It is important to work slowly with animals and birds. Allowing them to become accustomed to movement around them rather than simply diving in with an over-zealous hand is an important step in gaining their confidence. By using a feather the bird can express any concern without triggering a reaction from the handler should the bird bite or want to explore the moving object with their beak.

The feather can then be used to stroke the owl which may be more acceptable than approaching directly with the fingers or hand.

Introducing contact by using a variety of textures is generally a quick and gentle way of gaining confidence in young or nervous birds. A paintbrush is another simple and highly effective tool and can be used for a variety of animals.

This young owl is readily accepting contact from both a feather and a brush.

Although the colour white can be a cause of concern for some animals and birds we find that the majority of animals and birds are not threatened by this colour when approached gently. A variety of textures and colours can be introduced before contact with the hand is initiated. This gentle step-by-step approach can enable even very defensive animals to settle and enjoy human contact although care should be taken not to over load theanimal/bird. It may take days or even weeks, working in short sessions, to enable birds and animals to overcome their concern. This young owl goes to shows and visits schools so teaching him that a gentle approach from strangers and unfamiliar objects is non-threatening will ensure that he remains calm and confident when he travels around the UK educating school children and members of the public about owls.

Using gentle TTouches on the feathers, Linda Tellington Jones and Lynne Ewington - a participant on the training course - progress to hand contact.

To "TTouch and Handling Reptiles and Wildlife Page 1 and Page 3.

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