When capturing a large bird, what position should your hand be in when grasping it?

Grasping a large bird behind the head is a safe and effective technique for capturing it. This method allows you to gain control of the bird while minimizing the risk of injury to both the animal and yourself. By positioning your hand behind the bird's head, you can prevent it from pecking and escaping, as this position restricts the bird's ability to move its head freely. This grip is also less likely to startle the bird, reducing stress during the capture process.

While options that suggest positions like in front of the beak or beneath the tail could lead to potential harm for both the handler and the bird due to the bird's natural defensive behaviors, being behind the head ensures a more secure and humane approach. Additionally, capturing a bird above the wings is typically not an ideal method since it could hinder the bird's ability to flap and escape, complicating the handling process.