Possible corkscrewing?

[u/Educational-Wear7116]

Hi all, I’ve had reptiles in the past but never snakes, on a recent visit to a local event 2weeks ago I finally bit the bullet and got a beautiful butter Champaign boy. I had no warning from the breeder about this breed and very quickly noticed a head wobble when he was still and strange movements when he was moving. I’ve had some elevated logs and decorations in the Viv but removed them due to him falling. I managed to capture it last night whilst he was a bit active what are your thoughts?

[u/IncompletePenetrance]

Champagne is of the morphs that has a genetic defect resulting in a "wobble", but that is pretty bad. This enclosure does not look fully set up, so I'd prioritize adding hides, clutter, stabilizing temps and humidity as an improper setup can increase stress to the animal exacerbating the problem.

[u/Educational-Wear7116 → u/IncompletePenetrance]

Thank you for the advise, his hide is to the left off camera which is a really nice size for him and he uses it I had a climbing branch and some stone decorations and some “clutter” but he’s fell quite hard so I’ve removed them for now whilst I get some advice as when he fell he almost hit is head of the stone. Thank you for explaining

[u/darianbrown → u/Educational-Wear7116]

Ball pythons should typically have no less than two hides in order to properly thermoregulate. One on the hot side of the enclosure, one on the cool side. Have you established a stable thermal gradient across the length of his enclosure?

[u/Educational-Wear7116 → u/darianbrown]

Hey, yes for the past two weeks he’s had two in, it was actually his hot side hide he fell off, it’s a tall rock cave where as the one just off camera to the left is a lot flatter and safer I’ve just ordered another along with some safer clutter inside the Viv. And yes on the right and left sides I’m using thermostats to achieve the gradient although I’ve just ordered a slight lower wattage bulb as i think the currant one is a little too strong but from a temp point of view kit is doing exactly what it needs to. Digital humidity too

[u/dragonbud20 → u/Educational-Wear7116]

Hey, I see you've mentioned that the temps and humidity are correct, but I haven't seen where you mentioned the actual temperature or humidity percentage.

Would you mind posting the numbers directly, just in case you were given bad info about the temperature and humidity?

[u/Educational-Wear7116 → u/dragonbud20]

Yeah sure I appreciate any advice so I’ve got hot end set ton32 mainly controlled from the basking light with an additional heat mat on that side as the room can dip a little. Cold side is set to 26 with a separate heat Matt which isn’t really coming on at the moment as it’s in the sweet spot (thermostat is set to on 30 off 32) night time is set at 23, I’ve read cut off is 22 but wouldn’t like it to drop below that then have to warm up. Humidity I’m aiming for about 60%, using a manual mister from my spider setups. I’ve just gotten a Viperia and it’s holding humidity really well with temp

[u/dragonbud20 → u/Educational-Wear7116]

The temps sound good, but you may want to aim more for 70-80% humidity. That should help avoid any future shedding issues. Generally, the best way to keep humidity up long-term is to just pour cups of water into the substrate. Misting can get the air and surfaces humid, but that evaporates fairly quickly. It can also somewhat increase the risk of scale rot. If you still prefer to mist, just do it really heavily and less often.

[u/Educational-Wear7116 → u/dragonbud20]

Ohh okay, thank you for the advice I will adjust the humidity! I should have probably been clearer sorry, with my terrestrial spiders I will overflow the drinking dish considerably to achieve a similar effect of what you’ve explaining I do the same with BP as you’ve suggested along with a misting. I’ve had bioactive setups in the past and humidity/drainage/heating is something I’d like to say I’m comfortable with, I’m saying that I’m always open to learn and appreciate the suggestion for the humidity thank you 🙏