Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have yet to learn how to probe and actually have a few older snakes that I can not pop of course and would like to learn. I am going to speak to my vet about going over it with me next week to teach me but wanted to ask any of you for additional tips that might be important to know. Your input is appreciated.

Dawn

After someone showed me how to probe, I then practiced on dead specimens. I do taxidermy so I had quite a few specimens in the freezer. Also, right after I was showed how to do it I went and collected a bunch of road kills of various species and sizes and practiced.

Easier than you think. And it is not harmful to the snake at all. And you would have to really mishandle a snake to do it wrong and hurt the snake.

Kerby...

at the store i worked at we used and inert lubricant such as ky jelly, we also tried neosprinbut the ky just to ease any friction or discomfort for the snake, it seemed to work the best, just be careful not to do it too fast and if you feel resistance stop

-----
1.2 THAYERI
1.2 CORNS SNAKES (SNOW/STRIPEDSUNGLOW/WHITE TAIL CANDYCANE)

0.1 REDFOOT TORTOISE
0.1 PYXIE FROG

...to use a gentle twisting motion as you insert the probe, don't just push it in.

Will

Is there a certain brand that is reccomended over others?

I wouldn't say that there is one brand that is better, but the ones with solid bases are easier to use than the bent wire ones. Decide based on comfort during use (for you and the probee) and the type of snakes you will be probing. For example, I have given up on buying probes sight unseen, because most sets don't have probes that are small enough to sex baby kingsnakes (which is what I really need them for). If you will be determining the gender of a variety of different sizes and types of snakes, then most commercially available sets will do, as they come in a variety of diameters. However, if you will be probing babies of a small species, then look at the probes in person (at a show or a shop) before you buy them to see if they are thin enough to work for you. Good luck.

Will

Is how you get the probe inserted towards the tail... If you have a VERY good idea of what you are doing would you recomend trying to probe one of your older snakes, or would you wait until an experienced person can show you hands on?
-----
0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Ball Python "Wilson" (Castaway)
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
0.0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Onyx"

Here's a good link with narrative and pics, courtesy of the Barkers:

http://www.vpi.com/9VPITipsAndTechs/DeterminingTheSexOfSnakes/DeterminingTheSexOfSnakes.htm

Good luck!

Bob