Need help sexing

Nicky · 05-25-04, 03:43 PM

Hey all

,
Up until now i've always assumed my corn was a female by the shape of her tail which i once read you could tell by looking of a caresheet. Either or i don't think that was the most accurate way and really need help sexing my corn as soon as possible. i;ve never sexed a snake befor and the pet store had no probes for sale so if someone wouldn;t mind walking me through step by step on a way i can sex it without a probe and get a pretty accurate answer. Thx alot
Kayla

vanderkm · 05-25-04, 03:51 PM

A lot depends on the age of the corn - if it is under a year of age it can be hard to get a good impression from tail shape. Young hatchlings can be sexed quite accurately by popping the hemipenes out by putting pressure on the tail, but this is best done by someone experienced because it is possible to damage the organs. It is also not accurate on snakes that are over a couple months old because the males develop the muscle strength to resist and you can mis-sex a male as a female.

Probes are definately the best way and I would recommend trying to locate a breeder in your area who would be willing to probe for you (and show you how). It is not hard, but again, if done incorrectly it can damage a snake permanently.

Tail shape is quite a good indicator in corns that are mature. Males have longer tails that are thick at the base - usually stay about the same width (when viewed from below or the side) for at least 4-6 scales past the vent. Females have shorter tails that taper more abruptly. I find it easiest to see this looking at the tail from the ventral surface. If you have a digicam you could post a side view and a view from below (or scan the snake's tail on a scanner) and it may be possible to tell from that. It is quite a bit harder to tell from the tail in a youngster though.

best way is to find a local person (maybe through local reptile shows) who can demonstrate for you,

mary v.

Nicky · 05-25-04, 06:25 PM

ok i got all the measurments saddly i don't have a digi but hopefully this will help. Nickys 2 years old turning three in augest.from the vent to the tip of her/his tail it measures approx. 16cms long and very skinny (1.2 cm thick for the first 3-5cms and then gets much skinny to about .5 cms. any help appricated thx
Kayla

Blueeheeler · 05-25-04, 07:51 PM

Well I would say that you have a male. I have a male that is just about the size of yours. But you really don't know for sure until you have them sexed or you buy a breeding pair for the fun of it and you put the males in one cage temporarely, and they mate. So as for sexing by visual or measurments, It is not an exact science. Good luck. Jamie

Nicky · 05-29-04, 10:05 AM

thx guys well i brought him to PCPC ahwile back and yup he turned out to be a male, so know were in seacrh of a new female to breed with.
Thx alot again
Kayla