Summer is a busy time for anyone living or working in the countryside. Warmer weather brings longer days, more time outdoors and plenty of seasonal jobs, but it can also bring extra challenges for pets, poultry, horses and livestock ownership.
From keeping animals cool and hydrated, to managing flies, checking fencing and choosing the right clothing for outdoor work, a little preparation can make summer much easier to manage.
At Watermans Country Supplies, you can find a wide range of farming supplies, livestock products, pet essentials, equestrian equipment, country clothing and footwear to help you stay prepared throughout the sunny season.
One of the most important summer jobs is making sure animals have constant access to clean, fresh water. Hot weather can quickly increase water intake, especially for working dogs, poultry, horses and livestock out in the field.
For poultry, it is best to check feeders and drinkers regularly throughout the day, keeping them positioned in shaded areas where possible.
The Eton TS Green Poultry Drinker is a reliable choice for helping keep chickens, quail, and other birds supplied with fresh water through the warmer months. Its locking translucent design makes it practical for everyday poultry care, while allowing you to monitor water levels more easily.
Built with a sturdy, robust construction and a convenient carry handle, it is ideal for use around coops, runs and aviaries. A simple but dependable drinker, it helps make daily watering easier and supports better hydration for healthy, comfortable birds, especially during summer heatwaves.
For horses and livestock, field troughs, buckets and tubtrugs should be checked for cleanliness, leaks and algae build-up, especially during dry spells.
It is also worth checking spare buckets, drinkers and water containers before temperatures rise, so you have extras ready when needed.
The Red Gorilla Flexible Horse Stable Bucket is a practical yard essential for helping keep horses well watered throughout the day. With a generous 22 litre capacity, it is ideal for use in the stable field or around the yard, making it easy to provide fresh water wherever it is needed.
Shade is essential during warm weather, particularly for animals kept outside for long periods. Trees, field shelters, stables, poultry housing and covered runs can all help give animals somewhere to escape direct sun.
Dogs should have a cool, shaded place to rest after walks or time outdoors, while poultry houses and runs should be well ventilated to help reduce heat build-up.
Horses and livestock may also benefit from turnout at cooler times of day where practical, especially during periods of stronger heat.
Flies and biting insects can quickly become a nuisance in summer, especially around livestock, horses, poultry housing and stable areas. Keeping bedding, feed areas and water points clean can help reduce attraction, while suitable fly control products can provide extra support.
For horses, fly sprays, fly masks and lightweight fly rugs can help make turnout more comfortable.
Help keep your horse comfortable and protected during fly season with the JW Marwell Zebra Fly Rug. Designed with a distinctive zebra print, this lightweight fly rug helps deter flies and biting insects while offering breathable coverage for everyday turnout.
Farm yards, stables and animal housing areas should be kept as clean and dry as possible to help reduce pest problems throughout the season.
Poultry keepers should also stay alert for red mite, particularly in warm weather, checking housing, perches and nesting areas regularly.
Country walks, farm jobs, and days outdoors can be enjoyable for dogs, but summer heat can make exercise more demanding. It is best to walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, avoid hot surfaces where possible and always carry water for longer outings.
Working dogs and active breeds may need extra rest breaks, especially if they are running across fields, travelling in vehicles or spending long periods outside. After exercise, check paws, coat and skin for grass seeds, ticks and minor cuts.
A good summer dog care routine may include cooling rest areas, grooming products, tick care, travel water bottles, treats and a comfortable bed in a shaded spot.
For cattle, sheep, pigs and other livestock, summer care often means staying on top of water supply, grazing conditions, flies, minerals and general health checks.
Fields should be checked regularly for secure boundaries, working water systems and suitable shade. During dry weather, grazing quality can change quickly, so supplements or additional feed may be needed depending on your animals and land conditions.
Livestock should also be monitored for signs of heat stress, fly irritation, lameness, wounds or changes in behaviour.
Having farm first aid, animal health products and essential equipment ready can help you respond quickly when needed.
Summer is a good opportunity to inspect fencing, especially before animals are moved between fields or grazing areas. Check for loose posts, damaged wire, weak electric fencing connections and broken gate fittings.
Electric fencing can be especially useful for temporary paddocks, strip grazing and protecting certain areas of land. Make sure energisers, batteries, stakes, tape, rope and connectors are in good working order before they are needed.
Keeping fencing supplies and repair items to hand can help avoid last-minute issues during busy summer days.
The 50m Poultry Net Kit is a practical electric fencing solution for helping to protect chickens and other poultry from predators. Supplied with 50m of green poultry netting with posts, a HLC80 dual power energiser, four rigid corner posts and an earth stake, it includes the key essentials needed to create a secure outdoor poultry area.
Once installed, the fence can be powered by a 12V battery or 220V mains connection, making it a flexible choice for different setups. It is ideal for poultry keepers looking for a dependable way to manage grazing space while adding an extra layer of protection around their flock.
Warm weather does not always mean easy weather. Summer work in the countryside can involve heat, dust, sudden rain, long grass, uneven ground and plenty of mud after a downpour.
Lightweight country clothing, practical layers, waterproof footwear and durable workwear can all make outdoor tasks more comfortable. Hats, breathable tops, sturdy boots and wellingtons are useful for everything from dog walking and mucking out to feeding livestock and checking fields.
Choosing the right clothing and footwear helps you stay comfortable while still being protected for everyday country jobs.
Summer often brings more time away from home, whether you are visiting shows, going on countryside walks, travelling with dogs or spending long days at the yard.
It is worth preparing a simple summer kit with water bottles, dog treats, grooming wipes, fly spray, sun protection, spare clothing, first aid items and any animal care essentials you may need while out and about.
For horse owners, pet owners and smallholders, a little organisation can make summer outings much smoother.
Whether you are caring for pets, poultry, horses or other livestock, summer preparation can help keep animals comfortable, healthy and well looked after.
Here at Watermans Country Supplies, you can find a wide range of products for country living, including farming supplies, livestock products, poultry essentials, equestrian equipment, pet care, country clothing and footwear.
Explore our range today to enjoy the summer season.
