Male Ball python cloaca opening?

I recently got a female ball python and now sometimes when i handle my male, his vent will be opened a little. Is this bad or could it just be a sign he wants to mate? They are housed right next to each other aswell.

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Originally Posted by Bramble

I recently got a female ball python and now sometimes when i handle my male, his vent will be opened a little. Is this bad or could it just be a sign he wants to mate? They are housed right next to each other aswell.

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You are going to need to get a picture of this. The only times I have had a snake open its vent when being handled was when they were getting ready to shoot something unpleasant out.

just learned from a friend that its most likely him spreading pheromones. does this mean that he is producing sperm/is sexually mature?

One of ours does this when he's stressed. It usually only lasts about 15-30 seconds then it goes back to normal.

I need a video or pictures too! I've never seen this before, and I kept my males and females in the same rack.

Spreading pheromones huh? Thts a new one to me... if ur snakes backend is still like that U need to seek a vet.

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I generally only see it if the snake is a little nervous or unwilling to be handled - it's kind of like a clue they are thinking "Hmm would peeing or pooping on this thing make it put me down?" :rofl: