How to Pop?

[blackcrystal22]

I've watched videos and read a bunch of things about it and I figure it's probably a lot less complex than probing.
So my question is.. how do I do it RIGHT? Without hurting the snake?

I'm a bit scared to do it as I don't want to hurt them. I feel like I'd do it wrong so what do you guys advise. Its not a necessity to pop any of my snakes yet, but I know I will have to eventually and want to learn the right way.

Thanks.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

You'll get the hang of it in no time. I remember that I was a bit apprehensive my first time, but after you do a couple dozen it'll be no problem.

Start with a young snake, they pop easiest. As for the technique, it sounds like you've seen a lot of vids so maybe you are ready to give it a try.

The only things I would add are make sure your hands are clean and nails trimmed. I also use a horizontal rolling motion with my popping thumb, rather than having it the same direction as the thumb on the ventral scale.

Let me explain that again.

I like to have my thumbs perpendicular (90 degrees) to one another. One is in line with the vent, and pressing down on top of the ventral scale. This thumb is parallel to the snakes body. My other thumb I take perpendicular to the snake and roll up from the base of the tail. I have found this to be easiest, but it's just my personal preference. You'll find your own best way!

JonV

[Drew87]

nevohraalnavnoj very well put, i could not of put it better meself, practice makes perfect.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

nevohraalnavnoj very well put, i could not of put it better meself, practice makes perfect.

Thanks Drew!

JonV

[blackcrystal22]

You'll get the hang of it in no time. I remember that I was a bit apprehensive my first time, but after you do a couple dozen it'll be no problem.

Start with a young snake, they pop easiest. As for the technique, it sounds like you've seen a lot of vids so maybe you are ready to give it a try.

The only things I would add are make sure your hands are clean and nails trimmed. I also use a horizontal rolling motion with my popping thumb, rather than having it the same direction as the thumb on the ventral scale.

Let me explain that again.

I like to have my thumbs perpendicular (90 degrees) to one another. One is in line with the vent, and pressing down on top of the ventral scale. This thumb is parallel to the snakes body. My other thumb I take perpendicular to the snake and roll up from the base of the tail. I have found this to be easiest, but it's just my personal preference. You'll find your own best way!

JonV

Thank you for the tip! Let me see if I understand everything completely. Lets say my popping thumb (which would be below the ventral scale right?) would be perpendicular to the snakes body.. (like a T) and the thumb above his ventral scale (on his tail) would be parallel to the snakes body?
Then I would roll my popping thumb up and hopefully something will work..
How do I know if I'm doing this too hard or soft?

[nevohraalnavnoj]

I think we're on the same page. Just to be sure, here's what I was describing:



Just start out lightly, and re-do it applying increased pressure. It's best to pop a male first so you can see what the hemipenes look like.


JonV