A general rule of thumb for sexing most snakes is by looking at the tail length. Usually a male will have a longer tail than a female. The males tail will usually be long and thin and the females shorter and thicker.
The most accurate form of sexing is by ultrasound. This method is not common at all as many keepers or all general keepers do not have ultra sound machines or access to it.
The most common form of sexing is using a probe. These are steel rods with a ball on the tip and depending on the size of the snake, you will select an appropriate sized probe. Which one to select will come with experience.
Probing must ONLY be done by an experienced keeper. If done incorrectly, you can seriously harm the snakes reproductive organs.The probe should be lubricated before inserting it into the vent in the direction of the tail tip. The amount of scales deep will determine the sex of the snake. Rule of thumb will be up to 4 scales is a female and more than 4 a male.
It is important that an experienced person performs this technique. Ask your nearest experienced keeper or breeder to teach you the right way to do this.
The other form of sexing snakes is done with hatchlings or very young snakes. The method is known as popping. It is done by gently applying pressure to the tail end of the vent in order to invert the hemi-penes of the snake if its male, if nothing comes out then it is a female. Once again experience is needed here, if you apply too much pressure, you can hurt the snakes reproductive organs and also possibly break the vertebrae of the snake in that area.
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