Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently got 5 adult females that I've been attempting to sex just to be sure for the last month. I've gotten nowhere with it. I try popping and probing. First of all, they lock up their cloacas so tight, nothing's going in or coming out. And then, I'm always afraid of hurting them. I had my first clutch last year and initially mis-sexed 5 out of 6 of them. I completely suck at it. I've been keeping snakes for 20 years now and never learned how to properly sex them. It's embarassing. I'm not really looking for advice since I've studied everything I can get my hands on. Pretty much just venting frustration. And then, the tail thing is just ridiculous. I got my male cinnamon from Ben Sigel, so I'm sure he's correct, and he looks more like a female then my other balls that I'm positive are females. I haven't seen anyone sex a snake since I was about 11 and I just always take the seller's word for it when I buy a new animal. It's never failed me yet, as far as I know but I really wanna be able to do this myself. There's no reason why I shouldn't be able to. What the hell? Anyone else have this problem? Seems like everyone else is a pro at it since it's "so simple". Not for me.

P.S. Check out this pic. 5 males, 1 female. According to me, they were ALL females when I did it. I suck.

Don't crucify yourself over it Ryan, Practice makes perfect. I think you just need to watch someone do it about a hundred times. That lone female from last year is doing fantastic by the way, 650 grams and eating "big" small rats. thanks again for her.

Glad to hear it man. That's not bad for 10 months. Hope she proves out next season. I guess if I was at home, you could have shown me how you probed them instead of shipping them back and forth. That's what I mean, would be alot more convenient if I could do it myself and be confident that I'm doing it right. I need to do something about it. The only real option I have right now is paying a vet to show me.

It's Chip, I thought we went over that? I'd be happy to show you the next time you will be in town, just send me an email. It is really easy once you get the hang of it.

i know exactly what you mean lol... im not experienced at sexing and i tend to take peoples word too. If i have doubt i have some-one else sex it for me.. I know i have to learn soon. I guess you don't have to worry too much if your buying from honest guys but they make mistakes too and on top of that it's nice to know when babies roll around Once i get a better probe kit ill give it a shot. I just can't believe how easy some guys make it look lol. I'm the rookie in every snake room im visit so i guess i don't feel too bad about taking advice
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we're here because a hobby became an obsession... if only every one had this much fun

some days your the dog, some days your the hydrant...don't know who started this saying but it's the truth

I feel the same way I have not tried probing yet. And I will not try tell I have someone show me. And Chrissy can pop them ok, but as for me every time I try to pop them it just doesn't work lol.
I'm sure I will get the hang of it some day. but I trust the people I have delt with so far. I just am tring to get a little practice in.
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1.2.0 ball python (aragorn, arwen,`eowyn)
1.0.0 100% het pied (frodo)
1.0.0 columbian boa (squiggles)
1.0.0 rat snake (alabastered)
0.1.0 corn snake (baby)
0.0.2 whites tree frog (trevor, kirmet)
0.0.5 pacific green tree frogs
3.2.0 cats (rockie, bs, brownie, lerrado, kole)
1.3.0 kids (dilyen, dakota, chyanne, sierra)
Brian n Chrissy
"snakes are kind of like potato chips, you cant have just one"