spider ball wobble

[rabernet]

This is strictly my opinion - I do not believe that the spider wobble is neurological, but rather an equilibrium problem with the spiders. I have four spiders, every one of them has a wobble.

If you pulled open their tubs, took them out, handled them, let them crawl around, you'd say that they didn't have the spider spin.

But sit quietly in front of their tubs at night when they are exploring their tubs, and they move differently than the rest of my collection. When they get to the top of the tub, they will sometimes twist over backwards, wobble, etc.

Since all spiders are descendants of one animal, and the wobble is known to be associated with the gene, I do not believe that it can be bred out - and that it's tied to the spider alelle (sp?).

Again - this is only my opinion - but I'd be willing to bet if owners who swear that they have non-wobblers observed their animal's movements at night, they would see that they behave differently from their other ball pythons.

I don't personally believe it to be a bad thing. All four of mine are eating and nailing their food (it doesn't inhibit their ability to effectively dispatch their prey), growing and shedding. I think that it adds to their quirky personalities and I don't mind it.

I will say that to a first time spider owner, it can be a bit disconcerting, even if you know it's a trait of the spider - it was to me.

I think it's time to stop being fearful of the "dreaded wobble" and instead accept that it's just part of the spider charm.