Best Food for Reptiles Before Travelling: A Guide to Safe Reptile Transport

When planning a journey with your reptile companion, whether it's a short trip to the vet or a long-distance move, one critical factor often overlooked is feeding. Knowing what and when to feed your reptile before reptile transport can make a significant difference to their health, comfort, and safety during the journey.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best food for reptiles before travelling, when to feed them, and key considerations for ensuring their digestive health during transport.

Snakes On a Plane

Why Feeding Matters Before Reptile Transport

Reptiles have unique digestive systems that vary widely depending on species. Some require frequent feeding, while others may only eat once a week or less. Feeding your reptile the wrong food or at the wrong time before transport can lead to:

• Digestive issues like impaction or regurgitation

• Stress and discomfort during the journey

• Messy enclosures, making the trip unpleasant and unsanitary

Understanding your reptile’s biology and needs is essential before starting any reptile transport process.

General Feeding Guidelines for Reptiles Before Travelling

Each reptile species is different, but here are some general rules that apply to most:

🕒 Feed at Least 24 Hours Before Travel

Reptiles need time to digest their food. For most species, feeding 24–48 hours before travelling allows digestion to complete, reducing the risk of regurgitation or stress-related issues.

💧 Hydration Over Nutrition

Ensure your reptile is well-hydrated before the journey. Many reptiles tolerate short fasting periods better than dehydration. Provide water as usual and, if needed, mist the enclosure.

❌ Avoid Feeding During Transit

Feeding your reptile while travelling is usually a bad idea. Stress and motion can interrupt digestion and cause health issues.

Best Food Choices for Common Reptiles Before Transport

Let’s break down the best food options by reptile type to ensure safe and comfortable reptile transport.

🦎 Lizards (Bearded Dragons, Geckos, Iguanas)

Best Pre-Travel Foods:

• Bearded Dragons: Offer a light meal of leafy greens (collards, mustard greens) and a few insects (e.g., crickets) at least 24 hours before travel.

• Geckos: Small feeder insects like crickets or mealworms, fed 24–48 hours prior.

• Iguanas: Stick to fresh veggies like kale, dandelion greens, and squash.

What to Avoid:

• High-protein or fatty insects (e.g., waxworms) close to travel time

• Citrus fruits, as they can cause digestive upset

🐍 Snakes (Ball Pythons, Corn Snakes, Boas)

Snakes are often the most sensitive when it comes to feeding before reptile transport.

Best Pre-Travel Foods:

• Feed rodents (appropriate size) 3 to 5 days before travel

• For snakes fed weekly, ensure their last meal is well-digested before the trip

What to Avoid:

• Feeding within 48 hours of travel

• Overfeeding, which increases regurgitation risk

🐢 Turtles and Tortoises

Tortoises and turtles need high-fibre, water-rich diets, which can also help keep them hydrated before travel.

Best Pre-Travel Foods:

• Leafy greens (collards, kale, spring mix)

• Dandelions, clover, hibiscus leaves

• For aquatic turtles: offer their usual pellets or leafy greens 24 hours before transport

What to Avoid:

• Fruits (can cause diarrhoea)

• Protein-heavy meals for herbivorous tortoises

Fasting vs Feeding: Should You Feed At All?

Some reptile owners wonder if it’s better to fast reptiles before transport altogether.

When to Fast:

• If the journey is longer than 4 hours

• For snakes and carnivorous lizards, especially if they’ve eaten recently

• If your reptile has a history of regurgitating during transport

When Feeding is Okay:

• For short trips (under 2 hours)

• If your reptile requires daily feeding (e.g., hatchlings)

• When transporting very young reptiles that are still growing

If in doubt, consult your exotic vet for advice based on your specific reptile and journey duration.

Tips for a Stress-Free Feeding Routine Before Travel

Here are some additional tips to ensure your reptile is well-fed and comfortable before heading out:

✅ Stick to Familiar Foods

Now is not the time to introduce new items. Stick to their regular diet to avoid digestive problems.

✅ Feed in a Calm Environment

A stressed reptile may not eat properly. Feed them in a quiet, low-traffic area to reduce anxiety.

✅ Monitor Post-Meal Behaviour

After feeding, keep an eye on your reptile. Ensure they’ve digested properly and aren’t showing signs of stress or bloating before transport.

Preparing for Reptile Transport

Feeding is only one part of responsible reptile transport. Here are a few additional steps to prepare:

📦 Use a Secure Travel Enclosure

Choose a container that’s well-ventilated, secure, and escape-proof. Add soft padding for comfort.

🌡️ Maintain Proper Temperature

Use a heat pack (if needed) and a thermometer to maintain appropriate temperatures during the trip.

🧻 Include Absorbent Material

Line the enclosure with paper towels or newspaper in case of accidents during the journey.

Final Thoughts: Feeding and Reptile Transport Go Hand in Hand

Feeding your reptile correctly before a trip is a small step that has a big impact. Whether you’re relocating, visiting a vet, or using a professional reptile transport service, preparing your pet’s digestive system properly can make the experience smoother for both of you.

By sticking to familiar foods, feeding at the right time, and considering species-specific needs, you’ll ensure your reptile is healthy, calm, and safe on the road.

Need Help with Reptile Transport?

At Pet Taxi Ltd, we offer expert reptile transport across the UK and Europe. Our trained handlers understand reptile care and ensure your pet arrives safely and comfortably. Get in touch with us for a free quote today!