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Post by mourne on Oct 9, 2006 21:53:13 GMT 1
Do any of you do a scale count of shed skins to sex your snakes? I know probing is the only 100% way but this way has some very interesting results.
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Post by brigadoon on Oct 10, 2006 17:36:59 GMT 1
How does that work?
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Post by mourne on Oct 10, 2006 21:01:29 GMT 1
There are four methods used by people to determine the gender of their corn snake. The first method is one of taking a look at a snake's tail. Quite often there is a difference between the genders with the length of the tail being much shorter for females than that of males. However, this is incredibly hit and miss and certainly not a method that I recommend for any true identification.
The second method of popping is best done whilst the hatchling is less than three months old. This involves the inversion of the male hemipenes and is best done by an experienced breeder. This has about a 95% success rate.
The third method of probing is thought to be the definitive method of sexing snakes although this, again is not 100% guaranteed. I would recommend that only an experienced prober attempts this as it can be very damaging to your snake if done incorrectly.
The fourth method is rather an interesting one... this involves determining the gender of your snake through scale counts on a shed skin. A number of CSFC members have tried this method and have not yet found one instance of it being wrong. I cannot guarantee to you that the results will be correct but we have certainly tested it and found it to be a rather good method of gender-recognition.
To try this method, wait until your snake sheds and save the skin (you may need a magnifing lens to help you).
Count the ventral (belly) scales down to the vent. Then count each pair of scales under the tail (subcaudal scales). Then subtract the tail scale count from the belly scale count. If the number is less than 154 then you most likely have a male. If the number is greater than 154 you most likely have a female. The farther away from 154, in either direction, the more confident you can be that the result is correct.
For example:
A 2001 male has these scale counts:
Ventral (belly) scales = 212 Subcaudal scales (under the tail) = 82 Difference = 130 less than 154: He is male
A 2002 female ghost has these scale counts:
Ventral (belly) scales = 225 Subcaudal scales (under the tail) = 64 Difference = 161 more than 154: She is female
Makes a lot of sense to me...............
Of couse, when all is said and done, the only 100% guaranteed method of sexing snakes is through breeding.
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Post by mourne on Oct 10, 2006 21:02:40 GMT 1
Any of my snakes that i am sure of the sex ..it works. It can be kinda tricky counting hatchling sheds though.
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Post by Shrimply on Oct 10, 2006 21:32:03 GMT 1
Sorry I just have to ask the obvious question. What happens if you get 154
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cc
Hatchling
Posts: 9
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Post by cc on Oct 10, 2006 21:48:08 GMT 1
That's interesting, Mourne. I've saved the last 2 sheds of my Luna, I'll have to check that out. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by brigadoon on Oct 10, 2006 23:48:12 GMT 1
Thanks Mourne, I'll get counting next time there's nothing on TV....
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Post by mourne on Oct 11, 2006 12:52:21 GMT 1
It is definietly very interesting, if you get 154 that is in conclusive so probing is the only way but it seldom happens like that.
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Post by brigadoon on Oct 11, 2006 12:59:04 GMT 1
I'll have to try it out and see if it confirms the sexes of my two!
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