Superb Parrot - Nswfmpa.org

Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmondwhen designed with sufficient width allows the use of external feeding hoppers, wateringdevices and nesting facilities. Generally service corridors provide easy access, quickservicing and helps to minimise the disturbance to the complex/enclosure occupants,especially breeding pairs.A disadvantage with having only a rear service corridor is the vulnerability of the front ofthe complex/enclosure to predator attack and other disturbances i.e. public access, whichcould be eliminated by also having a front service area and a well constructed publicbarrier system. To promote comfortable working conditions front access service corridorsshould be a minimum of 1.2m wide, while rear access service corridors can be wider at aminimum of 1.8m to allow easy servicing of external feeders, watering and nestingfacilities.However, when designing enclosures (aviaries) for public viewing the use of front accessservice walkways may not be appropriate. The extra wire panels required for walkwaysmay hinder the public obtaining a clear view of the occupants of an enclosure.Feeding and wateringFeeding and watering facilities in an enclosure must be positioned to avoid pollution orcontamination from bird faeces and be protected from direct sunlight, rain and vermin.These requirements can be achieved by having feed and water containers positionedunder shelters but not below perches. Feed containers should be suspended in such a waythat facilitates easy servicing but more importantly to prevent access by vermin,especially rats and mice. Large banks of enclosures (aviaries) can be more efficientlywatered with an automated watering system. (refer Figure 21)Snake proofingIn Australia P. swainsonii are vulnerable to snake predation. Nests that contain eggs andyoung are particularly at risk of snake predation. Adult birds can fall prey to large snakes.Snakes can gain access to an enclosure by squeezing through the tiniest crack ofconstruction materials, via rat and mouse holes, through wire mesh that has 12mm ormore sized holes within the wire and have the ability to scale vertical walls where theslightest protrusions can aid their ascent.Snake protection for enclosures can be achieved by having smooth surfaced metalsheeting fixed around the lower sections of an enclosure to a height of 1.2m andremoving any vegetation close to or hanging over an enclosure. Installing electric cattlefencing around the outer sections of an enclosure has proofed effective as a snakedeterrent. The electric wire needs to be positioned at a sufficient height off the groundand close enough to the outer section of an enclosure so that a snake would make contact.Contact with an electric wire would not necessarily kill a snake but ethical considerationsmay have to be taken into account towards the protection of wildlife in general. TheKeith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 30