Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, I know it is tough, but is there any way to atleast "sorta" tell the sex of my California Kingsnake without probing??? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Brian

I've read in a couple of books that sometimes you can tell by their tails, but I think that really only works with older snakes. Other than probing, I don't think there is a sure-fire way.

>_
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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden) (missing )
1.0 Florida Kingsnake possible mix (Eddie Gein)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

Like Holly says, you can SOMETIMES tell by looking at the tails, but it's nowhere as reliable as probing. Here's a pair of pics to show what to look for........

Male

Female....

Sometimes when it's not as obvious as the above pics, you can try running your thumb and finger on either side of the tail, with a little pressure, from above the vent down to the tail to feel for the lumps from the hemipenis. But again, this is not as reliable as probing.
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Ace

Yeah, my Eddie might end up being "Edwina" but I'm not getting him probed until he's quite a bit older/bigger.
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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden) (missing )
1.0 Florida Kingsnake possible mix (Eddie Gein)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

Thanks Ace that was really helpful. Great pics! If I end up wanting to get it probed to find out, can I take my snake somewhere to get it done or is it easy to learn how to do? I dont want to hurt it by any means, so fill me in. Thanks

Brian

The safest, easiest way is for a reptile veterinarian to do it.

I have no idea how much it would cost to take your snake into the vet for the procedure, but the risk of having someone inexperienced try to probe is a higher cost, IMO.

A local breeder would probably also be able to do it, but I'd still suggest a reptile vet.

I think there's still a list on kingsnake.com of all reptile vets near your area.
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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden) (missing )
1.0 Florida Kingsnake possible mix (Eddie Gein)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

Thank you very much, you guys are awesome!

Brian