Bringing home a new reptile is exciting! But first, you must quarantine it before adding it to your collection. Quarantine is key. It protects the health of your current reptiles and helps your new one thrive.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly quarantine reptiles. You’ll find tips for monitoring their health and effective isolation methods. These steps will help prevent disease and reduce stress.

Pro Tip: Quarantine keeps your new reptile safe and protects your current pets too. This is important, even if the new pet seems healthy.

Quick Guide: Why Quarantine Matters

  • Reptiles can carry parasites or infections without showing symptoms
  • Stress from transport can trigger illness
  • Quarantine helps you establish a health baseline
  • Early intervention prevents outbreaks in your collection
  • Even reptiles from trusted breeders should be isolated first

Important: Quarantine isn’t just about space — it’s about consistent care and observation.

Step-by-Step: How to Quarantine New Reptiles Safely

Step 1: Set Up a Separate Enclosure

Place your quarantine tank in a separate room. It’s best if there’s no air exchange between collections.

Quarantine enclosure checklist:

Item Purpose
Simple tank or tub Easy to clean, reduces stress
Paper towel substrate Shows droppings and reduces hiding spots for pests
Basic hides One on each side of the gradient
Water dish Shallow and cleaned daily
Thermometer + hygrometer Monitor climate closely
Heat source + thermostat Maintain consistent temps without light (e.g., ceramic heater)

Quick Tip: Don’t add decor, live plants, or unnecessary items — keep it simple for visibility and hygiene.

Learn more in Lighting Essentials for Healthy Reptile Enclosures.

Step 2: Establish a Controlled Temperature Gradient

Even during quarantine, your reptile needs proper heating.

Temperature tips:

  • Create a warm side and a cool side
  • Use thermostats to avoid overheating
  • Avoid UVB during the first 7–10 days — stress reduction comes first
  • Monitor humidity, especially for tropical species
    Species Type Temp Range
    Tropical (e.g., chameleons) 24–32°C
    Desert (e.g., bearded dragons) 26–42°C
    Temperate (e.g., corn snakes) 22–30°C

    Pro Tip: Use digital thermometers with probes for the most accurate readings.

    Step 3: Minimise Cross-Contamination

    Your hands, tools, and clothes can transfer pathogens.

    Isolation protocol:

    • Always handle quarantined reptiles last
    • Use separate tools (tongs, bowls, misters, etc.)
    • Wash hands and change gloves between enclosures
    • Launder clothes if you’ve handled the new reptile directly

    Sustainability Tip: Use washable microfibre cloths and reusable cleaning bottles to reduce waste.

    Step 4: Observe Daily for Health Changes

    Quarantine is your opportunity to learn about your reptile’s habits and catch early signs of illness.

    What to track:

    Observation Why It Matters
    Appetite Indicator of stress, illness, or acclimation
    Faeces consistency Check for parasites or digestive issues
    Skin and eyes Look for stuck shed, discharge, or swelling
    Movement and posture Watch for imbalance, lethargy, or unusual hiding

    Pro Tip: Keep a notebook or digital log with daily notes — even small changes matter.

    Step 5: Treat for Parasites if Needed

    Many reptiles carry parasites from birth or previous enclosures.

    Parasite management:

    • Take a faecal sample to a vet after 5–10 days
    • Treat based on veterinary advice
    • Repeat testing after treatment to ensure clearance
    • Avoid over-the-counter treatments unless advised

    Quick Tip: Don’t share bedding, hides, or water bowls between enclosures. This rule stands even after treatment.

    Step 6: Keep Quarantine Lasting 30–90 Days

    Time gives you space to see delayed symptoms or infections.

    Recommended quarantine duration:

    Source Quarantine Period
    Reputable breeder 30–45 days minimum
    Unknown history or rescue 60–90 days recommended

    Pro Tip: If the reptile shows signs of illness near the end of quarantine, restart the clock after recovery.

    Additional Quarantine Considerations

    Feeding During Quarantine

    • Feed smaller portions than normal to reduce waste
    • Use tongs to keep handling to a minimum
    • Clean uneaten food within 30 minutes
    • Don’t share feeders between enclosures

    Hygiene and Cleaning

    Area Frequency
    Water bowl Daily
    Substrate (paper towel) Replace every 1–3 days or after soiling
    Full tank clean Weekly
    Spot clean As needed

    Quick Tip: Use diluted F10, veterinary disinfectant, or white vinegar for safe tank cleaning.

    When to End Quarantine

    End quarantine only when the reptile:

    • Has eaten consistently for at least 3–4 weeks
    • Shows no signs of external or internal parasites
    • Has completed a healthy shed
    • Has passed two clear faecal tests (if tested)
    • Displays normal, alert behaviour

    Pro Tip: Introduce your reptile to the main setup gradually — ensure the temperature, lighting, and layout match what they’re used to.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Mistake Solution
    Ending quarantine early Wait the full period even if things look fine
    Handling too often Let the reptile settle with minimal stress
    Using the same tools across tanks Keep everything separate or disinfect thoroughly
    Ignoring mild symptoms Address small concerns early — they often grow

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A close-up of a yellow-green lizard resting on a stone, showcasing its textured skin and alert expression against a blurred background.

    Can I quarantine two new reptiles together?

    Only if they’re the same species and came from the same source — and even then, it’s safer to isolate individually.

    What if I don’t have space for a second tank?

    Use a temporary plastic tub or large faunarium in another room. Separation is more important than enclosure style.

    Do I need to see a vet during quarantine?

    Yes, this applies to a faecal test. It’s important if you see unusual behavior, weight loss, or discharge.

    Should I disinfect my tools daily?

    Yes — even if you didn’t use them. Dust and airborne pathogens spread easily in small spaces.

    Can I speed up the process if everything looks fine?

    No — symptoms and parasites often appear after weeks. Stick to the full duration for safety.

    Protect the Collection by Quarantining the Newcomer

    A green lizard with a distinctive pattern perches on a textured log, surrounded by lush greenery in the background.

    Quarantine isn’t about paranoia — it’s about protection. Use smart reptile quarantine steps. Check the health of new reptiles daily. Follow good isolation tips. This way, your pet gets the best start and keeps your other animals safe.

    Be thorough. Be consistent. Keep your collection healthy.

    For a complete temperature control strategy, read Temperature and Humidity Control for Reptile Habitats.