OP I'll start by saying I agree that you will probably discover nothing new but....
everyone seems in to agree that the variability of the wobble is all over the place and seems to show no pattern. We accept that, but why is it all over the place? This is more a question for a geneticist and not really going to be solved by simply breeding a bunch of snakes. I would have to imagine that person would need some sort of data to even begin to start thinking of possible answers to why. Epigenetic event perhaps? Another locus effecting it or multiple loci? Factors outside of genetics?
I keep hearing that many people have tired to breed it out.... what was actually tired? Did they breed some low wobble spiders to a normal and give up or how many generation did they go before calling it quits because I have a feeling there are very few who actually have some extensive data on this. It would be interesting to hear those results.
here is part of something I wrote a while ago you might find interesting. Still doesn't help you with your project though.
I don't believe the wobble is going to be seperated from these morphs. There is too much evidence it is linked directly to the gene, but I think it can be reduced. I see stress levels might play a factor in the amount of wobble the Spider's show. As stated before, every snake is different, but I have personally seen how changing homes can bring a minimal wobble, to horrible wobble, to minimal wobble again. Many people report only seeing signs of it while only feeding, or only while being handled. I feel this strengthens the idea that stress or excitement can elevate the condition.
I know this may be a touchy subject for some Wobbler owners whose snakes exhibit a particularly bad wobble. They may feel like i'm saying their not taking care of their snake correctly. I will say if your snake is eating and living a healthy life, you are doing a great job, there may be Wobblers that will always have the bad wobble, but also it may need extra accommodations beyond the normal to feel less stressed (ex. extra hide, more foliage, less direct light, ect). Yes, I am suggesting the 2 hide, water bowl, cookie cutter setup may not be right for every ball python in general and the Wobblers just shows it. I have talked this over with many people and online and I think it all comes to the same conclusion that it's near impossible to test this theory. Some people have stories that strengthen the theory and some have stories that 100% conflict with it. So take it as you wish. If you have any input on this feel free to contect me, it would be great to hear what you have to say.
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