How do you measure follicle size?

[RideRed12]

I've tried palpating a million times and I just can't feel anything. I have three normal gals that I've been breeding since November, one going into shed. The one that is going into shed, I can't feel anything on her either but it might just be my technique. Any suggestions on palpating? Also, how can you determine follicle size without an Ultra Sound?

[Mike41793]

I think ultra sound is the only accurate way that people actually put a number on the size of them... But idk for sure

[ClarkT]

I use ultrasound. With knowing what size they actually are, vs. how they feel, I guess I could start to learn what different sizes feel like. But I think that would take a lot of practice to be good enough at it to be somewhat accurate at determining follicle size through palpation.

To me, it seems the 10-13mm follicles feel like something a little smaller than marbles. The 15-17mm range seem to feel like marbles. 20mm feel very prevalent/obvious. Follicles larger than 20 seem to disappear to my palpating attempts for some reason, but only in about 50% of the females... Don't know why. I would gues it's because I don't have years and years of experience at it yet.

I sure like the ultrasound thing... We just checked some more girls last night. Our YB is right on schedule, growing roughly 3mm every 2 weeks. She's at 16mm. Our Paradox Mojave has 9mm follicles. Based on other info. I've been able to find, they should ovulate between 27-35mm. If the 3mm per 2 weeks stays consistent, it gives me an idea of when I should expect ovulation and lay... Ultrasound rocks!

Anyway, I don't mean to deter from your thread. I'd say you need to be pairing for about 2-3 months as soon as you feel follicles. Of course, this is the first year we're using ultrasound, so my suggestions/ideas/information may change after these breedings.

[adamjeffery]

there are some very informative videos on you tube about palpating. they may help you. i know when i first started i wasnt squeezing hard enough in fear of hurting the snake. if you watch others you get an idea of how hard you need to be. you wont hurt them. and yes they seem to dissappear after a certain size and you wont be able to feel them after she ovulates either. but you will begin to see egg lumps before she lays which is cool.
adam jeffery

[RideRed12]

First off thanks for your answers! I've watched a million different videos and actually had a friend of mine show me how and I still can't get it. Just one of those things I suppose.

So if that girl I have is in shed and she does quite a bit more plump than she did six months ago, do you think this could possibly be her pre-lay shed? Even though I've failed every time at feeling for follicles.

One of the other two has a serious glow to her, and she looks almost swollen. My research says she is either close to or has ovulated. Yet again, I never felt any follicles.

Somewhat stressful!

[mojavereptiles]

I've heard a lot of people talking about doing Ultrasounds on their snakes... how do you go about getting ultrasounds - do you pay a local vet or do you buy or rent an ultrasound machine? If so, where'd you get it? Just curious

[coolballsdave]

Understanding the logistics of it really just takes time and practice. My first year was full of confusion. You will make sense of it all with a bit of practice and time. If you keep a close eye on your snakes you'll eventually start to connect with their needs and your intuition will be refined reguarding their reproductive cycles and feeding patterns. In a nutshell, I feel for you and it will get better.

[John1982]

I've tried palpating a million times and I just can't feel anything. I have three normal gals that I've been breeding since November, one going into shed. The one that is going into shed, I can't feel anything on her either but it might just be my technique. Any suggestions on palpating? Also, how can you determine follicle size without an Ultra Sound?

It's a lot easier to feel the follicles if you use something to reduce the friction you may encounter with bare hands. I use an old t-shirt when palpating. I apply a bit of pressure on the spine of the snake with my thumb, keeping my fingers pressing gently but firmly into the ventral scales. The female sucks her belly in while slithering through this grasp allowing me to feel the follicles as they bump over my fingertips. Hope this helps, John.

[RideRed12]

Thanks a ton for your help! Coolballsdave, no need to feel for me lol It's a little stressful but much more exciting. If they produce, awesome. If they don't I still had a ton of fun, not to mention the season isn't over yet and I still have years to come! I figure if I'm not learning something new everyday, I may as well quit.

John- I think I'm going to give that a try, but maybe with paper towels! We do that in school to feel dents for body work. It should work this way too, I'll also give your technique a try. I will let you know how it works. Thanks a ton!

Don't know what I would do without this forum. I might have to read a book or something! But lets be honest, who has time for books anymore?

[Sama]

I'm in the same boat, this is my first year and I have 2 girls that have been breeding since November and I can't tell a thing. Sometimes I think at least one of them looks huge, and the next time I look at her I think maybe she is always that big? Very confusing... Here is hoping us first timers have a big surprise in the next few weeks!