Jaguar neuro questions

[artgecko]

Not sure. I only own one carpet, an IJ/ Jungle Jag male. He does have balance issues. They were not evident when I bought him at a show, but presented during handling at home. He seems fine when in his cage, feeding, etc. But stresses during handling and then the balance issues start. He has a hard time gripping properly and judging distances, so when he is attempting to move between my arms or reach for something or "run" he almost falls quite a lot. To the point that I handle him over a table or other elevated surface and have to constantly pay attention to him (so I can't do other things while handling, like I do with my boas).

He is still a great looking snake and display animal, just not easily handled.

I had originally planned to avoid jags, but after multiple shows looking for a nice jungle, and coming up with nothing, he was the first really good looking carpet I found, so I fell for him.

I've heard that they may not show neuro as badly when it is cooler (like it was in the show hall when I got him), so that may have played a role in why he didn't show symptoms at the show.

In the end, the decision is yours, just know that the jag could show symptoms later even if it appears normal now, or if you plan to breed, that you could produce a severe case even from non-severe parents. If you want to do a lot of handling, I'd personally pass and hold out for another animal (just based on my experience). I think like with spiders, all jags have it to some extent, it just might not be enough to be noticeable. I asked on a carpet python group about my jag's symptoms and if they were "typical" or "extreme" and never got a response, so I'm not sure if my guy is average for a jag. Since he can move freely in his cage and eat without issues, I'm assuming that he is average and not an extreme case.

Have you seen some of the hypo and stone-washed Bredii that inland reptile is producing? Those make me want another carpet.