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Regarding Diamonds nothing is absolutely garunteed as evidence as of yet. Nobody can verify exactly what causes DPS so we all go by theories and speculation when keeping these animals. This has lead to Diamonds being kept in cooler temperatures and given UV lighting etc. Many people have lost their Diamonds when reintroducing higher temps after winter cooling. This leads me to believe that while being cooled they were still active enough that their immune system had only slowed while bacteria is still running at a higher rate. Again nothing is proven on this but many keepers agree that this is a possible scenario. I know a few well known Diamond breeders that hybernate their snakes completely for the above mentioned reasons. (I also know a few that dont, but everyone will do things differently) The benefits of full hybernation as indicated are no activity = no fat reserves being used up so no weight loss. Condition of the animals is a high priority with this species so it is best we do what we can to maintain the best condition on our breeders during this time. Immune & bacteria shut down where both abide in unison as compared to a slower immune system trying to compete with stronger bacteria. Now I am not a doctor so this is far from gospel, but talking to other keepers this is evident by the amount of losses when warming up after cooling indicating this to be the reason. As I said everyone will do things differently, personally I would prefer no heat for the reasons I have outlined but to each their own.
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