Keeping and Breeding Diamond Pythons
Diamond Pythons (Morelia spilota spilota) are the nominate species of carpet python and the most southerly ranging Python in the world. Found only in south eastern Australia where temperatures vary considerably and subsiquently these are cold weather pythons which must be considered when keeping these snakes in captivity.
Diamond Python Enclosures/Heating
My Diamond Pythons are kept in large enclosures (5' x 2' x 3') with plenty of climbing areas, daytime temperatures ranging from low 70's to 100 degrees farenheit. Believe me, the Pythons will move around, basking in the high temperatures in the early morning then retreating to lower temperatures mid-morning and often re-appear mid-afternoon.
At night time all heating is turned off and the snakes will remain active, even with temperatures dropping as low as 60 degrees farenheit.
Diamond Python Hibernation
For three months during the winter Diamond Pythons will hibernate with outside temperatures dropping as low as 0 degrees farenheit. Although in captivity mine are kept at a constant 50 degrees farenheit with a photo period being maintained through light which comes in through the east facing window.
UVB lighting isn't needed although recently my Pythons have all had UVB lights installed in their cages (what the hell, it doesn't hurt! And cirtainly highlights their colours!).
Diamond Python Feeding
Each of the adult Diamond Pythons is fed once every two weeks, the female Pythons are fed on large rats and the males on small to medium rats. Ocassionaly they may refuse, seeming to prefer a smaller rodent. My Pythons all eat regularly even when sloughing.
More information on keeping and breeding Diamond Pythons
I won't go any further as there is plenty of information on keeping and breeding Diamond Pythons to be found regarding the above on various sites and through books etc. If you have any questions however, please don't hesitate to contact me.