People holding a bird on their arm for the first time will tend to make tentative, slow movements, restricting their own activities to make sure that the bird stays on. For many people, this makes holding a bird less than enjoyable.

Don't worry! Birds can hold on quite well, even without gripping particularly tightly. When you're holding a bird, sure, don't make really fast moves -- swinging a golf club is, for instance, right out -- but it's the bird's job to stay on, not yours. Remember, the bird can fly (or, if not flighted, at least flutter safely down to the floor), so if the bird falls, it'll be fine. The bird needs to learn to stay on you.

And, if you show uncertainty and tentativeness in front of the bird, that attitude will rub off on the bird and it will be uncomfortable (or, worse, some birds may become aggressive). Best is to behave as you normally would an behave in a calm and happy manner when you're holding the bird. Remember, it's their job to stay on your arm, not your job to keep them there.