Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all! I have a question about sexing. I have decided to take Fluffy to the vet next Friday for a check up, and I decided while I was there I'd finally have him sexed. To my disappointment, I could only find ONE vet clinic in my area that handles snakes, but on the up side, it's very close to my house, and was highly recommened by the many other vet clinics I called. After being put on hold for a good 10 minutes (I guess they're really busy Thursday mornings) I made the appointement, and asked if it would also be possible to have him sexed. The secretary had no clue, so she put me on hold for another 5 minutes while she asked someone. When she got back on the phone she said that it would be possible, but that the vet had said,

1. it's not 100% reliable (what IS these days?)

and

2. there are risks involved.

Now, I have never heard or read anything about risks. I mean, obviously, if you don't know what you're doing, it's not a good idea to try and I'm sure there would be risks involved in that case, but I figured the vet of all people would know the proper way to do it. I was going to ask her exactly what those risks are, and then figured she wouldn't know anyways since she wasn't even sure they could do it, and I could tell they were busy, so I doubted that I'd be able to talk to an actual vet. I'm going to speak with the vet about it when I go in on Friday, but I'm just curious, and was wondering if anyone could elaborate a bit about what she was talking about in the mean time. I mean, I'm not breeding him or anything, so knowing whether he's really a she isn't too incredibly necessary, especially if it means putting him at risk.

Thanks in advance!!
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Cindy :-D

Like many things, there is potential for harm - the probe can be pushed through the thin layer of tissue. You could use a probe that's too large and potentially tear tissue.

None of this should be an issue with an experienced vet. On animals about 650 grams and above, I normally do a pre-check before probing. Basically, I'm looking for sperm plugs. I will go through the motions similar to popping a hatchling. Most of the time, if the animal is male, sperm plugs come out. At this point, I do not probe as I'm confident it's a male (unless this snake was breeding recently). If nothing comes out, I probe. And I probe both sides. The only time I'm in question is when the probe goes around 7 deep. I have two proven females that go 7 deep on both sides.

Watch the vet and ensure the tip of the probe is going towards the tail. Also, I prefer to lubricate my probes. Your vet should be extremely gentle with the probe and snake.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

Thanks for the advice!
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Cindy :-D

It should be noted that pushing through the hemipene homologs in a female, will not cause damage to the female other than to make it really difficult to sex her by probing. Still you should never use any force at all, if it doesn't slide right in, don't push it. Definitely use lubrication, but if you plan on breeding them soon, be careful what kind of lubrication you use as many will have adverse effects on procreation.

Posted by: rwoodyer at Fri May 6 00:27:20 2005 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]

It should be noted that pushing through the hemipene homologs in a female, will not cause damage to the female other than to make it really difficult to sex her by probing. Still you should never use any force at all, if it doesn't slide right in, don't push it. Definitely use lubrication, but if you plan on breeding them soon, be careful what kind of lubrication you use as many will have adverse effects on procreation.

It could still cause an infection ...couldn't it ?

What type of lubricants have adverse affects?
Is it safe to assume that it is the males sperm that is affected?
If so,what lubricants are non-spermicidal that you know of?
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Charles Glaspie

It should be noted that pushing through the hemipene homologs in a female, will not cause damage to the female other than to make it really difficult to sex her by probing.

Is there any proof of this or is this speculation? I would think at the very least, it could negatively impact breeding.

It could still cause an infection ...couldn't it ?

I would think this is possible.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I only know of several cases where this actually happened (puncturing the homologs). Doubtful it would cause an infection, but possible if dirty bacteria covered probes were used to do the puncturing. Puncturing usually happens because people use probes that are way too small with way too much force. Doesn't cause any problems with breeding because the hemipene homologs in females have no breeding function. I have read this and know of females that reproduced after they were originally thought to be males because of this situation. On the other hand, if you puncture the hemipenes of a male, I am guessing that you have effectively sterilized him. The best lubricant is something water based (for example KY). Hopefully, you know the sex of you balls well before you decide you are going to breed them anyway.

Water based lubricants that contain no spermicide are best and don't probe right before breeding (KY liquid, just don't tell the cashier it is for your snake...lol). That should eliminate any problems.

KY liquid

Gotcha..thanks
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Charles Glaspie