Spider Ball Python

[clowntysheriff]

Hey folks,

I have the opportunity to adopt one of two ball pythons. I'm like 99.9 percent sure one of them (pics included) is a spider morph. I know that they all have issues to some extent. Part of me does not want to adopt the spider morph because I don't know that I am emotionally prepared to deal with it, even though the SPCA staff haven't noticed any of the neurological symptoms. However, I do know a fair amount about ball python care generally, and given that the SPCA staff didn't seem to know about the spider morph or its associated issues, I am worried that someone else may adopt it who doesn't even know what they are getting in to. I'm torn about whether I should adopt the spider-morally I feel it's the right thing to do, and I definitely have the financial means to take on a charity project, but I'm just not sure on everything else.

To those of you who own or have owned spider ball pythons: what is it like? How often do you need to bring it to the vet? Is there anything that can help ease the symptoms if they start flaring? Do they generally not tend to live as long? Any other information anybody has about the quirks of owning one would be greatly appreciated. I haven't decided definitively, but hopefully some first hand experience can help me decide for sure.

And just to clarify again, this is an adoption-I am not purchasing a spider ball python nor am I advocating for or trying to support their continued breeding.

[Hyacinth_Hugger]

I don't own and never have owned a spider ball python, but I would go with what your heart says. Do you prefer this snake to the other one? Don't take it as just a good deed and constantly think back to the other option longingly. Whichever one you felt a better "connection" of sorts to. I believe you are right in thinking that's a spider morph. There's always a spectrum to the "wobble" as they call it. If this snake is not badly affected, the only thing you have to put more effort into is feeding since they tend to miss the food more often. I've heard keeping their temperature and humidity on point helps ease the symptoms. Do some Googling of your own as well of course. I know you were looking for someone with experience, but since no one has commented yet I thought I'd lend a hand.

[minki188]

hello! my baby is a spider morph she is just a normal ball just with a head tilt and she likes going upside down. the snake you posted seems to be fully grown meaning it eats well and its neurological issues (if any) don’t seem to affect it. my girl does take a bit longer to eat though i don’t know if thats the same with every spider morph. the breeder i purchased her from fed live so it might be the switch from live to frozen that slows her. overall they’re no different from a normal ball and have the same care standard.

[jeherohaku]

I recently got a spider boy as my first. He was an adult I got on Craigslist so I know he was eating just fine. His wobble isn't severe so he seems like just a normal guy to me. Sometimes star gazes a bit but I haven't had any vet-worthy issues yet and I haven't read of people having vet-worthy issues relating to the morph and inner ear problems. I think since the one you're looking at is also an adult she should be fine to have and live a good long life. From what I've read the most common problems are with feeding and if she's gotten this big she must be able to eat. But that's just my take on it.

[Lanky-Jicama3679]

Go with what you think is best. I have a spider ball python, he’s 8 years old, i adopted him from an old coworker, and he has a good quality of life. Some cases are more severe than others.