Category: Guinea Fowl

Afterpay for Chicken Coops, Rabbit Hutches and Somerzby Pet Products
Somerzby are looking to the future and that future means listening to our customers about their preferred payment methods.

Gone are the days of spending up large on multiple credit cards with ramped up interest charges or signing up to complex hire purchase agreements with dubious fine print conditions.

Today’s customers want to be able to shop online and purchase in comfort and security with easy payment options.

Modern customers are increasingly tech savvy and also want to preserve their privacy. The wildly popular Afterpay platform was created to fill just those needs and is going from strength to strength.

Afterpay already has more than 53,000 followers on Facebook.

Somerzby recognised the need for a payment platform that allowed customers to purchase and enjoy our products now and pay later but without the painful credit fees.

That’s why we have added Afterpay as a payment option for you in our online store.

What is Afterpay?

Afterpay is an exciting new payment platform that allows you to purchase and receive goods immediately but pay them off in instalments without incurring any credit fees or other costs.

Afterpay is the exciting new tech innovation that meets your need for a payment option that really looks after your private information and ensures your money goes to purchasing the things you need and want without handing a percentage to the banks.

Afterpay is your perfect shopping partner when you shop with Somerzby. Simply choose Afterpay as your payment option at checkout—it’s so easy.

Afterpay means you get to:
- Enjoy your purchase immediately
- Pay for your purchase in four easy fortnightly instalments
- Forget about credit fees or extra charges
- Purchase online without having to hand over your personal details
Savvy credit card users know to pay off their debts in full before incurring interest but with Afterpay you don’t even have to think about making the payments at all, as your nominated debit card (or credit card) will be automatically debited on the instalment due date.

You can log on to your Afterpay account at any time to keep tabs on your purchases and payment history.

The popularity of Afterpay is going through the roof—more than 15% of online shoppers are now using Afterpay as their preferred method of payment.

Why Is Afterpay Perfect For Online Shopping?

Online shopping has become the preferred form of shopping for many people today.

You love the convenience, ease, the enormous range and the amazing bargains available but constantly handing over your personal banking information to every online store you visit is a real drag and a very real security risk.

Add the varying standards of online store banking security and you could find yourself the latest victim of a hacking scam.

Afterpay means you never have to hand over your financial details to an online store again.

Simply log in to Afterpay, choose your preferred store and the items you want to purchase and then nominate Afterpay as your payment option at checkout.

You will receive a purchase confirmation email detailing the dates of your payment instalments and the amounts of each instalment.

New customers will pay the first instalment up front (and also for purchases over $500) whereas existing Afterpay customers will pay their first instalment after two weeks.

Afterpay will guarantee payment to the merchant and the merchant will ship your items immediately to you.

It’s that easy and the online store will never know your financial details.

Afterpay has taken online shopping to a whole new level of security, peace of mind and convenience.

What Will It Cost Me?

Absolutely nothing.

That’s the great thing about Afterpay—it costs you nothing—no interest or credit fees or handling charges.

Afterpay is leading the revolution away from debt inducing credit cards with their punitive interest rates.

Yes, you can link your Afterpay to your credit card but according to Afterpay founder, Nick Molnar, some 85% of Afterpay users use debit cards to pay off the instalments and this trend is growing.

Yes, there may be a modest late payment fee if you miss an installment and don’t make alternative arrangements to pay.

But Afterpay encourages responsible spending by simply preventing you from making any further purchases until you have paid your Afterpay debts.

Afterpay knows that you will love the Afterpay experience so much that refusal of service will guarantee prompt payments of debts.

What If I’m Not Happy With My Purchase?

Afterpay is committed to creating a great shopping experience for both customers and merchants.

If you are not satisfied with any of our Somerzby products simply return them to us in good condition (in the original packaging) within 30 days and we will gladly refund the purchase price minus any Afterpay fees.

Once we have received the goods back we simply instruct Afterpay to refund the amount back to your account.

