How to Tell If a Snake Is Male or Female

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How to Tell If a Snake Is Male or Female

How to Tell If a Snake Is Male or Female. The sex of a snake often makes little difference to a person who owns a snake as a pet. When a snake is kept alone, the sex of the animal should not have much significance. However, if more than one snake is going be living in a single area, the sex of each animal is important due to breeding. Finding the gender of a snake, however, is not an easy task to do. Serious injury can occur to either the snake or yourself if not done correctly. If you are not an experienced handler you should find a professional to help you handle and sex the particular animal in question.

Things Needed

Gloves
Small metal probe

Step 1

Stretch snake out to full length on flat surface. Two snakes are better for this method of sexing in order to compare the shape and size of tails.

Step 2

Examine the tail of animal. Male snakes have a longer, thicker tail that tapers less evenly to the end. Female snakes have a tail that is much slimmer and tapers to the end in a very even manner.

Step 3

Probing can be done by anyone who is an experienced snake handler. Insert the metal probe into the vent or cloaca of the snake.

Step 4

Continue to insert probe until there is pressure or the probe cannot insert any further. Do not force the probe into the vent or cloaca. The probe should slide easily into the opening or it will hit the membrane located just inside.

Step 5

The probe should insert further into males because of the openings in which the hemipenes are located. The probe should not be inserted if any resistance is felt on the probe. Female snakes will not have an opening inside the vent or cloaca and the probe will not insert as far as on male snakes.

Warnings

Colors or external skin markings are not an accurate way to determine a snake's gender. When comparing tails, it is best to have a male and female snake available for reference.

Warnings

When probing to determine sex, be careful not to insert the probe too deep or force the probe if met with resistance. Serious injury can occur if a probe is inserted too far and pierces the membrane inside the vent or cloaca. If you are not an experienced snake handler, do not attempt to handle or sex any venomous species of snake.