Probing/popping assistance

Hey guys, I'll be getting my probe set soon, and I would like to learn how to sex my BP's in methods of probing while they are still young (and I am still bigger than them). The thing is, I tried asking my local vet, and he wants to charge me $110 just to sex them, and to let me watch. As a side note, he's never done it before, but says he knows how :eek:

So I just wnated to toss it out there to ask if anyone is in the NY, Queens or the three buroughs area that may show me hands on how to probe/pop ball pythons for future reference, and personal education of course :D

The thing I'm super concerned about is my spider that is supposed to be female. My friend said I shoudl double check as it will be a 3 year investment, and I don't want to sit and be arrogant with a plan that may blow up in my face (assuming it is a female but isn't and not finding out until year 2010 = lose)

Edit: Ugh I should have made this thread under General BP's. Sorry! :mad:

Here's a couple links for you:

http://www.pythons.com/probing.html

http://www.pilbarapythons.com/sexing.htm

http://www.corn-utopia.com/Corn%20Ut...h%20Probes.htm

http://www.dewsburycrafts.co.za/prob...structions.htm

As each site mentions, probing is something that you really shouldn't try doing all on your own without having been shown by someone with experience first. It's not like I've done it myself, but I know I wouldn't want to risk causing any damage and depending on the willingness of the animal it seems to be a two person job anyway.

:) Hopefully a more experienced member will live in your area and be willing to show you how... If not, perhaps there is a local breeder who would be willing.

The vet who taught me worked at the local zoo. Try pet stores or hobbyist in your area. Most will show you how to do it for free. My vet charged me only $15 for 3 snakes. She was the only vet who would see me those. the rest were scared.

it's really not that hard, and if you use an appropriately sized probe very little possibility of doing damage. I'm not advocating trying on your own from the get go, so don't take it that way. If you do it and hurt something, don't come back saying "Well F8 said it was easy!"

BTW, $110 just to probe ONE snake is ridiculous...