Spider wobble

[Vinc]

Well I knew what I was getting into by getting a spider , and I have no issue with the wobble , but it’s sad to look at the snake try n reposition it self constantly, I just want to know like if the snake is okay and will be okay , is this going to effect anything long term or not , and jsut any advice for keeping a spider ball python

[Vinc]

Yes Also when I’m handling the snake it doesn’t really wobble bad at all , but putting her back in the enclosure she jsut does it very bad , not sure if this is normal or not. And she has been in my enclosure for a while now and has not even went to the hide , I have 2 . it was recently in jsut a self rack thing , but idk if this is normal or not, she jsut sits in the middle and doesn’t move very much at all

[Jbabycsx]

From what I’ve read this is all normal behavior for the spider morphs.


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[Jellybeans]

Why would they keep allowing reproduction of this morph?
It seems like a genetic defect

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[Jbabycsx]

Why would they keep allowing reproduction of this morph?
It seems like a genetic defect

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It is a genetic defect. Apparently it’s a touchy subject for some. Personally I won’t ever own or breed them which sucks because they are beautiful animals.


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[Jellybeans]

Yes they are beautiful but the welfare of the animal should always be top priority

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[Jellybeans]

I feel opting not to breed them is very commendable

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[ryknoll3]

The problem is, there are plenty enough spiders that don't have much of a wobble and their lives aren't affected at all that breeders feel comfortable breeding them. Unfortunately you end up with some that have a bad wobble, and there's no way to control which one you're going to produce.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

This is an extreme case most Spiders are just fine often with issue that is barely noticeable, they are not the only ones that wobble but the only ones people target when it comes to breeding because most ignore the fact that severe wobbler are not that common.

OP I am not sure how you keep your temps but I would recommend to keep your hot side no higher than 86, things such as temps and stress can affect Spiders and they do best kept at lower temps.

[zina10]

Ball Pythons will quickly tell you if something isn't right with them, or for them. If they stress for any reason, they do not do well, they stop eating, they cruise, etc.

Most spider morphs are actually great feeders. They seem not to know that anything is wrong with them, seem to not be in pain (there is a comparable issue with dogs, they fall over while walk and run, look like drunk, yet are as happy as can be)

Incidentally they also often seem quite calm and sweet snakes, although I have no idea if that has anything to do with their genetics.

The wobble can be severe, or it can be barely there. I had a Bumble Bee who never wobbled. The worst she did was miss her FT rat as she struck out, and that was only occasionally. But yes, they all carry it. It can get better, it can get worse.

If they are well settled in and don't stress about anything (mine even handled often and beautifully, curious, not afraid) the wobble can lessen. Usually worst during feeding time, during excitement or stress.

All that said, the Spider gene is far from the only one with issues.

Not sure exactly, but Caramels and other morphs had issues with kinking. Never knew what you would get when breeding them. Some were so severe, they couldn't eat. Albinos can have issues with eyes. We all know that bright light is bothersome for any species with Albinism. And snakes can't close their eyes or blink. Yet, those genetics are in MANY morphs.

I know there are some issues with Cinnamons. There are some that seem to have issues with duck bill faces to downright deformed sinuses.

Those are just the ones we know about or can actually see. Never know what may go on internally.

Morphs are genetic aberrations. All of them are. The ones that are severe just don't survive. Desert females can't reproduce. Some super forms are always lethal and die.

Such is the thing when you breed. Even breeding normals can produce issues, if you do to much inbreeding. That actually goes for any species.

Coming back to the spiders, I've come across many that were simply delightful animals. When I decided to concentrate on Desert Ghost only and sold my other adults, the Bumblebee went on to a good home. The new owner is breeding her, but also said that this snake has quickly become his favorite. She always eats, she is curious and calm, she is the bet "pet" one could ask for.

I'm not breeding them. I do find a severe wobble sad. But there are many that are perfectly fine.