Visual Identification
The first method is to visually see a difference in tail size and structure. Males have two hemipenes which are stored next to each other at the base of the tail. Each hemipene is tucked into its own ?pocket?. The effect of this is quite simple, it makes the tail appear fatter for a longer distance, generally making the overall tail length longer also. A female?s tail narrows right from the base, making it almost ?carrot? shaped. The exact shape and length varies from species to species, but generally, the male has a longer tail.
Some species of snake are even easier to identify the sex. In some boas and pythons, males have prominent ?spurs? either side of their cloaca. This however, is not a guaranteed method in many species, as females too have spurs.
Probing
The second method is by use of a probe. A small, rounded metal rod can be inserted into the tail through the cloaca into the two ?pockets? either side of the base of the tail. The probe will penetrate farther into the male, whereas the female will only probe just a few scale lengths. This method should be carried out only by experienced keepers; it is a dangerous task if wrongly executed. Minimal force is needed for the probe to penetrate, yet it is a known mistake for people to apply too much pressure, resulting in the rupture of a female?s scent glands. A lubricant must be used on the probe, Vaseline or KY Jelly are common substances to be used in this manner.
Popping
The third method can be used on juvenile snakes. It is referred to as ?popping?, which involves manually manipulating the hemipenes out of the male snake, while a female will slightly evert her scent glands. This method works better with younger snakes, directly after hatching is the time to obtain best results. At this age, the snake has not developed much muscle tone, making it relatively easy to force the hemipenes from the pockets.
I will explain how to do this if you are right handed like me. With your left hand, hold the body of the snake upside down in such a manner that the cloaca is held above the level of the rest of the body. With your right hand, pull the tail downwards slightly, and have your thumb resting approximately 2cm away from the cloaca. Gently roll and push your thumb down and across towards the cloaca, while at the same time bringing the tail upwards. This whole process sounds very complicated on paper, but I assure you it?s easy once you get the hang of it. I highly recommend you to be taught this method by an experienced keeper before giving it a go yourself.
To see further information on sexing snakes, including visual keys such as photographs, visit www.petclubuk.com
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