Known as a "wobble," this trait is largely passed down genetically-- specifically through descendants of the spider morph* ball pythons. It is a neurological issue that can cause a variety of problems and displays in varying degrees of severity.
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*morph essentially refers to the colour/patterns etc of the snakes, which are often selectively bred to be achieved.
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For anyone who doesn't mind seeing a pre-killed rat, this video offers a good example of just how detrimental this can be when they try to feed:
https://youtu.be/MGy4g1qJdpo
@shikharizard don't feel obligated to watch all or any of this, but this is fairly typical spider ball Python movements from the little I know of the morph. Aside from having the "head wobble" which is the shaking, it causes them to often lose their balance and twist/flip their heads upside down which is known as corkscrewing
Well, you CAN, but you have to be prepared that this could be something you'd have to deal with. '
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Taking a moment to take your comment too seriously and expand on the issue as a whole:
The wobble can be passed down to other morphs if one of the parents carries the spider gene (I've seen champagne morphs mentioned a few times as having it). So to anyone planning on getting a Ball Python t is always helpful to see the snake ahead of time. If it's from a breeder you should be able to ask about it's lineage also
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Some of their owners say they can lead very long and relatively happy lives, but it also seems an unnecessary and easily avoided hardship inflicted on the species
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*morph essentially refers to the colour/patterns etc of the snakes, which are often selectively bred to be achieved.
'
For anyone who doesn't mind seeing a pre-killed rat, this video offers a good example of just how detrimental this can be when they try to feed:
https://youtu.be/MGy4g1qJdpo
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Taking a moment to take your comment too seriously and expand on the issue as a whole:
The wobble can be passed down to other morphs if one of the parents carries the spider gene (I've seen champagne morphs mentioned a few times as having it). So to anyone planning on getting a Ball Python t is always helpful to see the snake ahead of time. If it's from a breeder you should be able to ask about it's lineage also
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Some of their owners say they can lead very long and relatively happy lives, but it also seems an unnecessary and easily avoided hardship inflicted on the species