? About Probing

[burmer]

I had a question about probing. I picked up a set of probes at a show recently. I've seen it done many times. Would it be better to try and find someone to show me or can I use some of the info sheets on the net?

[HetForHuman]

it would be best to get someone to show you how to do it.

if you dont do it correctly you can injure the animal.

[vanderkm]

Definately better if you can get someone to demonstrate first - especially if they will do some of your snakes and then once you have the sex confirmed, you can check them yourself. Males are not a problem, but I was a lot more confident learning it when I knew which ones were the females before probing.

My experience has been that it is not hard to do as long as you have control of the tail and can keep it from twisting around. Just make sure the probe is not too large (hard to insert) or too small (more likely to injure them) and well lubed. I also check both sides because one snake that looked like a male from tail shape probed as female on one side, maybe due to an old injury and scar tissue.

best of luck,

mary v.

mary v.

[V.hb]

its really hard to hurt a snake by probing provided its done gently.. you dont just ram a probe there, you have to do it calmly and be patient. If you have any doubt in your mind, have someone show you, like others said its not worth the stress or possible injury to the animal. But as I said, its not very hard to do.

[burmer]

A guy at the pet store showed me yesterday. He showed me 3 times and let me have a try. It went pretty well. I haven't probed any of mine yet though.

[Vern]

So all this talk of probing has got me wondering,where in Canada can you get a good set of probes at a good price?
Vern

[The_Omen]

Usually the best prices for anything herp related is at the expos.
Plus you get a better variety to look at hands on etc.

Hint -> ball tips....

[burmer]

Yeah I got my set of probes at the Daytona Expo. It's a set of six in a carrying case. I paid $12 for it. They are surgical stainless steel.

[reptilesalonica]

If the snake is female the probe will enter ONLY a few mm, so if you push it way too deep, that female will not be able to breed any more. Make surre someone who has experienced probing snakes will show you. It's a very delicate procedure.
~Greg~

[BoidKeeper]

where in Canada can you get a good set of probes at a good price?
Ebay!
I got my hemos, probs and pinky pumps all from ebay.
Cheers,
Trevor