Is this a reliable method?

Question

Is scale counting a reliable method of sexing corn snakes?

I was just wondering, as i'd rather not pop the snake and i've heard that probing can put a lot of stress on the snake and i'd rather not if it isn't nessicary.

Thanks!
Rachel.

Answer 1

probing is the only way although size is sometimes a good indicator but not 100% reliable.

Answer 2

Here are a few things you can look to to try and determine the sex of your snake. Note: none of these are 100% accurate.

Females tend to be the larger of the two sexes. Males have longer tails (tails begin after the vent on the underside of the snake) Females tails tend to be thick then suddenly thin while males taper slowly and evenly.

If you really really want to know, have the snake x-rayed. Vets are starting to use this method more and more since so many people don't want to put their snake through the process of probing.

Answer 3

Scale counting will not help reliably differentiate the sexes.
Probing is the definitive method and it is really not that stressful if done by someone with experience, it just takes a few seconds. With a juvenile to adult you can get a very good idea visually. The males have longer tails then the females and the area right after the vent remains thicker in the males due to the presence of the hemipenes. It remains thick for about 8 scales and then tapers. The tail of females taper immediately after the vent. Of course the visual method is easier if you have both sexes to compare or have a practiced eye.

Answer 4

Scale counting can tell you the sex of your snake. If you get a full shed off your snake then that is the best way to count but you will have to look up this number as I ant got a clew but I think it’s in the (Corn Snake Manual by the Herpetocultural Library). But go and have a look on my website first.

Answer 5

As long as you are past the first 7 pills in a new pack (if you just started taking the pill) the withdrawal method is not necessary! You can just finish intercourse without pulling out and you still have a 97-99% chance of NOT becoming pregnant. The withdrawal method used alone cannot prevent pregnancy so I wouldn't recommend it. It is not reliable birth control. So withdrawal won't better your chances of preventing pregnancy if you are on the pill. I hope that helps.

Answer 6

Is it a light colored snake and a baby?
For lighter colored babies you can hold the tail up to a bright lamp (careful not to burn them) and sometimes see hemipenes as two little red veins..
If bigger, you'll have to probe. You could also put the snake with a known female and see if it starts to try riding her back, as I call it.
The tail length and scale count is not 100% as far as I understand.

Answer 7

We dont pop corn snakes in the UK

Answer 8

Males will have a more tapered tail after the vent than a female. Improper probing can cause problems.....allow an experienced person to perform the procedure.

Answer 9

if your talking about how to tell whats male n female its usually the tail size females usually have a longer tail than a male i hope this helps