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Poultry, Ratites or Avian Farm Worker / Assistant Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-821204
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications1

Occupation overview

Performs routine tasks on a poultry farm such as collecting eggs and placing them in incubators, providing poultry with feed and water, and disinfecting hatcheries to prevent disease.

What does a Poultry, Ratites or Avian Farm Worker / Assistant do?

A Poultry, Ratites or Avian Farm Worker / Assistant supports daily poultry production by caring for birds, collecting and handling eggs, placing eggs in incubators, supplying feed and water, and keeping hatchery areas clean and disinfected to help prevent disease. Work may focus on roles such as Egg Collector, Hatchery Assistant or Bird Sexer.

Specialisations

Bird SexerEgg CollectorHatchery Assistant

How to become a Poultry, Ratites or Avian Farm Worker / Assistant in South Africa

  1. Explore poultry-farm work and the different focus areas, including egg collection, hatchery assistance and bird sexing.
  2. Consider the Occupational Certificate: Poultry Farmer (NQF Level 5, 226 credits) as a relevant training pathway for developing poultry-farming knowledge and skills.
  3. Build practical familiarity with feeding and watering birds, collecting eggs, incubator work and hatchery disinfection under appropriate supervision.
  4. Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or an accredited training provider.
  5. Apply for poultry-farm or hatchery assistant opportunities and continue developing practical experience in routine bird care and hygiene.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

This work suits someone who is comfortable with routine practical duties, careful egg handling and maintaining clean conditions around birds and hatcheries. The relevant occupational certificate can support preparation for the field, while practical experience is useful for applying knowledge to daily poultry operations. Verify current training and provider details before enrolling.

Useful school subjects

  • Life Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • English

Skills that may help

  • Caring for and handling poultry
  • Collecting and handling eggs carefully
  • Providing feed and water
  • Using incubators appropriately
  • Cleaning and disinfecting hatchery areas
  • Following routines consistently
  • Observing birds and maintaining disease-prevention practices
  • Working carefully in a farm environment

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.