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Sperm plugs?

Astourna Mar 25, 2010 09:21 PM

I don't know if any of you remember but I have a young baird's that is supposedly "female" and supposedly "texan." I'm 90% certain she's actually a mexican. But now I'm not so certain "she" is a she. If these are sperm plugs in her shed then I suppose a name change is in order.

The bits of stuff near them is just substrate. Please ignore.

Image

Replies (10)

KevinM Mar 25, 2010 09:35 PM

Sorry I cant answer your question based on your pic. If it is texan, then being male would explain the more orange coloration typically seen in the male texan bairdi and you mistaking it for the typically duller female mexican which should be more orange in general than a male or female texan.

Astourna Mar 25, 2010 09:51 PM

Well, she was sold to me as a texan by a third party seller. Then I stumbled upon a photo of her as a hatchling on the breeder's website with the other mexican baird's, so I'm pretty sure she is. But I do find it interesting that the males look different. I didn't know that. This is my first snake so I don't have experience with them as far as any visual difference between males and females.
Image

KevinM Mar 26, 2010 11:36 AM

Not sure if this is something I just observe, or if fact, but male bairdi always appear more orange colored than the females for some reason. Doesnt matter if texan or mexican. Bairds are cool snakes and you should really enjoy keeping it as a pet. Maybe not as flashy as some of the corns, but cool nonetheless. Enjoy the new gal!!!

Astourna Mar 26, 2010 04:43 PM

I do enjoy this snake as a pet but I was hoping to breed 'her' some day when old enough and under the right conditions financially etc. If I ended up getting another male that would be a pain, although I'd be crazy to say I didn't want more of these wonderful snakes. I'd just like to know for future reference.

BillMcgElaphe Mar 26, 2010 05:11 PM

It’s a tough call and the animal may even be a Tex/Mex…. I think you may have to wait about another year to be sure.
As you probably know, almost all Bairds have some gray on the head.
The larger Bairds is a Texan, the smaller is a Mexican.
At this age the light gray head on the Mexican is obvious.
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This is a young Texas animal from the southern area of their US Range. She looks a little like yours, but still not as much light gray on the head.
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One of our Baird’s specialists like may want to comment.

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Regards, Bill McGighan

draybar Mar 26, 2010 05:33 PM

>>I do enjoy this snake as a pet but I was hoping to breed 'her' some day when old enough and under the right conditions financially etc. If I ended up getting another male that would be a pain, although I'd be crazy to say I didn't want more of these wonderful snakes. I'd just like to know for future reference.

I know the opinion you were seeking was if those are sperm plugs or not.
Unfortunately I can't help you, not sure what they are. I take it this is your only snake? Are there any shops near you that sell snakes? Or shows?
Maybe you could get someone to sex it for you.
Side and ventral shots of the tail (and cloacae) may allow for a tentative guess as to sex but it would be better to have someone experienced sex it for you.

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Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

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Astourna Mar 26, 2010 09:16 PM

Yes she's my only snake. She's the first one I've ever had. I've had her about 10 months and she's probably a bit less than a year old. We do have a good pet store nearby that I go to for mice for her. There's probably someone there that could sex her for me. I asked the vet I went to after I bought her from the reptile show and she said "snakes this young can't be sexed." Yeah okay... I didn't go back as she just rubbed me the wrong way anyway. Next time I go in to get some mice I'll bring her with me. Thanks for the suggestion. I suppose this doesn't matter much until she's of breeding age anyway.

geckoejon Mar 28, 2010 03:51 PM

i agree about taking it to have it sexed by someone with experienced, neutral, and trustworthy. i say that from personal experience and lessons learned. either way, looks like you have a nice pet. enjoy...

Astourna Apr 03, 2010 05:24 PM

I took my snake with me when I went to get some mice on Thursday. The guy there showed me how to feel for hemipenes, and I've read it's good for someone like me who doesn't have any experience sexing snakes. I know it's not as accurate as other methods but it's a place to start and I won't hurt anyone in the process either. His new name is Dune. It was Pandora before. Quite girly sounding. Poor little guy.

antelope Apr 11, 2010 08:10 AM

I'll go with yes on the male vs. female coloring being brighter or more orange in both the Texans and Mexicans, or even more reddish between the scales, in some areas the Texans can be brown, tan, silver or orange, but in general you're gonna see more color in the males. It's quite noticeable in the Mexicans especially. Nice lookin' snake!
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Todd Hughes

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