This may take a few days depending on your bank’s processes but rest assured Afterpay has you covered.

Is Afterpay Safe?

Here at Somerzby we take your financial security very seriously—that’s why we’re happy to use Afterpay,and ZipPay as payment options for our ecommerce online store

Afterpay is fully compliant with all the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.

Afterpay is recognised as a PCI DSS Level 1 certified compliant Service Provider organisation—this represents the highest level of security, safe handling, and storage for financial transactions and personal information.

When you shop with Afterpay you know that not only your financial details are safe but your personal information also is protected.

Afterpay is the innovative, painless way to ensure you are looking after your loved pets with all the best and latest Somerzby products.
May 25, 2018
Keeping Guinea Fowl – The Ultimate Guide For The Australian Backyard
Guinea fowl might be a strange-looking bird but they’re becoming increasingly popular in Australian backyards and lifestyle blocks.

Many people love their Guinea fowl because the birds are just so loveable and full of personality.

But Guinea fowl aren’t for everyone and you need to think about how well they’ll fit your situation.

To answer your questions about these marvellous birds we’ve put together the ultimate guide to keeping Guinea fowl.

Keeping Guinea Fowl

Guinea fowl are native to the West Coast of Africa but the distinctive polka dot plumage, bald helmeted heads, and their bottomless bug munching appetites are earning the birds some real fans in Australia too.

They’ll demolish all the garden pests for you but because they are generally surface feeders they tend not to scratch or uproot established garden plants (be wary about letting them loose amongst your young veggie seedlings though).

Guinea fowl are generally too independent to make cuddly pets but their personalities and antics are highly entertaining and many people love them for their quirks.

Guinea Fowl & Insect Control

Guinea fowl are a hit with gardeners thanks to their voracious appetite for demolishing bugs and pest insects in the garden.

But Guinea fowl are also popular because their loud warning cries serve as a perfect alarm system against predators such as snakes or foxes and they will also let you know when people come to your property.

The Difference Between Male and Female

It can be difficult to tell males and females apart because their adult plumage is identical.

The male’s helmet and wattles tend to be larger than the females but the easiest way to distinguish them is by their calls.

Guinea Fowl Noise

Guinea fowl noise is loud and they do like to make nuisance noise for no apparent reason.

This could be an issue with neighbours especially at night.

Guinea Fowl Sounds

The males make a one-syllable chi-chi kind of sound whereas the females produce a distinctive two-syllable call.

There are several varieties of Guinea fowl but the most common are; lavender, pearl, and white.

What Does Guinea Fowl Meat Taste Like?

Guinea fowl will grow to weigh 1 kg or more and their flesh is very tasty, somewhat similar to pheasant.

Guinea meat is richer tasting than chicken meat with the added bonus of having less fat and fewer calories.

Guinea Fowl in Australia

Most Australian councils class Guinea fowl under the same regulations as chickens.

Generally you can keep up to a maximum of 15 Guinea fowl in most NSW urban council jurisdictions.

Rules vary from State to State so for example, in Logan, Queensland, you can keep up to 6 without a permit on a 1,000m² section.

Guinea fowl are highly sociable birds and you should aim to keep at least four to six birds.

There are also strict rules relating to placing coops and runs at minimum distances from neighbour’s boundaries.

You need to check with your local council before you add Guinea fowl to your family.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Guinea Fowl

What are the pros and cons of keeping guinea fowl?

Guinea fowl tend to divide people into two camps: love ‘em or hate ‘em.

You could say that Guinea fowl have a real presence and if you live in a rural area with plenty of free ranging space that may not be a problem.

But if you live with close neighbours you might want to think carefully about how your Guinea fowl will fit in.

Guinea fowl have some wonderful qualities but check out our pros and cons list to see if they’re the right bird for you.

Pros for Keeping Guinea Fowl:
- They are the pest insect and bug blasters supreme.
They will march as team through your garden like a well-oiled killing machine in a relentless hunt for caterpillars, ants, ticks, slugs, and even mice and sometimes rats and snakes.

