Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I adopted a ball python today, I picked it up and it was already in shed. I noticed something just under the vent of the tail. It had these two small stick like objects coming out of the tail. Is the ball python shedding its hemopenis? I have seen what hemopenis looks like, two red some what long things sticking out the vent when popped. But I have never seen these curved stick things coming out of the tail. The people I got the snake from knew little about ball pythons and didn't know the sex. I would take a pic of it, but I don't want to stress the snake out on its first night home. Can anyone tell me what it is?

Could be sperm plugs if it's a male.

Eric

but it didn't come out of the vent, I have seen sperm plugs come out of a ball pythons hemopenis and I don't believe those were sperm plugs. But I am no expert, correct me if Im wrong.

If they aren't sperm plugs... are you sure they aren't the spurs? BPs have two small, sometimes curved, spurs near the base of their tail. Both sexes have them. Do they look like little horns?

yes, they look like curved like horns out of the tail. It really freaked me out. I have a baby ball and it doesn't have it. Well, at least I think it doesn't. Do all ball pythons grow spurs or just some? That might be a dumb question, but I really didn't know they had spurs.

Greetings,

Don't worry. I believe what you are looking at are 'cloacal spurs'. Boas and pythons have them. They are small bones that are believed to be what is left of the development of lizard like legs. Google for the topic and you should find a lot of information.

Cheers,
Jason

Thank you