#diamond pythons

Here is his mother, the great Stripey, lovingly curled around the fourteen eggs she laid on 24 November 2005. She was (is?) a coastal carpet python. His father Gomez, who I unfortunately never met, was a diamond python. Their pairing is a natural hybridisation found in southern Queensland- northern NSW, Australia.

Alas, maternal incubation is difficult in captivity and twelve of these eggs perished to a fungus. The two survivors were moved to an incubator and hatched without a hitch.

There he is! Brand new and tiny, about 20cm long and 20g. The eldest, like me.

Six days later I made the choice to take home this sibling over the other, who was bitey and later named Snap. I named my baby Noodles, and over time he became Udon (a thicker noodle).

He has been my companion ever since, from my teenage bedroom through all the sharehouses, interstate and back, he has been there rustling in the night. He has traveled and met many people- an Ambassador of Goodwill Towards all Snakes.

His vet has mentioned that at our next visit we'll need to talk about adjusting his care "because he's an older snake", but for now he's strong, glossy, and alert.

Tonight I have two quails for him. They're too small for his regular feeds, but are a noted favourite.