Sexing probes....coupla questions?

[Slitherous]

I'm anxiously awaiting ovulation in one of my females, and decided I needed to find my probes, (just in case). I got them two decades ago from FurMont Reptile Supply, (long gone), and of course right when I wanted to find them they disappeared into the black hole that accompanies me in life. So, I'm contemplating ordering a new set, and I have a couple/few questions:

1. Which variety/brand do you use? (ie; where did you get yours.......please include a link if you have one).

2. What size do you use for hatchling BP's?

3. Do any of you use ultrasound for sexing? (just curious...I see they are being used to detect follicles by some, just wondered if it would work for sexing).




Thanks ahead of time!

S

[Domepiece]

are you saying that you will need them for your hatchlings? If so, hatchlings can be easily sexed by being popped. I see no need to probe hatchlings. Either way, good luck on your breeding.

[Slitherous]

are you saying that you will need them for your hatchlings? If so, hatchlings can be easily sexed by being popped. I see no need to probe hatchlings. Either way, good luck on your breeding.

Thanks, it's been a long time since my last clutch, but I need all the luck I can get!

I just don't like "popping" juvenile snakes, even though it's reputed to be easy and harmless when they are newly hatched, (I just never found it "easy" for some reason). My partner at the time was better at it than me, so I mostly just had him do it. I know a lot of people use the method and never have any problems, but that's the reason I got the original set of probes, (at the suggestion of an exotic animal vet I knew); I was just not that comfortable doing it, (even though I had done it many times). For some reason I always had trouble getting them to "pop", (it requires a certain finesse I just don't seem to have), and I was always felt like I was squeezing too hard. On the other hand, I found using probes relatively easy and reliable after having the vet show me how to do it. Afterward I sexed many a baby snake that way, (til I lost the durned things that is!!). According to the vet it was somewhat less obtrusive to the animal if done right, and due to my discomfort with "popping" it became my preference; though you do have to be gentle and attentive when probing babies. I guess it's a matter of preference, and I just prefer using probes.

S

[RoseyReps]

This is the set I'm looking at purchasing - http://www.reptilebasics.com/sexing-probes-8piece
They also have this set, for just hatchlings/juvi's - http://www.reptilebasics.com/husband...icro-ball-tip/

They have 2 other sets, but I wanted the ball-tipped ones. (The others are rounded, but these seem to be more newbie friendly )

[Slitherous]

This is the set I'm looking at purchasing - http://www.reptilebasics.com/sexing-probes-8piece
They also have this set, for just hatchlings/juvi's - http://www.reptilebasics.com/husband...icro-ball-tip/

They have 2 other sets, but I wanted the ball-tipped ones. (The others are rounded, but these seem to be more newbie friendly )

Thanks for the link. The set I lost was ball-tipped, so that is most likely what I will order. Thanks again for the response!

S

[BHReptiles]

These are the probes I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-Snake-...item3f1eb128cf

I have a smaller set with no ball-tips for my corn snakes to double-check my females. I usually pop my corn snakes and probe my ball pythons since I'm terrible at popping ball pythons.

[Slitherous]

These are the probes I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-Snake-...item3f1eb128cf

I have a smaller set with no ball-tips for my corn snakes to double-check my females. I usually pop my corn snakes and probe my ball pythons since I'm terrible at popping ball pythons.

Thanks. It's vindicating to know that someone else has trouble popping BP's, didn't think I was alone on that one. I'd much rather use a probe than manhandle a hatchling. Thanks for the link!

S

[RoseyReps]

I am terrible at popping. I think I've successfully done it once, but probably not. Hopefully I will be better at probing...

[Slitherous]

I am terrible at popping. I think I've successfully done it once, but probably not. Hopefully I will be better at probing...

I've never believed that it doesn't hurt the snake, but squeezing their genitals between your thumbs doesn't sound or feel "harmless" to me. Probing is easy, you just have to be careful to not push too hard and make sure and use a sterile lubricant.

S

[BHReptiles]

I feel like with my lack of experience, I'm hurting my babies trying to pop them. I'm pretty good at probing and as long as the baby is sitting relatively still, it's pretty easy to do without injuring them. The only trouble I've run into when probing a ball python is that my male LOVES to poop on me the moment the probe goes in. I had to replace my keyboard because of that. Now, I do all my probing over a towel.