They can eliminate the need for toxic garden sprays almost entirely and they’re generally much easier on your plants than chickens.
- They are an excellent alarm system and will loudly warn you of any intruding predators, animals or people.
They will even attack some predators such as rats and snakes.
- Guinea fowl are low maintenance.
They’re tough and will survive in a wide range of climates.

They don’t need so much feeding either, provided you have a large enough area for them to roam and get their daily bug boost.
- Guinea fowl have strong personalities.
Many people find their behaviours extremely attractive.

Their crazy antics, the fiercely protective love between a cock and his hen, and the constant chattering communication throughout the flock have won many converts.

Cons for Keeping Guinea Fowl:
- Guinea fowl are LOUD.
And the will create a real din for no apparent reason.

This could be an issue with neighbours.

Yes, they will warn you if a snake comes onto the property but they will also let you know that it’s sunny, raining, or that it’s just seen its own reflection in a puddle.
- Guinea fowl will travel.
They have no respect for boundaries, roads, cars, council regulations or really anything else.

They may roost in your neighbour’s trees, terrorise their cat or scratch their shiny new car.
- They can be aggressive.
But not so much towards people, but they will often bully your chickens and beat up the rooster (if you have one).

They don’t make cuddly pets although they will become more sociable and friendly if they’ve been raised with chickens and other animals or handled from very young.
- Guinea fowl sometimes appear to have non-functioning brains.
They think nothing (quite literally) of taking on cars or trucks and will fight their own reflections to the death.

But then many people actually find this personality quirk extremely endearing.

Here are some commonly asked questions that will help you decide if Guinea fowl are suitable for your needs and situation.

Guinea Fowls and Snakes

Will guinea fowl kill or eat snakes?

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that they will surround, harass, deter, and even kill small snakes, but it’s unlikely that they will eat the snake.

Guinea fowl are great snake deterrent and do a great job of keeping the snake away, and the at the very least they will warn you that snakes are around.

Do Guinea Fowl Need a Coop?

It’s not necessary…

… but it is best to keep your Guinea fowl in a coop.

Will guinea fowl fly away and will they come back?

Yes, they do fly and will often fly up into trees or rooftops to roost. You can clip their wings, and this will restrict their flying.

But it’s important to train them from young to think of the coop as home. This ensures that they will return when they do go wandering.

When releasing young Guinea fowl from the coop for the first time, do it one at a time. Their strong flock mentality will ensure that the loose ones will stay close to the coop.

Eventually they will all learn that the coop is home.

Chicken Coop with Run | Large Chicken Coop | Coop and Run Packages | Feeders

Will Guinea Fowl Get Along With Chickens?

Yes and no.

Guinea fowl and chickens do frequently co-exist reasonably peacefully.

But be aware that Guinea fowl will rule the roost and may bully your chickens although this behaviour is usually much less severe if the Guinea fowl have been raised with chickens.

Providing separate coops and runs can offer a good solution too.

Keep roosters and male Guinea fowl separate.

Will Guinea Fowl Protect Chickens?

Yes, indirectly at least.

Guinea fowl will chase and eat many predators that would otherwise harm your chickens including snakes, mice and rats, and their fearsome din will often scare off larger predators too.

Will Guinea Fowl and Chickens Cross Breed?

Yes, guinea fowl and chickens will occasionally cross breed but the resulting offspring will be sterile.

Will Guinea Fowl Eat Chicken Feed?

Yes, you can feed them the same kinds of food as you do your chickens but if your Guinea fowl are ranging freely you won’t need to give them so much.

Will Guinea Fowl Eat Fire Ants and Ticks?

Yes, guinea fowl love munching on all the creepy crawlies in your garden and they’ll get rid of the pests with minimal damage to the greenery.

Guinea Fowl Eggs

Will guinea fowl lay eggs and sit on their eggs?

