How to pick up "handle" geese

[greathorse]

I have 4 nice dewlap toulouse. They are not pets but are slowly getting used to me. I have not really had a need to pick these birds up to load them or handle them in any way but have begun the think aobut whether or not there is a proper way to do this.

I was at a show a few weeks ago and most geese were being carried by their wings. Folks would sort of fold both wings up and use them like a basket handle. Does this work on heavy geese as well. I would think that if one sort of cradled them in their arms it could get a bit rough, messy and just turn out bad, especially if the geese were not handled a lot.

Obviously these birds can get quite heavy and just not sure about how to go about picking them up without them or me getting hurt in some way.

 

[Willowbrook]

I never really thought about how I picked mine up, but I did a search and found this site. I'm glad to know that I've been doing it correctly all along.
I have real issues with people and how they 'man-handle' fowl. Wings, legs and feet were not meant to be used to transport fowl. Yes, you see it, but it doesn't make it right.

Here's the site... http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/mmissue37.htm

 

[greathorse]

Thanks that helps me. I sure saw a lot of folks packing geese around by folding their wings up above their backs. The birds did not seem to mind it but these were all light geese. I am guessing with the heavy birds it could be a bad thing. I even asked one old fella and he assured me that all geese are best handled like that.

Sure glad I checked here.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

I kinda "scoop" my geese up from underneath but have to be careful of those sharp nails! So I make sure I have a long sleeve shirt or jacket on if I need to pick them up. I've raised parrots for 30 years and I definitely wouldn't pick one of those up by their wings no matter how light they were!

Laurie