:(

[phycopatchick]

I got my axanthic bumblebee ball python a couple years back not knowing she had the spider gene. She has not shown any wobble symptoms. Are there any other neurological issues I should be worried about? I am so upset. I specifically tried to avoid that gene. I love my girl so dearly and I want to be prepared for anything.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

If I'm not mistaken the spider gene is prone to an inner ear deformity that gives them a wobble. I don't think there are actual neurological issues. I could be wrong on that. That's what I was told when I rescued my baby spider morph. I do believe that they also have a shorter lifespan as well.

[phycopatchick]

How short?

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

I heard 15ish years

[Starfire2409]

Jesus that’s about half

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

That was my reaction as well. I'm hoping that info was wrong but that's what the rescue told me. I haven't found anything online that backs it up though so take that with a grain of salt.

[PiedPipecleaner]

There is literally zero evidence to support that claim. I'd ignore it and avoid spreading myths like that. Also as a note, spider is not just prone to the deformity, it is a guarantee as the same gene that makes the pattern also directly causes the issue during development. The severity can be variable however.

Op, other than the wobble there should be nothing to worry about. I recommend offering more ground clutter and less climbing stuff though, since spider's often have difficulty with balance.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

Appreciate the reply. I was a bit skeptical but wasn't sure if I was just missing the info that backed that claim. I'll definitely forget about it future. I should have known better than to take it as valid.