AACC Standards of Practice

1. Purpose:

The purpose of these standards is to provide guidance to aviculturists on the management of birds in captivity towards the goal of ensuring their welfare. By providing guidelines the AACC can help ensure appropriate aviary welfare standards are maintained.

It shall be the goal of every breeder to breed and maintain their birds in healthy conditions. It shall be the responsibility of every breeder to adhere to the ethical business practices when buying and selling birds. It shall be the goal of every pet owner to ensure their birds are kept in healthy conditions.

The AACC has a full policy on Standards of Care. Please review them to get a complete understanding of our best practices. If these standards of practice are not met, the AACC may revoke your membership.

2. Housing

Be sure to have:

• Protection from weather extremes
• Cages of appropriate size for the birds you keep
• Adequate ventilation to allow fresh air.
• Draft free shelter.
• Secure and varying sizes of perches.
• Adequate feed and water stations.
• Proper breeding cages.
• Aviaries should have safety doors.

3. Breeding

• Breeding of birds sould be done in the best conditions,. Ensure there is adequate space, heat and light. Seek advice when necessary, from an experienced hobbyist.
• Ensure food is readily available and birds are properly weaned before being sold.
• Be sure you have adequate space to accommodate the new birds.
• Only use healthy birds in your breeding program.
• Udse appropriate registered AACC or Affiliated Member club bands to properly identify your birds.
• These can be used to trace a lost or found bird, whereas unregistered bands cannot.

4. Handling and Travel:

When shipping birds ensure that they:

• Have adequate ventilation and space.
• The shipping container is secure and sealed.
• Have adequate food and water to last the duration of the trip.
• Floor material must be clean and new.
• Incompatible birds should not be transported in the same box.
• Have all Health documents required.

5. Selling Responsibilities

• Breeders must be fair and forthright with buyers and ensure that birds are represented with honesty and integrity.
• Breeders must make a point to assist novice owners where possible.
• Where feasible, a Breeder should supply the pedigree of the bird.
• Breeders must be sure to sell to reponsible owners, who are familiar and compatible with the life span and canre requirements of the bird(s) they purchase.
• Before selling a bird, Breeders must ensure it is properly weaned and has been banded with an AACC or member club bands.

The above document will be given to each member in a booklet with their membership card attached on acquiring their membership with the AACC

The National Voice of Aviculture for Canada.