Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have never probed a snake before. Is there anything special I need to know before I do it so I dont hurt the boa? Should I hold his head steady? Also, how do I know what size probe to use? And how many scales determines the gender?

Thanks,

Mat

for the most part dont force it but you also can sometimes tell enough to where you dont have to probe it. worse case scenario take it to a vet or find a friend that knows how.
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My Photobucket

Probably have somebody show you, before you try it yourself. I've read up on it, seen images on the net, heard opinions... but nothing helped like having someone there instructing you and then having you do it while they watch. There is a significant chance that you could puncture something if you don't know what you are doing. My experienced friend showed me tricks to steady a snakes tail and keep it straight while you insert the probe, things I would have struggled with.
If you have a good idea what you are doing, I'd just be careful the first time while you get the feel of it. Somebody else can tell you how many scales to count, each species is different... good luck!
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Steph S.
Boas...
1.1 Albino boas (Loki & Hope)
1.4 07 Het. albino boas (Petty & Lady,Sierra,Madeline,Lola)
0.1 Reverse stripe poss. het albino (Cookie)
0.1 Salmon/hypo (Scarlet)
0.1 Anery poss. het snow (Missy)
1.0 Anery (Reno)
0.1 DH Sunglow (Bonnie)
1.0 Het. Anery (Guy)
0.3 Normals (Ophelia, Sasha, & Lulu)
1.1 Surinames (Solomon & Surreal)
1.2 Hogg Isles (Mr.Orange & Peaches, Apricot)
0.0.1 Central American (Sassy)
0.1 Emerald Tree boa (Jade)
1.0 ATB (Satan... seriously!)
Pythons...
2.1 GTPs (B., Monty & Jewel)
0.0.3 BPs (MJ, Precious, Houdini)
1.1 Carpet Pythons (Jackson & Charlotte)
0.1 Blood python (Akaia)
Misc.
1.1 Mandarin Ratsnakes (Jack & Jill)
1.0 Boxer/Pitt Mutt (Tyson)

definitely, you should have someone show you before you try it for the first on on a boa yourself.
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Dave Lee

Definately a male.....almost swallowed the probe....lol

But I would get someone to show you in person before trying it yourself.
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