Summer Water Stations for Kunekune Pigs: Troughs, Wallows, and Daily Checks

A good summer water setup for Kunekune pigs should do three jobs every day: provide clean drinking water, give pigs a safe way to cool themselves, and keep the surroundi…

Summer Water Stations for Kunekune Pigs: Troughs, Wallows, and Daily Checks

A good summer water setup for Kunekune pigs should do three jobs every day: provide clean drinking water, give pigs a safe way to cool themselves, and keep the surrounding area from turning into an unhealthy muddy mess. In hot weather, water is not just a chore on the farm list. It is one of the main pieces of summer pig management, right alongside shade, airflow, body condition, and daily observation.

Why Summer Water Setup Matters So Much

Kunekune pigs are hardy, practical, pasture-friendly animals, but summer still asks a lot from them. Heat, humidity, flies, dry pasture, wet mud, and long sunny afternoons can all pile up at once. A pig that was comfortable in April can look very different in June or July if the water setup is not keeping up.

Kunekunes do not cool themselves the same way people do. They need shade, airflow, cool ground, drinking water, and often a wallow or wet area where they can lower body temperature. That makes the water station one of the most important places in the entire pig area.

A strong summer setup should answer a few basic questions:

Can every pig get to clean drinking water without being pushed away?
Is the drinking water separate from the wallow or mud area?
Can piglets, younger pigs, shorter pigs, and older pigs reach water safely?
Is the water station shaded or at least protected from the worst afternoon sun?
Can the area drain well enough that it does not become a sour, fly-heavy mud hole?
Is there a simple routine for checking water once or twice daily?
Is there a backup plan if an automatic waterer fails, a trough tips, or a hose gets blocked?

That last question matters more than people think. The best-looking water system is not the one that impresses you on a cool morning. It is the one that still works on a hot, humid afternoon when every pig on the place needs it.

Clean Drinking Water and Cooling Water Are Not the Same Thing

One of the biggest mistakes in summer pig care is letting the wallow become the “water source.” Pigs may splash in it, lay in it, root in it, and drink from it if nothing else is available, but a wallow should never replace clean drinking water.

Think of your setup in two different zones:

Drinking zone: clean water for hydration.

Cooling zone: wallow, wet dirt, sprinkler area, kiddie pool, or damp shade area for comfort.

Those zones can be near each other, but they should not be the same container. Clean drinking water needs to stay as fresh as possible. Cooling water is going to get dirty. That is simply pig life. The goal is not to keep a wallow spotless; the goal is to keep drinking water clean and dependable.

A good summer layout gives pigs both choices: a place to drink and a place to cool off.

Start With the Number of Pigs in the Pen

The right water setup depends on herd size, pig age, pasture layout, and how much competition happens at the trough. A quiet pair of mature Kunekunes may do well with one sturdy trough and a backup pan. A group with several pigs, piglets, or mixed ages may need more than one water point.

When planning water stations, count pigs by access, not just by total number.

Ask yourself:

Do all pigs drink peacefully together?
Does one dominant pig stand over the water and block others?
Are smaller pigs waiting until the bigger pigs leave?
Are piglets able to reach without climbing into the container?
Are older or heavier pigs willing to walk to the water in the heat?
Is water available in every paddock or only near the shelter?

A low-stress herd still needs enough access. Even calm Kunekunes can crowd a water source when the day gets hot.

For small groups, one main water station may be enough if it is checked often and easy for everyone to reach. For larger groups, breeding groups, sows with piglets, or groups spread across pasture, two water points are often safer. Multiple water points reduce crowding and give you a backup if one gets tipped, fouled, or drained.

Choose the Right Water Container

There is no single perfect water container for every Kunekune setup. The best option is the one that is safe, sturdy, reachable, easy to clean, and hard for pigs to destroy. Fancy does not always win here. Reliable wins.

Rubber Troughs

Heavy rubber troughs are a common choice because they are durable, flexible, and easier on pigs than sharp-edged containers. They work well for many small-farm setups.

Good points:

They are usually sturdy.
They are less likely to crack than brittle plastic.
They are simple to dump, scrub, and refill.
They come in different sizes and depths.

Watch-outs:

Smaller troughs can be flipped by determined pigs.
Deep troughs may be unsafe for piglets.
Black rubber can warm up fast in full sun.
Mud can build up around the edges if the area does not drain.

