Questions on the Anatomical Consequences of Handling Methods

[BantyChooks]

Here's some images. I haven't done said wing hold on any bird much bigger than her. It "feels" like too much stress on the joints, if you know what I mean. You just get that sense you're pushing it. I generally pair these holds with some keel support, but I couldn't do that in the images.

In case the sense of scale is messed up in the image, this bird is a Svarthona pullet that weighs maybe a pound and a half at the most.

Underhand grip

Overhand---this is generally just for when I'm dusting for lice or doing checks, since they all like to hang out under the wings.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

There are so many delicate bones in there.
Sounds like a risk.

When we have to inspect, doctor or cull, we try to do so in the dormant hours.

We were at a farmers market awhile back and a guy was chasing down a escaped pullet. He grabbed it by the wing and snatched it up. I wanted to bend his ear but my husband restrained my temptations.
I thought about somebody buying that bird that day and getting it home only to discover it is injured permanently.

Those leg snatching contraptions are questionable for damage/injury as well.

Great topic and thread! Thanks for starting it!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Here's some images. I haven't done said wing hold on any bird much bigger than her. It "feels" like too much stress on the joints, if you know what I mean. You just get that sense you're pushing it. I generally pair these holds with some keel support, but I couldn't do that in the images.

In case the sense of scale is messed up in the image, this bird is a Svarthona pullet that weighs maybe a pound and a half at the most.

Underhand grip
View attachment 1122196

Overhand---this is generally just for when I'm dusting for lice or doing checks, since they all like to hang out under the wings. View attachment 1122197

That is the sturdiest part of the joint. Did the bird display discontent or discomfort?

 

[BantyChooks]

That is the sturdiest part of the joint. Did the bird display discontent or discomfort?

No, they seem as relaxed as any other method of carrying. This particular bird doesn't actually need to be restrained, she's a real pet that will just set on my hand and allow herself to be examined. She just made a good subject since she doesn't protest.

When compared with other handling methods, such as allowing the bird to stand on my hand or using the normal under-arm hold with shanks secured, I did not notice any changed signs of stress such as freezing, absence of normal vocalizations, open beak/panting, or shying away from handler afterwards.

 

[centrarchid]

Bird as I understand to be supported is being help up by their bodies toughest region. Some of the bones may be small but the way forces are translated to them by the overall muscle and skeletal system, everything is lined up not to be stressed when only the weight of the bird is involved.

Picture showing how bird is supported helpful. Only concern I would have is for incoming flight feathers.

 

[BantyChooks]

Bird as I understand to be supported is being help up by their bodies toughest region. Some of the bones may be small but the way forces are translated to them by the overall muscle and skeletal system, everything is lined up not to be stressed when only the weight of the bird is involved.

Picture showing how bird is supported helpful. Only concern I would have is for incoming flight feathers.

Thank you.

 

[aart]

Haha! I thought you were going to post pics from the net!
Great pics!

I would think the overhand method would be much easier to employ,
unless bird is already in hand. That is the method I remember seeing.

May try this just out of curiosity.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

No, they seem as relaxed as any other method of carrying. This particular bird doesn't actually need to be restrained, she's a real pet that will just set on my hand and allow herself to be examined. She just made a good subject since she doesn't protest.

When compared with other handling methods, such as allowing the bird to stand on my hand or using the normal under-arm hold with shanks secured, I did not notice any changed signs of stress such as freezing, absence of normal vocalizations, open beak/panting, or shying away from handler afterwards.

Very interesting! without a photo it leaves too much for the imagination. Excellent pictorial explanation! Almost mimic's a human being restrained in handcuffs.

 

[BantyChooks]

Haha! I thought you were going to post pics from the net!
Great pics!

I would think the overhand method would be much easier to employ,
unless bird is already in hand. That is the method I remember seeing.

May try this just out of curiosity.

Nah, I couldn't find any. I don't believe I've seen this method used anywhere else except by the chicken-keeping locals. I poked around on BYC but pretty much everyone uses shank hold or football hold.

Yes, I generally catch the bird and then switch grips. Like I said, I've found it's really just a nice way to restrain a bird upright rather than for catching them.

 

[aart]

Nah, I couldn't find any. I don't believe I've seen this method used anywhere else except by the chicken-keeping locals. I poked around on BYC but pretty much everyone uses shank hold or football hold.

Yes, I generally catch the bird and then switch grips. Like I said, I've found it's really just a nice way to restrain a bird upright rather than for catching them.

What is your locale...not in your profile??

Would be great for dusting/spraying under wings, that's for sure.