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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: | 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. |