sex of snake

how can i tell?

The most sure way to tell is to have an experienced vet or breeder probe the snake. A small metal rod is slid into the snake's cloaca. The depth that it can reach tells you the sex of the animal. Sometimes a snake can be "popped" meaning it's sex organs can be exposed...but if not done properly, it can damage the sex organs, especially on an older animal.

There's no certain way to visually sex a ball python.

ohhh i hoping that there was a for me to check but ill to go to the vet

It's a good idea to get a new snake checked out at the vet anyhow. Bring a fecal sample with you so they can check for internal parasites...which are fairly common, especially among wild-caught animals.

And worms apparently are common as well among pet-store bought herps - supposedly due to the feede stock. Lest ye not forget the p00p.

alrite that sounds good hopefully ill have my new buddy tonight!!!!!!

Good luck with that. I'm sure you'll enjoy him. :)

ya i cant wait i keep goin to the pet store and checking out what they got!!!! right im try to get the tank to the temp it needs to be b4 i get him... its moving slowly but surely

Very good. Glad you're making sure the setup is right before putting him in it. It takes patience but it's worth it. Are you getting him from a reptile specialty shop?

no. . . . a petco. . . the only place in maine that sells them

I hope that works out for you. Petco is notorious for bad husbandry...but I imagine there are the occassional stores with good management and staff.

If you're in Maine, it might be well worth the drive to go see NERD. I'm not sure how long of a drive it would be for you...but personally, I'd drive a long way to see that place and buy from them!

Yup, what she said. Or order online.

ya ive been there it was awesome my friend almost got nailed by a camen

My snake that I got as a bday present in Dec came from Petco -- severely dehydrated, had mites, didn't eat, etc. I'd hate to see somebody else get a bp like that. She's much better now, by the way, but still hasn't had a good shed.

If you wait 'til next month, there's a show in Manchester, NH. You never know though, some Petcos aren't too bad.

my was the best one in there the tank he/she was moving around try to excape while the rest were just lying around. . also this was the most charming compared to the other ones i wanna bite-cha additude.... today im gunna try feeding him a couple fuzzys(dead ones). . . . we'll see how that goes.

"Just lying around" is normal ball python behavior during the day and an inclination to bite is not a bad sign in juvie balls -- in fact, some importers look for that. I'm glad you're happy with yours, but it would be a very good idea to take it to a vet who is knowledgeable about herps for a checkup and fecal sample. Most pet store ball pythons (regardless of store name) are imported wild caught, of which nearly all have parasites, and few pet stores pre-treat for the parasites and the few that do are generally going to be reptile specialists.

Here is a list of the vets in Maine who are members of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, which is a good sign for familiarity and experience. Because you're so happy with your new little guy, I know you'll want to make sure he's healthy, and probably want to have it sexed as well so you know if you have a male or female.

ya thanks for that website that will help me out alot. he hasnt done his deed yet soo ill wait till he does it, to give the doctors a call.

You're welcome! Hope the doc has lots of good things to say. :)

same here

ok back on the sex of snake thing i was reading on a site that u can tell by the tail of a bp but i dunno i have nothing to compare i.e my snakes tail is very short... abouy 1" 5/8 from cloaca.......

It's not a reliable way to tell, nor is the length of the spurs. The only reliable ways are popping and probing by someone who knows what they're doing.

how much does a sexing of a snake usually goo for??

My vet included that as part of my BP's first visit/checkup. The cost was $52.00. I would assume, though, that like everything else, the cost of vet care would vary according to where you live. I'm in north-central West Virginia where the cost of living is relatively low.

I inquired around town and only a few vets deal with herps. Anyway they will charge 25 smacks for a visit and then add stuff if its needed. Do they have Health insurance for snakes?

Actually, you can buy pet insurance for all types of pets, including reptiles.

Really? Whom from? Like your regular insurance companies?

This is one that my dog's vet recommended. From what I understand, it's pretty widely accepted.. http://www.petinsurance.com/

Oh ok, thnx.

i got our Lucy from a pet store, and I swear I'll never do it again...she had a mite infestation that wasn't visible because they didnt have the temps up properly in the enclosures...once i got her home.. all the eggs hatched in 3 days and we went thru HELL for over 2 weeks trying to get rid of them and disinfect the tank as well..cost me just about the same for all the remedies as it did for the overpriced snake. I've also seen active mites on snakes in other petstores...so you can guarantee probable ALL their herps had them since they travel so easily. Better to buy from a reputable breeder or at a reptile show - half the price and healthier animals