25/05/2026
🦎☀️🔥 REPTILE KEEPERS – HOT WEATHER CARE ADVICE! 🔥
With temperatures rising across the Wirral and beyond, it’s really important we keep a close eye on our cold blooded friends they rely entirely on us to keep their environments safe, stable and comfortable when the sun comes out! ☀️🌡️
Here’s our top guide to keeping your reptiles happy and healthy in the heat:
✅ Check your temperatures daily
Room temperature can rise very quickly, so make sure you’re checking both the warm and cool ends of your enclosure regularly. Temperatures above their ideal range can cause stress, dehydration or even overheating always provide a cool zone so they can regulate their own body temperature. Use a reliable thermometer don’t guess!
💧 Mist more often – especially for arboreal species!
🌿 Chameleons, tree snakes, arboreal geckos and anoles, these guys need extra attention right now! Hot air dries out humidity levels fast, so increase how often you mist their enclosures you may need to do this 2–3 times a day during very hot spells. This keeps humidity correct, helps them shed properly and gives them plenty of drinking water droplets on leaves and decor.
For ground-dwelling or desert species, still keep an eye on humidity and ensure their water bowl is always full, fresh and placed away from direct heat.
💦 Fresh water always available & kept cool
All reptiles need constant access to clean water. In warm weather, water evaporates faster and also warms up. Change it at least once a day, and place bowls in the cooler area of the tank so it stays fresh and drinkable. For species that don’t usually drink from bowls, increase misting or offer water gently via a dropper/spray.
❄️ Simple ways to help cool things down
• Move enclosures away from windows or direct sunlight (even a small amount of sun through glass can turn a tank into an oven very quickly!)
• Use a small desk fan nearby (never point directly at the enclosure we don’t want cold drafts!) just to keep air circulating in the room
• For larger set-ups, a damp towel over part of the outside glass or a shallow tray of cool water in the room can gently bring ambient temp down
• Avoid extra heat bulbs or mats during the hottest part of the day if room temp is already within their safe range
🌿 Extra hiding spots
Add extra foliage, caves or decor so your pet always has somewhere dark and cool to retreat to – security and temperature choice are everything!
⚠️ Signs to watch out for:
• Lying with mouth open / gaping
• Staying constantly on the cool side or soaking in water for long periods
• Lethargy or loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing
If you notice these, act quickly to lower the temperature safely.
If you have any questions or need advice specific to your species, pop in and see us – we’re here 10am–4pm today (Bank Holiday Monday!) and every week, happy to help 🐍🐢🦎
Stay cool everyone – your scaley friends will thank you! 💚