Lesson Structure - Aviculture (Bird Keeping)

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1  Scope and Nature of Bird Care

• Introduction
• Selection
• Grooming
• Hygiene
• Terminology

2  Breeds

• Bird types
• Choosing a bird
• Commonly kept birds

3  Housing Birds

• Aviaries
• Minimum requirements for keeping birds
• Water, feeding and stimulation equipment

4  Feed and Nutrition

• Feed and feeding
• Watering
• Nutritional requirements

5  Health Management

• Caring for the sick bird
• Safety on the home
• Traveling
• Common ailments

6  Bird Behaviour and Training

• Catching/restraining
• Bird Behaviour
• Training Birds

7  Breeding

• Sexing and Desexing
• Breeding
• Welfare
• Reproduction
• Neo-natal care

8  Working in the Bird Industry

• Pet trade and breeding
• Showing
• Avian health
• Pigeon racing
• Falconry
• Zoos and Wildlife Parks
• Avian tourism
• Farming birds for meat, eggs, feathers or oils
• Birds for pest control
• Bird fertilizer -manure

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Learning Goals - Aviculture (Bird Keeping)

1. Discuss the nature and scope of aviculture and develop networking with others involved with aviculture.
2. Determine appropriate types of birds to keep for different purposes.
3. To consider and choose appropriate housing for a range of different types of captive birds.
4. Outline the feeding requirements of a range of different captive birds.
5. Describe management techniques for the health of a range of different birds.
6. Appreciate behavioural traits of any birds you keep, and understand how to properly manage and respond to those traits; and if so desired, train the birds you keep.
7. Manage the breeding of different types of birds.
8. Identify opportunities for working in the aviculture industry.

FEED AND FEEDING

Different birds will require different feeds.  Rats, mice, rabbits, etc., are bred purposely or caught as feed for birds of prey. Low priced and rejected fruit purchased or grown can be used as feed for many birds. Species-specific feed for seed eating birds is readily purchased but is not cheap, and although is an adequate feed, it is not natural or will not provide full nutrition for the birds. Feed for nectar eaters and insect eaters is both costly and time consuming to obtain, and can be more difficult to get the correct nutritional balance.

With all seed eating birds, food bowls should be checked frequently throughout the day and any empty husks blown gently off.  These empty husks lay over the uneaten seeds, preventing the bird from accessing their food.

One of the most common mistakes people make with caged birds is their diet.  While these birds will appear happy enough with a seed and water diet, it is not a nutritionally balanced diet.  Some seeds, such a sunflower seeds are very high in fat and often form too great a percentage of premixed bird seed.  Sunflower seeds can also be highly addictive, especially to parrots, causing them to become overweight, fussy eaters.  Seeds alone will not provide all the essential vitamins and minerals.  Vegetables should be added daily (carrot, corn, broccoli) and even if your bird is at first uninterested, continue to add these to provide them with a more balanced diet.  Beans, seeds, legumes and grains (wild rice, quinoa) should also be supplied daily.  It is always best to research what the birds would naturally eat in the wild and the environment they originate from, and try and mimic this as much as possible.

Fruits can be given 2-3 times a week and occasionally a little yoghurt can be offered for calcium.    If you want to, try sprouting some of the seeds in your bird’s diet (plant them in a shallow tray with good soil and water regularly until small shoots appear). This can add interest and variety to the diet also.  You must ensure these do not become mouldy and contain bacterial or fungal spores, if left too long.  If your bird’s beak is overgrowing, purchase a piece of cuttlefish bone, or collect a piece if you live near a beach.  This is not only good for overgrown beaks, but will provide a source of calcium and should be an everyday item within the aviary.  Appropriate mineral block should also be provided and can also be good for preventing overgrown beaks. Provide natural perches, preferably local tree branches so your bird has something additional to chew on.  If the birds do become deficient then further calcium and mineral powders can be added to their diet, do speak to a veterinarian first to determine the deficiency.
For nectar, insect or meat eating birds, it is best to consult the breeder or a veterinarian to determine the best way to supply a balanced diet.

WATERING

An adequate supply of water must always be maintained, and water should be changed daily and water containers cleaned to remove food or droppings.  A drip water feeder is a good way to supply clean water and minimise contamination.  In hot weather, or if a bird is ill, they will drink much more water than normal.  If your birds are outside, try to ensure the water source is sheltered from direct sunlight to avoid evaporation.  If possible, try to have at least two separate water sources in case one becomes fouled or is knocked over.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIRMENTS

Budgerigar

Initiated from Australia, Budgerigars have become an increasingly popular pet worldwide.  In the wild they thrive on a variety of grass seeds, fruits, berries, vegetation and insects.
It is important for full health of the budgerigar in captivity to feed a balanced diet.  Commercial seed diets and pelleted diets are available, but should never be fed entirely on this they will require fruit, vegetables and supplementation.

