How long should you leave a new reptile alone? Plan the settling-in week

How long should you leave a new reptile alone? Longer than most owners expect: the RSPCA says leave it until the next day, then skip unnecessary handling for the first week, and many keepers wait until it is eating steadily.

Pick your leopard gecko, bearded dragon or corn snake, put in the days since it came home and how it is eating, and the planner tells you what to do today. We also cover short, kind handling sessions, handwashing and when to ask a reptile vet.