L12_Rabbit & bird handling

Risks include:

• Injury to the rabbit: Improper handling can lead to physical harm.
• Stress and anxiety: Poor restraint can cause psychological distress.
• Escape attempts: Rabbits may try to flee, leading to potential injuries.
• Bite or scratch injuries: Rabbits may react defensively if not handled correctly.

Safe techniques include:

1. Approach calmly: Move slowly to avoid startling the rabbit.
2. Support the body: Use one hand to support the chest and the other to support the hindquarters.
3. Hold securely: Keep the rabbit close to your body to provide security.
4. Avoid squeezing: Ensure not to apply too much pressure to avoid injury.

Risks include:

• Physical injury: Improper handling can lead to broken bones or other injuries.
• Stress and fear: Birds can become highly stressed, affecting their health.
• Escape and injury: Birds may attempt to escape, leading to potential harm.
• Bite injuries: Birds may bite if they feel threatened or insecure.

• Use one hand to support the body and the other to cover the wings. | | Larger Parrots | - Approach slowly and speak softly.
• Use both hands to support the body and prevent wing flapping.
• Hold securely but gently to avoid stress. |

• Distance: Plan for the length of the journey.
• Noise: Be aware of potential loud sounds that may stress the rabbit.
• Heat Stress: Ensure the rabbit is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Fit for Travel: The carrier should be appropriate for the rabbit's size and comfort.
• Minimize Stress: Use familiar items to help the rabbit feel secure.
• Ventilation: Ensure the carrier has adequate airflow to keep the rabbit comfortable.

The risks of poor restraint in rabbits include:

1. Fractures - particularly in the spine and legs.
2. Dislocation - which can occur due to improper handling.
3. Stress - many rabbits exhibit fear behaviors and may struggle when lifted, especially if lifted inappropriately.

• Early socialization and handling is important.
• Always support their back and hindlegs.
• Hold gently but firmly, using the least restraint needed.
• Always supervise children with rabbits.
• Never place a rabbit on a slippery surface.
• Never pick a rabbit up by the ears.

1. Handle the rabbit gently but firmly.
2. Talk quietly to the rabbit and approach slowly, considering the rabbit's field of vision.

Tuck the rabbit under your arm for safe carrying.

Return the rabbit to its carrier, cage, or gently place it on the ground.

Remove any toys or items that could move in the cage and injure the bird before travel.

• In cold weather, ensure the car is pre-warmed.
• Never leave the bird in the car, whether it is hot or cold.

The risks of poor restraint of birds include:

1. Fractures - particularly in the wings.
2. Dislocation - which can occur due to improper handling.
3. Stress - leading to potential behavioral issues or health problems.
4. Death - in severe cases, poor handling can result in fatal outcomes.

• Ensure windows/doors are secure
• Be mindful of fans and vents
• Create a calm environment with dim lighting and low noise

• Prepare necessary equipment
• Use appropriate techniques
• Seek assistance if needed
• Consider the best hold based on the bird's type and temperament

• Control the head, wings, and feet of the bird to minimize stress and injury

• To prepare them for the handling process and to ensure they understand the potential stress on the bird

You should be prepared that a stressed or anxious bird may attempt to bite you.

It is important to monitor the sternum while holding a bird to ensure that it has free movement, especially when using a towel to contain the wings of a larger bird.

The restraint needed will vary between different species of birds, indicating that handling techniques should be adapted to each individual bird's needs.

The first step is to apply minimal restraint. You may ask the owner to catch the bird, but only if it is appropriate to do so.

Once the bird settles down, make a sudden movement to grasp around its head, placing your thumb under the mandible to control it.

You can provide an object for the bird to bite onto, such as a syringe case or a stick, to distract it from your handling.

Use a 2-finger or 3-finger hand hold to gently restrain small, calm birds.

Gently restrain the head (beak) and feet of larger parrots while preventing the use of their wings.

Use a towel to restrain their wings and prevent injury to the handler.

Owners should ideally train their birds for handling, restraint, and transport.

To restrain a budgie, hold it securely in your hand with the body grasped gently but firmly, allowing the head and beak to protrude between your fingers. This prevents injury while ensuring the bird feels secure.

A medium-sized parrot should be fully encompassed by the hand, with the hand securely holding the bird while allowing only the head and upper body to be visible. This technique ensures the bird is restrained without causing stress or injury.

When holding a canary, use a gentle cupping technique with your hand around the bird's body, ensuring a secure but gentle hold. The canary's head and tail should be visible, allowing for proper positioning during examination.