Many seed mixes contain several different seeds types which do offer choice but can be high in fat and carbohydrates and Budgerigars in captivity can be prone to obesity.  Seeds which are high in oils, such as hemp, sesame and niger, should only be fed in very small amounts or as an occasional treat as they may cause the budgerigar to become overweight. The mixed pellets can offer a good added nutrition but it is quite an unnatural food, and older birds may not accept this food as easily.  A combination of both seed and pellet diet can be offered simultaneously, and can provide variation with their feed.  Remember to always introduce any new foods gradually over a week to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

A variety of fresh fruit and vegetables should be offered daily, and especially leafy green and orange vegetables.  Only small amounts are required, bearing in mind the size of the budgerigar’s stomach.  Offer around one or two tablespoons in amount, and offer perhaps two or three daily.  Keep offering even if the bird does not seem interested in certain fruits or vegetables.  They require the balance in their diet, and they may be taken small amounts even if bite marks are not visible to our eye.  You should also remove any pits or seeds from the fruits as these can contain traces of cyanide, although the small seeds in berries are fine.

Suitable fruits, legumes and vegetable are:

Apricots
Apples
Asparagus
Banana
Parsley
Kale
Spinach
Broccoli
Carrot
Sweet Potato
Yams
Pumpkin
Berries e.g. raspberries, blueberries, strawberries etc.
Grapes
Mango
Papaya
Peaches
Chick peas
Parsnip
Cabbage
Coconut
Cooked kidney beans
Cooked lentil
Peas
Pear
Corn
Cucumber
Kiwi
Peppers
Pineapple
Brown rice
Sprouted seeds
Tomatoes
They can eat most fruits, vegetables and legumes.  Foods which can be harmful and should not be fed are;
Iceberg lettuce
Avocado
Rhubarb
Onion
Dried or uncooked beans
Garlic
Lemon
Potato
Chocolate
Processed and human foods

Millet sprays can be offered but are again they are just seed, which they will receive from their commercial diet, although they can provide stimulation.  Honey and seed sticks are available, however, can contain far too much unnecessary sugar and are not required in their diet.  Small pieces of boiled or scrambled egg, and cooked chicken or turkey can be given occasionally for protein.
Budgerigars can be prone to iodine deficiency and related problems so it is important they always have access to an iodine block, or a mineral block which contains iodine would be sufficient.  Many commercial diets do not contain iodine, or a sufficient amount for a healthy balanced diet.  They should have a cuttlefish available at all times as this provides them with calcium and can also keep the beak trim whilst providing some stimulation.

As budgerigars shell the seed prior to eating there is no requirement for grit in their diet.  Grit may not do any harm but the budgerigar may over-eat it which can cause crop impaction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Due to our years of experience and wide range of online courses, here are a list of our FAQs and Answers asked by Students.

General

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, you are not required to purchase expensive text books for any of our courses, since each module has been written by highly qualified tutors and writers, and our courses are updated on a regular basis, adding new information, methods and knowledge. You are supplied with all “essential” references. Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. Tutors will advise you what to buy if you decide you would like to have extra reading material, but it is not essential. Check out our eBookstore if you’re looking for a starting point.

Q. What sets the Academy apart from other institutions?
A.  A unique feature of our courses is that we combine knowledge of the subject matter with practical tasks (set tasks, found at the end of each lesson).  So you get to do practical components in each lesson. The benefits of this approach are immense: – your skills and knowledge are developed to a much higher level not normally found at other distance learning institutions.

Q. How do the practical exercises (set tasks) work?
A. The practical component of each lesson can be in the form of : Field Research, Networking and Analysis, Conducting Surveys, Growing, Collecting, Photographing and Processes.

Q. If I do a shorter course first, can I get credits towards a certificate or diploma later?
A. Yes. We will assess previous studies to give you appropriate credits.

Q. Can I pay by instalments?
A. Yes, you can view all available payment options here.

Q. Do I get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. Yes. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do I get a discount if I enrol in a second course?
A. Yes. You will be offered a 10% discount on subsequent courses you enrol for.

Q. Can I use more than one discount code when enrolling for my course?
A. No. You can only use one discount code chosen by yourself per course, when more than one is available.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however; have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are there any hidden costs?
A. There are no hidden extras – the tuition fee covers all course material, unlimited tutor support, assignment marking/feedback and any text books where specified and exams. The only extras are for the public examinations fees for the ICB Bookkeeping course and the RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) exams.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are continually updated. The course content is rapidly updated and improved without the red tape and bureaucracy experienced at other educational institutions.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. What Recognition do you have?
A. The Academy for Distance Learning has various forms of recognition:
These include TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) – an Ofqual Awarding Organisation – ADL is an approved TQUK Centre.
IARC – International Approval Registration Centre, approved member.  Accredited Training Provider for ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and Approved Distance Learning Provider for the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and many more. Our graduates come from many parts of the world and have used our qualifications for successful employment and progression onto higher education. To view our full list  of recognition and memberships please click here,

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at the Academy our students are our priority – we treat every student as a unique individual. This philosophy allows us to nurture those who are “slow and steady” learners rather than letting them fall through the cracks, while catering for those who are in a hurry to complete.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you. You’re under no pressure to finish by a certain deadline.

