Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify rodents and rabbits and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for rodents and rabbits. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.
The 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 rodents and rabbits | 1.1 Define the profile of rodents and rabbits commonly held in a facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology 1.3 Classify rodents and rabbits 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 animal 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 animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements 2.5 Identify and implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific rodent and rabbit species |
3. Catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits | 3.1 Identify WHS risks associated with handling and restraining rodents and rabbits, and implement methods to minimise risks 3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment to catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits 3.3 Approach and catch rodents and rabbits safely 3.4 Restrain rodents and rabbits using approved animal welfare management procedures |
4. Assist with health care needs | 4.1 Identify signs of good health in rodents and rabbits 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures, and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility 4.4 Implement health enrichment activities as directed by supervisor |
5. Feed and water rodents and rabbits | 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to rodent- and rabbit-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred feed 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 'rodents and rabbits Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Species Specific (SPE)