If you can find a breeder nearby that could also be a possibility for you. I have been talking to a breeder in Arizona, he told me he would happily show me the correct way to pop for free, just need to bring Crawly to him and he would show me how its done. That could be an option for you if money is tight, I know that the cost is a little high to go to a vet just to be told if your snake is a male or female.