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TRAINING OF WILDLIFE CARERS
Education of the people who care for animals is a vital way of ensuring that
standards of care are upheld, and that up to date information is given to
carers. It has always been my opinion that if education of carers is not
undertaken by groups, the carers will resort to home made techniques, word of
mouth misconceptions, and often old wives tales.
For example, "You can not return a nestling to the nest as the parents
can smell humans and will reject it." This is one of the most quoted
misunderstandings passed on from carer to carer for years. Birds generally
have little or no sense of smell and will usually always take young back within
a given time frame or circumstances. This is just one example where good
sound education can change an outdated and sad practise.
I am happy to travel to all parts of Australia, however I require enough
notice to be able to organise my work commitments. My usual training is a
full weekend covering all the topics outlined. I do not charge for my time, but I do require reimbursement for
travelling, accommodation (may be billeted) and replacement for myself at
work on the Saturday night I am away. If enough time is available, I am happy to
consider arranging the training in conjunction with a holiday which can cut your
costs considerably - if the destination is on our list of want to see places.
(Tasmania was in October of 2001).
Training can be tailored for your area, targeting your species of birds,
habitat, or problems. Also if certain issues are local, with enough time I
can prepare something specific.
I also provide specific training on certain types of birds, for example,
waterbirds.
Email me to discuss it.
Weekend Training Courses
The following agenda is typical of the two day training course that I run for
wild bird foster-carers. It is usually run over the two days of one
weekend. The two day course will produce a carer who has received training
in initial assessment and sufficient information to then
commence basic caring for birds.
This
course trains foster carers, it does not train participants in the physical
aspects of rescuing. I make it clear that the course does not produce
instant experts. This course also does not equip participants with the
advanced knowledge or skills that may be necessary for the successful
rehabilitation of some "specialist" species or groups of birds eg
raptors.
The
agenda is not rigid and can be modified for the particular group to be trained.
It also can incorporate specific information for local bird species. Both
days are long, usually from 8.30 until 5pm, so it is essential that the
organization or group of carers provide follow-up to improve retention by the
participants of the information provided to them during the course.
The
group seeking to organise for me to conduct a training course needs to be aware
that I have a few requirement that must be met if the course is to be
successful. For example, we will need such equipment as a
slide projector, projection screen, an overhead projector and a whiteboard.
I also require that every trainee has her/his own copy of my book at the course,
as all the training is based around the book. I will have books for sale
to participants who do not already own a copy.
The
basic agenda is as follows:
BASIC AGENDA
DAY
I
REGISTRATION
& EARLY BIRD EXERCISES
BIRD
BEHAVIOUR
Objectives:
PHYSICAL
ASPECTS IN RELATION TO REHABILITATION
Objectives:
SHOCK
& BASIC THREE-DAY CARE
Objectives:
-
To
understand the dynamics of shock in animals
-
To
be able to treat a bird for shock and house for three days
-
To
understand the importance of the use of a hospital box
STRESS
Objectives:
-
To
understand the impact of stress on all animals
-
To
understand the processes of stress & how that affects animals that are
undergoing rehabilitation
-
To
know how to alleviate as much stress as possible for animals
undergoing rehabilitation
ORPHANS
Objectives:
-
To
understand the different types of young birds & their housing
requirements
-
To
be able to recognise the appropriate weaning & natural
progression
times
-
To
understand the impact of imprinting on the life of an
animal
-
To
know how to avoid imprinting animals
HOUSING
Objectives:
-
To
understand how a planted aviary can provide food and
meet
most
needs of birds undergoing rehabilitation
-
To
know how to convert an "old" aviary to a more wild bird
friendly one
-
To
understand the principles of temporary housing
DAY
2
EARLY
BIRD EXERCISES
ORGANIZATION
FOR GROUP WORKSHOPS & PRESENTATIONS
FEEDING
Objectives:
-
To
know the various components that makes up food
-
To
understand the relationship between calcium, phosphorus & vitamin D
-
To
understand the importance of weight monitoring
-
To
understand the different types of diets eaten by wild birds
-
To
know how to obtain natural food to feed birds in care
FIRST
AID, INJURIES & DISEASE
0bjectives:
-
To
feel confident to recognise some injuries and diseases
-
To
know the optimum treatment for those injuries or diseases
-
To
be able to undertake short term treatment for first aid
PREPARATION
FOR WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS
BY WORKSHOP GROUPS
RESPONSIBLE
REHABILITATION & RELEASE
Objectives:
-
To
understand the implications of rehabilitation
-
To
know how to make objective decisions about the prospects of
-
To
be able to plan for the long term prospects of the animal
-
To
be able to accept that euthanasia is a responsible decision
-
To
understand that you must limit your commitment but make it a
-
To
know where, when and how to release animals
EVALUATION
Objectives:
-
To
give feedback to Heather for the ongoing improvement of the
-
To
provide honest, objective suggestions so others can benefit
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Feathers
& Foxtrot 