As your reptiles wake from brumation, it’s the perfect opportunity to give their enclosure a fresh start. Just like spring cleaning in your own home, refreshing their environment ensures it’s safe, stimulating, and supportive of natural behaviours. A clean, enriched habitat helps reptiles adjust back into activity, feeding, and exploring with renewed energy.

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Step 1: Deep Clean the Enclosure

Start by removing all substrate, décor, and accessories. Wash the enclosure walls, floor, and any reusable items with a reptile-safe disinfectant like F10 products. This helps eliminate bacteria, mould, or parasites that may have built up during the dormant period.

• Replace old or soiled substrate with fresh, species-appropriate bedding.

• Rinse and dry thoroughly before setting everything back in.

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Step 2: Update Food and Water Bowls

Water dishes and feeding bowls should be replaced if they show wear, cracks, or staining. Fresh bowls are easier to keep clean and prevent bacteria build-up.

• Add a larger bowl for species that like to soak (such as turtles and some lizards).

• Use shallow, sturdy dishes for smaller reptiles and amphibians.

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Step 3: Add New Ornaments and Décor

After a long brumation, reptiles benefit from a stimulating environment that encourages natural behaviours. Introduce new rocks, hides, and basking platforms to give them fresh areas to explore.

• Create warm basking spots under lights and cooler retreats in shaded areas.

• Rotate décor items occasionally to prevent boredom.

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Step 4: Introduce Vines and Climbing Structures

For arboreal species like geckos, monitors, and green tree pythons, adding vines, branches, and climbing structures is essential. These not only provide exercise but also mimic natural habitats.

• Choose sturdy vines that can support the reptile’s weight.

• Arrange them at different heights to encourage climbing and exploration.

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Step 5: Enrichment for Hunting and Foraging

Make feeding time engaging by encouraging reptiles to hunt or forage.

• Scatter live feeders like crickets or mealworms around the enclosure.

• Use feeding cups, tunnels, or hides to make insects harder to catch.

• Add CrickiPuree insect purees in feeding stations for a convenient, nourishing alternative.

These small changes keep reptiles mentally stimulated and closer to their natural behaviours.

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Step 6: Refresh Plants and Hides

• Replace artificial plants that have faded or frayed.

• Add new hides for security — caves, cork bark, or hollow logs are excellent choices.

• For amphibians or rainforest species, increase foliage and humidity features to mimic natural cover.

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Supporting Products from BioSupplies

At BioSupplies, we offer everything you need to refresh your reptile’s habitat:

• Bowls and feeding dishes – durable and easy to clean.

• Vines and climbing structures – for geckos, monitors, and arboreal species.

• Rocks, hides, and ornaments – to create naturalistic basking and shelter areas.

• Live feeders and insect purees – to encourage healthy hunting and feeding behaviours.

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Final Thoughts

Brumation is a natural resting phase, but waking up is the perfect moment to give your reptile a fresh, stimulating enclosure. By replacing worn items, adding new enrichment, and refreshing décor, you’ll keep your reptile healthy, active, and engaged for the season ahead.

Browse our full range of reptile habitat accessories to create the perfect environment for your pets.