Sexing (Popping Specifically) and breeding questions.

So I was "told" the sexes of my ball pythons before I got them but I would like to be able to double check myself, especially since Im thinking of possibly trying to breed out my male this winter.

Is there a sticky perhaps on the methods to popping a ball python to determine sex? Ive read up a little but would not want to mess up, especially since id be doing it on 2 pieds.

Also ive heard many different inputs on how long to wait till you breed a male. Well my male is just under 500 grams would he be a possibility this year? How about how long till you can breed a female/weight.

Once again thanks for all the help and input :P

Lots of videos on Youtube on popping

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by llovelace

Lots of videos on Youtube on popping

---

yeah I watched 2 videos. I just really wanted to hop on here and comment as to be 100% sure I am doing the right thing. Would be devastated if I accidentally harmed the snake. It also caught my eye that doing this on hatchlings is the best time, Is it still ok to do once they are bigger?

It's fine to do when they are larger. Just be aware of how much pressure you're using, and be sure you have the technique down.

Most useful tips:
Your thumb goes right in his vent, essentially--most common mistake people make is to place their thumb too far back.
Roll your other thumb along the tail toward the vent, don't slide it.

Practice on your normal male! Males are easier because something pops out and then you know you did it right!

If you know any local breeders or are going to a show you may want to ask someone to show you how. Most experts are very friendly and will show you how. I always think its interesting how they just flip the snake and do it... seems kinda rough but they know what they are doing.

There are some great video out there however nothing like having someone show you and practice.

If someone shows you, you get a better feel on where your fingers need to be and how much pressure is really needed.

The main mistake people often make is the positioning of their fingers and above all not applying enough pressure.

Again the best thing is to find someone local and then keep practicing.

wow thanks for all the awesome replies!

Yeah like I said I watched 2 videos (one with ralph davis) and I just dont feel comfortable with it lol.

I have 3 ball pythons. Male and female pied and a female normal. I would be most inclined to try her first obviously, but would really like to attempt it on my "male" pied.

female normal is 250 grams
female pied is 470 grams
male pied is 485 grams

I am most interested in popping the male but nowhere around here has like professional breeder stores. Just like petco or shops like that.

I'm with you, too paranoid to try it myself just yet, but from what I've read
the females should be at least 1200g (although some sites say 1500g)
and the males right around 500g, to breed that is,
so your girls are still too small, bummer, LOVE pieds.

haha yeah.

Ok so i attempted to pop my "male" pied a couple times last night. I am going to wait a couple days and try again. I did get the cloaca or whatever its called to pop out a bit. Although I didnt see any hemipines. he squeeze out some pee a little so im not sure if thats a sign I was doing it wrong. I saw two smaller dots but from what ive seen the hemepines should be easily detected. Hopefully I didnt put enough pressure (was being pretty careful) and the hemepines just didnt come out. I would be pretty bummed if he turned out to be a she. I might try to pop my normal "female" tonight to see what happens.

Any more thoughts or suggestions?