Yes, Guinea fowl lay eggs in-season. It’s usually once a year and a hen will lay around 100 eggs.

The eggs are smaller than chicken eggs but the shells are much tougher. The eggs contain more a higher proportion of yolk to white and are very tasty.

Try to encourage Guinea fowl to lay their eggs inside the coop. If they are allowed to lay them outside you will have a hard time finding them because they conceal the nests in the most cunning ways.

Guinea fowl are not renowned for being great mothers and will not necessarily sit on the eggs until they all hatch. The eggs will take around 26 to 28 days to hatch and you can use a broody hen or incubator if the mother is not really interested.

The young keets (youngsters) are very feisty and agile so you’ll need to keep them in an escape proof pen. Make sure they have a non-slip surface to run around on because their legs are still quite fragile.

Will Guinea Fowl Survive Winter?

Yes, Guinea fowl are extremely hardy and will cope with the whole range of Australian climates.

In fact, they seem to cope with the winter cold, rain, frosts and snow better than many chicken varieties.
February 26, 2018
Somerzby Christmas Competition
Christmas Facebook Competition

For your chance to win a Somerzby Cottage –

We want to see your Somerzby hutch, coop or enclosure decorated in the Christmas Spirit.

Think Christmas lights, tinsel, or any other decorations of your choice.

For your chance to be the lucky owner of a Somerzby Cottage, simply post a photo of your Somerzby enclosure with all its decorations to our Facebook page.

The Winner will be announced on the 18th December 2016.

Your brand new Somerzby Cottage should arrive just in time for Christmas! What a treat for the kids.

Conditions are:

• Entries close 23:59 AEDT 17/12/16.
• Only valid within Australia.
• Photos much include an existing Somerzby, hutch, coop or enclosure.

We found these lovely examples below online – happy decorating!

Win the Somerzby Cottage Chicken Coop

All new style, adorable Coop available in 3 colours!

With easy clean and access, the Somerzby Cottage is one of the favourites with Children and adults alike, it is the perfect fit for a smaller backyard.

It is easy to clean with a Metal pull out tray and one complete side of the Coop forms a door.

The attached run also features 2 Large opening doors for easy access to your Chooks and ease of cleaning.

Features
- Complete side opening door
- Metal pull out tray for easy cleaning
- Door to sleeping area can open and close
- Rot resistant Fir Wood
- Water proof grey/green asphalt roof
- Water based non toxic stain
- Galvanised mesh wire
- Available in Pink with white trim, Blue with White Trim or Classic Brown and Green
- Nesting box – W500mm x H320mm x D320mm approx
- 2 large opening doors on run
- 1 perch
- Suitable for approx 2 chickens, if you let them out for daily runs or 3 rabbits
Enter today and this could be all yours!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Somerzby.
November 29, 2016
Adopting a Pet

Adopting a pet is a selfless act thousands and thousands of animal lovers commit each and every year. Caring for an animal can be a rewarding experience, and adopting a pet from a local shelter often makes the bond between pet and pet owner that much stronger.

Remember that owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Before signing any papers, consider the following do’s and don’ts of pet adoption.

Pet Adoption – DO

Do – Know why you’re adopting a pet

Choose the right pet for you and your family.

Ask yourself why you want to adopt a pet before beginning the process. There are many reasons for adopting a pet, be it companionship, a gift for the kids or to fill the void left by a recently deceased pet. Before beginning the process, you should always determine the reason for adoption. If the reason is viable, continue with the process.

Do – Choose the right pet

Choosing the right pet involves more than finding the friendliest puppy or the cutest kitten. While compatibility is important, it’s often additional factors that determine if a pet and pet owner are a good match. These factors include space restrictions in the home, amount of time spent in the home and the presence of others, be it children or roommates.

Do – Be willing to train the pet

Pet adoption candidates should be willing to train the animal, as effective training opens the channels of communication and results in a longer, healthier relationship. Consider everything that goes into being a pet owner.

Pet Adoption – DO NOT

Do Not – Adopt on a whim

Adopting a pet without carefully considering all the pros and cons is a great way to find yourself returning the pet to a shelter. Shelter animals are often most victimized by adopting on a whim, as the cost of adoption greatly pales in comparison to purchasing an animal from a breeder. Because those adoption fees are so low, it’s not uncommon to write off the fee as a loss and return the animal to the shelter.

Do Not – Adopt if finances aren’t great

Pets make great companions, but they can also be expensive. Always make an honest assessment of your finances to determine if you can truly afford to have a pet. The cost of pet ownership extends well beyond the initial adoption fee, as pets need food, shelter and sometimes medication just like their human counterparts.

Do Not – Consider pet adoption a minor commitment

Pet adoption requires a significant commitment that will no doubt alter a person’s lifestyle considerably. Men and women who enter the adoption process with a carefree attitude are likely to be among the many people who unfortunately return their animals to shelters every year. If you’re not willing to make that lifestyle change or commit fully to the animal, don’t adopt.

Once you have considered all these factors, the next decision will be where to adopt your pet from?
Know your options before deciding where you will adopt your pet from

Where to Adopt

Shelter – Shelters sometimes take stray animals on behalf of local councils, but generally, they are privately owned charities run by local animal welfare organizations such as the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League. Some Accept surrenders from the public, but they often have a waiting list due to space constraints.

Shelters generally assess the animal’s health and temperament before re- homing to ensure they are fit to join a family.

Rescue – Rescue groups that call themselves ‘breed rescue’ or ‘foster care groups’ are generally a collaboration of animal loving volunteers in the community providing a safety net for rescue pets.

Some have kennels, but often these people care for the pets in their homes. They take in the overflow of pets from pounds and shelters and sometimes direct from the public.

The benefit of adopting from an independent rescue group is that the animals haven’t been through the stress of kennelling- Instead, they have been assessed in a home environment, so they can be accurately matched to suit your family and lifestyle.

Pound – A pound is a council run facility that holds pets seized by rangers or found wandering in the community. It’s often the first place a lost pet will end up. By law, stray pets must be kept for several days to give their owners a chance to reclaim them, after which they are euthanized or rehomed.

These facilities are open to the public and you can adopt pets directly from the pound, but be aware they usually haven’t been screened for health or temperament issues.

Pet Adoption Preparation

Be prepared, including for the trip home a Somerzby Pet Crate is perfect for transporting your new pet

Before you collect your pet don’t forget to consider how you will transport them home. We recommend a Somerzby pet crate. Our pet crates are collapsible and easy to transport. Somerzby pet crates are made from high-quality black electro-coated wire and are available a variety of sizes from small to XXL.

Remember that your newly adopted pet will need to have food, bedding, toys and a collar and leash if you adopt a dog.

Cats will also need a scratching post and a litter box. We also recommend a Somerzby Cat Enclosure – which offers a spacious, safe, and practical place to secure your cat overnight or when they are outdoors.

Optional add-on Cat Runs give you the flexibility to adapt the enclosures to your needs and requirements.

May 9, 2016
Going on Holidays When You Have a Pet

Going on Holidays When You Have Pets

We all love a holiday, but what do you do with your beloved furry family member? Depending on your destination, accommodation and if it will be safe for your pet, Do you take them with you? Or leave them behind with a carer or in a boarding kennel? Picking a holiday destination can be a tough choice, and so is deciding what to do with your pet! Here’s are our tips from the Somerzby team that may help you decide:

Up to Date

Before heading off on holiday, make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date. If you haven’t had your pet micro chipped – get this done along with any vaccinations. This will help protect them and also if they wonder off, that handy micro chip will help let the vet or council know who owns them.

To Holiday or Not to Holiday

When deciding if you should take your pet away with you there are a few things to consider first;

Accommodation Is it pet friendly? Ensure before you leave that your accommodation allows pets, you don’t want to wait till you get there to find out they don’t.