For Kunekunes, a low, wide trough is often more practical than a tall, narrow one. The wider footprint helps with stability, and the lower sides make access easier for shorter pigs.

Stock Tanks

Larger stock tanks can work well for groups, but they need to be chosen carefully. A tank that is too tall may make drinking awkward for shorter pigs. A tank that is too deep may be a risk for piglets if they can climb or fall in.

Good points:

They hold more water.
They are harder to empty quickly.
They can support larger groups.

Watch-outs:

Piglets may need a separate low water source.
Some tanks are hard to scrub without draining fully.
If placed in sun, the water may warm quickly.
If too tall, pigs may lean, push, or damage the rim.

A stock tank is not automatically better just because it holds more water. If the pigs cannot use it comfortably, or if it is hard to keep clean, it may not be the best choice.

Automatic Waterers

Automatic waterers can be very useful, especially for busy farms, but they should never be trusted blindly. A working automatic waterer is wonderful. A failed automatic waterer on a hot day is a problem that can sneak up fast.

Good points:

They refill on their own.
They reduce the chance of a dry trough when working properly.
They can save time in larger setups.

Watch-outs:

Valves can stick.
Lines can clog.
Fittings can leak.
Pigs may root around the base.
Some pigs need time to learn how to use them.
Flow rate may be too slow for a group in hot weather.
You may not notice a problem unless you check it daily.

If using an automatic waterer, still keep a backup trough or pan during hot weather. The backup does not have to be fancy. It just needs to be available if something fails.

Kiddie Pools

Kiddie pools can be useful for cooling, but they are usually better as a wallow or cooling station than as the main drinking water source. Many pigs will step into them, root in them, splash, tip them, chew the edges, or turn them muddy.

Good points:

They give pigs a quick cooling option.
They are inexpensive.
They are easy to move.
They can help young pigs get used to water.

Watch-outs:

They crack or split.
They get dirty quickly.
They may become slippery.
They can be chewed.
They may not hold up to adult pigs.
Piglets should be watched carefully around any container they can climb into.

Use kiddie pools as cooling tools, not as the only water source.

Put Drinking Water Where Pigs Will Actually Use It

Water placement matters almost as much as the container itself. Pigs should not have to choose between staying cool and walking too far for water. In hot weather, distance can reduce drinking, especially during the hottest part of the day.

A good summer drinking-water spot should be:

Easy for pigs to find.
Easy for people to check.
Close enough to shade that pigs will use it often.
On ground that drains reasonably well.
Away from heavy manure buildup.
Away from areas where feed is spilled.
Protected from being constantly knocked, rooted, or buried.
Accessible without pigs having to cross slick mud or deep ruts.

Water does not always need to be inside the shelter, and in many cases it is better just outside the main bedding area. Putting water directly inside a bedded shelter can lead to wet bedding, extra flies, slippery spots, and more work. If water is inside, the setup needs extra attention so bedding does not stay damp.

For many Kunekune pens, a good compromise is placing the water station near shade, but not in the sleeping nest. That keeps drinking convenient while helping the shelter stay drier.

Shade the Water When You Can

Water sitting in direct sun can get warm fast. Warm water is less inviting, and warm troughs grow algae and film more quickly. If you can place drinking water in shade for at least part of the day, do it.

Good shade options include:

Natural tree shade.
A roof overhang.
A shade cloth area.
The shaded side of a shelter.
A simple covered water station.
A movable shade panel used carefully and securely.

The afternoon sun matters most. A trough that is shaded at 8 a.m. but baking at 3 p.m. may still become unpleasant during the hottest stretch of the day. Watch the shade pattern across the day before deciding that a spot is good.

Also remember that shade moves. A water station that worked in spring may not be shaded the same way in summer.

Keep Water Separate From Feed

Feed and water do not need to be far apart, but they should not be arranged so that every drink turns into spilled feed soup. Feed dust, pellets, fruit, vegetables, hay bits, and mineral residue can all end up in water. Once organic material sits in warm water, it can sour quickly.

Try to avoid:

Feeding directly beside the drinking trough.
Letting pigs carry feed into the water.
Putting water below hay nets, hay racks, or feed pans.
Placing water where spilled feed washes downhill into it.
Leaving feed bowls close enough that pigs push them into the trough.

