Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am not use to probing small snakes...I thought my 8 month old ETB was male based on the spurs but only got 3 subcaudal scale lengths....the probe I used was the larger ot the 2 in the next photo...its the smallest they make with a ball-tip...the smaller one is one of those flimsier wire ones with a "ring" on the other end....did I use the correct probe?...I got a new purchase coming up and dont want to buy the wrong sex...thanks

thanks

thanks

For an 8 month old emerald you should be using the larger of the two flimsy wire ones. The ball pointed probes are too big for baby emeralds. The spurs are not too big for the animal to be a female though.

Thank you so very much..its reasuring to get an answer from someone of your EXPERIENCE! thanks again!!!! norm

Thanks for the advice...I got just 3 subcaudals with the thin probe so its probably female, big spurs and all....
She bloodied my wrist pretty good though...didn't strike, just did that milksnake search for the soft spot and start to chew thing....that was fun!

Doesn't sound like fun with the chewing part but at least you know you have a girl!

Matt