How to Hold a Bird Safely and in Proper Way

You may wish to hold your bird for petting, cuddling, or even examining it, yet you do not know the right procedure on how to hold a bird. This article gives the correct and straightforward guide that will help you. Stay tuned for more information!

Below are six steps on how to hold a bird:

Step 1: Offer Your Hand

This is the first step to holding a bird. A hand is the best body part that a bird can perch on. Once your bird sees your hand, it will know you want to hold it. Try being gentle enough to avoid shaking the cage, especially when it is your first time.

Step 2: Say the Command that Your Bird Is Fond of

It is important to teach your bird master commands like “step up”, “up”, “get up”, etc, if you want it to come and perch on your hand. Ensure to use short phrases that birds can easily master. Always be authoritative but still gentle to avoid violent perspectives from your birds.

Step 3: Offer Treats in Your Hand

You can use birds’ favorite treats to entice them to come to you. This is very important when you want to hold a bird for the first time. Similarly, the bird will associate your hand with treats, allowing you to hold it easily. This step is optional when your bird gets used to you.

Step 4: Grab the Neck of the Bird

Once the bird perches on your hand, gently grab its neck. Avoid holding the tail, wings, legs, or belly. The neck is appropriate since it is made of bones and is more flexible.

Avoid touching the belly, as it has a diaphragm that needs to move inward and outward. Do not squeeze the bird with your hand.

Step 5: Support the Back of the Bird

Holding the neck of the bird is not enough, as you may end up hurting the bird. Support the back of the bird with your hand. You can scratch the bird for comfort and cuddle it to make it feel at ease. Avoid scaring birds when holding them.

Step 6: Handle with Care

Always handle birds with care, as they are delicate creatures with soft bones. Hold the bird for some time, then set it free. You can train friends and family to handle birds properly without squeezing them.

Is It Okay to Hold a Bird?

Yes, it is okay to hold a bird; more so, pet birds that love human interactions. Nonetheless, it is best to hold a bird with great care since they are usually delicate.

Always pet your bird regularly to create a stronger bond.

How Do You Get Birds to Let You Hold Them?

If you want to get birds to let you hold them, consider following these tips:

1. Stay close to your bird’s cage for 10 to 15 minutes to make it fond of you.

2. Talk to it in a calming voice.

3. Put a treat in your hand to entice your bird to come towards you.

4. Slide your hand into the cage in a gentle manner to avoid shaking the cage.

5. Position your hand like a perch where the bird will easily roost.

6. Command the bird to step up. Be authoritative but gentle to avoid scaring the bird.

7. Hold the neck of the bird since it is boney and flexible.

8. Support the back of the bird using the other hand.

9. You can freely move with the bird without squeezing it.

Train friends and family on how to hold birds to avoid threatening their lives through squeezing.

How Do You Grab a Bird without Scaring It?

Follow these five tips to grab a bird without scaring it:

1. Wrap your bird, using both hands to secure the wings.

2. Hold the neck of the bird using your thumb and index finger.

3. Support the back of the bird using your other hand.

4. Be gentle when doing this whole process.

5. You can soothingly talk to the bird while petting its head and feet.

How Do You Pick a Bird Safely?

Picking up a bird safely is very simple, especially when following the procedure.

1. Approach the bird from behind quietly and slowly.

2. Reach the bird in a quick and accurate motion.

3. Wrap the bird’s wings with your hands to prevent it from flying.

4. Pick up the bird from the ground.

5. Hold the neck and support the back using your hand.

6. Return it to the cage once you have fun with it.

Where Not to Touch a Bird?

Avoid touching the wings on the back, as it makes the bird feel sexually harassed since their sexual organs are directly located on their backs.

Furthermore, please do not touch the belly, as it has a diaphragm that needs to move in and out for proper breathing.

Always pet your bird’s head, feet, and neck, as these parts make them feel safer.

How to Restrain a Small Bird for Examination

It is easier to restrain a small bird using this step-by-step guide:

1. Hold the neck with the thumb and index finger.

2. Embrace the body with the palm and other fingers.

3. You can also use a towel to restrain the wings.

4. Use the restraining hand to examine the bird. Be careful enough to avoid squeezing the bird.

Note that once you feel your bird breathing faster, release it momentarily and be extra cautious when restraining it for the second time. Avoid touching the belly, as it is always in motion due to diaphragm motion when breathing.