Assessor Resource

ACMSPE302A
Provide basic care of birds

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


The unit is applicable to those working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for commonly kept avicultural birds. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, breeding establishments, zoos or similar workplaces. In some cases, birds may have been rescued from the wild and successful rehabilitation is required to restore bird health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.

In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.

This unit of competency covers the process of identifying birds and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements, assisting with behavioural requirements and basic preventative health measures.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit in relation to the protection of native and some international birds. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

identify the specific characteristics and needs of birds and apply these to the best practice industry standard of housing, socialising, feeding and health management

classify and identify birds by age, sex, condition, colours, markings and other identifying features using industry terminology

safely and humanely catch, handle and restrain birds

report and document treatments, behaviours and other information on individual birds in accordance with animal welfare regulations, industry standards and workplace protocols and procedures.

The skills and knowledge required to provide basic care of birds must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed against the types of processes required in the industry sector in which candidates are working or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions. Workplaces can include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, breeding establishments, zoos, veterinary practices or similar workplaces.

There must be access to a range of birds as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence. Assessment must cover a minimum of three commonly available bird species.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and responsibilities over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

complete relevant work-related documents and maintain accurate bird records

comply with OHS, animal care, ethics and industry codes of conduct, regulations and legislations

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with, restraining and handling birds

maintain the highest standards of personal and workplace hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

measure, interpret and record bird weight and other relevant objective indicators of change in physiological status

monitor bird health, condition and behaviour and recognise normal and abnormal signs

prepare doses for treatments as directed and verified by supervisor

provide basic first aid to birds as required under supervision

provide food and food supplements in accordance with feeding plan and report bird eating and drinking abnormalities

use equipment and materials correctly and in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

literacy skills to read and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and animal welfare; follow sequenced written instructions; and record information accurately and legibly

oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

problem-solving skills to assess appropriate practices and prioritise daily tasks

use safe manual handling techniques and/or techniques

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge

anatomical and physiological terminology and glossary of terms

anatomical structures and physiological features related to basic care requirements for birds

awareness of natural bird behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species, age, health status, behavioural and social needs and the signs of distress, illness and undesirable behaviours

basic bird care and hygiene principles

basic bird first aid techniques

housing, nesting,social and activity needs of birds and environmental impacts on health and wellbeing

methods of transmission of disease and infection

organisational policies and procedures regarding the care and health maintenance of birds

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

physical conditions and vital signs of birds

potential hazards and risks to birds and staff during feeding and cleaning of housing

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including OHS, animal welfare and ethics

safe bird handling techniques and procedures, potential hazards and control measures

terminology and language variations used by workplace staff and the public to describe birds, their gender, behaviour, status, health and treatments

terminology used to describe and document health and behavioural signs, including desirable and undesirable features

types of food and food supplements and their role in bird diets, including natural dietary requirements for specific species

types of information that has to be reported and recorded in animal care workplaces

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Commonly available birds may include:

Budgerigar

Canary

Cockatiel

Duck

Finch

Grass Parrot

Pigeon

Quail

Rainbow Lorikeet

Ringneck Parakeet.

Behavioural characteristics may include:

behaviour characteristics can vary according to:

the breeding season

the species, breed, age and sex of the birds

the time of day or night

behaviour characteristics associated with different species:

activity levels, at certain times of day or night

feeding, foraging and nesting

fight or flight

social interaction

feeding behaviours

defensive behaviour:

defending territory, other birds or food

aggression or hiding/retreating.

Colours, markings and other identifying features may include:

age, sex and size

feather colour and colour pattern and texture

eye colour

gender and mutation differences

markings, patterns and permanent scars

microchip, tattoos and markings and leg bands.

Indicators of bird comfort and normal behaviour may be identified through:

daily observation and visual examination is the best way to establish the appearance of a healthy bird and at the same time allows detection of changes from normal. These observations will include:

activity level

assessment of body condition

excessive self-scratching or self-mutilation

feather plucking

posture and attitude

response to stimuli

appetite and dietary history

observing feathers and faecal matter for any abnormalities.

Housing design and environmental factors may include:

environmental:

biological control of waste

cleaning routines and methods

correct humidity levels

day/night cycle lighting

drainage and weather protection

general bird housing security

housing furniture

ventilation, temperature, heating and cooling requirements

housing design:

housing options:

indoor

outdoor

free flight

aviary

walk-through

housing requirements:

brooders and perches

compatibility of species housed together

food and water distribution

location considerations

longevity and sturdiness of materials

maintains ambient temperature conditions for the specific species

required floor area, vertical and/or horizontal space for specific species

security considerations

suitability for specific species

species-specific options for birds to hide or rest

substrate appropriate to the specific species

designs that allow species-specific activity, feeding or socialising

social options:

solitary

pairs

single sexed groups

polyandrous/polygynous groups

mixed species.