Safety If you have a dog, cat or small animal, is there a fenced yard or grassed area for them to have a playpen? Make sure there is adequate room for your pet and that it’s safe for them.

Destination Is it safe for your pet? Are there walking trails or activities for you to do with them? There is no point taking your pet with you if you can’t include them in your holiday activities. Look into the area and see what’s around before booking or taking your pet with you.

Travelling How long will it take you to get to your destination? – Keep in mind, you will need to make frequent stops to let your pet go to the toilet and also exercise.

Does your pet travel well? If your pet get anxious in the car or away from home, it’s best to leave them at home with someone. Travelling in a car can stress some pets out and you also need to make sure they are safe when travelling. Ensure your pet is either in a crate, or ensure your pet is in a seatbelt harness.

The Somerzby pet crates are perfect for transporting your pet when going on holidays.

Our Somerzby pet crates are great for travel and will also provide a sleep area for your pet while on holidays.

Friendly – Is your pet friendly and do they get along well with others? You need to consider if your pet is good at interacting with other pets/animals and isn’t aggressive around them or other people. Children can be unpredictable and some pets can become aggressive or frightened by sudden movements.

Leaving Your Pet at Home Whilst on Holidays

Pet sitters, boarding kennels and pet spas or resorts- these are just a few of the choices you have if you leave your pet behind. When choosing one think about your pet and their needs and how they may feel and get along with other pets/animals.

Pet sitters or a family member is a great choice if your pet doesn’t cope well with a big change, travelling in car, or doesn’t get along with other pets/animals. Make sure the person who is taking care of them understands your pets needs and are able to play with them and walk them if needed.

Make sure you leave any emergency contacts for them, including your vet’s phone number. Your pet’s routine- this will help your pet feel more relaxed around whoever is taking care of them. Leave any leashes or collars out in the open so they are easy for your pet sitter/carer to find.

Dietary requirements leave food in a visible and easy to reach spot for your pet’s carer, include any special dietary requirements that your pet might have or list foods that they are not allowed to eat.

It’s also handy to have treats available for the carer to give your pet. This way they can reward your pet while you’re away and this can also help your pet feel more at ease. If it’s possible, have your pet sitter come to your home before you leave so you can show them where everything is and your pet can meet them and get used to their scent.

Boarding kennels or pet spas are another great way for your pet to be looked after; this is great for a mini holiday for your pet too.

Make sure you visit the kennels or spas before leaving your pet there and ensure that your pet will receive enough exercise and the facilities are clean, tidy and safe.

If you choose to take your pet with you on holidays remember to plan for rest breaks and pet safety.

Taking Your Pet on Holidays With You

You checked the accommodation and the area is pet friendly, so you and your pet are ready for your holiday!

Try to make your pet as comfortable as possible while travelling, this will help to reduce any anxiety or stress they may have. Take any bedding that they have with you, along with their drink and food bowls.

When travelling, make sure that your pet is safe – they should be either in a crate or strapped in with a car seat harness. If you are travelling with your pet in a crate make sure there are no heavy or loose items that can fly around and injure or harm your pet. Put a clip on water bottle in the crate for your pet. Our crates at Somerzby are great for travelling with as they are collapsible and easy to use Click Here to see the range. These crates can also be used as bed/kennel for your pet while on holidays.

Don’t forget to stop for breaks so your pet can relieve themselves, have a drink, some food and stretch their legs.

When you arrive at your destination, explore the area and accommodation together. Never leave your pet alone in a strange environment. Make sure your pet is secure; check all gates and fences at your accommodation.

Consider using a playpen, playpens are a great way to help keep your pet safe and to help you keep an eye on them. Our Somerzby playpens are easy to transport as they are collapsible and come with or without covers. Click here to see the range.

Once you and your pet have settled and unpacked – it’s time to relax or head to the beach……don’t forget the sunscreen.

