Instructions
Form a cup with your dominate hand and insert it into the cage. Wait until he lands near the side of the cage to prevent injuring your canary. Trap your canary against the side of the cage with your cupped hand. If he moves around or panics, wait patiently until he calms down and lands.
Close your hand around him and grasp him gently. Make sure you don't squeeze too hard. His chest should be able to expand when he breathes.
Hold him with your hand over his back and his head between your index and middle fingers. Gently drape your fingers over his shoulders. This helps keep your hand out of biting range.
Support his legs and body with the fingers of your free hand. If he struggles, keep him close to your body to calm him and prevent him from escaping your grip. Wait a couple of minutes until his breathing slows and he calms down. Hold him with your dominate hand and use your other hand to inspect, pet or groom him.
How to Hold Canaries
Canaries generally aren't tame enough to perch quietly on your finger like some birds. So each time you handle your canary, you should hold him firmly, yet gently. Catching and holding your canary is not harmful and acts as a good bonding experience. Holding him also gives you an opportunity to inspect him for injuries and groom him.