A clean-water routine starts with good placement. The easier it is to keep feed out of the trough, the easier your daily chores become.

Build a Better Base Around the Water Station

A water station is a high-traffic area. Pigs walk there, stand there, drink there, spill there, root there, and often lounge nearby. Without some planning, that spot can turn into a deep mud pocket.

Some mud is normal around pigs. Constant sour mud around drinking water is different. That kind of mud can attract flies, make footing unsafe, contaminate the trough, and create a headache every time you try to fill or clean water.

Practical base options include:

Coarse gravel outside the trough area.
Packed screenings where appropriate.
Heavy rubber mats.
Hog panels laid flat and secured safely.
A small concrete pad if the setup is permanent.
Rotating the water station location when pasture layout allows.
Raising hoses and fittings so pigs do not root them loose.
Using a slight slope so overflow runs away from the trough.

Avoid creating a hard, slick surface where pigs can slide. The goal is firm footing and drainage, not a skating rink.

If the water area already has deep mud, start with the cause. Is the trough leaking? Is an automatic waterer overflowing? Is the hose connection dripping? Are pigs tipping the container? Is runoff from a roof or hill draining into the spot? Fixing the source matters more than dumping gravel into an active leak.

Plan the Wallow on Purpose

Kunekunes enjoy mud and damp ground, especially in summer. A wallow can be a very good thing when managed well. It gives pigs a place to cool off, helps them coat their skin, and encourages natural behavior. The trick is to make the wallow intentional instead of letting the drinking-water station become one by accident.

A good wallow should be:

Separate from clean drinking water.
In or near shade if possible.
Shallow enough to be safe.
Easy to refresh or relocate.
Away from the main sleeping area.
Away from feed storage and feeding spots.
Placed where overflow will not run into the drinking trough.
Watched closely if piglets are present.

A wallow does not need to be huge. Kunekunes are not trying to swim laps. They need a damp, cool area where they can lay, roll, or coat themselves. Sometimes a shallow muddy patch is more useful than a big pool.

If you use a hose to wet a wallow, do it intentionally and then put the hose away or secure it. Leaving hoses where pigs can chew, root, kink, or disconnect them is an invitation to trouble.

Piglets Need Special Water Access

Piglets change the water-station rules. A setup that works fine for mature pigs may be too tall, too deep, or too risky for young piglets. If piglets are in the pen, they need a water source they can reach without climbing into danger.

For piglets, pay attention to:

Container height.
Water depth.
Slippery edges.
Mud around the trough.
Whether the sow blocks access.
Whether piglets can get trapped behind or under a container.
Whether piglets are drinking or only following the sow.

A shallow pan or low trough may be needed for piglets, even if the adults have a larger trough. Keep piglet water especially clean. Small pigs can foul a shallow dish quickly, and shallow water warms fast.

Do not assume piglets are drinking just because water is available. Watch them. A few minutes of observation can tell you whether they are finding the water, reaching it comfortably, and using it without being crowded out.

Watch Herd Dynamics at the Trough

Kunekunes are often known for gentle temperaments, but herd behavior still matters. One bossy pig can make water access difficult for others. In hot weather, that matters.

Signs you may need another water point include:

One pig stands sideways at the trough and blocks others.
Smaller pigs wait until everyone else leaves.
Younger pigs are pushed away repeatedly.
Pigs drink aggressively when they finally get access.
The trough area becomes a shoving match.
A sow with piglets guards the area.
Subordinate pigs spend more time near shade but less time drinking.

Adding a second water station can be one of the easiest fixes. It does not need to be complicated. Sometimes placing another low tub in a different shaded area makes the whole group calmer.

Check Water More Often During Heat

In mild weather, a once-a-day water check may seem fine. In summer, especially during heat waves, twice daily is better. On very hot days, during farrowing, with piglets, or with larger groups, you may check even more.

A simple summer water routine should include:

Morning check: refill, scrub if needed, check flow, check footing, and make sure every pig looks normal.

Afternoon check: confirm water is still available, not hot, not fouled, and not blocked by mud or herd behavior.

Evening check: optional but helpful during heat waves, especially if pigs are drinking more than expected.

The afternoon check is the one that catches surprises. Morning chores can look perfect, but by midafternoon a trough may be empty, tipped, muddy, or too warm.

