Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[mike h]

I am new to probing royals so a bit of advice would be appreciated.
After reading various books and websites about probing royals I decided to have ago. My reason for this is my female when I was treating her for a mite infestation revealed her bits. To me it looked like a couple of little willies. So I had a good look at the Complete ball python book and in the pics in the book the female shows what may be looked upon by the inexperienced(ME) as little willies. SO I decided to probe for myself. MMMMM. Its not as easy or as difficult as one may think. My male probed to a good depth no probs. But my female in my reckoning was five scales. Bear in mind i was holding the snake on my own and when can get help will probe again taking a bit more time.
My question is if 5 scales is the maximum depth is there a possibility that it could be male? It probably was only four?
thanks
mike

[mark]

females probe 2-3 and males are normally 5 so id say she might just be a he afterall
_________________
boas and burms

[mike h]

Thanks Mark.
I think I will double check Her/Him with a bit of help. I know someone localish who has sexed hundreds of snakes over the years. I will ask if I can take it round to him..
If it is a HE. Shes going on a diet. Costing me a fortune to fatten her up for breeding next year.
Anyone got any nice definite females for sale in the merseyside/warrington area? which will be ready this winter?
cheers mike.

[Denise]

My males probe to 8 or 9 scales easily
Females between 3-5
Denise

[mike h]

Thanks Denise I feel a bit better, I will double check to give me peace of mind.
thanks

[mike h]

More advice please!!
Am I right in saying that the 3 scales in a line which partially hide the flap which you insert the probe behind, are not counted when you count scale depth?
Hope i am making sense.
On one side if this is not counted the depth is 3-4.
On the other side it is 4-5.
when i compare with the pictures in NERDS complete ball python it is nothing like the depth he probes a male. And a little longer than he probes for a female.
thanks in advance
mike

[Kate]

You should really get someone who is experienced at it to help you before you probe as you can severely damage a snake if you do it incorrectly.

This page may also help you -

http://www.pythons.com/probing.html[/img]