Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could anyone advise on instructions on how to probe/pip correctly and safely? Or could you advise on where I might find online instructions on how to do so?

Thanks,
- Mark

Depending on what species, you may not need to probe the snakes or "pop" them. If you do need to learn how, I would suggest having a local breeder show you, as it can hurt the snake if not done properly.

Some species of snakes (especially ratsnakes) can be differenciated between sexes by looking at the drop-off after the vent. If it slowly tapers to a point, generally it's a male, if it quickly drops off it is most likely a female.

Also with adults (when you know their age helps) looking at the size of the animal can sometimes determine the sex. Sometimes color can be used too, just really depends on the species.
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Current Collection:
0.1 Antherystic elaphe guttata guttata - Corn Snake
1.0 Elaphe vulpina gloydi - Eastern Fox Snake
0.1 Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta - Black Rat Snake
0.1 Leucistic elaphe obsoleta linheimeri - Texas Ratsnake
1.1 Morelia spilota cheyni - Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Tiliqua scincoides intermedia - Northern Blue Tongue Skink