What to Look For During a Daily Water Check

A good water check is more than glancing at the trough from the gate. Walk close enough to see the actual condition of the water and the pigs.

Look at the water:

Is there enough water for the group?
Is it clear enough to be inviting?
Is there manure, feed, bedding, algae, or mud in it?
Does it smell sour?
Is the water hot from sitting in the sun?
Is the trough cracked, tipped, or pushed into mud?
Is the automatic waterer refilling correctly?
Is the hose leaking or kinked?
Is there a slow overflow creating a mud hole?

Look at the pigs:

Are they drinking normally?
Are any pigs hanging back?
Are piglets reaching water?
Are pigs crowding the water source?
Are they spending all day in the wallow and not moving much?
Are they panting heavily, weak, wobbly, or acting unusual?
Are their ears, skin, posture, and behavior normal for them?

A water station is also a daily observation station. You can learn a lot about the herd by watching who drinks, who avoids the trough, who pushes, and who seems off.

Keep Troughs Clean Without Making the Job Miserable

Summer trough cleaning does not have to be complicated, but it needs to be consistent. Warm water grows film quickly. Pigs also add mud, bedding, feed, and whatever else their snouts carried from the pasture.

A practical trough-cleaning routine:

Dump dirty water before it gets sour.
Scrub the sides and bottom, not just the top edge.
Rinse loose film before refilling.
Remove feed, algae, manure, and bedding.
Place the trough back on firm footing.
Refill with fresh water.
Watch pigs drink after cleaning to make sure access is good.

A dedicated stiff brush is useful. Keep it for water containers only. If you use disinfectants or cleaners, use only products appropriate for livestock water equipment and rinse thoroughly. In most day-to-day cases, frequent dumping, scrubbing, and refilling does a lot.

Do Not Let Automatic Waterers Become Invisible

Automatic waterers can quietly fail. That is why they need to be part of the daily check, not something you assume is fine.

Check:

Is water actually present?
Does the float or valve move?
Does it refill after pigs drink?
Is the flow strong enough?
Is the bowl or cup clean?
Is there algae or slime?
Is there a leak around the base?
Is the waterer level?
Have pigs rooted around the line?
Is the water line protected from chewing or rooting?

Automatic systems are helpful, but they are not a substitute for eyes on the pigs.

If using nipple-style waterers, be sure pigs know how to use them and that the height fits the animals in that pen. Kunekunes are shorter-bodied than many commercial hogs, so equipment height matters. A waterer installed for taller pigs may not be comfortable for Kunekunes.

Keep Hoses Safe and Secure

Hoses are one of those small farm details that can cause big annoyance. Pigs may chew them, root under them, disconnect them, drag them, kink them, or bury them in mud. A hose left in the pen can also become a trip hazard or a toy.

Better hose habits:

Run hoses outside the fence when possible.
Use short protected sections where the hose enters the pen.
Keep fittings tight and out of rooting range.
Coil hoses after filling troughs.
Check for leaks at connections.
Do not leave nozzles where pigs can damage them.
Protect automatic water lines from rooting and chewing.

A slow hose leak may not seem like much in the morning. By the end of a hot day, it can become a muddy mess that attracts flies and makes the water station harder to manage.

Manage Mud Without Taking Away Cooling

There is a balance here. Kunekunes need cooling options in summer, and mud can be part of that. The goal is not to keep pigs on dry concrete like showpieces. The goal is to give them useful mud where it helps and control mud where it causes problems.

Good mud:

A shallow wallow in a chosen area.
Damp shaded soil where pigs can cool off.
Moist ground away from feed and clean water.
A spot that can be refreshed, rotated, or managed.

Problem mud:

Deep muck around the drinking trough.
Sour mud mixed with manure and spilled feed.
Mud inside the sleeping area.
Mud that piglets must cross to reach water.
Mud around gates where people and pigs slip.
Mud caused by leaks or constant overflow.
Mud that never dries and becomes a fly-breeding area.

You do not need a perfect dry lot. You need intentional wet areas and controlled drinking areas. That is the difference.

Place Water With Pasture Rotation in Mind

Kunekunes are often used in pasture-based systems, and water placement affects how they use the pasture. If water is always in one corner, pigs will spend more time there. That can lead to overused ground, manure concentration, mud, and uneven grazing.

