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Swift Parrot Husbandry Guidelines for Photograph by Greg Miles, July 2011 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor (Aves: Psittacidae) Date By From Version 2019 Crystal Capach RARES Fndn v 1 WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS Species Risk Category The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is considered a low risk, or innocuous parrot. The largest risk of harm would occur by the beak through biting, so care should be taken whilst handling or restraining the bird to reduce the chances of being bitten. WHS SUMMARY Though generally non aggressive in nature, injury may still occur through mishandling the bird, or through something as simple as working within the enclosure. A keeper must always take precautions whilst working to ensure their own safety and the safety of their fellow workers. If it happens that a serious injury occurs within the workplace, the regulator must be notified immediately in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Workcover NSW). Workplace Risk Types 1. Biological There is a risk of zoonotic diseases being contracted when coming into contact with this species, as well as other bird species within the Psittacidae family. Namely, the highest zoonotic risk is the bacterial disease psittacosis, also known as ornithosis and chlamydiosis. Transmitted mainly through the inhalation of contaminated airborne faecal matter, feather dander, or beak-to-mouth contact, this disease can be diagnosed through the flu-like symptoms and respiratory tract illness presented. Maintaining proper hygiene practices and regular screening of birds should help prevent the zoonotic spread of this disease (Harkinezhad et al. 2009; West 2011). This disease as well as several others will be discussed further in Section 8. 2 2. Chemical The cleaning and regular maintenance of any enclosure carries the risk of injury from chemicals used during the cleaning process. Corrosive chemicals used such as bleach to clean water bowls or ponds will cause damage to the eyes if splashed into them, and may cause damage to the skin if continued contact occurs with the chemical. As such, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) booklets should be located in easily accessible areas within the vicinity of the area where the chemicals are stored. Additionally PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) should be made available to all workers who come in to contact with this chemical, including (but not limited to) protective eye gear, rubber gloves, and overalls (Pers. Obs. Crystal Capach). 3. Environmental Working in an outdoor environment lends the risk of being exposed to poor conditions throughout the year. Whilst working in an enclosure preparations should be made to endure sun exposure, extremes in heat/cold, and strong winds. Protective equipment including sun screen, sunglasses, and hats should be worn to protect the body from sun damage. In extreme temperatures, care should be taken to wear appropriate clothing for the weather, and maintain hydration (for heat). In the case of strong winds, it is important to keep an eye out for any structure which may be damaged and could fall leading to injury (e.g. falling tree branches) (Pers. Obs. Crystal Capach). 4. Ergonomic Enclosures should be designed with not only the safety and security of the birds in mind, but also allowing for ease of movement and reduction of strain for workers whilst performing daily maintenance tasks, including cleaning and enclosure repairs. Keepers should not be forced to bend or strain their back in the process of entering the enclosure by making sure the door is tall enough. Additionally, proper posture should be maintained during maintenance to reduce strain on the back and neck (Pers. Obs. Crystal Capach). 3 5. Physical Physical labour carries the risk of injury through common activities such as heavy lifting or repetitive movement. It is always important to ensure that strain is not placed on the body (e.g. back and neck) by lifting objects heavier than 20kg (or sometimes objects more than half one’s body weight) without assistance, and signage around the workplace should indicate as much. Repetitive movement or strain related injuries can be avoided by maintaining proper posture while lifting (Pers. Obs. Crystal Capach). 6. Psychological Forming close attachments to animals being cared for can result in grief upon the death of an individual. Grief can adversely impact upon the mental wellbeing of a keeper, with reactions being immediate, or manifesting over time. Management through the use of counselling should be taken into consideration and be offered should a keeper be considered under psychological strain. Unresolved psychological strain may eventuate in negative interactions with fellow workers or other animals within the workplace (Pers. Obs. Crystal Capach). 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS ...............................................................................................................................2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................................................................5 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................8 2 TAXONOMY ........................................................................................................................................................................9 2.1 NOMENCLATURE ................................................................................................................................................................9 2.2 SUBSPECIES.........................................................................................................................................................................9 2.3 RECENT SYNONYMS ..........................................................................................................................................................9 2.4 OTHER COMMON NAMES..................................................................................................................................................9 3 NATURAL HISTORY......................................................................................................................................................10 3.1 MORPHOMETRICS.............................................................................................................................................................10 3.1.1 Mass And Basic Body Measurements ...............................................................................................................10 3.1.2 Sexual Dimorphism ..............................................................................................................................................10 3.1.3 Distinguishing Features ......................................................................................................................................13 3.2 DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT.........................................................................................................................................14 3.3 CONSERVATION STATUS .................................................................................................................................................15 3.4 LONGEVITY .......................................................................................................................................................................15 3.4.1 In the Wild..............................................................................................................................................................15 3.4.2 In Captivity ............................................................................................................................................................15 3.4.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in Adults .................................................................................................15 4 HOUSING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................................16 4.1 EXHIBIT/ENCLOSURE DESIGN ........................................................................................................................................16 4.2 HOLDING AREA DESIGN .................................................................................................................................................19 4.3 SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................19 4.4 POSITION OF ENCLOSURES..............................................................................................................................................19 4.5 WEATHER PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................................................19 4.6 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................................................................................20 4.7 SUBSTRATE .......................................................................................................................................................................20 4.8 NESTBOXES AND/OR BEDDING MATERIAL ..................................................................................................................21 4.9 ENCLOSURE FURNISHINGS..............................................................................................................................................22
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