Enrichment needs may include:

food or food-related enrichment:

extras to daily base diet:

fruit and vegetables

mixed prepared treats

pellets

worms and insects

giving birds opportunities to scratch and forage for food on the ground

giving birds food that requires processing (e.g. breaking nuts open for food)

operant feeders

physical enrichment items:

chewing materials

hollow logs and branches

mirrors and toys

nest-boxes and building material

perches, roosting shelves and brooding sites

plants and foliage

ponds and/or muddy areas large enough for bathing

retreats

rocks or artificial rocks

shredded paper or leaf litter

sufficient space for running or flying activity

social enrichment:

interaction with other birds or animals that personalities match and enjoy each other's company

levels of contact with other birds of the same species or breed.

Welfare of animals requirements may include:

adequate housing, nutrition, water (fresh and clean) and stock levels

compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations

enrichment opportunities

the absence of pests and vermin

the compatibility of species and breeds.

OHS risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain birds may include:

animal handling gauntlets

catching nets

gloves

hood or dark cover

towel or paper towel.

Methods used to approach and handle birds may include:

confining to small area before attempting to catch

encouraging bird to approach by offering a treat

enticing bird into a smaller enclosure

handling techniques for birds should always consider the most appropriate technique to minimise stress and any accidental injuries.

Common health issues may include:

behavioural disorders

environmental hazards:

exposure to the elements

inadequate activity

temperature extremes

ventilation

feed-related, caused by no fresh and clean water or access to daily base food (e.g. finches having a container full but not digging past the husks)

infectious diseases caused by:

bacteria, virus, fungus and mould

internal and external parasites

non-infectious diseases:

chemical toxicities and allergies

genetic disorders

metabolic

neoplastic

nutritional imbalances and disruptions

physical traumas.

General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include:

routine health check-up

control of internal parasites

insect control both on bird and in environment

temperature, heat and light requirements for specific species

quarantine/isolation

routine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination

clean and appropriate dry formulas

water quality.

Digestive system features may include:

anatomical features:

mouth structures

digestive chemicals and bacteria

alimentary canal and stomach

intestines, rectum and cloaca

physiological features:

eating processes

nutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods

waste elimination

feeding patterns and natural dietary requirements for individual species

potential digestive system malfunctions or problems

water needs.

Food source considerations include:

diets created to fulfil the known dietary requirement of the particular species

food sources:

seeds, pellets and powders

fruits and vegetables

grasses and nuts

worms and, insects, fruits, vegetables, nuts and grasses

dietary supplements.

Feeding hazards may include:

animal movement and handling

shelf life of foodstuffs

manual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipment

contamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sources

organic and other dusts

excessive noise

possibility of zoonotic infection.

Documentation on the care and management of birds may include:

accident and incident records

chemical and veterinary supplies register

detailed and accurate records for each bird:

species and sex of bird

identification and history

feeding, health and treatment records

diary, rosters and task completion and timeframe records

equipment use, damage and repair register

OHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other records

provisions records of current stock and items used and items required

stock control records:

bird stock

supplies and equipment stock.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Profile of birds commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics, is defined. 
External features are described using industry terminology. 
Birds are classified using industry-specific terminology. 
Colours, markings and other identifying features are defined, interpreted and documented. 
Indicators of bird comfort and normal behaviour are identified and signs of distressed birds are recognised and reported to supervisor. 
Industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities are identified. 
Enrichment needs are identified and evaluated for specific bird species. 
Current bird housing design, including nesting requirements, is evaluated in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements. 
Occupational health and safety (OHS) risks associated with handling and restraining birds are identified and methods used to minimise risks are demonstrated. 
Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain birds is prepared and evaluated. 
Birds are approached and caught while minimising risks to bird and others. 
Birds are restrained using a range of approved animal welfare management procedures. 
Signs of good health in birds are identified and recorded in animal health and treatment records. 
Common health issues are identified and signs of disease or other conditions are reported to supervisor. 
General health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures are identified and implemented in accordance with level of job responsibility, regulatory requirements and supervisor guidance. 
Options for activity and enrichment are identified, evaluated for impact on bird health and implemented as directed by supervisor. 
Digestive system features are identified and related to bird-specific feeding routines and diets. 
Preferred food sources are identified and samples are assessed for quality and suitability. 
Potential feeding hazards are identified and risk control options defined. 
Feed is prepared in accordance with dietary needs. 
Feeds are distributed and consumption including abnormalities is reported in accordance with workplace routines. 
Documentation on the care and management of birds is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and legislation requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMSPE302A - Provide basic care of birds
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Assessment Record Sheet

ACMSPE302A - Provide basic care of birds

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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