probing GP rat snakes

[Smilts]

basicly what is the easiest way and what size and kind of probe is best, and how deep for a male and how deep for a female. thanks for any help

[gonesnakee]

Impossible to answer with the info given. Only 1 way to prob really (up their butt LOL) & the size probe is determined by the size of the snake. As far as how deep it goes someone here can probably give you some scale count references, but if it goes more than a few scales deep it is most likely a male for sure. I recommend finding someone experienced & let them do it for you/teach you. Good Luck Mark I.

[Vanan]

Most "Pantherophis" probe deep as males. The deepest female we've probed (not GP but with corns) has gone in 4 scales. One may even have been 5, but my memory's not clear on that one. But males are usually a good 7 onwards. Always make sure to probe both sides to be sure.

As for which way is the easiest, follow Mark's advice. :D lol Or best thing to do is have someone experienced show you. But then again, I never had anyone show me, so I will tell you what I go by. First off, always have some lube. :D lol! Dun wanna irritate the inner linings. As for what size probe. I usually go with something smaller than 1/4 of the length of the anal scale/s. That is, I line the probe up against the length of the snake's tail, and check the thickness of the tail with the thickness of the probe. My opinion is, it's better to be smaller. Some may disagree, but if you're gentle enough ( which you should be!) you're not gonna pierce anything. Maybe someone else may have another way of doing it, but always remember the #1 rule, never use force! I've never had a need to really push. You should be gentle enough that you can use, say, the tip of your fingernail to push it in. Best to always have a second person hold the snake while you probe. :)

[Smilts]

Thank you for the replies there is no vets around that will do it. It is a bit bigger than a qaurter roll at its thickest and there is a dramatic differance in body and tail diameter it having a long narrow tail.

[Smilts]

i just got done my wife helped he probed at about 7 scales would it be safe to he is a boy now. I was hoping!

[Vanan]

Sounds to me like a male.

[gonesnakee]

You can almost guarantee its male. Males are easy, its the girls that can be hard to figure out. Just like real life eh guys LOL Mark

[MouseKilla]

Just look for an Adam's apple man! LOL!

[Vanan]

its the girls that can be hard to figure out

Tis the gospel truth! :D