lesson one - carrying out animal husbandry

welfare requirements

the considerations for accommodation that will help meet an animals welfare needs:

  • space - size and species of animal.

  • size - how much room there is in a cage for the animal to move.

    • bird - minimum size for a cage should be large enough so their wings can’t touch the sides of the cage.

  • density - maximum amount of animals allowed within a certain area.

  • sociability

  • life stage

  • movement and exercise

  • purpose

  • stress

  • food and water

  • enrichment - toys and treats for dogs.

environmental factors

different species have different needs:

  • temperature:

    • bearded dragon - regulate body temperature due to being ectotherms (cold-blooded)

  • lighting:

    • dogs - healthy circadian rhythm is critical for good health. (natural lighting)

  • ventilation - constant supply of oxygen and reducing the risk of infections and diseases.

  • weather (if outside) - whether they can survive and be healthy in new or colder environments.

  • humidity

  • pollution - negative impact on their health, reproduction and survival.

    • light pollution turtles - when turtles are born they follow the light to the see and as there are more buildings and cities, it leads them to the wrong environment meaning they will eventually die.

accommodation plans

preparing accommodation

each individual animal has its own requirements for accommodation.

  • fixtures and fittings - additional structures or objects added that aren’t part of the main structure.

    • food and water equipment.

    • shelters

    • tunnels

    • toys

    • hammocks, etc.

  • bedding:

    • paper

    • hay

    • straw

    • sawdust

    • synthetic bedding

    • vet beds

    • towels

    • grass

  • enrichment - used for animals in captivity.

    • improves brain development and function.

    • interaction with environment and express natural behaviour.

    • reduce stress levels.

    • enhance lives and well-being of animal.

    • permanent residents - zoo, wildlife rescue centre.

  • life stage -

  • duration of use - how long will the animal be there, cleaning process, new bedding, fresh food and water everyday

maintaining accommodation

  • monitoring accommodation

safety and security

preparing to clean

  • cleaning routine

handling and restraint

handling techniques

  • planning

  • monitoring behaviour

  • then animals and the techniques

legislation

laws made by the government you must follow to work legally and safe.

  • animal welfare act (2006) - created by DEFRA to combat animal abuse.

    • makes an individual responsible for an animal to perform a duty and care of meeting basic needs.

  • the five needs under this act:

    1. suitable environment - housing and comfortable resting area.

    2. suitable diet - access food and water, correct nutrition for animals health.

    3. exhibit natural behaviour - sufficient space, proper facilities and with animals own kind.

    4. housed with or without other animals

    5. free from harm, injury, suffering, diseases and stress.