Small Animals, Birds & Reptiles: Summer Care

Australia’s warm summers bring long days, sunshine, and plenty of outdoor fun. But for our smaller pets — like rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles — the heat can also bring real challenges. Unlike dogs and cats, these animals can’t easily move indoors or find their own way to shade or water. That means it’s up to us to make sure they stay cool, hydrated, and healthy when the mercury rises.

Whether you keep a cheeky cockatiel, a pair of guinea pigs, or a scaly reptile companion, understanding their specific summer needs will help them thrive through the hottest months.

Here’s your complete guide to keeping small animals, birds, and reptiles safe, happy, and comfortable this summer — with expert advice available at your local Just For Pets independent store.

Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

Beating the Heat

Rabbits and guinea pigs are highly sensitive to heat stress. They can’t sweat or pant effectively, and temperatures above 28°C can quickly become dangerous.

Keep them cool by:

• Providing shade: Move hutches and enclosures out of direct sunlight. Use shade cloth or umbrellas if needed.
• Good ventilation: Avoid plastic cages or enclosed boxes. Wire-fronted hutches or open pens allow better airflow.
• Cool tiles or frozen bottles: Place ceramic tiles or frozen water bottles (wrapped in a towel) in their enclosure so they can lie against them to cool down.
• Hydration: Fresh, clean water is essential. Add extra bowls or bottles to ensure they never run out.

Grooming & Coat Care

Long-haired breeds especially benefit from daily brushing to remove excess fur and prevent mats, which trap heat. A tidy, brushed coat helps your small pets regulate body temperature more effectively.

Flystrike Awareness

One of the biggest dangers for rabbits and guinea pigs in summer is flystrike — a condition where flies lay eggs on soiled fur or bedding, and the resulting maggots cause severe, often fatal infections.

Prevention tips:

• Keep bedding clean and dry.
• Check your pet daily, especially around the tail area.
• Use fly screens or fly repellents safe for small animals.
• Speak to your local pet expert about recommended fly deterrent products.

Diet & Enrichment

Offer plenty of fresh hay and safe vegetables for hydration and nutrition. Avoid feeding fruit in large quantities as it can cause digestive upset.

Tip: Foraging toys and hay racks keep your rabbits and guinea pigs mentally stimulated even when it’s too hot to run around.

Birds

Birds are active, intelligent creatures that thrive on sunlight, fresh air, and stimulation — but Australian summer heat can be harsh on them too.

Shade, Airflow & Cooling

Outdoor aviaries should be placed where they get morning sun but afternoon shade. Add shade cloths, misting systems, or even a small fan (placed safely outside the cage) to improve airflow.

Indoor birds can benefit from being moved away from windows that catch direct sun. Ensure good ventilation without drafts.

Cooling ideas:

• Offer shallow bowls or mist sprays for birds to bathe in.
• Spray your bird lightly with a fine mist of cool (not cold) water on very hot days.
• Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water — and change it often, as it can heat up quickly.

Feather & Beak Health

Summer is often moulting season for many bird species. During moulting, birds need extra protein and nutrients to regrow feathers.

Ask your Just For Pets expert about supplements or seed mixes designed to support feather health and energy levels during this time.

Be sure perches are comfortable — natural wood perches are better than plastic, as they don’t retain as much heat.

Sunlight & Safety

Sunlight is vital for vitamin D synthesis, but too much can be harmful. Allow supervised outdoor time in a shaded area or covered aviary for natural UV exposure.

Tip: Always supervise birds outside of cages, as sudden noises or predators can cause panic and injury.

Reptiles

Australia is home to some of the most fascinating reptiles — from bearded dragons to blue-tongue lizards, snakes, and turtles. Reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning they rely on external temperatures to regulate body heat. During summer, maintaining the correct thermal gradient and hydration balance is essential.

Temperature Control

While warmth is necessary for digestion and activity, excessive heat can quickly cause dehydration or heat stress.

