Quarantining a new reptile: how long and what setup do you need?
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A reptile arriving in the household, whether from a breeder, a pet shop or an adoption, may be carrying parasites or an illness that's still invisible at the time of purchase. Quarantine means housing it away from other animals while you confirm everything is fine, before any contact or shared equipment.
Contents · 5 sections
How long should a proper quarantine last?
A minimum of 30 days is generally recommended, but 60 to 90 days is safer for species prone to internal parasites, such as some wild-caught geckos or snakes. The longer the period, the more time signs of a latent illness, including a recurring shedding problem, have to clearly show up.
What equipment should the quarantine tank have?
- A separate terrarium in another room if possible, or at least well away from other setups;
- Simple, easily disposable substrate, such as paper towel, to spot abnormal droppings easily;
- Dedicated equipment: bowl, feeding tongs and cleaning tools kept just for this tank, never shared with other terrariums;
- Full heating and lighting, with no shortcuts even for a temporary setup.
See our reptile care and grooming section for more practical pointers on managing this period without stress.
What should you watch for during quarantine?
Check appetite, stool consistency, general behaviour and skin condition every day, noting anything unusual. A vet check with a stool analysis at the start of quarantine helps catch parasites that aren't yet showing visible symptoms.
Should you change clothes between handling sessions?
Washing your hands thoroughly between handling the new arrival and the animals already settled in greatly reduces cross-contamination risk. Handling your existing residents first and the new animal last cuts that risk further still.
Frequently asked questions
Can quarantine be shortened if the animal seems perfectly healthy?
That's not recommended: many parasites and illnesses stay symptom-free for several weeks before showing up.
Is quarantine still useful with only one reptile in the household?
Yes, it's still worthwhile as a period to observe the animal before it moves into its permanent terrarium, even without another reptile to protect.
Is an exotic pet vet always required during quarantine?
A visit isn't mandatory if the animal seems fine, but it's still strongly advised to catch problems that aren't visible to the naked eye.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Ventilated clear box for feeder insects, transport and quarantine, 19 cm (€17.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Reptiles universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
