Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds E-Book
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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
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- Sprache: Englisch
Easy-to-follow step-by-step techniques for common clinical procedures in pet birds, focusing on common psittacine and passerine species
Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds provides easy-to-follow descriptions of a wide range of clinical techniques with step-by-step instructions for performing procedures in birds in the veterinary clinic, ranging from common techniques for surgery preparation and recovery, cardiology, anesthesia, imaging, sedation, and euthanasia. Each chapter includes a description of the procedure and the equipment needed, stepwise techniques, cautions and precautions, and references. Useful rationale/amplification sections answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions and provide information about some of the more common problems associated with the procedure.
High-quality color photographs illustrate the techniques, showing how to physically manage the bird, the equipment needed, and the steps of the procedure. An accompanying companion website has videos showing some of the procedures.
Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds includes information on:
- Physical restraint via towels and restraint straps, as well as jugular, wing, leg, and toenail blood collection
- IM, SC, IO, IN, and IV injection techniques, feather examination for structures, parasites, microbiology and cytology
- Oral medicating as well as gavage feeding techniques
- Techniques for ophthalmic examination, tear secretion testing, corneal and conjunctival diagnostic testing, ocular pressure measurements, and topical medication administration
- Grooming of the nails and wings
- Preparations for surgery including patient preparation, monitoring equipment, and post-surgery and recovery procedures
- Emergency procedures including hemostasis
With a practical format and wide coverage, Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds is an essential reference for any veterinarian, nurse, veterinary student, or technician treating avian patients, regardless of experience level.
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Seitenzahl: 250
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Companion Website
1 Manual Restraint of the Avian Patient
RESTRAINT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2 Blood Collection
JUGULAR VEIN
WING (BASILIC VEIN, ALSO CALLED THE BRACHIAL VEIN)
LEG (MEDIAL METATARSAL ALSO CALLED THE CAUDAL TIBIAL VEIN)
TOENAIL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
3 Injection Techniques
INTRAMUSCULAR (IM)
SUBCUTANEOUS (SC)
INTRAVENOUS (IV)
INTRANASAL
INTRATRACHEAL
BIBLIOGRAPHY
4 Oral Administration of Medications
DIRECT DELIVERY OF MEDICATION INTO THE MOUTH
BIBLIOGRAPHY
5 Dermatologic Procedures
FNA BIOPSIES
SKIN/FEATHER BIOPSY
UROPYGIAL GLAND EXAM, CYTOLOGY, AND MICROBIOLOGY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
6 Ophthalmic Procedures
ANATOMIC CONSIDERATIONS OF THE AVIAN EYE
PHYSICAL EXAM
INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE
CORNEAL DIAGNOSTICS
CORNEAL/CONJUNCTIVAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
BIBLIOGRAPHY
7 Sinus Flushing and Nasal Concretion Removal
BIBLIOGRAPHY
8 Grooming Procedures
WING TRIMS: OPTIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
9 Cloacal Procedures
BIBLIOGRAPHY
10 Surgery Preparations
BIBLIOGRAPHY
11 Intubation
BIBLIOGRAPHY
12 Gavage and Lavage
BIBLIOGRAPHY
13 Coelomocentesis
BIBLIOGRAPHY
14 Nebulization
BASIC NEBULIZING FORMULAS FOR USE IN BIRDS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
15 Egg Retention Procedures
BIBLIOGRAPHY
16 Cardiac Procedures
BIBLIOGRAPHY
17 Hemostasis
BLOOD FEATHERS
TOENAILS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
18 Transfusions
BIBLIOGRAPHY
19 Air Sac Cannulation and Oxygen Supplementation
BIBLIOGRAPHY
20 CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
21 Fluid Therapy
ORAL FLUIDS
SUBCUTANEOUS
INTRAVENOUS
INTRAOSSEOUS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
22 Positioning for Imaging
BIBLIOGRAPHY
23 Euthanasia Techniques
BIBLIOGRAPHY
24 Analgesia, Sedation, and Anesthesia: Medications and Procedures
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Appendix A: References and Resources
REFERENCE LIBRARY: RECOMMENDED AVIAN TEXTBOOKS
JOURNALS
Appendix B: Abbreviations
Appendix C: Common Pet and Aviary Birds
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 2
Table 2.1 Suggested guidelines for blood volume collection.
