male or female

Question
I have a red tail boa that was given to me as a gift and they did not ask what sex it was. I read online in order to tell they have to stick a metal rod inside it :( Is there any other way to tell?

Answer
"Probing," the process you speak of, is the gold standard in sexing snakes.  There are other methods (spur length and popping) but neither will do you any good.  Look for a reptile show in your area, a local breeder, or an experienced reptile vet for help in getting your snake probed.  Where do you live?  Perhaps I could recomend a place to start.