One of my hatchlings. Advice needed

Here is one of my hatchlings from this year. I think she is awesome looking but she has the worst woble that I have seen. She was in one of the roll out eggs from my last clutch. Her mom had 4 of 6 eggs thrown all around the tub.
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/a562aa99.jpg
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/b1731274.jpg
and a pic of her mouth
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/2ad20515.jpg
My wife wants to keep her as a pet but I don't know if I should keep her. What do you guys think I should do with her.

I wouldn't breed her but I bet she'd make a good pet as long as she eats "normally".

As long as she's eating normaly, go ahead & keep as a pet :)

Can she be in pain? She had her upper half belly up and the bottom half belly down I feel so bad for her.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by the last part about half of her being belly up and the other half belly down, but I'd keep her as a pet.

Her jaw is deformed but It looks like she may be able to live. I am also confused by the belly up belly down thing. But if this is her only issue I would keep her as a pet and let her be. That is as long as she can sustain a healthy quality if life.


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A wobble doesn't usually cause pain. Nor does a deformity. A severe wobble could cause half the snake to be right side up and the other half to flip over during its gyrations. Is that what you were referring to? Eating 'could' be an issue - she has 2 strikes against her in that department: the wobble and the deformity of her mouth. However, neither of these may be an issue. Only time will tell. Smaller sized prey might be in order til you see how she does.

But as long as she can eat, then there is no reason she couldn't be a nice pet. If your wife wants her, let her keep her! A snake with a wobble doesn't require any special care - only a bit more understanding. That shouldn't be too hard for a dedicated herp owner such as yourself. :gj:

What i meant is when she is not moving she will fold over and have her upper half laying on her lower half spine to spine. Is that a better explanation?

Hmm maybe a picture would help. I don't really know if I'm picturing it correctly in my head. If you can get one post it.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by chago11

What i meant is when she is not moving she will fold over and have her upper half laying on her lower half spine to spine. Is that a better explanation?

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Hmmm..... That's more typical of a neurological issue (other than a simple wobble that is). A picture or vid would be helpful if possible. How old is she and how long has she been displaying these symptoms?

I'm thinking (at the moment) that this is something more serious than a typical spider's wobble. Only a qualified herp vet would know for sure. If this is beyond a 'wobble', a trip to the vet may be in order to determine whether this is something she can live with. Some snakes can still do ok with neurological issues, but some of those issues may shorten her life or even kill her quickly. I do not intend to scare you - only trying to help. Please keep in mind that I am not a vet - I only have a lot of experience with animals and I feel it's better to be prepared - if nothing else, it'll help you ask the right questions at the vet's when you go.

Good luck and do post a pic or vid if you're able to.....