Buying a reptile should be exciting, not stressful. Reptiles — snakes, geckos and lizards — make rewarding companions when kept correctly, but they need specialist environments and care. We’re here to help you every step of the way so your new pet thrives.
Set up your vivarium at least 48–72 hours before collection and run heating, lighting and substrate with all décor in place while monitoring warm‑spot, cool‑zone and night temperatures so you know the actual microclimates your new reptile will experience.
Decide which reptile suits you
Visit our shop and talk to our reptile specialists. We’ll show you species that match your experience, lifestyle and expectations, and explain typical temperaments so you can pick a pet you’ll enjoy handling and caring for. Deciding which species you would like to keep before purchasing anything else- this will affect what equipment you will need to buy!
Research and up‑to‑date care information
We provide care sheets for the species we sell and update them regularly to reflect the latest welfare guidance and regulations. Read the care sheet for any species you’re considering so you understand housing, heating, lighting and diet before you buy.
Choosing the right housing
Getting the environment right is the most important part of responsible reptile keeping. We offer full vivarium setup bundles in store so you can be confident everything fits and works together. If you choose to buy a vivarium elsewhere, measure it yourself and check dimensions carefully — incorrect sizing or mislabelled products can leave you with an unsuitable home for your animal.
Before you take an animal home we will ask for the exact internal measurements (in centimetres) of your vivarium so we can confirm it’s suitable for the species and life stage you’re buying. We take animal welfare seriously and will refuse a sale if the habitat isn’t up to standard.
- Dimensions (cm) of your vivarium/terrarium: length × width × height (exact measurements please)
- Set up time: vivarium assembled and running for at least 48–72 hours before collection
- Heating: heat source installed and thermostat working; record warm‑spot and cool‑zone daytime temperatures
- Night temperatures: record night‑time low with heating schedule active
- Thermometers: digital probe or remote sensors in warm spot and cool zone; place probes at animal level
- UVB / UVI: UVB lamp installed as instructed
- Substrate & decor: final substrate, hides, branches and foliage in place (these affect heat distribution)
- Hide count: minimum of 3–5 hides or retreats; at least one in warm zone and one in cool zone
- Water & humidity: water bowl present and humidity readings recorded if species requires it
- Thermostat & safety: thermostat set with fail‑safe; cables secured and protected from the animal
- Stable readings: record consistent temperatures for 48–72 hours (note min/max and any fluctuations)
- Photos: take clear photos of the full setup and probe placements to show at collection if requested
- Contact: need help? Call the Reptile Care Team on 01865 372200 or bring photos into the shop
Set up the vivarium in advance and monitor temperatures
Set up your vivarium well before collection. Install all heating, lighting and substrate, decorate the enclosure and run the system for several days so temperatures and humidity stabilise. Monitor temperatures (warm spot, cool zone, and night‑time lows) using reliable thermometers.
Decor and substrate affect temperature and microclimates — deep substrate, large hides or dense foliage can change how heat distributes. Test temperatures with everything in place so you know the actual conditions your animal will experience. We’ll check these readings at collection to make sure the environment is safe and suitable.
Heating and temperature
The UK climate isn’t tropical, so your reptile will need reliable heating. The type of heat and the temperature gradient required vary by species; we’ll discuss the correct daytime and night‑time temperatures for your chosen animal at the point of sale and check what heating you have in place.
UVB lighting
UVB is essential for many reptiles to synthesise vitamin D3 and maintain long‑term health. This includes species people sometimes assume don’t need it — we’ll explain the correct UVB strength (percentage, Ferguson zone or UVI) for your animal and check you have suitable lighting before you take your pet home.
Decorating and enrichment
Decorating the vivarium is the fun part. Reptiles benefit from varied textures, hides and climbing opportunities. Aim to recreate the animal’s natural environment: sandy or arid substrates for desert species, and more humid substrates like coco or bark for forest species. Provide multiple hides and levels — more enrichment means a happier animal.
Final checks before collection
When you collect your new pet we’ll confirm your setup, heating and lighting and answer any last questions. We’ll also give practical handling and care tips so you leave confident and prepared.
Frequently asked questions — buying and preparing for a captive‑bred reptile
What should I do before I visit Evolution Reptiles to buy my new pet?
Read the care sheets for species you’re interested in and bring measurements or photos of the vivarium you plan to use so we can advise on suitability.
I don’t know what equipment I need — can Evolution Reptiles help me choose? Yes — absolutely. Our team will guide you from first‑steps to a complete, species‑appropriate setup so you don’t have to guess. Book a free in‑store consultation or pop in with the species you’re considering (or photos and measurements of the vivarium you plan to use) and we’ll:
- Recommend the right enclosure (internal dimensions and type) for the species and life stage.
- Specify heating and temperature gradients (day/night targets and the best heat sources) and show you how to measure them with thermometer.
- Advise on UVB lighting (correct output/UVI for your species) and where to position lamps for safe, effective coverage.
- Suggest substrate, hides and decor that match the animal’s natural environment and explain how those items affect microclimates and temperatures.
- Put together a complete kit — vivarium, heat, lighting, thermostat, hides, substrate and feeding equipment — or recommend individual items if you already have parts of a setup.
- Check your setup before collection and ask you to run the vivarium for a few days so temperatures and humidity stabilise with all decor in place.
We’ll tailor recommendations to your budget and experience, and we’ll only sell animals when we’re confident the home is suitable. If you’d like personalised help, call the Reptile Care Team on 01865 372200 or bring photos/measurements into the shop and we’ll walk you through everything.
Do you only sell captive‑bred reptiles? Yes. We sell captive‑bred reptiles from reputable breeders to reduce disease risk and support responsible keeping.
When should I set up the vivarium? Set up the vivarium at least several days before collection. Run the heating and lighting continuously and monitor temperatures and humidity to ensure stable, correct conditions.
How should I monitor temperatures? Use accurate thermometers for the warm and cool zones and a UV meter for UVI where needed. Take readings with all decor and substrate in place, day and night, to confirm the actual microclimates.
Can decor or substrate change temperatures? Yes. Deep substrate, large hides, dense foliage and rockwork can alter heat distribution and humidity. Test temperatures with everything installed before bringing your animal home.
What measurements do you need for my vivarium? We ask for exact internal dimensions in centimetres (length × width × height) so we can confirm the enclosure is appropriate for the species and life stage you’re buying.
Is UVB really necessary for all reptiles? Many reptiles benefit from UVB to produce vitamin D3 and maintain bone and metabolic health. We’ll advise the correct UVB specification for your species and check your lighting before sale.
What happens if my setup isn’t suitable? We’ll recommend the changes needed and won’t complete the sale until the habitat meets welfare standards. Our priority is the long‑term health of the animal.
Do you offer help after purchase? Yes. Bring photos or a short video of your setup to the shop, call our Reptile Care Team on 01865 372200, or pop in for hands‑on advice. For urgent health concerns, contact a reptile vet.
Last updated 19/9/26