Aussie Pythons and Snakes

snakiesam · Original Poster #1 03-Oct-06, 11:58 AM

Hi guys,

This is my first post on this site and what a great site it is.....

My husband and I have decided to purchase our first snake and was looking at purchasing a Diamond Python.....we have done a fair bit of research about these pythons and have decided that it seems like the perfect choice.

Was just wondering what experiences people have had with these snakes and if you think I am making a wise choice bearing in mind it is our first snake and we do have a small child.

My father in law is making our enclosure which will be 6ft long.

I am in Melbourne and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good supplier of reptile products and breeders.

Thanks

shelby · #2 03-Oct-06, 12:05 PM

Diamonds are a good choice they are hardy. You can order stuff across the net from URS, or I believe there is a reptile club down that way that should be able help you get stuff cheaper.

snakes4me2 · #3 03-Oct-06, 12:05 PM

Hello and welcome to the site, I dont have a diamond python (yet) but i do think that it is a fine first choice. If you get a hatchling which i would recommend for a first snake (bites dont hurt then)i think a 6 foot enclosure would be a bit big, i would start it off in a click clack container for a while. People who have kept these will be able to provide you with more quality info

wardy · #4 03-Oct-06, 12:09 PM

i have a diamond as my first snake she is the best loves to be handled and whatnot i think a 6 foot enclosure could be a bit big atm unless you have lots of hides and stuff from him/her to curl up and hide in i currently have my 8 month old diamond in a 3 foot enclosure and that will do her for a few years to come.

tan · #5 03-Oct-06, 12:10 PM

Welcome!!

Kirby · #6 03-Oct-06, 12:13 PM

hey snakiesam, welcome to the site!!

www.animalattraction.com.au is usually cheaper on products and delivery than URS,

also they have what seemd a more extensive line of products and are more easily accesable with sending emails,, they are prompt.

good luck with your python cant wait till im allowed

by the way how high is the enclosure ive heard they like height, and lots of branches, diamonds seem pretty tame, i saw one up the bush, i was lifting up half of its length before it noticed i was there, and even then it didnt seem angry just wanted me to go away, it was a good size snake over 6 foot.

OuZo · #7 03-Oct-06, 12:43 PM

Try Brian at The Herp Shop for reptile supplies. www.herpshop.com.au He's located in Ardeer so you can go there to pick stuff up by appointment or he does mail order also. Where abouts in Melb are you?

A Diamond was our first python too...some people don't recommend them as a first snake due to things like Diamond Python Syndrome but I think if you were prepared to do a little research before you get one (which imo should always be done before buying any animal) then you can take the necessary precautions. Definately don't put it straight into a 6 footer though!

tempest · #8 03-Oct-06, 12:54 PM

I'm a huge Diamond Python fan and also got one as my first snake a few months back, such gorgeous animals. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with one as your first snake. They have different needs to most other pythons, needing to be kept slightly cooler and should not be fed too much to quickly as they are a slower growing python but some research will clue you in on all of that. There's some great care sheets on the forum and heaps of knowledgeable people here too.

If you aren't in too much of a hurry to get your new snake (and I can understand if you are!!) you should wait a few months as it's breeding time now and there will be a lot more choice early next year.

Welcome to the site too

ex1dic · #9 03-Oct-06, 01:24 PM

very good choice! ive found they adapt really easy and don't mind being
handled all that much. As long as its escape proof you can't go wrong!

jessop · #10 03-Oct-06, 01:52 PM

welcome to the site

it is good that you have researched before buying, something that many snake owners don't do. DP's are a good 1st choice snake, easy to maintain and usually docile by nature. make sure you get one that is feeding well and looks healthy.
good luck with your DP and be sure to share some pics with us all when you get it... Regards, Jessop.

snakiesam · Original Poster #11 03-Oct-06, 01:59 PM

Thanks so much to everyone for their quick replies and welcomes.....such a bunch of friendly people.

I am actually near Ardeer so will check out the web site recommended by OuZo...thanks for that.

Just a quick question....a few people have said not to put straight into a 6 foot tank and was just wondering why?? I have had conflicting information regarding this as some people say yeah it will be fine and others say not to do it.....

becsta · #12 03-Oct-06, 02:16 PM

Welcome to the site,
I got a diamond for my first snake only 4 months ago, he is now 6 months old and i wouldnt recommend anything else, they are beautiful and quite adaptable to being handled.

Before buying, as jessop said make sure they are feeding; i got my DP from a breeder and he had a full history of feeds, what he was eating and any sheds- i highly recommend this!!!

As i said already he is 6months and im only just putting him in a 3ft enclosure now and this will do him for a few years. from what i've been told and research DPs like to feel safe and secure and can stress out in large open spaces, you'll learn very quickly that they prefer dark, cosy spots and crevises.

Good luck, i hope you get a beauty

Scotty · #13 03-Oct-06, 02:17 PM

Diamonds rock, a great pet and a lovely snake and take tempests advice on temp etc and you'll have e healthy happy animal. My daughter is 10 and was scared stiff of snakes til I got mine and she now loves them.

Mangles · #14 03-Oct-06, 02:23 PM

I have a Diamond and whilst this was not my first snake, it is very easier to look after and handles very well. Should be fine as a first snake, just make sure you are aware of their requirements as these are different to the other pythons in relation to temperature, cooling, feeding etc.

I have dealt with Brian at the herp Shop and he is very good to deal with.

In relation to enclosre sizes, snakes like small spaces as they feel more comfortable. Large spaces make them stressed as they feel more vulnerable. Stressed snakes may not eat and are more susceptable to getting sick.

DiamondAsh · #15 03-Oct-06, 02:29 PM

Welcome to the site. I can only agree with all of the above, Brian at the Herp Shop rocks and his prices are good and look for the monthly specials to save $$. Our Diamond is in a four foot vertical enclosure and is stress free, very placid and always very happy. If you go straight into a six footer, make sure he has plenty of hides. The MD juvi we just brought is in the other side and has lots of branches and plenty of hides on several levels to keep him stress free.

Good luck with your purchase.