Chapter 3
Table 3.1 Maximum fluid volume for IM injections in example species.
Chapter 12
Table 12.1 Suggested volumes and frequency of gavage feeding in anorectic b...
Chapter 20
Table 20.1 Emergency avian drugs.
Chapter 23
Table 23.1 AVMA guidelines for Euthanasia 2020 applicable for individual pe...
Chapter 24
Table 24.1 Commonly used analgesics in pet birds.
Table 24.2 Commonly used sedatives/pre‐anesthetics in pet birds.
Table 24.3 Commonly used general anesthetics in pet birds.
List of Illustrations
Chapter 5
Figure 5.1 African grey parrot showing signs of feather destructive disorder...
Figure 5.2 Use hemostats to grasp the feather as close to the skin as possib...
Figure 5.3 (a) A growing feather is grasped close to the skin with hemostats...
Chapter 8
Figure 8.1 The head is toward the top of the drawing. Feathers are parted, a...
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Recovery setup.
Figure 10.2 This bird is being supplied oxygen.
Figure 10.3 Attaching pulse oximetry.
Figure 10.4 The endotracheal tube is in and taped. The bird is on a warming ...
Figure 10.5 Plastic drapes are preferred as they can be cut to fit the incis...
Figure 10.6 Hospital recovery cage, with heat and soft flooring. Recovery ca...
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1 Diagram of the opened mouth with the upper beak at the top. A: S...
Figure 11.2 Opening the bird's beak. The rhinotheca (upper beak) is held by ...
Figure 11.3 The tube is secured to the bird’s beak. The tube is secured so t...
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 Types of oral speculums that can be used to hold a beak open.
Figure 12.2 The feeding needle/stomach tube is passed from the bird's left ...
Chapter 13
Figure 13.1 Three potential sites for coelomic centesis depending on where t...
Chapter 15
Figure 15.1 Ultrasound picture of the retained egg. This egg has a calcified...
Figure 15.2 Source: Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV).
Figure 15.3 Manual gentle pressure on the exterior of the vent, as the cloac...
Figure 15.4 Egg crushed during expulsion.
Chapter 16
Figure 16.1 VD radiograph. Appearance of a cardiac silhouette. Please note t...
Figure 16.2 Lateral radiograph showing heart and great vessels. Heart size o...
Figure 16.3 Placement sites for needle or clip‐type electrode systems. A sma...
Figure 16.4 Placement positions for the 3‐lead loop electrode system. Loops ...
Figure 16.5 Bird in dorsal recumbency, towel, and restraint strap. 4‐lead EC...
Figure 16.6 Avian ECG Trace.
Figure 16.7 Blood pressure on the tibial–tarsal artery.
Figure 16.8 Positioning for wing extension. If the bird struggles, light sed...
Figure 16.9 Placement of the cuff close to the body. Use the appropriate siz...
Figure 16.10 Use the Doppler as well as a sphygmomanometer to monitor systol...
Figure 16.11 position of the probe, just under the caudal edge of the sternu...
Figure 16.12 The heart will appear inverted as you are aiming through the li...
Figure 16.13 RV, right ventricle; VS, ventricular septum; LV, left ventricle...
Chapter 17
Figure 17.1 Hemostatic sponges: many commercial brands are available. Small ...
Figure 17.2 Use hemostats to grasp the base of the bleeding feather close to...
Figure 17.3 Firmly and steadily pull the feather in the direction of its gro...
Figure 17.4 Gentle digital pressure usually with cotton or gauze will stop a...
Figure 17.5 Cleanse the nail to determine the volume of hemorrhage.
Figure 17.6 Hold the nail to determine extent of damage and bleeding.
