Spider ball head twitching?

[Boanerges]

My questions are:
1.) Why do so many spider ball heads have that head twitch (genetics)?
2.) If you purchase a baby that does not show any signs of head twitching could it possibly start twitching later on in life?
3.) If you get one with a slight twitch could it get worse as it grows older?
4.) What is the correct terminololgy used for the head twitching?

This is my first post and I apologize if any of these questions have already been asked or if these are stupid questions. Thanks to everyone on this site who take the time to respond to me! Thanks again

[nathaniel]

I dont have any answers but here no question is a dumb question. Don't be afraid to ask questions here.

[jknudson]

My questions are:
1.) Why do so many spider ball heads have that head twitch (genetics)?
2.) If you purchase a baby that does not show any signs of head twitching could it possibly start twitching later on in life?
3.) If you get one with a slight twitch could it get worse as it grows older?
4.) What is the correct terminololgy used for the head twitching?

This is my first post and I apologize if any of these questions have already been asked or if these are stupid questions. Thanks to everyone on this site who take the time to respond to me! Thanks again

Genetic Issue, Yes, Yes, spinning or wobbling.

[Tosha_Mc]

1.) Yep Genetics - first ones had it - passed it down.


2.) Yep - lots of people have said the wobble didn't show up until around 200ish grams


3.) Hmmm - don't think I've heard of it getting worse tho some people report it getting better over time.


4.) Wobbling, Spinning, DTST (doing the spider thing)

[Boanerges]

Do the majority of spider balls have this problem? How would you protect yourself from purchasing one with this problem (buying from a reputable breeder). Even if you buy from a reputable breeder that guarantees their will be no problems is there still a chance your spider will get the head wobble? Thanks so far for the answers as they did help a lot!

[ADEE]

I know my spider "Impala" doesnt have the spinning, twitching, wobbling issue as of yet. Ive heard of it being very severe to not existent in some spiders, as far as i know its a case by case basis (yes can be genetic also).. is it evidence of neurological problems or just a quirk?

[Brimstone111888]

Since the original spider had it, it is probably inherited in all spiders to some degree.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I would recommend you to register to the forum and read this http://forum.8ballpythons.com/blog/?cat=3 (Article at the bottom), it will give you a good idea on what to expect with a spider.

[Tosha_Mc]

Do the majority of spider balls have this problem? How would you protect yourself from purchasing one with this problem (buying from a reputable breeder). Even if you buy from a reputable breeder that guarantees their will be no problems is there still a chance your spider will get the head wobble? Thanks so far for the answers as they did help a lot!

I bought mine when they were larger (over 400 grams) specifically requested ones that don't spin. Got two that don't got one that does but only so slightly during feeding - it's not a big deal.

As long as you ask most breeders will be happy to tell you if they've noticed a spin to how much of a degree or not at all. The reputation of the breeder is not the issue - most spiders even if they don't spin will carry the gene and will likely pass it on to some of their offspring - it's just something that you have to accept if you are working with spiders. But if you just want one for a pet - I recommend buying an older one and just ask the breeder - you can find ones that have little to no spin.