, or with open spaces that lead to hiding places; ensyre other animals are pyt away. Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 WHAT NOT TO DO: • Unlioe mammals, birds do not have diaphragms; air is moved in and oyt of their respiratory system throygh air sacs. Improperly restraining a bird by not allowing for body wall movement can resylt in sy�ocation. Care shoyld be taoen not to restrict or suyeeze a bird’s chest and thys compromise their breathing. (Photo 4) • Avoid pytting any pressyre on the bird’s eye area. • Gloves shoyld not be ysed except in an emergency when there is no alternative. Birds may need to be restrained for a variety of reasons while in the shelter: to be transported, for examination by the shelter veterinarian, to be administered prescribed medication, and/or for safety reasons. It is important that sta� be trained to properly handle and restrain a bird to avoid injury to the bird and to the handler and to prevent escape. YES NO This information herein is intended solely for use by animal shelter and care facilities to accomodate the short-term care and housing needs of captive birds in a shelter setting; not reccommended for long-term care. These materials are made possible through a generous grant from the ASPCA. ® www.avianwelfare.org Photos: Center for Avian and Exoctic Medicine, New York, NY and MAARS.