Sexing Probes

In a store when you purchase the pet the customer service representative should be able to help you with identifying the sex of the snake.  However, if you are a breeder you will require the knowledge and methods used to identifying snake or reptile gender.
As a breeder you will most likely want to use the reptile and snake sexing probes that are available.  The probes make it easier for you to be accurate in the identification of the gender when you are ready to sell the snake or reptile you have bred.
There are three methods of finding out the gender of a reptile.  You can pick up the reptile, holding it so that the head will not be able to bite you, and getting it to show its sex organs.  It takes special handling to do this.  Some reptiles have other identifiers like colours, longer tails, etc.  To be completely accurate, though, you should have a solid visual identification process.
The second method is the snake and reptile sexing probe.  The probe is a long metal stick.  You have five different sizes in the probes.  You will want to use the smallest size on the smaller reptiles.  The round metal rod can be inserted into the tail through the cloaca, which is where two “pockets” are at the end of the tail.  The probe will move farther into the male, where the female has a shorter distance.  If executed wrong you can harm the animal, rupturing the sexual glands of the snake or reptile.
It is imperative that snake probes are used by experienced keepers.  You are still handling the snake or reptile so you should have handling experience as well.  Still, the probe is a more accurate option than trying to get a visual identifier.  The probe has an easy to hold handle on the end for your fingers.
The last method for figuring out the sex of a snake is popping.  Popping is for use on juvenile snakes.  The hemipenes will appear in a male and the female will be forced to release her scent glands.  This third option is less friendly and unnecessary since you have the probes.
You should practice with an experienced person if you have never used the probes before.  After each use it is essential to sterilise them before storing them.  Before using them sterilisation is also required.  You do not want to give your snake or reptile an infection.  The probe will be used on other reptiles slightly different than on a snake due to the setup of the other reptiles.  However, practice is always required. The probes are inexpensive and help you decide on the sex of the pet reptile before you sell them.