ball python?

Question

how can you tell if your ball python is a female or a male

Answer 1

Ball Pythons are not sexually dimorphic, in other words you can't tell just by looking at them. Male Balls are usually smaller than females, but not always.

The most common and accurate methods are "Popping" and "Probing". Both methods are used to check for the male hemi-penes (the male sexual organ). In popping, pressure is applied at the tail and behind the cloaca to evert the hemipenes or scent glands of the female. This is by far the most accurate method because you can easily tell one from the other if done properly. Popping is usually done on newborn snakes, but can be done on older snakes if the person doing the procedure is experienced and depending on the snake.

Probing is a more common method, although not as accurate. With probing, a metal probe is inserted into the cloaca towards the tail and the distance the probe is inserted will usually tell the sex of the snake. Males typically probe deeper as the probe is inserted into a hemipene, and females will typically probe more shallow. The distance is measured in scales, and it depends on the species of snake. Probing is probably at least 97% accurate.

Both procedures should only be performed by an experienced person such as a vet or breeder. If done improperly, you can damage the snake which can potentially be fatal.

Answer 2

Probing or popping are the most reliable, but should be done only be someone who is experienced. The anal spurs can wear down in older males, making them look female. You can also look at the shape of the tail beyond the cloaca. A male's tail is thick, stubby, and long while a female's (of the same size) is longer, narrower, and shorter. Here's a website with photos for comparison:

http://www.reptilerascals.com/snakesbpsgender.htm

Answer 3

the easiest way is to compare it to another males have large cloaca spurs compared o females. i have never seen anyone pop a ball python don't risk it. if you need to find someone local with some knowledge and have them probe it.

Answer 4

You must get a reptile vet or experienced breeder to "pop" or "probe" it. There is no other reliable way. Don't attempt to do this yourself because you could really damage, even kill your snake.