Help my ball python is doing something weird

[Nathan7004]

I just got a new baby bumblebee ball python and he won't stop waving his head around and flopping around his neck area, when i woke up this morning he was rolled up with his head upside down, what could be happening? Is he ok? Im really nervous

[cristacake]

Ball pythons with the spider gene (which makes up the bumblebee coloration) have a neurological issue known as "wobble." It seems to be an issue with equilibrium (basically, balance and knowing how to stay balanced when in motion) and have trouble controlling their movements. I've never had a spider gene BP so I can't tell you much more than that but there are some more experienced people here who may be able to give you more information.

[Albert Clark]

Wow! Bumble bee is in the Spider gene dominant complex and has various levels of neurological presentations that include what you are describing. It's usually intermittent and most of the time doesn't affect the reptiles quality of life. Bumblebees are a great looking animal and are very popular.

[cristacake]

Right, I forgot to mention it but from what I hear usually the symptoms of wobble display only when they are stressed or excited (like before feeding time).

[Solarsoldier001]

They call the head motion flipping upside down corkscrewing and when the head just slightly goes up and down its called wobbling. There is different degrees of it. Some you can barely tell and others are dramatic. But in general the spider morphs typically are fine with it. Even if we think they are suffering.


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[Nathan7004]

Ok then thats a relief! Thanks guys

[JodanOrNoDan]

Make sure that the proper environmental conditions are met and that the animal is on a good feeding regimen and the wobble symptoms will decrease drastically. The snake may display this behavior when feeding also. I have one that occasionally eats upside down. Sometimes they will wobble for no apparent reason. It is OK. The snake's life is not in danger. Once snakes with the spider gene become acclimated they tend to make wonderful pets. My spiders are very calm and are always the snakes that I let people handle that are nervous about snakes.

[SmoothScales]

A little education goes a long way.

http://www.owalreptiles.com/spider.php

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[Sensismell]

Right, I forgot to mention it but from what I hear usually the symptoms of wobble display only when they are stressed or excited (like before feeding time).

That's how my spinnerblast is. He shows very little symptoms of the wobble normally, but at feeding time his head is all over the place and sometimes has trouble targeting his prey.

[Nathan7004]

theres the little guy, im happy hes ok and that its just a problem that wont affect him, thanks for all the help, these forums are great