Quarantining a new reptile
How and why to keep new arrivals separate before they meet the rest of your collection.
Why quarantine
New reptiles can carry mites, parasites and infections without showing it. Keeping them separate protects the animals you already have.
How long
Generally 3 to 6 months, once the animal shows no symptoms and test results are clear. Pythons may need longer, and wild-caught animals should always be quarantined for longer than captive-bred ones.
Setting up
- Ideally use a separate room.
- Keep the enclosure simple, with paper towels as substrate and minimal decor, so you can spot mites and check droppings.
- Keep a dated diary of feeding, weight, sheds and droppings to share with your vet.
Hygiene
- Look after quarantined animals last.
- Use separate tongs, hooks and cleaning tools.
- Wash your hands or use gloves between animals.
- Don't reuse live food that's been in a quarantine enclosure.
- Never mix cleaning products.
See a vet
Book a check-up with an exotic vet, including a weight check and a faecal test for parasites. Your vet can advise whether other tests are worthwhile.
This guide is general advice. For health concerns, always speak to an exotic vet.
Last updated October 2026. Care guidance is subject to change as husbandry research develops.
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