Sexing Probe Set Help Please!

[toddnbecka]

Now that my Dominicans are yearlings they should be large enough to probe for sexing. I've never done it before, but the you tube videos don't look too difficult. What I don't understand is how to determine which size probe to use? Obviously you don't want a large probe for a small snake, but how small is too small, or is that an issue? I found a 9 piece set w/case on e-bay for $16.99, looks good, (haven't bought yet) though I have to wonder why other, smaller sets are listed at twice the price.

[SSSSnakes]

There are two basic kinds, round tips and ball tips. Ball tips may be easier for you. I'd find some one to show/teach you how to use them, rather than watching a you tube video. Doing it incorrectly could cause damage to the snake. You could also try popping to sex the snake, but I prefer probing, I find it more accurate.

[Albert Clark]

For the most part you will need to "eyeball" the snakes size with the corresponding probe. It's a trial and error type of estimation but it's always safer to go smaller in probe size. Crucial to probing and popping is knowing the landmarks on the animal and inserting laterally and caudally ( towards the tail) in a probing. Always use lubrication. Ky jelly or Vaseline.

[pet_snake_78]

If you've watched the videos it shouldn't be too hard, would be good to have a helper though esp the first time. I didn't find it especially challenging, I actually found it a lot harder to learn how to pop than probe, because probing just worked even the first try, popping I'd miss males sometimes because I wasn't doing it quite right everytime and that was even after someone showed me 2-3 different times.

[jjhill001]

I would imagine if you get too small it would end up becoming dangerous again as well.