Restraining a bird properly and humanely is an important skill for any bird owner or avian veterinarian to learn. There are many reasons why you may need to restrain your bird, including nail trimming, beak trimming, administering medication, examining for injuries or illness, and transporting them. Having the right technique and tools can help make the process safer and less stressful for both you and your bird. This article will provide an overview of the best practices for restraining both small and large parrots in a secure yet gentle manner.
Why is proper restraint important?
Restraining a bird properly is crucial for the safety of both the bird and the handler. Birds have extremely fragile bones and can easily suffer broken wings, legs or necks if not held correctly. They can also inflict serious bites and scratches on the handler if they feel threatened and try to escape. Proper restraint techniques help minimize stress by stabilizing the bird and preventing it from hurting itself or others. This is especially important when trimming nails or medicating, which require close physical contact. Using the right grip and restraint tools can give you full control of the situation so you can complete the necessary handling in a calm, efficient manner.
What are some principles of safe restraint?
There are a few key principles to keep in mind when restraining birds:
- Use the minimal amount of restraint necessary
- Support the breast and body to avoid putting pressure on delicate bones
- Control the wings to prevent flapping and injuries
- Restrain the head to limit biting but allow breathing
- Act calmly and confidently to minimize stress
- Use thick gloves and layers for protection from bites
Following these basic guidelines will help make the experience less traumatic for your bird.
Restraining Small Birds
Smaller parrot species like budgies, cockatiels and lovebirds can be more challenging to restrain due to their small size and rapid movements. Here are some techniques for properly and safely controlling these feisty little birds:
Full Body Restraint
The goal with full body restraint is to gain control of the wings, body and head in one grasp. This minimizes transfers between hands which can increase escape opportunities.
- Wear thick leather gloves for protection.
- With the bird on a solid surface, place one hand over the back and wings, grasping the feet with your thumb and forefinger.
- Slide a finger from your other hand between the legs to grasp the feet as well. The bird will be held upside down.
- Once you have the feet secured, use your thumb and forefinger to gently but firmly grasp the head.
- The bird will be unable to move, allowing you to trim nails, medicate or examine it.
This full immobilization technique gives you complete control over a strong, compact bird. Practice carefully and use minimal pressure to avoid injury.
Towel Restraint
For less intensive procedures, a towel can be used to restrain the bird’s body without fully immobilizing the head.
- Place the bird on its back on a table and drape a small towel over its body.
- Gently gather the towel around its wings and torso, wrapping loosely but preventing wing movement.
- Keep the head exposed for breathing and reduce restraint pressure if the bird struggles.
- You can now trim nails, examine the body or administer oral medication.
- Monitor the head carefully as the beak remains free.
This is a good option for routine maintenance on relatively tame birds. The towel prevents flapping while still allowing some movement.
Restraining with Avian Harnesses
Commercial bird harnesses offer a less hands-on option for restraining smaller birds.
- Leather harnesses designed for parrots have adjustable straps to fit snugly over the wings and around the torso.
- Once fitted, the harness prevents the wings from opening while leaving the head and legs mobile.
- Attach a lightweight tether from the harness to a solid object to keep the bird in place.
- Harnesses immobilize the wings securely while minimizing overall restraint.
- They allow you to interact with an alert, upright bird for exams and procedures.
Practice putting harnesses on regularly so the bird accepts it during handling. Ensure proper fit and monitor use to avoid injuries.
Restraining Large Parrots
The strength and size of large parrots like macaws, Amazons and cockatoos requires more robust restraint methods. Here are some techniques for maintaining control of big birds:
Full Body Restraint
Use this method to fully restrain a large parrot for intensive handling:
- Place the bird upside down on a towel on your lap or a table.
- Wrap one hand over the back and wings to prevent wing extension.
- Slide your finger and thumb of the other hand between the legs to grasp both feet together.
- Once you have a firm grip on the feet, gently control the head using the thumb and forefinger.
This keeps all parts of the bird immobilized. Due to the size and power of these parrots, a second person may be needed to assist with procedures. Use minimal pressure and restraint time.
Bandage Restraint
A rolled bandage can be used to restrain the base of the wings without fully immobilizing the parrot:
- Have the bird facing left on a perch at chest level.
- Take a gauze bandage roll 3-4 inches wide and wrap once around the top of the wings and torso.
- Do not wrap tightly but ensure the bandage prevents wing extension.
- You can now trim wing feathers, examine the body or give injections with less movement.
- Keep the head unrestrained for comfort and breathing.
The bandage immobilizes the most mobile part of the wings while allowing some freedom. Monitor for escaping feathers or droppings which can loosen the wrap.
