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City of Whyalla parks and gardens crews are working hard to minimise the issue of rats in the Ada Ryan Gardens aviaries.
Extensive work has already been conducted at the aviaries including structural changes by contractors make them more “rat proof” and steam cleaning. The aviaries are also cleaned every day and hosed out twice a week by council crews.
Council has now also acquired more traps for inside the cages following recent sightings of rats by work crews and members of the public.
“It is an unfortunate reality that with these aviaries, we must have food and water available,” Council CEO Chris Cowley said.
“These rats are native to the area and it becomes an unavoidable fact that when there is a constant supply of food and water, these rats will often find a way to get in and you will never be able to eradicate them completely.
“You can be assured our council works crews are doing their very best, and everything they possibly can, to keep these rats out of the aviaries.”
To ensure there are no health issues, the birds are constantly monitored by council crews. As part of this process, council has organised for a member of a local bird club to inspect the birds and their environment this week. Vets are also regularly consulted when there is an issue or concern with a particular bird.
“The health and safety of these birds is paramount and something very close to the crews’ hearts,” Mr Cowley said.
“They are bird lovers too and are constantly checking and monitoring the birds’ health.
“Any sign of illness in any of the birds and they are taken to a vet.”
While council crews attend to these aviaries every day of the week, including weekends, they can’t be there 24/7. Council encourages the community to help keep an eye on these facilities and the birds by reporting any problems on the council after-hours number 8640 3444 or by going to the customer request form on our website http://bit.ly/1KRDlhq
