Ball Python gender?

Question

I have a 1.5 year old ball python. I been trying to figure out with out *probing* what gender it is? I Noticed today that He or she has 2 spines near the vent. I would like someone to show me pictures of a FOR SURE male... and a FOR SURE female. Someone who has them and has them probed. Is there any other way to tell other then popping and probing? I have heard bad things about both.

Also... Is there a way to overcome being head shy? He really freaks out when his head touches something or I move towards his head, he backs up really fast and makes me nervous!

Answer 1

There is no accurate way to tell a snake's s*x without probing or popping. Looking at the tail size and the size of the spurs is not accurate, regardless of what anyone tells you. Females have spurs too. Probing and poopping are dangerous if done by someone who doesn't know how. Ther's no problem if the person is experienced in sexing snakes, so find someone who know how. your snake is too big to be popped and will have to be probed, which I personally feel is pretty easy once you get the technique down.

It's normal for a snake to be head shy. Handling should overcome this eventually as the snake becomes more comfortable around you.

Answer 2

well i have heard males have shorter, more stubby like tails. and that i can understand becasue my for sure male (he has bred with a for sure female) has a short stubby tail compared to my for sure female who has a long skinny tail. i cant provide pictures at this moment, sorry.

and dont be nervous around your snake. i rescued one of my ball pythons from someones garage. it too is very head shy. does the smae thing yours does. all you can do is hold it everyday and, even though it pulls away, keeping touching its head. but do it slowly and gently. it we eventually get used to it and calm down

Answer 3

he has to be probed bye a vet

Answer 4

its a boy because all male snakes have spikes near the vent.

Answer 5

The only way to find out the s*x of your snake is by popping or probing. Either method is safe if the person  knows what they are doing. Both males and females can have spurs. It is a myth that only males have them.  

As for the head shyness, the only thing you can do is handle your snake often. He/She may never get over that. Just stay calm when handling your snake.