When rotating pigs, think about water as part of the paddock plan.

Ask:

Can the water move with the pigs?
Is the water station easy to fill in each paddock?
Will the trough sit on high ground or low ground?
Does the location encourage pigs to use the whole paddock?
Is shade available near water in each rotation area?
Can you reach the station without dragging hoses through pig areas?
Is there a backup if a paddock does not have a convenient water source?

A movable trough can work well if it is sturdy and easy to clean. Just be sure pigs cannot tip it constantly. For permanent systems, water points may need extra footing and drainage.

Summer Water for Breeding Groups

Breeding groups need calm, reliable water access. Boars, bred gilts, mature sows, and mixed groups may all have different needs. A big boar may be able to use a taller trough easily, while a gilt or smaller sow may prefer something lower. If group dynamics are strong, one water source may not be enough.

For breeding groups, consider:

Two water access points when possible.
Containers that cannot be easily tipped during pushing or rubbing.
Firm footing so heavy pigs do not churn up the area.
Extra shade near water.
Clear observation of each pig’s daily drinking behavior.
Enough space around the water station for pigs to enter and leave calmly.

Breeding animals should not have to compete hard for water. Good structure, temperament, and management all matter, but even the best pigs need a setup that supports calm behavior.

Summer Water for Sows and Piglets

A sow with piglets needs special attention in summer. She may drink more, spend more time lying down, and be less willing to leave her litter for long. Piglets, meanwhile, need safe access without danger.

For sow-and-piglet setups:

Keep the sow’s water easy for her to reach.
Provide a piglet-safe water option.
Avoid deep containers piglets can fall into.
Keep water out of the bedding nest if possible.
Watch that the sow does not block piglet access.
Keep mud from building up between piglets and water.
Check water more often during hot weather.
Keep the wallow separate from the farrowing or sleeping area.

Do not create a cooling area that makes the piglet area damp and chilled overnight. Summer days can be hot, but wet bedding is still a problem. Cooling for the sow should not come at the cost of a soggy piglet nest.

Summer Water for New Arrivals

New pigs need an especially clear water setup. When a Kunekune is moved to a new farm, pen, pasture, or quarantine area, do not assume it will immediately understand the water system.

For new arrivals:

Show them the water source.
Use an easy, obvious trough at first.
Keep water close to shelter and shade.
Avoid relying only on an automatic waterer they have never used.
Check several times the first day.
Watch for nervous pigs that do not leave shelter quickly.
Keep the setup simple until they settle in.

Quarantine or new-pig areas should have their own water containers and cleaning tools when possible. That keeps management cleaner and helps you observe intake closely.

Water Quality Matters

Clean-looking water is the goal, but water quality also includes smell, temperature, and source. If water smells bad to you, pigs may not want it either. If it is hot from sitting in sun all day, they may drink less. If algae builds up on the sides, it needs cleaning.

Pay attention to:

Algae growth.
Slimy film.
Sour smell.
Rusty or dirty containers.
Stagnant water.
Dead insects or debris.
Manure contamination.
Feed contamination.
Water that is too warm to be inviting.

If you would hesitate to put your hand in the trough, it probably needs dumped and scrubbed. That is not a fancy test, but it works pretty well on a farm day.

How Much Water Is Enough?

Water needs vary by temperature, humidity, body size, diet, age, pregnancy, lactation, activity, and pasture conditions. Instead of trying to run the whole setup from a single number, use a practical rule: water should still be available, clean, and inviting every time you check it.

If a trough is empty by afternoon, it is too small, not refilled often enough, being tipped, leaking, or serving too many pigs. If pigs are crowding hard when you refill it, they may have gone too long without enough water. If water is always filthy, the container or placement needs improvement.

Signs your capacity may be too low:

Troughs are empty before the next chore round.
Pigs rush the water when it is refilled.
Muddy water is the only water left.
Smaller pigs cannot get access.
Water is warm, shallow, or dirty by midday.
Automatic waterers cannot refill fast enough.
The water area is constantly crowded.

During summer, more capacity is usually safer than barely enough.

Signs the Water Setup Needs Changed

Sometimes the pigs tell you the setup is not working before anything dramatic happens. Watch the pattern, not just one moment.

