First time reptile owner, Diamond Python or something else?

[LeighJE]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here so apologies if anything isn't in the right place!

I'm very interested in caring for a lizard or snake. I haven't owned any, though I'm more than willing to learn and commit which is why I'm wanting some input on some species here.

I'm more interested in having a "larger" reptile but I could totally see myself owning something small in another enclosure down the line.

So far I've had my eyes on a Diamond Python; Since I'm in VIC I'd imagine the extra peace of mind knowing they're more tolerant to cooler temps would be nice? I've also heard they're more Hardy and docile and don't require as much heat/humidity as carpets. But please correct me if i'm wrong! I'd love to know anyones enclosure setup and care recommendations

I'm also open to the idea of other reptiles, dragons and monitors seem very lovely but I've heard snakes are generally more forgiving.

 

[Sdaji]

People have much more frequent problems with Diamonds than any other type of Carpet. Jungles have a tendency to be nippy, and they're also generally small by Carpet standards which isn't what you're after if you want a large snake. Any other Carpet will make a great choice if you want a larger snake. It's odd that Diamonds are so well known for their health problems and also so commonly recommended for beginners. Bredli and Murray Darlings are probably the most hardy of the Carpets (both come from areas which naturally experience frost/sub zero temperatures, more harsh than Diamonds and are far tougher than Diamonds). But hey, if you love Coastals or South Westerns or Darwins or something, go for it, they're also tough snakes generally speaking.

If you want a large reptile in Australia, as a beginner, you're pretty much looking at snakes, unless maybe you wanted to keep Water Dragons outside (great animals if you have the space, pretty hardy if you set them up properly and have a decent idea of what you're doing). There are some fantastic large Australian monitors to choose from, but they're very dangerous if you don't know what you're doing and for most people I wouldn't suggest starting with them.