Hi guys! I'm currently doing a TAFE course in zookeeping and I would be so grateful if someone could help me out. My course contains an animal reproduction section and I'm finding it really hard to get all my compentencies done. I currently volunteer at Taronga, however as a volunteer, I'm not able to get too involved with their animal breeding plans. I have spoken to my lecturer about this, and he said that it would be okay if I simply helped out a person who breeds animals.

 

I'll write done the compentencies so you guys have a better idea of what I need to do:

 

1.1 Sexual behaviour, communication and signs in the male and female reproductive cycle are recognised and reported for the major animal groups.

 

So for this I'll need to identify nesting, mating calls etc.

 

1.2 Risks associated with potential aggressive animal behaviour are identified and monitored in accordance with occupational health and safety (OHS)and animal welfare requirements.

 

I've sort of already done this one, but basically I have to identify any risks to humans.

 

1.3 Conditions and environmental cues conducive to breeding are provided in accordance with institution's breeding plan.

 

Suitable conditions may include simulated natural habitat, dietary requirements, screening, privacy, reduced noise or light, temperature, humidity and photoperiod. Suitable environmental cues may include changes in photoperiod, humidity, temperature and / or precipitation.

 

2.1 A suitable environment for breeding animals is provided in accordance with OHS requirements.

 

This means I have to provide things like a natural habitat, or a nest box etc.

 

2.2 Requirements of breeding animals are provided and monitored in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

 

Those can include behavioural things, nutritional and health requirements.

 

2.3 Relevant data is recorded so that successes can be replicated.

 

Data may include environmental conditions and the introduction or separation of individuals.

 

2.4 Changes to husbandry regimes are communicated to the team in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

 

Those changes could be to do with diet or cleaning etc.

 

3.1 Suitable media are provided to assist with the birth or hatching.

 

Suitable media may include materials or substrates for nest building, egg laying and / or incubation.

 

3.2 Appropriate monitoring is provided to ensure the safe birth or hatching of young animals.

 

This could be checking incubators or things like that.

 

3.3 Post-birth or post-hatching behavioural considerations are assessed and managed.

 

3.4 Breeding outcomes are assessed and updates are recommended for inclusion in the institution's breeding plan.

 

This one I can probably get done at the zoo.

 

So basically I'm wondering if there's someone in Sydney who's breeding budgies not just as a one-off, but rather has a reasonably good breeding set up? If so, then would I be able to come over for a day and help you take care of them (providing nesting materials, adding a nest box etc), or to be present for a hatching, in order to get the above TAFE stuff signed off?

 

Any help would be great, though please let me know soon if no one is able to do so. My last resort option is to simply breed my own mice, and if I want to do that, then I'll have to start it fairly soon.

Just an update on this. I ended up breeding mice, and I've completed this module now.

I'm sorry Lara that you didn't get an answers to this, it seems interesting. I don't remember seeing it before... ah just looked at the date and I was away at that time. I'm glad you got your studies completed in any case and thanks for the update about it.

I am sorry too. I would have like to have a go at it.