Species Risk Assessment: Avian (Birds)

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This document provides species-specific risk assessments for all bird species in the Pets on the Green collection. Each species profile includes temperament, handling procedures, health monitoring requirements, and safety protocols.

Assessed by:	Ciera O'Rourke
Review Date:	April 2026 (reviewed annually or when collection changes)
Veterinary Care:	Mark Rowland MRCVS, Trinity Veterinary Centre, Maidstone
APHA Registration:	Registered with Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) as required for captive birds

Vaccination Status

Important Information:

Birds (Parrots/Cockatoos): No routine vaccinations required or available in the UK
Polyomavirus vaccine exists but not routinely recommended for established single birds
Disease prevention through biosecurity, quarantine protocols, and regular veterinary monitoring
All birds receive regular veterinary health checks including fecal testing and physical examination
APHA registration maintained for legal compliance and disease surveillance

Cockatoos

1. Galah Cockatoo (Rose-Breasted Cockatoo) - 'Rosie'

Individual Profile: Rosie

Name: Rosie
Species: Galah Cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapilla)
Sex: Female
Age: Adult (exact age known to handler)
Origin: Australian species, captive-bred UK
Status: APHA registered, microchipped
Role: Headline ambassador animal, very well-socialized to public handling

General Species Temperament

Juvenile: Playful, curious, mouthy (explore with beak), require extensive socialization
Adult: Intelligent, social, affectionate when bonded, can be loud and energetic
Bite risk: Medium-High - powerful beak capable of serious injury if provoked
Scratch risk: Medium - sharp claws for perching
Flight risk: High if unclipped - strong flyers
Vocalization: Very vocal - screeches, squawks, whistles, can mimic

Rosie's Individual Temperament

Extremely well-socialized and calm with strangers
Confident and comfortable in handling sessions
Enjoys attention and interaction
Generally gentle but can use beak if uncomfortable
Tolerates noise and activity better than typical galah
Known individual - handler can read body language accurately

Handling Procedures

HANDLER MANAGES ALL TRANSFERS - participants do not pick up or put down bird
Step-up command: Rosie trained to step onto offered hand/arm
Perch on forearm or hand - handler places bird on participant's arm
Support from underneath - never grab or restrain
Keep arm still and relaxed - sudden movements startle
Allow gentle stroking on head/neck when bird leans in (consent signal)
NEVER stroke back/wings (sexually stimulating for parrots)
Keep hands away from beak unless bird is calm and known to handler
Long sleeves recommended to protect from claws
Maximum 20-30 minutes handling with breaks
Wash hands after handling (normal hygiene + feather dust)

Body Language - Warning Signs

HANDLER MUST MONITOR CONTINUOUSLY:

Relaxed/Happy: Crest flat or slightly raised, soft vocalizations, leaning into touch, grinding beak
Overstimulated: Raised crest, dilating pupils, increased activity, loud vocalizations
Uncomfortable: Leaning away, trying to move, feathers slicked down, tail fanning
Defensive/Aggressive: Crest fully raised, open beak, hissing, lunging, biting
If any warning signs appear: handler removes bird immediately
Never force interaction when bird shows discomfort

Health Monitoring

Daily: Appetite, droppings (should be formed, green/brown with white urates), activity level, vocalizations, feather condition, breathing
Weekly: Weight, beak and nail length, eye clarity, nostril condition, general demeanor
Monthly: Feather molt patterns, body condition score, foot health
Quarterly: Fecal testing for parasites/bacteria
Annual: Full veterinary health check including blood work
Signs of illness: Fluffed feathers, lethargy, loss of appetite, labored breathing, tail bobbing, discharge from eyes/nostrils, diarrhea, behavior changes, feather plucking

Dietary Requirements

Pellets (primary): High-quality formulated parrot pellets
Fresh vegetables: Daily variety (leafy greens, carrots, peppers, broccoli)
Fresh fruit: Limited amounts (high sugar)
Seeds/nuts: Treats only (high fat)
Fresh water: Changed daily
TOXIC FOODS: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, salt, onions, garlic

Environmental Needs

Large cage/aviary: Minimum 3ft x 2ft x 4ft for single galah
Perches: Multiple natural wood branches, varying diameters
Enrichment: Foraging toys, puzzle feeders, shreddable materials, rotate regularly
Temperature: 18-24 degrees C comfortable range
Humidity: Moderate (40-60%)
Light: Natural daylight cycle, 10-12 hours sleep in quiet dark area
Social needs: Highly social species, requires daily interaction