Monitor enclosure temperatures daily using accurate thermometers at both the warm and cool ends. Make sure your reptile always has a cooler area to retreat to.

If temperatures climb too high, reduce basking lamp hours or switch to lower wattage bulbs. Avoid placing enclosures in direct sunlight, especially glass tanks, as they can turn into an oven within minutes.

Hydration & Humidity

Even desert reptiles need water.

• Provide clean, shallow water bowls and change the water daily.
• Mist the enclosure or offer gentle soaks for species that benefit from humidity.
• For turtles, ensure the water in their tank or pond remains clean and cool.

Tip: Always dechlorinate tap water before offering it to reptiles, fish, or amphibians.

Feeding During Summer

Reptiles may eat less in extreme heat. Offer smaller, more frequent meals and remove uneaten food promptly to prevent spoilage.

Gut-loaded insects, leafy greens, and vitamin supplements can help maintain health through seasonal changes. Your Just For Pets reptile expert can recommend the right dietary mix for your species.

General Enclosure & Environmental Tips

Cleanliness & Hygiene

Summer humidity encourages bacteria and parasites to thrive.

• Clean cages, hutches, and tanks regularly.
• Replace bedding more frequently to reduce odour and bacteria build-up.
• Wash food and water containers daily.

For reptiles, check filters and substrate more often, as high temperatures speed up waste breakdown and odour.

Pest Prevention

Fleas, mites, and mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance for dogs and cats — they can affect small animals and birds too.

• Use pest-safe repellents approved for small pets.
• Avoid spraying insecticides near cages or tanks.
• Keep outdoor enclosures clear of long grass and standing water.

Hydration for All Species

Every pet, big or small, needs fresh water throughout summer.

• Provide multiple bowls in case one spills or gets contaminated.
• Use ceramic or stainless steel dishes — they stay cooler than plastic.
• For outdoor enclosures, consider shaded automatic drinkers or water bottles that can’t overheat.

Recognising Heat Stress

Knowing the early signs of overheating could save your pet’s life.

Rabbits & Guinea Pigs:

• Panting or drooling
• Lethargy or lying stretched out
• Red ears or trembling

Birds:

• Wings held away from the body
• Open-mouth breathing or panting
• Unusual quietness or agitation

Reptiles:

• Uncoordinated movement
• Gaping mouth for extended periods
• Refusal to move from heat source

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and contact a vet. Check out the article on page xx by Dr Tom Vowell for further information about Reptile Heating!

Enrichment Ideas

Hot weather often means less activity, but boredom can still be a problem — even for small pets.

• For rabbits and guinea pigs: Offer tunnels, chew toys, and hanging treats.
• For birds: Rotate toys, introduce puzzle feeders, and provide safe branches for climbing.
• For reptiles: Rearrange enclosure decor or add new hides and textures to explore.

Keeping your pet mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically comfortable.

Talk to the Pet Experts

Every small pet has different needs — from temperature preferences to diet, habitat setup, and pest control. The friendly, knowledgeable team at your local Just For Pets independent pet store can help you tailor the perfect care plan for your small animal, bird, or reptile this summer.

They can:

• Recommend species-specific cooling and hydration solutions
• Suggest safe pest control products
• Help you choose bedding, feed, toys, and supplements
• Advise on grooming tools and enrichment ideas

Because at Just For Pets, they don’t just sell products — they genuinely care about helping every pet live its happiest, healthiest life.

Final Thoughts

Summer in Australia can be harsh, but with the right care and attention, your rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles can thrive through the season.

Focus on keeping them cool, hydrated, and clean; monitor for pests and signs of heat stress; and create safe, stimulating spaces that mimic their natural environments. Where possible it’s great to be able to bring them inside on those days that are just so hot!

And remember — if you’re ever unsure, your local Just For Pets store is your best source of reliable advice and quality products for every kind of pet.

Because every feather, fur, and scale deserves the best care all summer long.