Lesson 1Chicken daily diet: layer feeds, grit, calcium sources, foraging and supplemental greensThis lesson details balanced diets for local chickens, emphasising complete layer feeds, grit for digestion, calcium for strong shells, safe foraging around the compound, extra greens, and how feeding affects egg production, bird behaviour, and flock wellbeing.
Complete layer feed compositionUse of grit and digestive functionCalcium sources and shell qualitySafe greens and pasture access rulesSeasonal adjustments to chicken rationsLesson 2Diet-related emergency signs: anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea, changes in faeces consistency and colourLearn to spot urgent feeding problems across species kept in Kenya. It covers not eating, losing weight, loose stools, and changes in droppings, knowing when it's an emergency, and how assistants should assess and record cases properly.
Normal vs abnormal appetite patternsBody weight tracking and red-flag lossesFecal shape, color, and consistency changesAcute vs chronic diarrhea assessmentWhen to escalate to urgent veterinary careLesson 3Domestic rabbit daily diet: hay types, pelleted feed, fresh greens, portion sizes, and water needsFocuses on daily feeds for pet rabbits, with hay as the bulk. Covers choosing pellets, safe local greens, right portions, fresh water supply, to avoid fatness, gut blockages, and overgrown teeth common in our keeping systems.
Hay dominance and recommended varietiesPellet quality, ingredients, and limitsSafe leafy greens and oxalate awarenessTreats, caloric density, and obesity riskWater delivery methods and daily checksLesson 4Safe food handling and storage: preventing contamination, shelf-life, labelling, segregation of species-specific feedsTeaches proper handling and storing of animal feeds to stop spoilage and germs. Includes labelling bags, stock rotation, keeping feeds separate by animal type, pest control in stores, and knowing when to toss bad food for safety.
Personal hygiene and cross-contaminationDry feed storage and moisture controlRefrigeration, freezing, and thawing rulesLabeling, dating, and stock rotationSegregating species feeds and allergensLesson 5Parrot (medium) daily diet: seed vs pellet balance, fresh fruit/veg, calcium and enrichment feeding, portioningLooks at feeding medium parrots popular in Kenya, balancing seeds and pellets. Discusses fresh fruits and veggies from markets, calcium blocks, foraging toys, and portions to prevent fat birds, liver issues, and missing nutrients.
Risks of seed-heavy parrot dietsChoosing and transitioning to pelletsSafe fruits, vegetables, and greensCalcium sources and vitamin D linksForaging setups and portion planningLesson 6Supplementation and contraindicated foods: vitamin C for guinea pigs, toxic foods for all species (e.g., avocado, chocolate, onion, dog-specific hazards)Explains when extra vitamins help or harm, especially vitamin C for guinea pigs. Lists poisonous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions for dogs, rabbits, birds, chickens, guinea pigs, and how to avoid mix-up feeding mistakes.
Vitamin C routes for guinea pigsSpecies-specific supplement cautionsCommon toxic foods across speciesDog-specific food and drug hazardsPreventing cross-feeding and mix-upsLesson 7Feeding equipment and delivery methods: bowls, hanging feeders, scattering/foraging feeders, slow feeders, anti-spill optionsReviews tools for feeding and how they impact behaviour, cleanliness, safety. Compares simple bowls, hanging ones, scatter for natural foraging, slow feeders, no-spill designs, choosing right for each animal to cut waste and stress.
Material choices and hygiene concernsBowl placement, height, and stabilityHanging and scatter feeders for foragingSlow feeders and anti-gulping designsAnti-spill options and waste reductionLesson 8Elderly dog daily diet: age-related nutritional changes, dental-friendly foods, portion control, hydrationCovers changes in old dogs' needs, like less energy, more protein, joint support. Includes soft foods for bad teeth, watching portions, water tips, checking body shape to stop fatness and muscle wasting in senior pets.
Energy and protein needs in senior dogsDental issues and soft food adaptationsUsing body condition scoring in seniorsPortion control and meal frequency plansHydration support and monitoring intakeLesson 9Guinea pig daily diet: vitamin C requirements, pellet selection, hay, vegetables, and safe fruit treatsDetails main feeds for guinea pigs, stressing endless hay, vitamin C sources, good pellets. Covers safe veg and fruit bits, schedules, avoiding overfeeding, teeth problems, tummy troubles common in our homes.
Role of vitamin C and deficiency risksSelecting high-fiber, low-calcium pelletsHay types, quality checks, and daily amountsSafe leafy greens and vegetable rotationFruit treat frequency and portion limitsLesson 10Estimating quantities and ration calculation: weight-based portioning, adjusting for activity and age, quick calculation methodsPractical ways to work out feed amounts by weight, stage of life, activity. Reading labels, tweaking over time, simple charts or head calculations for busy Kenyan clinics and small zoos.
Using weight-based feeding formulasReading and applying feed labelsAdjusting for age, activity, and healthMonitoring body condition and trendsQuick charts and mental math methods