Suitability for Handling

Rosie's Individual Suitability:

Suitable for: Most ages (5+), SEN, care homes, schools, parties, educational talks
Good for: Building confidence with birds, sensory experience (soft feathers, warm body), educational demonstrations (intelligence, Australian wildlife, bird anatomy)
EXCELLENT: Headline animal, visually striking (pink and grey), personable, memorable
Therapeutic: Calming presence, gentle interactions, engaging personality
Not suitable for: Very young children (under 5) without close supervision, very large noisy groups (overstimulation)
Handler discretion: Rosie's comfort monitored throughout - session ended if stress signals appear

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

APHA Registration: All captive birds must be registered with Animal and Plant Health Agency
Microchip: Rosie is microchipped for identification
CITES: Galah cockatoos are Appendix II listed (not wild-caught, captive-bred UK)
Article 10 Certificate: Held for legal ownership and commercial use
Veterinary records: Maintained with Mark Rowland MRCVS
Movement records: Documented when taken off premises for sessions
Disease surveillance: Reporting obligations for notifiable avian diseases

Biosecurity Protocols

No contact with wild birds or other captive birds outside POTG collection
Participants must not have handled other birds same day
Hand hygiene before and after handling
Equipment (perches, carriers) cleaned between sessions
Quarantine: 30 days for any new birds (not applicable - single established bird)
Monitoring for signs of avian influenza or other notifiable diseases
Immediate vet consultation if any respiratory symptoms appear

General Avian Safety Protocols

Handling Environment

Indoor sessions preferred - controlled environment
If outdoors: secure area, no flight risk, moderate temperature, no strong winds
Quiet environment - birds stressed by loud sudden noises
No other pets present during sessions
Windows/doors secured if bird free-flying
No ceiling fans or hazards in flight path
Escape plan: windows closed, carrier accessible

Pre-Session Preparation

Health check: Visual assessment of bird before each session
Bird must be alert, active, eating normally
No handling if bird showing any signs of illness
Bird allowed to settle in location before participants introduced
Carrier/perch/safe space available for bird at all times
Water available for bird

Participant Safety Briefing

ALL participants must be briefed on:

Beak is powerful - keep hands away unless invited to stroke
No sudden movements or loud noises
Arm must stay still and relaxed when holding bird
Only stroke head/neck if bird leans in (consent)
NEVER grab, chase, or corner the bird
Handler will remove bird if bird or participant uncomfortable
Feather dust may irritate allergies/asthma - inform handler if issues

Emergency Procedures

Bite: Remove bird immediately, apply pressure if bleeding, clean wound, antiseptic, seek medical attention if deep
Scratch: Clean wound, antiseptic, monitor for infection
Bird falls/flies: Stay calm, do not chase, handler will retrieve safely
Bird escape outdoors: Immediate response - handler trained in retrieval
Bird showing distress: Handler removes bird immediately, session ends
Allergic reaction (feather dust): Stop handling, fresh air, inhaler if asthmatic, 999 if severe
All incidents recorded and participants informed

Species-Specific Knowledge - Galah Cockatoos

Natural habitat: Australian woodlands, grasslands, urban areas
Diet in wild: Seeds, nuts, berries, blossoms, insects
Social structure: Highly social, live in large flocks, mate for life
Intelligence: Problem-solving ability, tool use documented, complex vocalizations
Lifespan: 40-70 years in captivity - long-term commitment
Conservation: Least Concern - common and widespread in Australia, popular in aviculture
Sexual dimorphism: Females have red/pink irises, males have dark brown/black irises
Powder down: Produces feather dust (dander) for waterproofing - can trigger allergies

Educational Value

Rosie provides excellent opportunities to teach about:

Bird anatomy: Feathers, beak, feet (zygodactyl - two toes forward, two back), air sacs
Australian wildlife and ecosystems
Intelligence and problem-solving in animals
Social behavior and communication (vocalizations, body language)
Responsible exotic pet ownership
Conservation and legal protections (CITES, APHA registration)
Adaptation to different environments (wild vs captive)

Maximum Session Times

Total session length: Maximum 60 minutes including setup/pack down
Active handling: 20-30 minutes with regular breaks
Individual interaction time: 2-5 minutes per participant
Rest breaks: Return to perch/carrier every 10-15 minutes
Monitor continuously: Session ended immediately if stress signs appear
Maximum sessions per day: 2 sessions with minimum 2-hour break between

Pets on the Green Ltd - Company No. 16721467
4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN