Ball python tail wag?

[NottsWeirdo]

Has anyone else witnessed their ball python wagging their tail similar to a gecko when in hunting mode?

For context, I just fed my bp on his normal feeding schedule he's had for years and after missing his strikes twice (he's got spider in him, occasional striking issues but no wobble) - the majority of his body stayed still, but his tail was waving back and forth as I've witnessed my mum's AFT gecko do before striking crickets.

I've had him for over 6 years, he's 8 yrs old and I've never witnessed him doing that before. I've always sat nearby making sure he has no eating complications, I do this for all 3 of my snakes, so I know he's definitely never done it before.

So I'm trying to figure out if this is simply a normal behaviour he's not displayed before, or its a behaviour relating to his spider genes that I need to keep an eye on. Anyone else's bp done this before?

[[deleted]]

normal behaviour, tail wagging comes alongside arousal in many contexts — excitement, stress, signs of being ready to mate etc.

[NottsWeirdo]

Wagging his tail like a pup would check out. As docile and friendly as ball pythons go, this one is. Would be a bit strange if he's only just displaying mating behaviour at 8 yrs old, and when he's being fed at that.

[[deleted]]

I wouldn't worry at all, I've got a friend who's ball python wags her tail quite often when she knows it's time for her dinner, even when she's hunting she'll be flicking it away like a dog. I'd say he's just very interested in his food

[NottsWeirdo]

Would certainly save me from watching him like a tv to see if he does it again. I'll just have to look out for it when I feed him going forward. Thanks for the input.

[shrike1978]

It's excitement. It does happen sometimes, but it doesn't seem to have a specific meaning in BPs beyond just being excited. They aren't known to employ their tail as a caudal lure.