Figure 17.7 Use of a silver nitrate stick. Note: this can be irritating. It ...
Figure 17.8 Use of a hemostatic sponge.
Figure 17.9 Use of hemostatic powder.
Figure 17.10 Commonly used hemostatic agents, although many commercial types...
Chapter 19
Figure 19.1 The bird is on the right lateral side. A. Paralumbar area to acc...
Figure 19.2 The cannula is inserted through the incision in the skin and bod...
Chapter 20
Figure 20.1 Emergency drug kit containing dosage chart, drugs, and syringes.
Figure 20.2 Place two fingers on either side of the sternum, and gently star...
Figure 20.3 While preparing to intubate, start oxygen therapy using a large ...
Chapter 21
Figure 21.1 Incubator utilized to keep fluids warmed for immediate use.
Figure 21.2 Showing the approach to insertion of the feeding needle.
Figure 21.3 The feeding needle is inserted into the crop.
Figure 21.4 Two different types of speculums for use with birds to aid in pa...
Figure 21.5 Needle placed to administer subcutaneous fluids in the inguinal ...
Figure 21.6 A This is placement of an IV catheter in a chicken, but demonstr...
Figure 21.6 B Shows the catheter secured with cap.
Figure 21.7 Placement in the ulna. The tibiotarsus or the ulna are the two m...
Figure 21.8 Interosseous catheter placement in the proximal tibiotarsus. A: ...
Figure 21.9 Interosseous catheterization of the ulna, showing the insertion ...
Chapter 22
Figure 22.1 An acrylic avian positioning board and straps and tape that are ...
Figure 22.2 A Diagram of positioning.
Figure 22.2 B Actual bird shown placed in proper positioning.
Figure 22.2 C Actual bird shown placed in proper positioning.
Figure 22.3 A Diagram of the lateral position.
Figure 22.3 B Actual bird in position for a lateral radiograph.
Figure 22.4 This is demonstrating positioning for a standing lateral. Befor...
Figure 22.5 Diagram of the position for placement of the ultrasound probe. A...
Chapter 24
Figure 24.1 Restrained bird receiving an IM injection.
Figure 24.2 A variety of types and sizes of masks should be available.
Figure 24.3 Bird receiving an intranasal dose of a sedative.
Figure 24.4 Administration of a local anesthetic around a lesion. Inject a s...
Figure 24.5 Anesthetized, intubated bird on a warming blanket, with pulse ox...
Figure 24.6 Heated recovery cage.
Guide
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Companion Website
Begin Reading
Appendix A References and Resources
Appendix B Abbreviations
Appendix C Common Pet and Aviary Birds
Index
WILEY END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
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Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds
Cathy A. Johnson‐Delaney, DVM
Exotic Animal ConsultingEdmonds, Washington, USA
Tracy Bennett, DVM, Dipl. ABVP‐Avian
Bird & Exotic Clinic of SeattleSeattle, Washington, USA
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per‐copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750‐8400, fax (978) 750‐4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748‐6011, fax (201) 748‐6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.
Trademarks: Wiley and the Wiley logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at (800) 762‐2974, outside the United States at (317) 572‐3993 or fax (317) 572‐4002.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic formats. For more information about Wiley products, visit our web site at www.wiley.com.
Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data Applied for:
Paperback ISBN: 9781119678137
Cover Design: WileyCover Image(s): © Cathy A. Johnson‐Delaney and Tracy Bennett
The manual is dedicated to all veterinary professionals and students who wish to be proficient in working with pet birds.
Foreword
We hope that our combined over 80 years of avian experience will be valuable to the veterinary profession. Pet avian medicine has come a long way, and many of the basics such as handling and care have evolved. When Dr. Johnson‐Delaney began practice in 1980, almost all pet birds other than lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies, and canaries were wild‐caught, untamed species with many health and husbandry challenges. Fortunately, pet birds now are supplied by domestic breeders, and we are not importing wild‐caught birds for the pet trade. There are well‐developed commercial diets, lighting and other husbandry products, and many textbooks, journals, conferences, and other continuing education available. Much of what this book aims to do is present techniques and procedures that we use in practice, honed from many years of working with pet birds. They are truly incredible patients!
