Concerns about size of diamond python

[junglecarpet]

Hi guys,

I have a diamond python and I am just wanting to get some feedback - I don’t know whether I am worrying too much or not, but I am scared that he is too small for his age.

He is almost 4 years old and he is 4 foot and 1 inch and weighs 325 grams. He is a gorgeous snake and has good muscle to him and does not look thin at all.

I know that diamonds are slow growers and I feed him a weaner rat once every 10-14 days so as to not overfeed him. He is in a large plastic tub and temp ranges from about 24 to 30 degrees. He has a log that reaches from one end to another and also a large hide. His yellow colouring is coming through fantastic and he has shed 2 times in the previous 4 months. He has brumated for the past 2 winters also.

Do I have anything to worry about?

He is my second snake as I have an Atherton that is a big girl healthy girl.

Thanks,
Mel

 

[CamdeJong]

Hey Mel.
I've always wondered the same about my Jungle Marley, she's just over 3 years and about 135cm (i think) so she's not a very fast grower. I've just moved her up to sub-adult rats and feed every 7 to 10 days in summer, less in other months, little if any in winter. The big thing I've noticed is that in the past year she's put on heaps of muscular girth (she's ripped!) without a lot of length. I used to wonder about her size but she's completely healthy and happy, and I've always read that a slow grower will have the best lifespan. Your diamond sounds healthy, perhaps a bit more heat wouldn't hurt him as my snakes have a gradient of 27 to 34 but diamonds certainly don't need the same heat as most other snakes. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[sarah_m]

When you feed him does the meal leave a noticable bump? If not, then he should be fed more.

 

[pythons73]

Some snakes take longer to grow then others,they are all a individual snake..I wouldnt be too concerned,as long as its eating,shedding,pooping and theres no other concerns,then the weight and size shouldnt matter...

 

[Braidotti]

When feeding, if you can you should try to feed your diamond, a rat a touch bigger then the widest part of your snake.

 

[junglecarpet]

Thats the thing, he is long and thin... the rats he eats are HUGE in comparison to him and it takes him a good 15 minutes or so to eat them and there is a very noticable lump as well

CamdeJong it sounds like our snakes are similar but different... mine has length but not girth and yours has girth not length

I guess as long as he is happy and healthy, thats really all that matters!

Thanks guys

 

[snakefinda86]

My diamond is 2 going on 3 and she is around 5 foot a little bigger and she is on medium rats. I never let her go over 30 degrees. Maybe your diamond is just a slower grower. I wouldnt worry about it.

 

[da_donkey]

can be a number of things.

May have been a troubled feeder to start with, may have had not a perfect incubation.

so long as its getting good meals and is doing all the other normal stuff then sit back relax and enjoy.


donks