Wobble in spiders?

[TheBallPython]

I have been reading and I found that spiders are prone to a wobble. Is this something I should really be worried about when I go to purchase? Is it really that common in spiders?

[HypoPita]

Spiders are prone to wobble, though many show little to no signs of it. From hanging out on the forum for a while, I can't say I've really heard more than 2 stories about really bad wobbles or corkscrewing. Corkscrewing is a lot more serious than a little wobble and is pretty darn rare. If you are buying in person, just pay attention to it and see if it does wobble. If you're buying online, it doesnt hurt to ask the breeder if it has a wobble if you are concerned. I don't think any reputable breeder would sell you a snake with a severe wobble or corkscrew without you knowing.

Most of the time there won't be a wobble, and if there is it tends to get better with age. I've also heard it could get worse with age as well, but I'm sure someone else will chime in. I have a spider that was bought very young, and he had a very mild wobble which is now nearly non-existant. It has never affected him negatively and he's doing great.

So my advice, if you are really worried, is to purchase at a show from a reputable breeder so you can see first hand the snake's behaviour.

[mainbutter]

It's common, but the degree to which a particular snake "wobbles" can vary wildly, and may change with time.

I have, however, never heard of anyone that has had any actual health issues (they all seem to feed just fine, for example) result even from the more extreme wobblers out there.

In short, if you want a spider, expect wobbling but don't be worried about it.

[Blue Apple Herps]

In short, if you want a spider, expect wobbling but don't be worried about it.

I agree. Every one that I've seen wobbled to some extent. Some it was just barely, others it was more extreme.

And I don't think what they do as hatchlings is a good indicator, at least not in my experience. My female spider didn't wobble until she was about 6 mos old, she's now two and its a lot worst than before. Not extreme, but nothing like it was a year ago either. But other than that she's 100% healthy.

[TheBallPython]

Thanks It's good to know it's nothing to really worry about, and as of right now, I am planning on buying in person. What does a wobble actually look like?

[stefanivanski]

I have both a male and female 09 bees. The female has now wobble lol, but the male well thats another story. At first I could not figure it out but when ever I put food in his tub (he will only take live at the moment) His head will start to wobble, move back and forth. It scared me as well till I got ahold of a breeder who said to me that it just runs in the spider line, and that I really just means he/she is excited. The wobble on my bee is just his head starts to shake and move wildly when food is with him. not sure if this is true but thats what I have been told