Towel grabbing skills

[DRB]

So I noticed how the vet grabs a parrot, by using a towel and holding the bird in a very particular manner, and within a few seconds the otherwise frightened feathered patient is settled and immobile (reminds me of tonic immobility in a shark).

While I've never had to resort to a desperate measure to grab my CAG, is this a skill that all parrot owners should master?

 

[Kalel]

Great question...I will add to it if that's OK. Does grabbing your bird with a towel erode trust? That's the biggest reason I hesitate to do nails myself. I know how, but am worried I will be resented for it.

 

[Christinenc2000]

I've not had to towel BB yet. Mark would be the one to ask about that. Birdman666

 

[Christinenc2000]

But to be honest it might be a skill we should know. If you have to leave home fast. Any number of reasons.

 

[Aquila]

I've toweled my birds to do their nails, and my best advice if your bird is totally uncooperative, is to do it fast. I generally will turn the lights down, and quickly grab them with an open towel.

Most of my birds are perfectly fine this way, except Sydney. He knows it's coming and will put up a fight, so if I can't get him on the first try, I leave him alone.

 

[rskybizintrees]

Great thread! I too am curious as well. Never plan to use it but have seen how calming it can be. Knowing the proper approach would be a valuable lesson.
I plan to do Sadie's clipping in the long haul but will wait till more bonding and handling transpires and work up to it.
Psychologically I want her full trust.

 

[plumsmum2005]

To do this you need to be decisive about how you are going to do it. The birds react better. You need to be calm as once caught they take a cue from you.

I use a towel when it is necessary on Plum and my holiday fids, although it isnt their first choice once caught they respond well and usually want kisses or a tickle from me so that says that the thought is worse than the deed. My feeling - it is a natural reaction to being caught, how they are after that depends on how much they trust you.

 

[DRB]

My two concerns are if I'm in a jam and need to resort to using a towel I want to be gentle and not harm her, but emergencies often don't allow the time to tinker with such an approach. The second concern is the trust thing, I don't want to put a chink in our armor of trust, b/c it is awesome trust we have right now.

 

[plumsmum2005]

If it is necessary and done correctly it is OK. Plum isn't wanting it done but when I have to he is OK. He always gets fuss before he goes back in his cage, he will 'fuff' me which is his term of annoyance but never any hard feelings.

BTW I still have developed in your terms an awesome relationship with Plum despite having to do this time to time during the time I have had him. I has not affected that. You definitely still need to be gentle!!!

Do you know if you put a bird into the dark their reaction is to calm/freeze.

 

[Mekaisto]

Turn the lights down and don't talk while you're doing it. I think it's a skill that every bird owner should know, because if done improperly you can actually hurt your bird. Of course, it's possible to train birds to be towelled, as well as have voluntary nail clips, but in an emergency situation is when it's most important.