Sexing probes....coupla questions?

I'm anxiously awaiting ovulation in one of my females, and decided I needed to find my probes, (just in case). I got them two decades ago from FurMont Reptile Supply, (long gone), and of course right when I wanted to find them they disappeared into the black hole that accompanies me in life. So, I'm contemplating ordering a new set, and I have a couple/few questions:

1. Which variety/brand do you use? (ie; where did you get yours.......please include a link if you have one).

2. What size do you use for hatchling BP's?

3. Do any of you use ultrasound for sexing? (just curious...I see they are being used to detect follicles by some, just wondered if it would work for sexing).




Thanks ahead of time!

S

are you saying that you will need them for your hatchlings? If so, hatchlings can be easily sexed by being popped. I see no need to probe hatchlings. Either way, good luck on your breeding.

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Originally Posted by Domepiece

are you saying that you will need them for your hatchlings? If so, hatchlings can be easily sexed by being popped. I see no need to probe hatchlings. Either way, good luck on your breeding.

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Thanks, it's been a long time since my last clutch, but I need all the luck I can get!

I just don't like "popping" juvenile snakes, even though it's reputed to be easy and harmless when they are newly hatched, (I just never found it "easy" for some reason). My partner at the time was better at it than me, so I mostly just had him do it. I know a lot of people use the method and never have any problems, but that's the reason I got the original set of probes, (at the suggestion of an exotic animal vet I knew); I was just not that comfortable doing it, (even though I had done it many times). For some reason I always had trouble getting them to "pop", (it requires a certain finesse I just don't seem to have), and I was always felt like I was squeezing too hard. On the other hand, I found using probes relatively easy and reliable after having the vet show me how to do it. Afterward I sexed many a baby snake that way, (til I lost the durned things that is!!). According to the vet it was somewhat less obtrusive to the animal if done right, and due to my discomfort with "popping" it became my preference; though you do have to be gentle and attentive when probing babies. I guess it's a matter of preference, and I just prefer using probes.

S

This is the set I'm looking at purchasing - http://www.reptilebasics.com/sexing-probes-8piece
They also have this set, for just hatchlings/juvi's - http://www.reptilebasics.com/husband...icro-ball-tip/

They have 2 other sets, but I wanted the ball-tipped ones. (The others are rounded, but these seem to be more newbie friendly :please:)

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

This is the set I'm looking at purchasing - http://www.reptilebasics.com/sexing-probes-8piece
They also have this set, for just hatchlings/juvi's - http://www.reptilebasics.com/husband...icro-ball-tip/

They have 2 other sets, but I wanted the ball-tipped ones. (The others are rounded, but these seem to be more newbie friendly :please:)

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Thanks for the link. The set I lost was ball-tipped, so that is most likely what I will order. Thanks again for the response!:)

S

These are the probes I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-Snake-...item3f1eb128cf

I have a smaller set with no ball-tips for my corn snakes to double-check my females. I usually pop my corn snakes and probe my ball pythons since I'm terrible at popping ball pythons.

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

These are the probes I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-Snake-...item3f1eb128cf

I have a smaller set with no ball-tips for my corn snakes to double-check my females. I usually pop my corn snakes and probe my ball pythons since I'm terrible at popping ball pythons.

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Thanks. It's vindicating to know that someone else has trouble popping BP's, didn't think I was alone on that one. I'd much rather use a probe than manhandle a hatchling. Thanks for the link!

S

I am terrible at popping. I think I've successfully done it once, but probably not. Hopefully I will be better at probing... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I am terrible at popping. I think I've successfully done it once, but probably not. Hopefully I will be better at probing... :rolleyes:

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I've never believed that it doesn't hurt the snake, but squeezing their genitals between your thumbs doesn't sound or feel "harmless" to me. Probing is easy, you just have to be careful to not push too hard and make sure and use a sterile lubricant.

S

I feel like with my lack of experience, I'm hurting my babies trying to pop them. I'm pretty good at probing and as long as the baby is sitting relatively still, it's pretty easy to do without injuring them. The only trouble I've run into when probing a ball python is that my male LOVES to poop on me the moment the probe goes in. I had to replace my keyboard because of that. Now, I do all my probing over a towel. ;)

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

I feel like with my lack of experience, I'm hurting my babies trying to pop them. I'm pretty good at probing and as long as the baby is sitting relatively still, it's pretty easy to do without injuring them. The only trouble I've run into when probing a ball python is that my male LOVES to poop on me the moment the probe goes in. I had to replace my keyboard because of that. Now, I do all my probing over a towel. ;)

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Yuk, on your keyboard? Be glad you aren't into cats!!!!

