Care guide
Quarantine for a new reptile
Keep a new animal alone until you know it is eating, shedding, and clear of the obvious problems.
Why quarantine exists
A new reptile can carry mites, ticks, or intestinal parasites without looking ill. Quarantine keeps that animal away from the collection you already have. It is a husbandry practice, not a diagnosis.
The setup
House the new animal in a simple enclosure in another room if you can. Paper or another disposable substrate makes mites easier to see. Give the correct heat gradient for the species, a hide, and water. Do not borrow hides, bowls, or tongs from the established collection.
How long
Six to eight weeks is a common keeper interval for an animal that is eating and shedding normally. A reptile veterinarian may recommend a fecal test during that window. Extend the quarantine if the animal is not eating, is soaking constantly, or you can see mites.
Daily checks
Look at the eyes, the vent, the shed, and the stools. Weigh a small animal every week or two on a gram scale. Wash your hands between this animal and the others, and deal with the quarantine animal last.
When to call a vet
Open-mouth breathing, mites that survive a careful clean, blood in the stool, or a steady loss of weight are reasons to book a reptile vet rather than wait out the clock. Quarantine does not replace that visit.