probing and popping question

[chrisg]

hi i have about a 2ft long lesser platty that probes to about 8 subcaudual scales but i cannot pop it at all, it feeds really well, the same as all m snakes and has the characteristics of a male ie size and robustness, do you think he is definitely a male?

[kellysballs]

When you probe it do both sides probe to the same depth? From what I have read females tend to probe to different depths. For example 3 scales on oneside and 5 on the other, and males will probe the same depth on both sides.

[Freakie_frog]

Don't be so sure I have a male Pastel that would put most females to shame. 8 scales sounds like a male to me.

Now for the question. If you got the Lesser from a reputable breeder it should have come with papers stating sex and genetic lineage. If you have doubts just pick up the phone and call the breeder.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

I wouldn't use feeding response as an indicator, as most of my females eat better than my males. You have tried popping it...maybe you are too close to the cloaca with your low thumb? Try sliding your low thumb lower down the tail, and then doing a combination of rolling and sliding up towards to cloaca to try and evert the hemipenes. Right now you may be directly on top of them so they won't evert?

JonV

[chrisg]

yea both sides probe to about 8 scale, i heard somewhere that some snakes have really strong muscles around there cloaca and can stop you popping their penes out, hmm anyone else got any info??

many thanks

[Freakie_frog]

Males when they get older can be hard to pop for some one not use to doing it. Best bet is to pop the young and check them from time to time. People make mistakes.

[kellysballs]

Did you produce this animal or was it purchased?

If it was purchased it probably was sexed shortly after hatching when it is super easy to invert the hemipenes.

I personally find it hard to pop animals over 400ish grams so I probe them. It is just easier for me. However I know breeders that can easily pop 1500 gram males with no problem. I have been told it is all about the technique.

[Freakie_frog]

However I know breeders that can easily pop 1500 gram males with no problem. I have been told it is all about the technique.

It takes soft hands and a low voice.. but it can be done

[cinderbird]

I was kind of wondering the same thing. I tried to pop my (purchased as) 07 female who weighs in at 1100 grams as of monday. I thought i saw something that resembled sperm plugs in her tub, although she didnt shed very well so it could have been just a rolled up piece of shed. I've caught her laying inverted on occasion but males do that too! Needless to say, i was completely unsuccessful with sexing her and may bring her to a local breeder to get probed.

[tlscott77]

Just push and roll the tail forward. Its really easy.