Bumblebee Head Wobble Advice?

[AtlasGaia]

I can share some strategies for managing snakes with wobble that were shared with me by a veterinarian who runs a rescue organization. Her snakes with wobble are mostly Carpet Pythons, but the husbandry tips are the same.

There's evidence that visual stimulation in general, but especially on the vertical plane (upward) can increase wobble symptoms, so keeping the snake in dimmer light, in a tub, or in a low enclosure and/or with lots of heavy vines/branches blocking the upward view may help.

There's also evidence that keeping them at slightly cooler temperatures may help reduce severe wobble. I'm talking about just a few degrees here - don't chill your snake!

Make sure they have heavy, sturdy 'furniture' in the enclosure like rocks or heavy branches - items throughout the enclosure that they can push against to help balance themselves.

When feeding, don't dangle prey or wiggle it too much. Plop it right in front of them, as striking accurately may be rough.

Of course keep stress (activity in the enclosure room, noise) to a minimum, and try to keep visual stimulation minimal.

I can't address the quality of life issue. Humans with balance disorders may not experience pain, but life isn't pleasant during episodes. It sounds like you are doing your very best with him, and he's eating, so that's good. I just don't think anyone can tell you one way or another if he's suffering; you are going to have to trust your relationship with him and your observations of him to tell you if his quality of life has reached an unsustainable place.

Best of luck with your little guy. If my veterinarian friend has any other suggestions, I will pass them on.

Thank you so much for this Caitlin this is such a useful response! I do already just lay the rats out for him so he can get to them at his own pace, but some of these tips re the enclosure make a lot of sense and I will change it accordingly. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me I really appreciate it!