March 17, 2016
Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer
Keeping your Pet Cool in the Summer Heat

Heat and humidity can make some summer days very uncomfortable, not just for us but also for our pets. Most pets are susceptible to similar dangers that we face in the heat- including heatstroke and sunburn.

For older, small or otherwise fragile pets, at times heat can prove fatal. The RSPCA states that “It is vital that animals have constant access to both water and shade, as heat stress can develop extremely quickly in hot weather during summer.

Read on for our top tips on keeping your pet/s healthy and cool this summer.

Basic Pet Heat Safety Guidelines

Never leave any pet/s confined to a car- (this is dangerous even if the windows are open and the car is parked in the shade).

Never leave your pets in a situation where they do not have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water.

Take it easy – On a hot day, do not encourage your pet to run around or play, instead encourage rest and moderate activity only.

Keep your pet cool with a frozen water bottle.

Keeping Your Pet Cool – Our Top Tips
- Provide plenty of shade, all day long – install shade cloth/ shade sails or use shade umbrellas to provide shelter from the heat. Consider using pet sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
- Consider allowing outdoor animals inside access to a room cooled by electric fans or air conditioning.
- Ensure your pet has access to water all day long- keep an eye on their water bowl/s, top it up as needed and try to keep it in the shade. Consider adding extra water bowl/s on a hot day.
- Add ice cubes to water bowls (Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are not scared by this and will continue to drink their water)
- Some pets often tip over their water bowl, consider using one made of heavy material to prevent it tipping (e.g. ceramic).
- Provide access to water for cooling off in the shade, e.g. a wading pool, or a wet towel. Always supervise your animals around a wading pool.
- Fill a small plastic bottle with water and leave it in the freezer overnight. The next morning, wrap it in a tool and place it in your pets favorite lounging spot.
- For indoor pets- keep your curtains closed on a hot day to keep the room cooler.
- Fill a water bottle or or empty milk bottle with water and freeze. Add it to a rabbit/guinea pig hutch or Chicken coop. Your pets will lay next to the bottle to keep cool.
- Do NOT use freezer packs/ice bricks as rabbits and other animals can chew them and they may contain hazardous contents.
Keeping Your Dog or Cat Cool

A paddling pool is great (for supervised play).
- Elevate your pets bed to allow air to circulate underneath, which will help keep them cool.
- For cats/dogs with long fur- a haircut may be beneficial, provided they have shelter from the sun so as not to get sunburn. Even just shaving a cats stomach can help.
- Cats cool themselves down by licking their fur. You can help by using a damp cloth or paper towel to stroke your cat.
- Always walk your dog in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
- Consider making iceblocks for your kitty. Place wet cat food and water in the bottom of a plastic bowl or cup and leave overnight to freeze. Place in your cats bowl the next day for a cool tasty treat.
Keeping your Chickens Cool
- Provide small bags of ice, wrap them in wet towels and place them in the coop.
- Spray chooks with a mist pump spray bottle ( if they like it!) or install a bird bath for supervised use.
- Drape their coop with cool wet towels
- Consider using ice to cool down the coop, by placing an ice pack underneath the coop.
Keeping Your Rabbit/Guinea Pigs Cool
- Provide small bags of ice, wrap them in wet towels and place them in the hutch.
- Drape their enclosure with cool wet towels
- Place a ceramic tile or marble square in your pets favorite rest area, provided it is out of the sun. Lying on it will help them cool down.
- Mist your bunnies ears. Rabbits lose heat through their ears and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool.
- Consider using ice to cool down the coop, by placing an ice brick underneath their hutch.
- Fill a water bottle or or empty milk bottle with water and freeze. Add it to a rabbit/guinea pig hutch or Chicken coop. Your pets will lay next to the bottle to keep cool.
- Do NOT use freezer packs/ice bricks as rabbits and other animals can chew them and they may contain hazardous contents.
January 25, 2016