Q. Completing the course- how long will it take?
A. Completion of  modules varies from student to student.  Many factors come into play  such as work commitments and family life- there are always distractions.  Some students work quicker than others.  For a 100 hour module many students will take up to 3- 6 months,  others take less time and some are even longer. It’s all up to you.  There is no pressure to complete or deadline to finish. Naturally, longer courses will take more time.

Q. What learning formats are there?
A.  Your enrollment comes with the Online Classroom study option by default. For a small additional cost you also have the options of USB or Correspondence.
USB: Your course is sent to you on a USB stick, so that you can carry it in your pocket. Ideal for those with unreliable internet connections. This option is an additional £5/module

Correspondence:  You download the course content and then print your own copy to your requirements. You can then bind the lessons to suit your needs.

Assessments

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a project instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location, or you can visit us in Canterbury, England to sit the exam if want to.  Exam fees are included in the tuition fee you paid. You can read more about the examination process here. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment. You submit it to the academy who then submits it to the tutor for marking, comments and feedback. Our policy is to have a grade for you within 5 to 7 days.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes – If you’re not happy with your work submitted you may re-submit the assignment again.

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons there would be 10 assignments. The number of lessons per module varies from module to module. See the course content from our website for further details.

Q. When do I have to hand in my first assignment?
A. There is no deadline for handing in the first assignment. Submit when you are ready. There are some students who hand in assignments within the first couple of weeks of enrolment – while there are others who submit their work 6 months later. It’s all at your own convenience to suit you. Everyone has different work and home commitments and we cater to these needs.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country; however, there may be an additional expense. We can appoint an appropriately qualified person anywhere to work through curriculum documentation supplied by us, to satisfy the requirements set down in a course.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would receive a Certificate (providing you complete all assignments and the exam). If you just want to complete the assignments only, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications awarded please click here.

Q. Is there a next level to progress to?
A. Yes – you can progress from one module to a combination of many modules and to higher qualifications i.e. Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and Higher Advanced Diplomas. Read more about course levels here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to design your own diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. It’s a very popular option and widely used by many students. You quite simply choose the appropriate number of related modules needed to complete the qualification and submit them to us for approval as a custom diploma.

Q.  What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of a 100-hour Certificate course and providing all assignments and exam have been completed, you will receive a Certificate and Transcript.  The Transcript will list your GPA.  Each 100-hour module is worth 3 credit hours.

Exams

Q. Do I have to sit for an exam?
A. Exams are optional but need to be undertaken in order to receive the Certificate or higher qualification.  Exams are one and a half hours long. You appoint an adjudicator (subject to our approval) to supervise the exam. You sit for the exam in your own location. Its that simple.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. If you feel you don’t cope well with exams you may elect to undertake a Project (set by the tutor) instead of sitting the exam.  Many students prefer this option as they find researching the material for the project sharpens their research skills.

Q. If I don’t sit for the Exam do I still get a qualification?
A. If you don’t sit for the exam but complete the project alternative, you will still receive your endorsed qualification. If you don’t sit for an exam or complete a final project, providing you have completed all the assignments you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

Q. Do I have to sit for the exam at the Academy? 
A. No – whilst you are more than welcome to come to our location in Canterbury, U.K. and sit the exam in our classroom; the more popular option is to sit for the exam in your own location. You appoint an adjudicator to supervise the exam. Click here for more information on that process.

Q. Are there any exam fees?
A. There are no exam fees.  However, for some public examinations such as the ICB (Bookkeeping) and RHS courses exam fees do apply.  See course content for details.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A.  We only employ tutors who have are currently active in their industry with at least 5 years of real-world experience.  Not only are they highly qualified but also experienced, knowledgeable, and professional- experts in their chosen fields from all parts of the world.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes- you have unlimited access to tutors. We strongly encourage students to develop a dialogue with their Tutor. This is why we encourage students to submit their first assignment fairly quickly at the beginning of the course.
Every Academy student is assigned a tutor who supports you throughout your course and beyond. Your tutor is there to guide and facilitate your learning and provides as much or as little individual contact as you would like. When you submit your coursework the tutor will give you feedback that helps you develop your ideas and provides motivation. For those who do like to have interaction with other students, the ADL discussion forum connects you to students from all over the world.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. You have direct contact with your tutor by email through the Online Classroom. Alternatively, you can write, fax, email, or phone the academy. Leave a message if your tutor isn’t available and they will phone, write or fax back; whatever suits you.

Q. If I don’t agree with / like my tutor can I request a change?
A. Yes – we try to accommodate and meet student’s needs and a change of tutor may be arranged.

Q. If I don’t understand a question or a lesson may I contact the tutor?
A. You may contact a tutor as often as you like. There is no additional charge or restriction on this service.  Contact can be made via the Student Zone, email, or by phone.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.