You may need to adjust the setup if:

Pigs spend too much time lying around the water trough.
The trough is always muddy.
Piglets climb into the water container.
One pig guards the water.
The area smells sour.
Flies are heavy around the station.
Bedding near water stays wet.
Water is hot by afternoon.
The wallow keeps swallowing the drinking area.
You are refilling too often for the number of pigs.
Pigs are panting heavily while water is technically “available.”
You see repeated pushing, slipping, or crowding.

A small change can make a big difference. Move the trough ten feet. Add a second tub. Put it in shade. Add a better base. Separate the wallow. Raise a hose. Scrub more often. Farm management is often won by those little adjustments.

When Hot Weather Becomes More Than a Management Issue

This article is about setup and daily care, not veterinary diagnosis. Still, summer water management should include knowing when something is not normal.

Pay close attention if a pig shows:

Weakness.
Staggering.
Collapse.
Extreme panting that does not improve with cooling access.
Refusal to rise.
No interest in water.
Unusual behavior.
Red, blotchy, or concerning skin changes.
Signs of distress after transport, breeding activity, farrowing, or a sudden heat spike.

When a pig looks truly distressed, do not just refill the trough and hope for the best. Move quickly to reduce heat stress in a safe way and contact a veterinarian for guidance. Fast action matters.

For ordinary hot-day comfort, shade, airflow, cool ground, drinking water, and a wallow can go a long way. For a pig that is weak, down, disoriented, or not responding normally, get professional help.

A Simple Summer Water Station Setup

For many small Kunekune farms, a practical summer setup might look like this:

One sturdy, low drinking trough in partial shade.
One backup pan or second trough for groups or piglets.
One separate wallow or cooling area away from the drinking water.
Firm footing around the drinking station.
A hose connection outside the fence or protected from rooting.
Daily scrubbing or dumping as needed.
Morning and afternoon water checks.
Extra observation during heat waves.
A plan for automatic waterer failure, power outages, hose trouble, or unexpected leaks.

That is not complicated, but it is effective. The best systems are usually simple enough that you will actually maintain them every day.

Daily Summer Water Checklist

Use this as a practical routine during hot weather:

Check that every pig has access to clean drinking water.
Make sure the trough is not empty, tipped, cracked, or fouled.
Feel whether the water is hot from the sun.
Confirm automatic waterers are refilling properly.
Look for leaks around hoses, fittings, and valves.
Check that piglets can reach water safely.
Watch for crowding or dominant pigs blocking access.
Scrub or dump dirty water before it becomes sour.
Keep feed and bedding out of the water.
Make sure the wallow is separate from drinking water.
Watch footing around the trough.
Control mud caused by leaks or overflow.
Confirm shade is available near water or resting areas.
Observe each pig’s behavior, breathing, posture, and willingness to move.
Recheck in the afternoon during hot spells.

A checklist may feel basic, but basic is exactly what keeps pigs safe in summer. Most water problems start small before they become serious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on one small container

A single small pan may work for a short time, but in summer it can empty quickly, tip easily, or become dirty before the next chore round.

Letting the wallow replace drinking water

Wallow water is for cooling. Drinking water should be cleaner, fresher, and easier to monitor.

Putting water in the bedding area

This can soak bedding and create odor, flies, and poor sleeping conditions. If water must be near shelter, keep it arranged so bedding stays dry.

Forgetting piglets

Piglets need reachable, safe water. Adult troughs may not work for them.

Trusting automatic waterers without checking

Automatic does not mean maintenance-free. Check them every day.

Ignoring mud around water

Mud caused by normal wallowing is one thing. Mud caused by leaks, overflow, or poor placement is a management problem.

Placing water in full sun

Sun-warmed water is less inviting and gets dirty faster. Shade helps.

Waiting until pigs look stressed

Water management is preventive. The goal is to keep pigs comfortable before they are in trouble.

Final Thoughts

A summer water station is more than a trough. It is a comfort system, a daily observation point, and one of the simplest ways to support healthy Kunekune pigs through hot weather. Clean drinking water, a separate cooling area, safe piglet access, good drainage, and regular checks can prevent a lot of avoidable problems.

The best setup does not have to be expensive or fancy. It needs to be dependable, easy to clean, and matched to the pigs actually using it. When water is easy to reach, cool enough to drink, clean enough to be inviting, and checked often, your Kunekunes are better prepared for the long, sticky days of summer.