is a diamond python alright for a second python

[spottedpython]

i'm thinking about getting a diamond python and i was wondering if there ok for a second python and are they easy to hold do they tame down easy and are there feeding reaspone aggersive.

now my spotted python doesn't seem to be taking dead mice i've tryed 5 times now even cut the mouse for blood for him to take it but he just strikes at it then lets go then you put a live one in and he takes it right away no trouble i'm thinking that he was feed live food from day 1 i've wiggled the mouse to make it look like its alive still doesn't get him to take it tryed stiring him up getting him angry to take it but his not interested in it. is there anything i can do like i don't mind feeding him live i sit there and watch him until its dead. oh yeah he also likes to eat his meal in a pitch black room no lights on what so ever. thanks in advance

[saikrett]

i dont see anything wrong with a diamond for a second snake,
With you spotted python you might want to try the same method i used for my jungle, just dont feed him for a while and then try with a dead mouse. It worked for my girl.

[Greebo]

Go for it, they are relatively easy to keep.

[Ricko]

diamonds are great i know have 4. 2x adults and 2x 18 month old diamonds that are quite small for there age and they are great snakes to have.

[Magpie]

i'm thinking about getting a diamond python and i was wondering if there ok for a second python

No, they are only any good as a first, third or seventh python.

Nah, they are meant to pretty easy going, just don't keep them too fat.

[bigguy]

Spottedpython, I would not recommend a Diamond for a second snake. Yes, they have great temperments and eat well, but their health in captivity is another story. Unless you house and keep them in a proper manner then they often die within 4 to 5 years of keeping. It is famous for this species and is known around the world as Diamond Python Syndrome.

There are many other beautiful pythons that are just as friendly, but far more hardier to keep. Try any of the Childrens group, most of the Carpets(with the excemption of Jungles and Darwins), Olives, Qld Waters, Blackheadeds and Womas.

[Switch]

I have 3 and there great, easy to feed and great timid handlers.

[Artie]

Originally Posted by bigguy

Unless you house and keep them in a proper manner then they often die within 4 to 5 years of keeping. It is famous for this species and is known around the world as Diamond Python Syndrome.

How many people on here keep Diamonds and had them die within 4 to 5years.
Not too many I don't think

[africancichlidau]

Hey Big Guy, do you have any personal thoughts on the main cause or causes of DPS? I would be very interested in hearing them if you do.

[Artie]

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.

[bigguy]

Afro, I believe it to be caused for numerous reasons. One. Kept too warm at a constant temp. Two. Lack of UV lighting. I really doubt that to much food is the cause of DPS. One Diamond was found at 22kg.s in the wild and I personally have found heaps of enorously fat Diamonds over the years in the wild. If the food is there they while eat it, no doubt about that.

I have had great sucsess keeping them for the past 15 years in outdoor avairies. Here they are exposed to varying temps and UV exposure and DPS has not reared its ugly head since.

I once gave a lecture on breeding Pythons at the Hawksbury Herp Society and I asked the 300 strong audience if any had encountered problems keeping Diamonds. Nearly all raised their hands.

If you keep them indoors like a normal python, it is usually only a matter of time till you strike trouble. Normally an adult goes on average 4 to 5 years. Raised from an hatchling, you may get 7 to 8 years. Now remember, this is the general rule and THERE ARE EXEMPTIONS for the few who are now going to come forward and state there have had theres 10 years. Theres always a few people who just have to try and proove you wrong, but this syndrome is known world wide.

This is why I never recommend Diamonds to a beginner. They really need to be kept by experienced keepers who can give them the conditions they require

[zoe]

what temps do you recommend for cool to warm end in an indoor enclosure for diamonds bigguy?

[NoOne]

I've doubted that feeding would have anything to do with DPS, everyone i've talked to about it has said "just to be safe grow them slow", it's good to see a proper answer.

I read somewhere on the net that in the US they were keeping them well indoors without UV, but i doubt they have been doing it long enough to see if it works. Has anyone else seen this?

[africancichlidau]

Thanks for that BigGuy, what area are you in? I would like to compare a years temperature records for your area to a years temp records for my area, (Melbourne), as I am considering getting myself a few Diamonds this coming season and am very mindful of DPS.
Thanks again Bob.

[bigguy]

Zoe, the trick is not to just give them a 30c hotspot and a 26c coolend, but to vary it all the time. Offer lower temps at night and even lower the thermostats every couple of days to change the daytime temps.

Afro, I live at Gosford(Diamond Python Central) so when I keep them outside its their normal temperature range anyway. Melbourne is probably a bit too cold to keep outside during Winter.

As for keeping them in the USA without Uv lighting, yes i read about that also. He was just letting them freeze in foam boxes on his garage floor during Winter. I also heard a few years after the article was written that he lost most of his Diamonds.