I like them all. I guess that in the perfect ball python world, all the mutants would be perfect.
It seems like I may be beating a dead horse here (I stopped reading at page 5 or 6) but for what it is worth -
I have parted ways with the spider project. I gave mine away. The wobble thing bothered me. I actually acquired my first spider before the "wobble" became public (and I was foolish enough to think I was "in the know"....stupid ego). My founding girl was gorgeous. At times she had the slightest tilt to her head (kind of like a dog). I didn't think it was such a big deal. Around 1500 grams she started ROLLING. I couldn't take it.
And then there was the thought of selling animals that could turn out like that.....it didn't sit well with me.
I have seen a lot of spiders. Many appear to have the tilt, twitch, or wobble. At this point I have made the assumption that any spider is likely to wobble (and I know what they say about assuming). My gut tells me that outcrossing spider stock isn't really going to do much to alleviate the wobble. To me the wobble and the spider are linked. However, I do think it is possible we can see "strong" spider stock down the road. I think it is just going to take a spontaneous mutation where the spider gene and the cause of the wobble (I am not going to jump the gun and fault neurological impairment
) part ways.
IMO, out of any of the morphs, to date spiders have made the best looking crosses....and lots of them. When I see conclusive evidence that someone has "strong" spider stock I am back on board. BIG TIME. Until then, I'll let someone else do the work
With all that being said, I work with caramels and cinnys. To me, the issues with these morphs are different than the spider one. Kinked animals can be isolated from breeding stock from the get go. Animals with pinched snouts can be set aside. Outcrossing could provide some solutions here. Selective breeding might resolve issues. Some breeders have reported that lower incubation temps can reduce kinking. I am willing to work on these things......the spider thing seems like a tougher nut to crack.....and it might just come down to sheer luck to crack it.
I guess for me it just boils down to my opinion that I can make a difference with carms and cinnys but not with spiders.
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