i believe that is true...i believe that only the male boas have the spurs (or vestigal legs to us bio-majors)
08-18-2006, 06:12 AM
sweety314
Re: sexing dumeril boa
Whether true or not, probing would be the most accurate, but be careful. Have someone experienced do it until you've had a chance to become well acquainted w/the technique.
:)
*grumble, grumble* I'm STILL trying to get my herp vet to work w/me on this....but it WILL happen, Grasshopper. ;)
08-18-2006, 03:15 PM
Rcar77
Re: sexing dumeril boa
I just found out my answer. Males do have spurs. thanks
08-18-2006, 04:28 PM
Pork Chops N' Corn Bread
Re: sexing dumeril boa
I believe females do to. I know female red tail boas do. They aren't nearly as noticable but they are there
08-18-2006, 04:38 PM
cassandra
Re: sexing dumeril boa
I can't feel any on Carmen, my bcc, but then she always don't like me messing with her butt!
"Quit that!" *slither*
08-18-2006, 04:43 PM
Pork Chops N' Corn Bread
Re: sexing dumeril boa
Ruby is a bit bigger than carmen(almost 6') and I can see them when I look hard. Seems weird but one of my buddies asked me why snakes don't have legs and I had to explain that some do still have "legs"
08-18-2006, 04:44 PM
cassandra
Re: sexing dumeril boa
Makes sense that the spurs are more visible/noticable on an older/larger snakey girl...=)
08-18-2006, 04:51 PM
Pork Chops N' Corn Bread
Re: sexing dumeril boa
Of course. The spurs grow with the animal just like their heads do. Imagine a 6' boa with a head the size of a neonates! lol
08-18-2006, 07:46 PM
ssscales
Re: sexing dumeril boa
I've seen some females with spurs just as large as any male and males with spurs just as small as some females. Popping or probing are the only 99% to 100% sure way to sex snakes.
Sure, there are some signs such as some females may have shorter/stubby tails Vs some males have longer/slender tails. In some cases with babies instead of popping some can feel the hemis by rubbing their thumb and feeling around the area.
I prefer to pop babies and probe snakes if they are 5-6+ months of age.