Questions we get asked.
Rescue, adoption, boarding and everyday reptile care. Can't see your question? Just ask.
Rescue & adoption
How do I rehome a reptile with you?
Fill in our online surrender request. It asks about you, your reptiles, their health and diet, what equipment comes with them and why you need to rehome. You can also call or message us. We'll be honest about whether we have space.
Ownership only transfers at handover, when we complete the surrender and ownership transfer form with you.
Which animals do you take in?
We work with lizards, snakes, frogs, tortoises and spiders. Space depends on what's already in our care, so always message us first rather than bringing an animal to us.
How do I adopt a reptile?
See what's available on our MorphMarket store and our Facebook page, then fill in our adoption application and send it to us.
We only rehome to suitable, knowledgeable owners and can turn down an application if we're not confident the animal will be properly cared for.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Adoption fees for all rescues are £45 to £75, depending on the species. Animals we bought in as captive-bred (CB), rather than took in as rescues, are priced individually and shown on each listing. Fees go back into caring for the animals in the rescue.
Do your animals come with a health guarantee?
Every animal is assessed to the best of our knowledge before it leaves us, but we can't give long-term health guarantees unless we've agreed one in writing. We recommend registering with an exotic vet before you collect.
How can I help the rescue?
You can donate spare equipment or supplies, share our posts, or offer a home to a rescue if you have the right setup. See ways to help.
Boarding
What does boarding include?
Species-appropriate enclosures with proper heating and UVB, your reptile's usual diet and routine, and daily health checks, cleaning and monitoring. See our boarding page.
How do I book, and how far ahead?
Send us your dates, the species and how many animals. We'll confirm availability and a price. Book as early as you can around Christmas and the summer holidays.
What will you need to know about my reptile?
Its diet and feeding schedule, the temperatures and humidity it's kept at, and anything about its health or behaviour we should keep an eye on.
Reptile care
Where can I find care for a specific species?
Our care sheets cover 21 species, with enclosure sizes, temperatures, humidity, UVB, diet and handling.
Are pet snakes venomous or poisonous?
Poisonous means harmful if eaten or touched; venomous means the animal delivers venom by biting. None of the UK's most common pet snakes are poisonous, and most aren't venomous either. Western hognoses are mildly venomous: for most people a bite causes little harm, though it can cause swelling or an allergic reaction in some people.
Why do geckos lick their eyes?
Many geckos, including crested and gargoyle geckos, don't have eyelids. A clear scale protects each eye, and they lick it to keep it clean and moist. Leopard and fat-tailed geckos are exceptions: they have eyelids.
Is a reptile a good Christmas present?
A reptile should never be a surprise gift. It's a long-term commitment that needs research, specialist equipment and ongoing care. Better gifts: a care book, a gift voucher, or helping someone prepare.
Choosing your first reptile
What to think about before you bring a reptile home, and which species suit first-time keepers.
UVB lighting explained
Why reptiles need UVB, what UVI means, and how much each species needs.
Heating, thermostats and temperature gradients
How to set up safe heating and a proper warm-to-cool gradient.
Feeder insects, gutloading and supplements
Choosing, sizing, gutloading and dusting insects so your reptile gets the nutrition it needs.
Quarantining a new reptile
How and why to keep new arrivals separate before they meet the rest of your collection.
Shedding and stuck shed
What a healthy shed looks like and what to do when shed gets stuck.