26/01/2026
Yesterdays temperatures here in Adelaide were intense. Today's aren't much better. Remember when you bring any animal home you're committing to the care of its entire livelihood. Obviously where possible make sure they can be inside.
If you're running outdoor avaries, you have additional responsibilities.
- recognising heat stress in your voiceless animal friends
- providing adequate shade, shelter and food
- misting helps, I personally ensure I drench the outside of my outdoor avaries multiple times throughout the day to reduce the overall temperature inside the avairy.
- ensure there is appropriate air flow
- if you feel rhe need to provide fruit and veg on these days, the coolest parts of the day only. And ensure you remove it in a reasonable time frame. Fruit and veg spoils quickly at high heat.
- know your birds! Ensure ones that don't like being misted have a bird bath present. Replace water with cool water often.
- heat rises. You'll notice budgies naturally will go to the ground in heat. Keep this in mind for your avaries and cages, having them higher up will mean there will be additional heat exposure.
It doesnt matter if you work, have children, have plans. You took on the responsibility of having pets, that responsibility doesnt end at adding food and water. They need adequate care, enrichment, socialisation, access to medical treatment.
Its important in summer to monitor the weather and plan out how to ensure their well being.
Animal care is a huge responsibility, and its not one that should be taken lightly.