Preface
The Manual of Clinical Procedures in Pet Birds is intended for new veterinarians and veterinary students, veterinary technology or nursing students just learning to work with birds in a clinical practice. The majority of caged pet birds are Psittacines and Passerines. If there are differences in procedure between the two, it is noted. It is organized by procedure with some general information included about the procedure as well as listing equipment needed. The techniques are described in detail as step‐by‐step instructions. Useful features of this manual include the rationale/amplification sections, which may answer some of the reader's how and why questions in addition to providing information about some of the more common problems associated with the procedure. Much of this manual is written from the combined experience of the authors in clinical practice. The manual is heavily illustrated as it is often easier to see the procedure than read the script. These photographs and drawings are intended to show exactly how to physically manage the bird, equipment, and procedure. The accompanying website has some videos showing some of the procedures.
The pet bird veterinary field, including the equipment used, is continually changing and improving. Those in the veterinary profession are encouraged to seek continued education including conferences, textbooks, and journals dedicated to the medicine and surgery of pet birds. Knowledge of avian anatomy and physiology is crucial to executing all the procedures in this manual, and readers should have a basic knowledge of birds, which is beyond the scope of this textbook.
While the safety of the veterinary staff, students, and owners is a high priority for clinics and teaching facilities, the safety of the bird is tantamount. Pets can easily become stressed, injured, or even die if procedures are done incorrectly. It is up to the veterinary staff to ensure that all working with bird patients are adequately educated and trained in how to work with pet birds. It is important that restraint and handling be done correctly so that the handler is not severely bitten or scratched. Large Psittacine birds can cause major trauma to the hands of the handler or person performing the procedure. The general rule “if you don't know what you are doing, don't do it. Ask and seek help from someone who does” needs to be heeded. General information about disinfection, handling of medical waste, if different from accepted veterinary practice is noted.
We recommend that the reader uses the manual in the following ways:
Although this textbook is designed for veterinary technicians, nurses, and students as well as graduate veterinarians, be advised that many procedures are invasive, fall under the category of “surgery,” or require direction for further care. This must be done by the veterinarian. Please refer to your local veterinary medical board regulations regarding what procedures licensed technicians/nurses or laypersons (unlicensed assistants, students) are authorized to perform in your state or province.
When the reader first learns a procedure, the entire chapter or section should be studied including the purposes, background information, complications (often listed in the rationale/amplification sections), equipment needed, types of restraint needed, positioning, and all preparations. This background is essential for the safe and beneficial application of each procedure. If additional information is needed, the reader is referred to the list of references as well as other avian veterinary texts and articles.
Careful attention to the rationale/amplification information can help the operator avoid common errors that can occur.
For subsequent use, while the reader may use the technical action like a “cookbook” for doing a procedure, it is still recommended to review all the material associated with that procedure.
Attention should be paid to all Notes (in italics) that appear throughout the manual.
To ensure the proper positioning of needles, syringes, probes, or other equipment, the reader/operator must attempt to duplicate the orientation of the photographs or drawings.
It is recommended that most of these procedures be first performed on a cadaver bird, as precision and knowledge of anatomy are crucial for most. Workshops and hands‐on training labs are also ways to gain practice with these procedures.
If these guidelines are followed, we are confident that the user of the manual will become proficient in a wide variety of procedures, imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Cathy A. Johnson‐Delaney, DVM
Exotic Animal Consulting, Edmonds, WA, USAMay 2024
Tracy Bennett, DVM, DABVP‐Avian Practice
Bird & Exotic Clinic of Seattle, Seattle, WA, USAMay 2024
Acknowledgments
The authors express their gratitude to the following individuals for their assistance and/or helpful comments during the preparation of this text:
Mr. Michael T. Delaney
Daniel Lejnieks, DVM, DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammals)Grey Girl for being such a good photo subject.
