Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok at what age/size is it safe to probe a BRB? I want to get mine sexed because a friend is looking to buy a BRB from Jeff, i want to know if he should buy a male or female (depending on what mine is)

My snake is ~ 28-30" long now and very healthy, i just dont want to mess up any sexual organs by probing too soon.

thanks
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Russ
1 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (< 1 year old)
1 Rosy Boa (G/F's Snake)

Somehow i have to feed both?!
Melbourne, Fl

I have seen it done once before guys but I am curious to know what size probes you use for neonates, yearlings and adults?
Bob

Bob,
...I use three different size probes. If I could find my micrometer I would measure the probes and tell you what they are.
Jeff

>>I have seen it done once before guys but I am curious to know what size probes you use for neonates, yearlings and adults?
>>Bob

Russ,
....I probe them when they are newborn but do it very carefully. If you have someone experienced with probing little snakes they should be able to probe yours with little risk. Some people can sex them by palpating the organs sliding the tail through their fingers. This method works for me with larger ones but with the little snakes my touch is not sensitive enough to be sure with many of them.
Jeff

>>Ok at what age/size is it safe to probe a BRB? I want to get mine sexed because a friend is looking to buy a BRB from Jeff, i want to know if he should buy a male or female (depending on what mine is)
>>
>>My snake is ~ 28-30" long now and very healthy, i just dont want to mess up any sexual organs by probing too soon.
>>
>>
>>thanks
>>-----
>>Russ
>>1 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (< 1 year old)
>>1 Rosy Boa (G/F's Snake)
>>
>>Somehow i have to feed both?!
>>Melbourne, Fl

Jeff,

When i bought my snake the pet store employee tried to use the "pop" method and he said he THOUGHT it was a girl but he couldnt tell for sure and that the only way to tell for sure was to probe it. He also mentioned that he did not want to probe it at the time because it was young and he said that when they are young the sexual organs are more sensitive and it is easier to damage them.

I suppose ill just take my snake over this weekend and see if he can sex it.
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Russ
1 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (< 1 year old)
1 Rosy Boa (G/F's Snake)

Somehow i have to feed both?!
Melbourne, Fl

Russ,
...You are right to be concerned about the safety of probing. It is always safer to probe them after they have gotten some size. I do know there are at least several employees there at the store who can safely probe any snake. Problem is that there are so many employees there and you cannot be sure about all of them.
Jeff

>>Jeff,
>>
>>When i bought my snake the pet store employee tried to use the "pop" method and he said he THOUGHT it was a girl but he couldnt tell for sure and that the only way to tell for sure was to probe it. He also mentioned that he did not want to probe it at the time because it was young and he said that when they are young the sexual organs are more sensitive and it is easier to damage them.
>>
>>I suppose ill just take my snake over this weekend and see if he can sex it.
>>-----
>>Russ
>>1 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (< 1 year old)
>>1 Rosy Boa (G/F's Snake)
>>
>>Somehow i have to feed both?!
>>Melbourne, Fl

I assume you know that i am talking about incredible pets, if i get anyone to probe it it will either be pete (the owner) or Rich (sp) the manager of the reptile department. (the big guy)

I think im going to go this weekend
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Russ
1 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (< 1 year old)
1 Rosy Boa (G/F's Snake)

Somehow i have to feed both?!
Melbourne, Fl

Does anyone have a copy of the post Bryan Hummel posted a while back. As I remember he had a really good way of explaining how to sex young BRBs without probing. I also think Mike knows how to do this well.

It involves doing what Jeff said and does require a sensitive touch. Once you know what you're looking for, you'll never need to probe again.

Begin by running your thumb and fore inger down the animal's spine and belly, respectively.

Apply firm, consistent (but not crushing) pressure as you do so.

Once you pass the vent pay attention. You're feeling for the hemipenes. You will feel a small bump with your forefinger as you pass the hemipenes. This bump will come anywhere in between the 5th and 10th ventral scale. If you feel the bump, you can be 100% certain you have a male. False diagnosis of females can happen, especially in neonates. I sex baby BRBs the day they're born using this method. On babies, I will use my ring finger or pinky instead of my forefinger because I have a little more sensitivity here.

If you can, practice on a large male. There's no mistaking the hemipenes.
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com