I've been pooped on by all kinds of snakes; kingsnakes, milksnakes, hognose, other pythons, (notably retics and bloods, occasionally a burmese), but never has one of my BP's unloaded on me, (but I haven't stuck a rod up one's butt lately, so maybe that's the trick?). I'll remember the paper towel when I do. BTW, I like the probes you linked me to, so I put them on my Ebay watch list. I like that the sizes are color coded, so even though there are a few lesser expensive sets out there, I think I'll probably end up with those; thanks!

S

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Originally Posted by Slitherous

Yuk, on your keyboard? Be glad you aren't into cats!!!!

I've been pooped on by all kinds of snakes; kingsnakes, milksnakes, hognose, other pythons, (notably retics and bloods, occasionally a burmese), but never has one of my BP's unloaded on me, (but I haven't stuck a rod up one's butt lately, so maybe that's the trick?). I'll remember the paper towel when I do. BTW, I like the probes you linked me to, so I put them on my Ebay watch list. I like that the sizes are color coded, so even though there are a few lesser expensive sets out there, I think I'll probably end up with those; thanks!

S

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I used to have cats! I'm actually going to get me a couple of kittens when I get my own apartment after nursing school. But, I've never had my cats make me purchase another of something. When my male pooped on my keyboard, I removed the keys to try and clean it and I just couldn't get the smell off. So I jut replaced it. lol.

So far -knock on wood- I've not been pooped on by my corn snakes. And this male is the only one who's nailed me. He's pooped/peed on me at least three times and I've only had him since September. He even pooped on me at the show I got him from. I have a video xD

As for the probes, I REALLY like them. The colors make them easily distinguishable. I use that and the walmart brand of KY jelly. Works like a charm!

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

I used to have cats! I'm actually going to get me a couple of kittens when I get my own apartment after nursing school. But, I've never had my cats make me purchase another of something. When my male pooped on my keyboard, I removed the keys to try and clean it and I just couldn't get the smell off. So I jut replaced it. lol.

So far -knock on wood- I've not been pooped on by my corn snakes. And this male is the only one who's nailed me. He's pooped/peed on me at least three times and I've only had him since September. He even pooped on me at the show I got him from. I have a video xD

As for the probes, I REALLY like them. The colors make them easily distinguishable. I use that and the walmart brand of KY jelly. Works like a charm!

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Sorry about your keyboard. Don't recall having a corn nail me, but kings and milks are famous for it. Some do it no matter how acclimated they are, I guess it's just a natural defensive thing they do, (they are "wild" after all). Friends of mine have a very elderly cat that poops wherever he happens to be when it's time, and hasn't used his cat box in months, (double yuck!!), so thsy follow him around watching for any indications that he'a getting ready to go, then throw him outside. Of course they aren't around all the time so "accidents" happen, (no keyboards ruined....yet!). Yeah, the color coding is the selling point for me, and KY is the lube of choice. I'll be ordering them soon.

S

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Originally Posted by Slitherous

Sorry about your keyboard. Don't recall having a corn nail me, but kings and milks are famous for it. Some do it no matter how acclimated they are, I guess it's just a natural defensive thing they do, (they are "wild" after all). Friends of mine have a very elderly cat that poops wherever he happens to be when it's time, and hasn't used his cat box in months, (double yuck!!), so thsy follow him around watching for any indications that he'a getting ready to go, then throw him outside. Of course they aren't around all the time so "accidents" happen, (no keyboards ruined....yet!). Yeah, the color coding is the selling point for me, and KY is the lube of choice. I'll be ordering them soon.

S

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Poor kitty! My roommate had a 2yr old female cat who HATED the other cats using her litter box. She resorted to pooping behind the door and my roommate never cleaned it. It was so gross. I was worried that my cat might pick up that habit. Thankfully, she never did!

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

Poor kitty! My roommate had a 2yr old female cat who HATED the other cats using her litter box. She resorted to pooping behind the door and my roommate never cleaned it. It was so gross. I was worried that my cat might pick up that habit. Thankfully, she never did!

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Yeah, he's like 17 and sometimes it just comes out while he's standing there looking at you, but he's such a beloved part of the family they just put up with it and keep a lot of paper towels handy. Other than that he's pretty healthy for such an old kitty, (but he's still king of the roost, their two big dogs are totally afraid of that old tom cat and give him a wide berth).
Somebody should tell your roommate just how dangerous piled up cat poo can be to people, especially women who might be preggers. Some people get severe allergies because of it, and there are also viruses in it that people can catch. I prefer my scaly critters, they're much cleaner and far less smelly, (usually). If I need some furry companionship I do it vicariously with other people's cats/dogs. I visit my friend's house and play with theirs; it's kind of like being a grandparent...all the fun and none of the cleaning up after......works for me.

S.