How to Set Up a Quarantine Enclosure for Your Reptile 

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Whether you’re adopting a rescue, buying from a breeder, or taking in a rehome, the first step to being a responsible reptile keeper is setting up a proper quarantine enclosure.

Even if your new pet looks healthy, it could be carrying parasites, infections, or just be adjusting to a totally new environment. Quarantine gives you the time and space to monitor for issues without risking the health of your existing pets.

Here’s how to set up a quarantine enclosure the right way:

1. Choose a Separate Space (Ideally, a Completely Separate Room)

Keep the quarantine setup in a different room or area from your other reptiles—preferably with its own door and no shared airflow if possible.

If that’s not doable, put the enclosure on the opposite side of the room and avoid cross-traffic. Still treat it like a “hot zone” and wash up after every interaction.

Check out our article on How to Prevent Cross Contamination to learn more!

2. Use a Simple, Easy-to-Clean Enclosure

Put any dreams of bioactive setups on pause, just for now!. Quarantine enclosures should prioritize visibility and cleanliness.

Ideal enclosure features:

• Front or top access for easy handling
  

• Non-porous surfaces for quick disinfecting
  

• Escape-proof and secure
  
  

🦎 Zen Habitats' PVC enclosures are great for quarantine because they’re non-porous, roomy, and easy to sanitize—plus they provide visibility to spot issues early.

3. Minimal Decor, Maximum Function

Focus on the essential elements of your reptile’s setup, and make sure items are easily washable!

What to include:

• Paper towel or Zen Mat
  

• A few plastic hides (disinfectable)
  

• A shallow water dish (stainless steel or glass is ideal for disinfectant purposes)
  

• Washable plastic plants

4. Maintain Proper Temps and Humidity

Even in quarantine, your reptile still needs species-appropriate husbandry. Set up:

• A thermostat-regulated heat source
  

• Digital probe thermometers/hygrometers for monitoring
  

• Proper UVB if needed (highly recommended even for UVB optional species!)
  
  

🔥 Stick-on temp strips and analog thermometers are not accurate!! Use a digital probe thermometer instead.

5. Daily Monitoring and Record-Keeping

Observe your reptile every day. Keep a journal or spreadsheet to log:

• Appetite
  

• Behavior
  

• Poop (frequency, consistency, signs of parasites)
  

• Shedding
  

• Any signs of illness (bubbles, wheezing, stuck shed, etc.)
  
  

📝 This info will be extremely important for your vet! It also helps you decide when quarantine is safe to end.

6. Dedicated Tools Only

Do not use the same tongs, bowls, towels, or misting bottles between enclosures.

Label your quarantine tools and store them separately. If you have to reuse anything, disinfect thoroughly by running through a high heat cycle/boiling, and using F10SC, chlorhexidine, or a diluted bleach solution (then rinse and dry completely).

7. Limit Handling

As tempting as it is to bond with your new buddy, quarantine is not the ideal time to get your new critter accustomed to handling. Stick to only what’s necessary (like weighing, medicating, or inspecting) and focus on observation to keep things as low stress as possible.

🧤 If you do handle them, wear gloves/wash your hands and change clothes before going near other animals.

8. Duration: 60–90 Days Minimum

Don’t rush it! Quarantine should last at least 60 days, but 90 is ideal—especially for animals of unknown origin.

If your reptile shows signs of illness or tests positive for parasites during this time, reset the clock and begin treatment as directed by a reptile vet.

9. Recommended: Fecal Testing

Want to be extra safe? Have your reptile’s feces tested by an exotic vet. It’s a great way to catch hidden parasites and potentially devastating diseases early and avoid infestations in your main reptile room.
Talk to your exotic veterinarian to ask what fecal tests they'd recommend running. Some common issues that can be tested for that are highly transmittable and deadly include:

• Cryptosporidium 
• Nido Virus 
• Inclusion Boa Disease (IBD) 

In Conclusion...

Setting up a quarantine enclosure isn’t just a precaution—it’s an essential part of responsible reptile keeping. Quarantine keeps your new pet safe while giving them time to adjust to a new home, and it protects the other reptiles in your home from contracting preventable, and potentially deadly illnesses.

Once your reptile completes quarantine and is cleared of health concerns, then you can treat them to their forever enclosure—bioactive or naturalistic, completely decked out, and fully integrated into your reptile room! 

💡 Looking for a long-term habitat that works great for quarantine and transistions beautifully into a permanent setup? 
Zen Habitats enclosures are customizable, easy to sanitize, and offer your reptiles the space they deserve!