Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Frank...UV and snakes

Posted by: wstreps at Mon Apr 13 12:45:13 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by wstreps ]

UV light is believed by many to be a key element in preventing (Diamond Python Syndrome ) in Diamond pythons. In Australia it's very common for keepers to maintain their snakes in outdoor enclosures. So far lots of mixed results. I don't know of any official studies but UV and diamonds has been experimented with for many years.

A very well known Ft Myers diamond breeder has been keeping his in outdoor enclosures for the past several years with good results. I think he's going to have three clutches this year.

I don't know if UV lighting is essential or not . Cooler temps low 60`s to maybe 85 along with routine python breeding stuff worked fine. With diamonds it's not so much breeding them it's long term health issues that's the problem. At 6 to 10 years a high percentage fall a part. Literally. I long believed this was from a lack of UV lighting but in seeing all the trouble the guys in Australia have keeping them in their natural range............. Nobody knows what causes Diamond Python Syndrome . I still think UV might be part of the problem with this species.

Some old scans on mine , baby diamonds are ugly but they do get better.

Ernie Eison
WESTWOOD ACRES REPTILE FARM INC.