Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:48 AM AWST

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Provide general care of rodents or rabbits

Provide general care of rodents or rabbits

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE322
State Code
ODC27
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify rodents and/or rabbits and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for rodents and/or rabbits. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify rodents and/or rabbits
  • 1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of rodents and/or rabbits commonly housed in a facility
  • 1.2 Identify and describe external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify rodents and/or rabbits according to taxonomy
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
  • 2.2 Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.5 Identify behavioural enrichment activities for specific rodent and/or rabbit species
3. Catch, handle and restrain rodents and/or rabbits
  • 3.1 Identify workplace health and safety risks associated with handling and restraining rodents and/or rabbits
  • 3.2 Implement methods to minimise safety risks and use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • 3.3 Select and use appropriate equipment to catch, handle and restrain rodents and/or rabbits
  • 3.4 Approach, catch and restrain rodents and/or rabbits safely using low stress handling techniques to minimise risks to the animal and others
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in rodents and/or rabbits
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in accordance with level of job responsibility
5. Feed and water rodents and/or rabbits
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to rodent-specific and/or rabbit-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule, feeding plan or animal requirements
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records, noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE01 ACMSPE312 Provide basic care of rodents and rabbits Unit of competency