How do you sex a snake?

Answer 1

Sexing takes a lot of skill and a very steady hand. It is a simple procedure but can have devistating effects if done improperly (and sometimes even if done properly). In essence you take a small (one third or less the size of the base of the tail) rounded metal probe apply some KY Jelly (basic formula) to the tip of the probe, and gently insert it on either side of the tail at the cloaca in a downward motion (into/down the tail) you will gently push the probe down until there is a soft stopping point, think soft thud, but instead of hearing it you will feel it. Place your thumb or finger at the cloacal opening on the probe and gently slide it out. Hold the probe up to the straight tail and count the scales. If it's less than 5 it's GENERALLY a female, if it's more than 7 it's always a male. I would personally recommend having your vet show you how to do it, because it is a very delicate process. After they show you once or twice try it on your own in front of them and then after they think you have it down you're set to go on your own at home. If you do not have a set of probes you can also "pop" the snake. Male snakes have two hemipenes inverted inside their tails. Hold the snake upside down and place one thumb in front of the cloaca (anal vent). Place the other thumb on the tail below the cloaca and bend the tail back gently. Then roll the thumb in front of the cloaca down and forwards towards the cloaca while simultaneously pushing the tail back straight with the other thumb. This will usually evert ("pop") the hemipenes out of their pockets in a male snake. In the female, two small red dots indicating the scent glands will sometimes emerge. Popping is best done on juvenile snakes that have not yet gained their full muscle tone, although it can be done on adults, but only the hemipenes emerging is a definitive answer in the adult. A lack of hemipene popping in an adult snake could mean female or a male that has good muscle control.

Answer 2

The only way to "sex" any snake is to examine its internal sex organs. Alternately you can prove a snake is female if it has laid eggs or had young-as some species give live birth. Some experienced Herp handlers believe that they can sex a snake by examining the length from it's cloaca to the end of it's tail but this is unsubstantiated.

Answer 3

generally it is tricky, so take the snake to a veterinary office. often they will tell you for free.

Answer 4

The only way to tell the sex of your ball python is by taking the animal to a veterinarian. The animal doctor will be able to determine the sex of the snake.