About the Companion Website
This book is accompanied by a companion website:
www.wiley.com/go/johnson‐delaney/manual
Videos
1Manual Restraint of the Avian Patient
RESTRAINT
Restraint is defined as a restriction of an animal's activity by verbal, physical, or pharmacological means so that the animal is prevented from injuring itself or others. Pharmacologic restraint is applied through sedation and/or anesthesia and is covered in Chapter 24.
Note: Restraining a bird forcibly is stressful for the bird and potentially dangerous to both the bird and the handler. Most domestically raised pet birds can be safely restrained by trained personnel with gentle handling and minimal manipulation. During all restraint, care must be taken not to restrict breathing – no pressure should be on or around the body itself, which prevents the movement of the sternum. Birds breathe essentially like a bellows system and must be able to move the body walls.
Pharmacologic agents are recommended to assist in proper restraint for (see Chapter 24)
Procedures that are painful.
Procedures requiring the holding of an animal in a position that may compromise respiration or where prolonged complete immobility is needed (such as for radiographs).
With extremely frightened, aggressive, or if pain is already present.
Purposes of Restraint
To facilitate the physical examination, including oral and ophthalmic examination.
To administer medications: oral, injectable, and topical.
To apply bandages or splinting.
To perform certain procedures such as oral gavage, culturing of orifices, recording of blood pressure, electrocardiograph, and ultrasonography.
To prevent self‐mutilation, such as placement of a collar.
Complications
Stress.
Overheating (hyperthermia).
Dyspnea.
Tissue trauma including muscle strain and feather damage.
Equipment Needed
Various sizes of towels. It is recommended to avoid red‐colored towels – some birds are stressed by the color.
Various sizes of restraint straps:
Various types and sizes of collars, including padding materials and fasteners
Sedation/anesthesia (see
Chapter 24
)
Procedure
Removing the bird from a cage or carrier
Purpose
In order for a bird to be physically examined, it must be removed from the cage or carrier. It is preferable for the bird to come out on its own; however, many frightened or ill birds will not.
Technical Action
Most birds will come out of a cage on their own, either on a perch (stick) or to a hand. Small passerines are usually flighted, and so are usually caught within their cage or carrier.
Only reach into a cage to catch a bird if it will not come on its own.
Move slowly. Have an appropriately sized towel that is slowly introduced into the cage.
Allow the bird to watch and talk softly to it.
Depending on the size of the bird or if the bird latches onto the cage bars, you may slowly place the towel over the bird (on the side of the cage or the bottom of the cage).
Find the bird's head and gently use your thumb and fingers to restrain the mandible, and while moving the towel around the body, use your other hand to help secure the feet and shoulders.
Gently lift the bird out of the cage and reposition the towel. It is preferable to have the bird's head exposed.
Take care not to inhibit movement of the body wall.
Rationale/Amplification
Towel color may have associations for particular birds. You may want to talk to the owner about previous interactions with the veterinarian or other experiences if it involved particular colors, movements, and sounds.
Assoc with #4: Birds that are not used to being handled may be frightened by someone entering their cage. Dimming the lights in the exam room may help calm them. If a bird frantically starts trying to fly around the cage, back out and allow the bird to calm down. Go more slowly the next time entering the cage, and then you may need to move very swiftly to drop the towel and grasp the mandible.
Assoc with #5: if the bird goes to the bottom of the cage or into a cage corner, the towel can be slowly dropped over the bird, and then you can manually find the mandible for restraint.
If the bird is clenched to the bars and side of a cage, you may need to slowly lift the toes and get them under control with your other hand. To get the bird to let go of the cage, sometimes a few drops of sugar water dribbled on the rhinotheca so they enter the mouth will get the bird to release as it tastes the water.
Assoc with #8: Restraining the head and the feet; allowing the body free movement takes practice with many types of pet birds. Usually the shoulders of the bird are also restrained by the hand holding the mandible.
