Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify rodents and rabbits
- Define the profile of rodents and rabbits commonly held in a facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics
- Identify external features using industry terminology
- Classify rodents and rabbits using industry terminology
- Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
- Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
- Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
- Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor
- Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
- Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
- Identify and implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific rodent and rabbit species
- Catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits
- Identify WHS risks associated with handling and restraining rodents and rabbits, and implement methods to minimise risks
- Select and use appropriate equipment to catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits
- Approach and catch rodents and rabbits safely
- Restrain rodents and rabbits using approved animal welfare management procedures
- Assist with health care needs
- Identify signs of good health in rodents and rabbits
- Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
- Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures, and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility
- Implement health enrichment activities as directed by supervisor
- Feed and water rodents and rabbits
- Identify digestive system features and relate to rodent- and rabbit-specific feeding routines and diets
- Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
- Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
- Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
- Distribute food and water according to schedule/feeding plan or animal requirements
- Maintain records