Diamond Python Owners

[MrBredli]

I remember reading a long time ago, that it was recommended Diamonds be fed sparingly from the moment they hatch, and that they should be reaching sexual maturity at around 5 years of age, as opposed to 3 years as with other Morelia species/sub-species. Lately i have noticed some 2-3 year olds for sale that are already up to 1.8m in length. Am i the only one who believes Diamonds should be given so much time to mature? Not having a go at anyone, just looking for peoples opinions.

[serpenttongue]

I agree. My females mature at about 6 years old and the males at 4 years. I dont even want to think about the amount of food thats gone through a diamond to get it to 1.8m in 2-3 years. In some ways i consider that abuse. Diamonds aren't carpets or Olives or BHP's etc, that have rapid growth. Diamonds are a slow growing python and i believe they should be kept that way.

[Moreliaman]

i thought you all went on size not age....?? just like Mr shine recommended!!

[soulweaver]

IMO diamonds should be grown slowly, and yes i go on size for all carpets, not age.

[zen]

Diamonds, if grown as nature intended are Australia's slowest growing python along with the bredli.

I've read that females should have at least 5 years and males 3 years to reach maturity.
Like Serpenttongue wrote, ideally give females 6 years & males 4 years.

If power fed it reduces their life span, increases the chances of getting DPS and gives them pin heads that is obvious to educated buyers, who sensibly steer clear.

Keep them on the lean side, especially males.

I reckon that you should definitely grow them slowly, even hatchlings shouldn't be overfed. I recommend that keepers always wait until their Diamonds have shat out their last meal before offering them the next meal.
Ideally wait a day or two after they defecate because when they're hungry they're much more active. As exercise is beneficial to Diamonds these spells of increased activity are important by maintaining muscle tone .

[Splitmore]

If power fed it reduces their life span, increases the chances of getting DPS and gives them pin heads that is obvious to educated buyers, who sensibly steer clear.

zen,
where abouts has that been written about or proven? There is still so much speculation about DPS but still no conclusive cause has been found

[purplefunkything]

how long does it take for a med/large rat to go through a diamonds system (if theyre healthy).... and an odd question: do they 'darken' if they are kept indoors as opposed to outdoors...

[serpenttongue]

Originally Posted by purplefunkything

how long does it take for a med/large rat to go through a diamonds system (if theyre healthy).... and an odd question: do they 'darken' if they are kept indoors as opposed to outdoors...

It depends on the temps offered to the diamond. A rat will digest quicker if the diamond is indoors and heated day and night. But if it's outdoors where it has cold nights, or indoors with no night heating it would take longer. But at optimal temps i would say about 1 week for the rat to be completely digested and moved passed the stomach.

I have never found the colours of diamonds to ever change due to environment or captive conditions.

[herptrader]

Originally Posted by zen

If power fed it reduces their life span, increases the chances of getting DPS and gives them pin heads that is obvious to educated buyers, who sensibly steer clear.

Have you got any data to support this assertion?

Most young reptiles seem to do well when they get some size on them relatively quickly. i see little evidence to suggest that diamond pythons are any different in this regard.

[MrBredli]

Not sure whether or not there is any data, but you would be a fool to dismiss the possibilty.

I personally believe DPS is caused by overfeeding and not allowing animals to cool properly over Winter. I have no evidence whatsoever to support my theory, but does anybody have any evidence to prove me wrong??

[Sdaji]

I believe there are aliens hiding underneath Ayer's Rock. I also believe that mushrooms are highly intelligent, far beyond humans, they use this intelligence to produce technology which makes them look like mushrooms so that people will eat them (you see, they have a sick fetish about being eaten by people). Does anyone have evidence to prove me wrong?

Without evidence, all you have is speculation.

[MrBredli]

Oh my god! These mushroom eating aliens will devour us all! Arrghh!!

[Parko]

Pfft, that's all just common knowledge Sdaji, not speculation. And it's not a sick fetish, it's simply ''diverse'' sexuality.

[MrBredli]

Without evidence, all you have is speculation.

Not true, you also have conjecture, rumours, gossip, assumptions, theories, guesswork, thoughts and supposition

[peterjohnson64]

Sounds like a great thesis for your Phd Arj.