Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question concerning lubrication of probes. I saw a video on you tube of someone using vaseline. I thought that I had read some years ago to not use a petroleum based lube. Perhaps my memory has faded or perhaps methods have changed. In the past, I have just used water because of the info I had received. Can anyone please tell me what they use? Thank you

I use a KY gel or a mixture of KY with a tiny bit of alcohol hand disinfectant. Not too much or you will create a solution that would burn the snake when inserted, just a few drops per tablespoon to discourage the growth of bacteria. I use this mix when I am sexing snakes in the field. You could probably just go with KY for your personal collection.
-----
3.4 ball pythons
1.1 kingsnakes
0.1 crazy cat
?!.?! ASFs
1.0 husband

A lot of people use KY jelly.
But my personal preference has been good old fashioned H20.
I just make sure both the probe and the vent area are good and wet. (I use distilled water)
Distilled water has a safe Ph....and there are no chemicals present in it. Water is not thick like KY....so sperm should have no trouble navigating through it on their adventurous journey...lol.

While that last (silly) statement may only be of importance if you are pairing the snake shortly after confirming it's gender....I prefer not to introduce anything foreign to that important end of the animal.

So anyway, I have always used distilled water. It works fine and certainly provides adequate lubrication. Keep it simple.

There's not need to fret....just get it wet!

Your friend,
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-245-7611
970-255-9255

You can get it at a good drug store. A tube of sterile lubricant.

please don't just stick it in your mouth to wet it, like I have seen people do at shows....freakin hogs....

....mineral oil....

.
.
.
-----
....Jed....
gone but never forgotten....
sorry my buddy, .....................
June 98 -July 9,09
Jedediah's Golden Dream