Procedure
Using a towel to manually restrain a bird
Purpose: Manually restrain a bird by grasping the mandible through the towel, cupping the shoulders with that hand. The towel can lightly wrap around the bird, preventing flapping and grabbing with the feet – the bird could potentially injure itself or the handler. Small birds can be restrained with one hand.
Technical Action
The bird is out of the carrier or cage.
Approach the bird slowly, talking to it.
If you are right‐handed, you will want to restrain the bird's mandible and head with your left; if you are left‐handed, you will use your right hand.
With the towel in the left hand, slowly surround the bird with your hand and a towel, and then slowly with the toweled hand, secure the bird's head and mandible from behind, while bringing the rest of the towel across its body with your right hand.
Once the towel is draped around, you can lift the bird off the perch or surface.
Secure the feet – let them grasp the towel or your jacket/scrub top. Very small birds like budgies can have their feet clasped between your fourth and fifth fingers.
The bird is frequently held at an angle with the feet against your body, and the head is elevated to an easy visual position for the examination.
Rationale/Amplification
Following Dr. Brian Speer's approach as you drape the towel, often the wording is “Mr. Towel is going to greet you, and wants to hold you” … etc. Talking softly to the bird often calms it as they usually know their name. Do not show fear – be gentle, but not hesitant.
#5,6,7: Depending on the size of the bird and the type of examination or medication administration or other procedures, you can reposition the towel as needed and adjust the angle you are holding the bird. Be sure the bird does not overheat in the towel. If the bird struggles and vocalizes, you may need to consider the addition of some sedation to decrease the stress.
Procedure
Using a restraint strap
Various sizes of restraint straps
Purpose
With a bird in a towel restraint, the use of the strap allows the bird lay in the towel and strap, usually chewing on the towel, and frees the hands of the clinician to do the examination or procedures. Birds are usually calmer in this restraint than just manually in a towel, struggle less, and in the author's experience, are less likely to overheat. Restraint straps are usually unnecessary with small passerines such as canaries and finches. Larger passerines such as starlings and crows can be restrained, similarly to a psittacine.
The original design of the strap was done by Dr. Robert Shelley, Washington State University Class of 1980. Both authors worked with him. The straps are in four sizes made from stitched vinyl with three straps made of hook and latch fastening material. They can be washed and disinfected.
Technical Action
Lay the appropriately sized restraint strap on the exam table, with all straps laid out.
With the bird wrapped in the towel, lay the bird down on the restraint strap, positioning it so that the first horizontal straps will go approximately across the shoulders. Bring the two sides of the straps across the bird and secure them. It should be snug, but because of the towel, it is not constricting.
The middle straps are then brought across the body and secured.
The bottom straps are then brought across – these usually are just cranial to the bird's feet, and often the feet are within the towel.
To examine different parts of the bird's body, the straps in the area are opened and the towel sections lifted.
Some birds may wiggle down and must continue to have an assistant secure their mandible from behind the head (cradle the head in the hand).
Straps often need to be adjusted.
When finished, manually secure the bird's head and usually continue to hold the bird in the towel while each set of straps is being released. The bird then is just in manual restraint with the towel for placement back in the cage, carrier, or onto a perch.
Rationale/Amplification
2: many birds are not used to being held by a human and within a towel may resist the restraint. This is considered to be stressful. When the bird is quickly wrapped in a towel and laid down on the strap, and it is secured, most birds quit resisting and instead start chewing on the towel and ignoring what is going on. The bird is less likely to be injured by trying to flap its wings, and because it is laying quietly, is less likely to overheat.
5: many procedures including full examinations, gavage, medication injections, and blood draws can be done with the bird in a restraint strap – simply by releasing the straps in the area needed for palpation, visualization, or manipulation.
8: the authors have been using these restraint straps for over 30 years and find them invaluable, especially as it allows the nurse or clinician to safely administer medications or restrain a bird by themselves, and the bird appears much less stressed than if multiple people are involved in handling and procedures/medication administration, etc.
Procedure
Placement of an avian version of restrictive collars
