Reptile enclosure size guide: how to choose the right enclosure

The right enclosure gives your reptile room to move, a proper warm-to-cool gradient and the humidity it needs. This guide covers what to check, how our Reptile Resort Budget and Deluxe ranges differ, and some general examples for popular species.

1. Size for the adult animal

A common rule of thumb is a floor length at least as long as the adult animal's full length, and more for active species. Buying for the adult size saves you buying a second enclosure later. Juveniles can live in a large enclosure as long as they have plenty of hides and can find their food easily.

2. Ground-dwelling or climbing?

Ground-dwelling species such as leopard geckos and most snakes need floor space more than height. Climbing (arboreal) species need height for branches and perches. Check how your species lives in the wild before you choose.

3. Dry or humid?

This decides which range to buy:

• Budget (KB) enclosures are 16mm chipboard and are made for dry setups only. They are not suitable for high-humidity reptiles or amphibians.
• Deluxe (KM) enclosures use 16mm melamine board with silicone-sealed inside edges, so they cope better with humidity and cleaning.

Both ranges are front-opening with sliding glass doors on PVC runners, which makes feeding and cleaning easier and is less stressful for many animals than reaching in from above. Both have a masonite back that is easy to drill for heating and lighting cables.

4. Leave room for heat and light

Most reptiles need a warm end and a cool end, so they can control their own body temperature. A longer enclosure makes a better gradient. Plan where your heat source, thermostat, UVB lighting (for species that need it) and thermometers will go before you buy.

General examples by species

These are general starting points for healthy adults. Needs vary, so always check a good care sheet for your species and ask our store teams if you're unsure.

• Leopard gecko (adult): a dry, ground-dwelling species. A 900mm enclosure such as the KB03 Budget (900 x 350 x 450mm) or KM03 Deluxe (900 x 450 x 480mm) is a popular choice.
• Bearded dragon (adult): an active, dry-climate lizard that needs strong heat and UVB. Choose a 1200mm enclosure such as the KB04 Budget (1200 x 350 x 450mm) or the deeper KM04 Deluxe (1200 x 450 x 480mm).
• Corn snake (adult): an active snake that also climbs. A 1200mm enclosure gives room for a proper gradient and some climbing décor.
• Ball python (adult): needs higher humidity than a dry setup, so choose the Deluxe range, such as the KM04 Deluxe (1200 x 450 x 480mm).
• Juveniles and small species: the KB01, KM01, KB07 and KM07 suit small or juvenile animals.

Before you buy a reptile in South Africa

Some species, especially indigenous ones, need a permit from your provincial conservation authority. Check the rules for your province and species before you buy.

Find your enclosure

See all sizes in Reptile Enclosures. Need a size we don't list, or a tall enclosure for a climbing species? Ask us about a custom build, or visit one of our three Gauteng stores.