Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to find a mate for my 1 1/2 ball python but i dont know what sex it is. What is the best way to sex it? Or do i have to take it to the vet to be sure? It is real healthy and eats great and i would hate to spend 40 dollars for some guy to say it a boy. Can you guys help? I can send pics if you want. Thanks very much you guys are a real big help. Thomas

only proping or poping will tell for shure. but today, mine flashed what i belive was a hemipenis at me.

A good way to sex a snake (without popping which if done wrong can damage the reproductive system) is the following: pinch the tail of the snake right beyone the cloaca, apply just enough pressure with the tail between your thumb and forefinger to make a small opening in the cloaca, drag your thumb down the underside of the tail all the way to the tip of the tail while still applying slight pressure. If it is a female it will be totally smooth, if it is a male you will feel a slight bump (almost like a small pepple) this is the hemipenis. This way is usually a good indication on how to determine the sex of a snake.