r/ballpython • u/t33thc0re • Aug 21 '24

Question Just brought home a new ball python.. Is this normal/fine?

Post image

He just kinda was staring at me in my bed like this in his enclosure

3.0k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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1.1k

u/PoofMoof1 Aug 21 '24

It's "normal" for spider and other morphs that corkscrew. This makes for a longer ethics conversation.

For BP's without those genes, this is indicative of a problem.

362

u/t33thc0re Aug 21 '24

I did not realize that bananas were included in that. I feel a bit bad now.

619

u/PoofMoof1 Aug 21 '24

Banana isn't included in it. I just saw your other comment. It's the spider in the bumblebee. A vet can't do anything for it, this is just how they are. Proper husbandry and calm keeping are the best things you can do.

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u/calgy Aug 21 '24

Its not Banana. Bumblebee is a combo of Pastel and Spider. Spider is the problematic gene.

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u/t33thc0re Aug 21 '24

Should I take him to a vet? His previous owner told me he was a banana bumblebee. But also told me that he was completely healthy with no issues.

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u/mysteriousredux Aug 21 '24

bumblebee is included in the spider gene (it's spider+pastel if I recall correctly), which is known for having neurological problems, unfortunately.

There's not much a vet would be able to do for him. If he's eating and living comfortably then that's about all you can hope for him.

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u/scarzy_mx Aug 21 '24

Honestly it’s a scumbag move to give a new owner a spider without informing them about the issues that come with them. Was he a rescue or from a breeder?

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u/calgy Aug 21 '24

Its genetic, vet cant do anything. It may calm down as she settles from the stress of relocation, stress is a known trigger. She may also always have issues like this.

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u/-lilbootybigheart- Aug 21 '24

Yes take him to an experienced exotic vet to be sure.

15

u/Tro1138 Aug 21 '24

I wish they would just ban the morph altogether.

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u/wishiwasinvegas Aug 22 '24

Agreed! It's disgusting that people just don't care, all they know is they're cool looking and they want money. Needs to stop.

6

u/MODbanned Aug 22 '24

Sorry I don't know why I came across this sub.. but what do all the things you said mean..? What whats the thing about a banana? Did the snake eat a banana? What's wrong with the snake? Thanks.

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u/PoofMoof1 Aug 22 '24

A "morph" is a selectively bred color/pattern. Banana and spider and names for two of these. The banana trait, in short, makes a yellow, freckled ball python. The spider trait creates a different kind of pattern from what the species usually has. Spider unfortunately also has an issue genetically linked to it that makes ball pythons struggle to keep their heads upright like normal to varying degrees. This is not something that can be fixed as it is a result of genetics.

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u/now_you_see Aug 22 '24

It’s a shame because it really should be a short ethics conversation. Breeding animals that have defeats & problems is not ethical, period.

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u/squamigeralover Aug 21 '24

likely has neurological issues but not much you can do about it

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u/t33thc0re Aug 21 '24

Is there anything extra I need to do to make sure he's safe and properly accommodated?

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u/Lunarvolo Aug 21 '24

There's a lot of info on the sub, Google, and someone will probably post a lot of info

Shallow water IIRC, it's easier for them to drown

Also, IIRC it's an inner ear issue not neurological though I don't doubt that they have neurological issues as a result of that

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u/Monstermunch70 Aug 21 '24

Keep the area calm and quiet and just let him settle in .It may well take you a few attempt to get him to feed as you have the judge which way they are going to strike .Just treat him the same as any other BP ,temps humidity etc , if you have any concerns you could speak to the vet but unless he was ill they would do nothing the neurological wobble .

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u/squamigeralover Aug 21 '24

shallow water dish, remove all vines or things that they could get stuck on, when feeding hold the rat by the scruff and fairly close especially if he has difficulty striking, and please get to know your snakes body language to avoid stressful situations

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u/Foreskin_Ad9356 Aug 21 '24

the spider gene actually causes an inner ear defect as opposed to a neurological issue

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u/squamigeralover Aug 21 '24

yeah you’re 100% correct

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u/Charming-Flamingo307 Aug 21 '24

No, not fine. Wait for someone more knowledgeable on the issue but I believe it's a neurological order causing the stargazing/corkscrewing

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u/BranInspector Aug 21 '24

With this kind of neurological disorder you want to make sure the snake has a shallow water bowl, they can drown themselves so you need to be extra careful.

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u/doz12345678 Aug 22 '24

Literally my snake died this way from neurological issues

My Snake Drowned

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u/UpstairsLocal5605 Aug 22 '24

I seen your original post about that a while ago, and I just hope you’re doing better now and had time to grieve your little (not so little) friend 🐍❤️

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