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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: | BudgerigarCanaryCockatielDuckFinchGrass ParrotPigeonQuailRainbow LorikeetRingneck Parakeet. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | behaviour characteristics can vary according to:the breeding seasonthe species, breed, age and sex of the birdsthe time of day or nightbehaviour characteristics associated with different species:activity levels, at certain times of day or nightfeeding, foraging and nesting fight or flightsocial interactionfeeding behavioursdefensive behaviour:defending territory, other birds or foodaggression or hiding/retreating. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | age, sex and sizefeather colour and colour pattern and texture eye colourgender and mutation differencesmarkings, patterns and permanent scarsmicrochip, 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 levelassessment of body conditionexcessive self-scratching or self-mutilationfeather pluckingposture and attituderesponse to stimuliappetite and dietary historyobserving feathers and faecal matter for any abnormalities. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental:biological control of wastecleaning routines and methodscorrect humidity levelsday/night cycle lightingdrainage and weather protectiongeneral bird housing securityhousing furnitureventilation, temperature, heating and cooling requirementshousing design:housing options:indooroutdoorfree flightaviarywalk-throughhousing requirements:brooders and perchescompatibility of species housed togetherfood and water distributionlocation considerationslongevity and sturdiness of materialsmaintains ambient temperature conditions for the specific speciesrequired floor area, vertical and/or horizontal space for specific speciessecurity considerationssuitability for specific speciesspecies-specific options for birds to hide or restsubstrate appropriate to the specific speciesdesigns that allow species-specific activity, feeding or socialisingsocial options:solitarypairssingle sexed groupspolyandrous/polygynous groupsmixed species. |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment:extras to daily base diet:fruit and vegetablesmixed prepared treatspelletsworms and insectsgiving birds opportunities to scratch and forage for food on the groundgiving birds food that requires processing (e.g. breaking nuts open for food)operant feedersphysical enrichment items:chewing materialshollow logs and branchesmirrors and toysnest-boxes and building materialperches, roosting shelves and brooding sitesplants and foliageponds and/or muddy areas large enough for bathingretreatsrocks or artificial rocksshredded paper or leaf littersufficient space for running or flying activitysocial 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 levelscompliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulationsenrichment opportunitiesthe absence of pests and verminthe compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuriesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalhandling of chemicals and medicinesgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)slippery or uneven work surfaceszoonoses. |
Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain birds may include: | animal handling gauntletscatching netsgloveshood or dark covertowel or paper towel. |
Methods used to approach and handle birds may include: | confining to small area before attempting to catchencouraging bird to approach by offering a treatenticing bird into a smaller enclosurehandling techniques for birds should always consider the most appropriate technique to minimise stress and any accidental injuries. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disordersenvironmental hazards:exposure to the elementsinadequate activitytemperature extremesventilationfeed-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 mouldinternal and external parasitesnon-infectious diseases:chemical toxicities and allergiesgenetic disordersmetabolicneoplasticnutritional imbalances and disruptionsphysical traumas. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | routine health check-upcontrol of internal parasitesinsect control both on bird and in environmenttemperature, heat and light requirements for specific speciesquarantine/isolationroutine observation of waste elimination and faecal examinationclean and appropriate dry formulaswater quality. |
Digestive system features may include: | anatomical features:mouth structuresdigestive chemicals and bacteriaalimentary canal and stomachintestines, rectum and cloacaphysiological features:eating processesnutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste eliminationfeeding patterns and natural dietary requirements for individual speciespotential digestive system malfunctions or problemswater needs. |
Food source considerations include: | diets created to fulfil the known dietary requirement of the particular speciesfood sources:seeds, pellets and powdersfruits and vegetablesgrasses and nutsworms and, insects, fruits, vegetables, nuts and grassesdietary supplements. |
Feeding hazards may include: | animal movement and handlingshelf life of foodstuffsmanual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipmentcontamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sourcesorganic and other dustsexcessive noisepossibility of zoonotic infection. |
Documentation on the care and management of birds may include: | accident and incident recordschemical and veterinary supplies registerdetailed and accurate records for each bird:species and sex of birdidentification and historyfeeding, health and treatment recordsdiary, rosters and task completion and timeframe recordsequipment use, damage and repair registerOHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other recordsprovisions records of current stock and items used and items requiredstock control records:bird stocksupplies and equipment stock. |