Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On an adult Red Tail 6 foot plus, if spurs are (not) present, what is the assurity that it is a female ????. I have always been of the understanding that sprs = male -- no spurs = female. Set me straight .......... thanks

All of my boas had spurs. The females are just much smaller than the males spurs, located on both sides of cloaca. Although some boas can loose there spurs and even be born without any spurs. Best way to verify sex is for the snake to be probed by an experienced herper or better yet vet. Hope this helps and "sets you straight". LoL

Well thats partly right, boas from Madagascar , the females do not have them at all, only the males have them, making them easy to sex at birth.

And probing snakes..ahhhh come on... the easiest way is the thumb slide,you don'r even have to pop them or cause any discomfort.

Just rub your thumb firmly from the vent down towards the end with your pointer finger applying some preasure from the bottom.
While rubbing with a continueous motion a male boa will have the hemipens just past the vent halfway down to the tail, you will feel those kind of like a bump bump, if it is a female you will not feel the two little bumps, the females tails are also more firmer, not jiggly like the males .

It will take some practice but once you get it it will work 99% of the time.