Pasa Code of Conduct

PASA Code of Practice & Conduct

/ Articles, News / By

PART I: Code of Practice

1. Introduction

In achieving its goals as set out in the Constitution of the Parrot Breeders Association of Southern Africa (PASA), this Code of Practice is implemented for all members.

PASA aims to:

  • Protect the rights of its members to breed and market parrots
  • Provide guidelines for the proper care, housing, and management of parrots
  • Collaborate with national and international organisations affecting members

In addition, a recommended Good Code of Conduct is provided in Part II.

2. Purpose of the Code of Practice

2.1 Minimum Standards

To establish minimum standards for parrot breeders in:

  • Domestication needs
  • Facility requirements
  • Environmental conditions
  • Activity and behavioural needs

2.2 International Standards

To ensure parrots are bred and supplied in a manner that meets internationally accepted health and welfare standards.

3. Main Needs Associated with Domestication

3.1 Human Interaction

  • Parrot behaviour must be considered in all human interaction
  • Buyers with limited knowledge must be properly informed
  • Education ensures:
    • Better owner–bird relationships
    • Improved welfare and safety

3.2 Selection

  • Endangered species should not be promoted as pets
  • Members should:
    • Avoid crossbreeding species
    • Avoid inbreeding
    • Focus on conservation breeding of endangered species

3.3 Nutrition

  • Diet must be species-specific and balanced
  • Seed-only diets are not acceptable
  • Provide:
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables regularly
    • Clean food and water daily
    • Hygienic feeding equipment

4. Facility Needs

4.1 Housing

  • Aviaries must be:
    • Clean, secure, and weather-protected
    • Predator- and rodent-resistant
  • Requirements:
    • Minimum width: 600 mm or twice wingspan
    • Adequate flight space
    • At least two perches positioned for free movement
  • Avoid:
    • Overcrowding
    • Aggressive interactions
  • Provide:
    • Dividers where necessary
    • Rodent control systems

4.2 Handling

  • Use proper handling equipment
  • Minimise handling stress for non-pet birds
  • Ensure:
    • Handwashing and disinfecting facilities
  • Wing management:
    • No pinioning
    • Symmetrical feather trimming only when necessary

4.3 Breeding

  • Provide suitable nesting boxes per species
  • Additional requirements:
    • Multiple exits for aggressive pairs
    • Extra nest boxes in shared aviaries
  • Identification:
    • Closed rings with:
      • Year
      • Breeder code
      • Unique number
  • Export birds may use code: ZA-0
  • DNA sexing certificates should be issued by PASA

5. Environmental Needs

5.1 Hygiene & Health Monitoring

Daily Monitoring

Watch for:

  • Changes in droppings, appetite, or behaviour
  • Physical abnormalities or injuries
  • Feather loss or discharge

Disease Prevention Measures

5.1.1 Clean Facilities

  • Remove waste and weeds regularly
  • Disinfect aviaries and equipment
  • Maintain ventilation and quarantine areas

5.1.2 Limit Wild Bird Contact

  • Prevent contamination of food and water
  • Discourage wild birds from perching nearby

5.1.3 Clean Food & Water

  • Store feed securely
  • Provide fresh food daily
  • Ensure safe water supply

5.1.4 Visitor Control

  • Restrict access
  • Provide sanitation at entry points
  • Use appointment systems

5.1.5 Quarantine

  • Minimum 30-day isolation for new birds
  • Feed quarantine birds last
  • Source from reputable breeders

5.1.6 Post Mortems

  • Required for unexplained deaths

5.1.7 Wild Bird Monitoring

  • Report mass deaths to authorities immediately

Legal Compliance

Members must comply with:

  • Animal Diseases Act (No. 35 of 1984)
  • Disease reporting obligations
  • Use of qualified veterinarians

5.2 Transport

  • Use clean, ventilated transport boxes
  • Requirements:
    • Enough space to turn
    • Limited space to prevent injury
  • Additional rules:
    • Separate aggressive birds
    • Protect from temperature extremes
    • Provide water for journeys over 3 hours
    • Label containers: “Live Birds”
    • Obtain required permits

5.3 Enrichment

  • Provide:
    • Sunlight access
    • Bathing opportunities
    • Toys for captive birds
    • Natural environments where possible
  • Special requirement:
    • African Greys must receive minimum 6 weeks sunlight annually

6. Activity Needs

6.1 Exercise

  • Allow free flight in aviaries
  • Proper perch placement for maximum flight distance
  • No confinement in show cages longer than 48 hours

6.2 Training

  • Pet parrots:
    • Basic commands (e.g., step-up)
  • Breeding parrots:
    • Consistent feeding and care routines

6.3 Social Needs

  • Parrots require:
    • Interaction with humans
    • Interaction with their species
  • Hand-reared birds must:
    • Be fully weaned before sale
    • Be properly socialised

PART II: Recommended Good Code of Conduct

1. Record Keeping

Maintain accurate records of:

  • Visitors
  • Bird purchases (date & origin)
  • Breeding records (eggs, offspring, ring numbers)
  • Medical treatments and disease symptoms
  • Buyer details
  • Post mortems
  • Wild bird deaths

Records must be kept for at least 10 years.

2. Hygiene Best Practices

  • Provide:
    • Disinfected overalls and boots for visitors
    • Footbaths at entry points
Scroll to Top