Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify birds and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.
The unit applies to individuals 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.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify commonly kept birds | 1.1 Define profile of birds commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology 1.3 Classify birds using industry terminology 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features |
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs | 2.1 Identify indicators of bird comfort and normal behaviour 2.2 Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities 2.4 Evaluate current bird housing and nesting requirements to ensure animal welfare needs are met 2.5 Identify and implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific bird species |
3. Approach and handle birds | 3.1 Identify WHS hazards associated with handling and restraining birds, and implement treatments to minimise risks 3.2 Select and use personal protective equipment to catch, handle and restrain birds 3.3 Approach and catch birds safely 3.4 Restrain birds using approved animal welfare management procedures |
4. Assist with health care needs | 4.1 Identify signs of good health in birds 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in line with level of job responsibility 4.4 Implement health enrichment activities as directed by supervisor |
5. Feed and water birds | 5.1 Identify digestive system features, and relate to bird-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred food sources and assess samples for quality and suitability 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule/feeding plan or animal requirements |
6. Maintain records | 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret product labels accurately |
Get the work done | Comply with relevant legislation requirements relating to birds Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Species Specific (SPE)