handling and restraint of exotics Flashcards
what can happen if restraint is done badly
- injury/death of animal OR handler
- escape of the animal
- creating fearful animal
- destruction or damage of HAB
basic guidelines of animal handling (4)
- is it safe for person
- is it safe for the animal
- is it possible to accomplish procedure by using suggested restraint method
- can constant observation and attention be given to the animal following the restraint until is fully recovered from physical effects
success of animal handling depends on (4)
- knowledge of the animal
- experience of handler
- application of correct technique
- availability and application of appropriate tools/chemicals
what is the restraint mantra:
There is strength in ______.
Good restraint is about _____, _______ and _______.
Preparation is : _______________
“There is strength in gentleness. Good restraint is about empathy, finesse and technique. Preparation is equally important as execution.”
restraint can be what 4 things
physical, chemical, psychological or combo
physical restraint
combo of physical forces and tools to limit movement of animal
chemical restraint
use of tranquillizers, sedatives and anesthesia
psychological restraint
behavioural conditioning using positive reinforcement
transquillizers
drugs that have a calming effect, but the animal remains aware of its surroundings and may respond to stimuli
sedation
reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation, produces sense of calm, lack of awareness, and drowsiness
anaesthesia
loss of consciousness and therefore loss of awareness, although the depth can often be controlled
what is the masking phenomenon
desire/ instinct to conceal signs of pain or injury from predators
exotics will fake looking healthy, so that means if they look sick this is often late detection and they are much sicker than they look
what is a misconception about exotics being handled
they are easily stressed and may even die during restraint
this misconception stems from the masking phenomenon and the fact that early signs of sickness are missed so by the time they get to the vet they are incredibly sick
what to observe in exotics to see through the masking phenomenon (5)
- alertness
- respiratory effort
- appetite and thirst
- co-ordination
- behaviour
how to let bird out of cage
ask owner to remove bird from cage, if they can’t then allow bird to come out themself, then attempt to bring out on hand or on stick
should you use gloves when restraining birds
no
what size towel should you use to restrain birds
smallest possible, bring towel behind them
3 fingered grip
thumb under jaw, pointer on top of head and middle finger on side of head
two fingered grip
pointer and middle finger on either side of head
2 handed grip
2 or 3 finger grip on head and other hand holds wings, feet, tail
what needs to be free when restraining birds, and what always needs to be supported
sternum free for breathing, and always support body
handling chickens
won’t bite will scratch, place fingers between legs and hand on back, chicken can rest on forearm
restraining pigeons
bird sits in palm of hand has feet in-between fingers
