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Afro, the Big Guy you refering too is bigguy I think, from the little Guy, her it is,
An excerpt from “Keeping Carpet Pythons by Simon Kortland and Darren Green
(Australian Reptile Keeper Publications)
Diamond Python Syndrome is a unique condition, which is thought to only occur in captive Diamond Pythons. The cause, prevention and cure are relatively unknown and require further investigation. Whereas a Carpet Python may exceed 20 years or more in captivity, Diamond Pythons with this condition may only expect to live 7 to 10 years in captivity. Vitamin and mineral supplements, and ultraviolet (UV) light as used as a preventative measure in many collections, however, the value of these measures is questionable. Similarly, the authors believe that in many instances Diamond Pythons are kept at too high a temperature for prolonged periods (with the aid of a thermostat set at a constant temperature), thereby taxing the snakes bodily system, creating an environment alien to this temperate zone python, resulting in a shorter life-span than normal. Ideally, in captivity , keepers should maintain lower ambient temperatures day and night (with consideration to the time of year) while providing a year round daytime basking site of 30 to 32º C. For example, daytime ambient temperatures may vary between 22 and 26º C, and night time minimums ranging from the low 20’s in summer to mid-teens in winter. Diamond Pythons will use the basking light provided at will. Interference or any form of unnecessary stress should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Diamond Pythons generally appear to be perpetually hungry, this is an instinctive trait related to their natural behaviour as sedentary ambush feeders. Due to the low temperatures found for much of the year in their natural environment, Diamond Pythons do not have an extended “feeding season”, which contributes to this drive to feed while temperatures are acceptable. Temperatures in captivity will often allow a longer period of the year for Diamond Pythons to feed, and their outward enthusiasm encourages many keepers to over feed them, resulting in a unnatural obesity. As obesity is regarded by the authors as a significant part of “Diamond Python Syndrome” prospective keepers should exercise restraint when feeding these snakes, and attempt to maintain them in a lean, muscular, natural physical state.
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