Restraining with Towels
Using one or more towels is an effective way to control a large parrot:
- Place a large bath towel over the bird’s back while it perches normally.
- Gently wrap the towel around the wings and torso to prevent wing extension.
- Keep the fabric loose enough that it does not constrict breathing.
- For better control, use a second hand towel around the head like a hood to restrict biting.
Towels provide a dark, enveloping restraint that is less stressful than hard restraint. The fabric buffers the handler from bites and scratches during procedures.
Proper Handling Techniques
How you handle and move the bird during restraint is just as important as the restraint method itself. Here are some tips:
Support the Breastbone
– When restraining or lifting a bird, always support the keel or breastbone. The keel sticks out below the feathers and is easy to feel.
– Cup your fingers underneath the keel to support the weight of the bird’s body. Avoid squeezing the sides.
– This protects the fragile chest cavity from damage and avoids restricting breathing.
Control Wings Gently
– Use just enough pressure to keep the wings folded against the body when restraining.
– Excess force can fracture thin wing bones. Gentle yet firm control is best.
– For minimal restraint, focus on securing the base of the wing to prevent dangerous flapping.
Restrain Legs and Feet Carefully
– Immobilizing the legs requires very light pressure to avoid injury. The leg bones are delicate.
– Grip the scaled part of the legs rather than the fragile feet if possible. Be very gentle with toes.
– Monitor for any swelling, discoloration or scrapes which are signs of excess pressure on legs.
Limit Head Restraint
– The head contains delicate facial bones, eyes and ears that are all easily damaged.
– Restrain the head only as much as required to avoid biting and do not squeeze.
– Ensure breathing is unimpeded and allow the beak to open slightly if needed.
Move Slowly and Confidently
– Avoid fast, jerky movements which can startle the bird during restraint.
– Move deliberately and calmly to help keep the bird relaxed. Talk reassuringly.
– Project confidence even if the bird is struggling. They sense nervousness which can make them more frantic.
Proper handling is vital for keeping restrain safe for both of you. Go slowly and focus on being gentle.
Restraint Tools and Equipment
Having the right restraint tools makes the process easier and less risky. Here are some items to have on hand:
Thick Leather Gloves
Thick leather welding gloves or gauntlets protect your hands and arms from bites and scratches. Birds can quickly cause deep punctures with their strong beaks. Leather also gives you a better grip.
Towels
Towels are a versatile tool for restraint and protection. Drape them over your body when handling birds close against you. Use them to wrap around the bird’s body to control wings and biting.
Elizabethan Collars
Clear plastic e-collars fit over the head to prevent biting. They allow you to access the head and neck safely for exams and treatments. Make sure the collar does not impair breathing.
Catch Nets
A net on an extendable pole allows you to safely capture escaped birds without grasping them. This can be less stressful than manual capture for fearful birds.
Transport Crates
Sturdy cat carriers or bird crates have handles for safe transport and ventilation for breathability. They constrain pets securely during travel to the vet.
Harnesses and Leashes
Custom bird harnesses restrain the wings safely while leaving the legs free. Attach to a leash to keep the bird close by during procedures without holding them.
Having the right equipment takes the struggle out of restraint. Invest in good quality, properly sized tools.
Special Considerations for Difficult Birds
Some birds may require additional measures based on their temperament and behavior:
Aggressive Birds
– Wear goggles, hat and thick layers to protect yourself from biting
– Cover bird’s head/eyes with a small towel to calm it
– Limit reaching towards the bird which can provoke attacks
– Allow the bird to step onto a upheld perch to move it instead of grasping
Fearful Birds
– Avoid direct eye contact which can seem threatening
– Make slow movements and speak in a soothing tone
– Gently guide wings into restraint position rather than forcing
– Work in a quiet, low traffic area to minimize stress
Highly Active Birds
– Exercise the bird before restraint to decrease energy level
– Dim the lights to encourage calmness
– Support the breastbone firmly so the bird cannot wriggle free
– Take your time and do not rush procedures once restrained
Knowing your individual bird’s temperament allows you to take appropriate precautions to keep the process smooth. Be flexible in your approach.
Conclusion
While restraining birds can be challenging, following some simple guidelines will make the process safer for both you and your feathered companion. The keys are using minimal, gentle restraint, supporting the delicate areas of anatomy properly, controlling potential bite zones, and staying calm. Having the right tools and techniques for the specific size and species of bird is also critical. With practice and preparation, restraint does not need to be stressful. By ensuring your bird’s comfort and safety, you can turn handling into a more positive experience. Just remember to be patient, conscious of fragility and ready to adjust your methods as needed.