HANDLING AND RESTRAINT OF BIRDS  

• Most cage birds are usually docile but they can peck, scratch, or inflict puncture wounds if not handled correctly.
• Roosters may develop large spurs on their legs which can inflict serious wounds.
• Removing food bowls and perches and darkening the room helps when removing bird from cage. 

Manual Restraint 

• Place your hands over the bird’s wings and hold them against its back.  While lifting the bird minimize the amount of pressure around the thorax to prevent comprimising their ability to inhale and exhale.  The bird’s keel needs to be able to move in ventral/dorsal direction for respiration. 
• Smaller birds may be held in one hand (e.g. canaries and finches). Use index and middle finger to extend the head for further restraint.   Care should be taken since the limbs of small birds break easily.  Always grab the whole bird and not just the limb. 
• Larger birds’ wings may be held in one hand over the back and the legs grasped with the other hand.  For frightened or fractious birds the head can be covered with a cloth. 
• Raptors should always be handled with leather gloves that cover the forearm so the bird can perch on the arm. The head should be covered (hood or soft cloth). Towels may also be used to aid in capture of the bird.  Care must be taken to avoid jeopardizing the bird’s breathing. 
• Most birds are quieter when placed in dorsal recumbency for examination (cover head where possible)