Diamond pythons are a beautiful, docile python and a favourite pet snake, very rarely biting and coming in a range of colours and patterns. With the right care they can live up to around 20 years and reach about 8ft.
Housing
Diamonds naturally come from a cooler climate, so they must always have access to a genuinely cool area to retreat to. Taller, thermostatically controlled enclosures (commonly timber with sliding glass) work well because the snake can move down to a cooler spot, and they like to climb. In enclosures 2ft (600mm) high or less, turn heat lamps off for 6-10 hours a day for diamonds over 18 months, depending on your climate.
Heating
Provide a warm end around 32C and a cool end below 24C. Keep juveniles around 30C, and aim for an average of 26-28C as they age. Infrared or ceramic globes on a thermostat are best, as the snake cannot see the light.
Lighting
Unlike most pythons, a quality 5.0 UVB tube is strongly recommended for diamonds - many keepers find they do noticeably better with it. Run UVB about 12 hours a day and replace it every 6 months.
Feeding
Feed juveniles once a week, taking larger food such as weaner mice readily. From one year, feed every second week, and as adults every 2-3 weeks. Diamonds do best kept lean - they should never look overweight.
Overview
Calm, stunning and great for families, diamond pythons are a rewarding snake when given the right cool retreat and UVB. In Queensland a wildlife licence is required to keep one.
Talk to the team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium about diamond python set-ups.
Recommended products
Find everything for your snake at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium: enclosures & supplies, UVB lighting, heating & thermostats, substrate & decor and frozen feeders. A reptile licence is required in Queensland - see our QLD reptile licence guide.
