What is the primary goal of restraining a bird?

The primary goal of restraining a bird is to ensure they cannot bite, scratch, or injure themselves. When birds are handled or examined, they can become frightened, leading to panic and potential injury. Proper restraint techniques minimize the risk of harm to the bird by providing stability and security, allowing the handler to safely manage the bird without triggering its stress responses or endangering its wellbeing.

While preventing flight might seem important, especially during examination or treatment, it is crucial that the focus remains on the bird's safety and wellbeing first and foremost. Facilitating examination and enabling feeding are part of restraining, but the overarching concern is to protect the bird from self-harm and to allow for a safe handling environment for both the bird and the caretaker. Therefore, prioritizing ways to prevent the bird from causing itself injury through proper restraint techniques is essential in fostering a safe experience for both parties.