Probe sizes...

Tim_Cranwill · 02-02-03, 05:29 PM

I am going to order a set of probes from the bean farm and I just wanted to make sure that I am getting the appropriate sizes. I will only need to probe Cornsnake and Kingsnake hatchlings for the next year or two and I was thinking of getting the folloing kit...

6" length, sizes as follows; .035", .062", .093".

Thanks!

p.s. Don't worry, I'm not going to go probing my snakes with no experience. I am getting the "Dr. Mark Seward's - Determining Sex in Snakes" video and I'm hoping to get some experienced people to show me some tips at this summer's shows before I even attempt it myself

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BoidKeeper · 02-02-03, 07:32 PM

My vet showed me how to do it, but I would never probe a hatchling, some do but I'm not that confident. Tell me more about that video, do you have a link? I have his Ball Python video and its great!
Cheers,
Trevor

Tim_Cranwill · 02-02-03, 07:38 PM

http://www.ballpython.com/merchandise.shtml

BoidKeeper · 02-02-03, 08:28 PM

Thanks!
Trevor

nuno · 02-02-03, 08:48 PM

Probing can be a nerve rackiing experience when you do it for the first time but I've done about 50 snakes already.When you're ready to learn I can help you if you need it.

Nuno

vanderkm · 02-02-03, 09:07 PM

I can't help much with the probe sizes, but I can suggest that you consider ordering from Ryan and Sheila at SCALES, in Saskatchewan, if you want a Canadian source. They carry Midwest products and have been great for us to deal with - if you drop him a line he can likely tell you which sizes would be best or what kit to get. Too bad the Ssnakess store doesn't carry them yet - but SCALES has a banner ad here so you can find a link to them on the front page,

mary v.

Ace · 02-02-03, 09:44 PM

I thought it was better to pop hatchlings because of their size?

02-02-03, 10:43 PM

Most guys do "pop" hatchlings, but I have a hard time doing it because I constantly worry about damaging vertebrae. I know how to do it and what to look for, but I never felt totally confident with popping.
I have some tiny probes that I use on hatchlings and after some experience I feel much more confident probing than popping.

Just my two cents worth!

Take care...

Simon

Tim_Cranwill · 02-02-03, 11:06 PM

The thing for me is, when you probe properly you should know 100% what the sex is. If you pop a male and don't do it exactly right, you might think it's a female when it actually isn't. Now that is just my rookie thought process spewing out junk, but it seems to me that might happen.....

I'd love to hear any suggestions or hints though

Thanks for all the replies....

02-03-03, 03:42 PM

cranwill,
Your last post is absolutely correct. Unless you know exactly what you're looking for when "popping" it can be easy to make a mistake.
I must admit to having injured a baby male California King Snake while attempting popping, when I really didn't have very much practical experience with the procedure.
On the other hand, I have not injured any babies while probing them. I've probed two litters of baby Jamaican Boas (52 in all) and numerous kings, rat snakes and gophers, etc, with no problems at all.
But it all comes down to personal preference...the method that YOU feel the most comfortable and confident with is the one to use.
I wish that I could "pop" 'em, because it looks so darned easy, but I just don't have the confidence.

All the best!

Simon

Ace · 02-06-03, 11:12 PM

I actually don't have experience with either, just something I heard. I didn't even know you could probe hatchlings. Time to do some homework I guess. I have another year before I think about possibly breeding any of mine