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Probing Tips?

PurraLovesJazz

PurraLovesJazz

Poofy-Headed Snake-Addict
I decided to order a probing kit so I can find out what Chester and Jazz really are. I've watched Kathy Love's video,but was wondering if anyone has tips? For example, I'm afraid I might press a little too hard.... any ideas on practicing or making sure I do it just right?

Also, if Chester turns out to be a male, I might end up breeding him to Bella, just for the experience, but definitely not right away. The local petstore will take the hatchlings if I do, my cousin works there.
 
The best advice anyone can give you is find someone that is experienced with probing to show you how to do it properly in person. They can then also walk you through doing it yourself and give you additional guidance on proper procedure.
 
I dont think there is anyone nearby though.. even my cousin doesnt do it, he just pops the hatchlings they breed. maybe the one herp vet, but she would probably charge for it, and she's expensive.
 
I want one of mine probed too, Katie. I'd never do it myself on the first try, though. I'm super chicken!!

Maybe you could check the Hoosier Herp society? There might be someone in your area that could help you with it? I'm not telling you NOT to try it, but if you're a big skeerdy cat like me, that might be your best bet. ;)
 
There's a monthly show in Indy, just go there and look around, there's bound to be someone probing a snake there, just hang by them while their probing and ask questions.
Casually mention that you'd like to breed your pet snake eventually, and you'd like to get a partner for them, but don't know or don't remember what sex they are.
Most guys will offer to probe your snake in order to get you to buy a snake from them. Just bring your snake and some cash next time, and you'll prolly walk out knowing the sex of your pet, have a cool companion for him/her, and maybe have a little more confidence on probing them yourself.
I bet the whole thing will cost less than a vet appointment.
 
caz223 said:
Just bring your snake and some cash next time, and you'll prolly walk out knowing the sex of your pet, have a cool companion for him/her, and maybe have a little more confidence on probing them yourself.
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A lot of shows don't allow people to bring outside snakes in. Make sure you find out before the show whether they will allow you to bring in your pet.
 
I just knew it

LBoz said:
I want one of mine probed too, Katie. I'd never do it myself on the first try, though. I'm super chicken!!

Maybe you could check the Hoosier Herp society? There might be someone in your area that could help you with it? I'm not telling you NOT to try it, but if you're a big skeerdy cat like me, that might be your best bet. ;)
Click to expand...
LBoz/Curmudgeon/Lori,
I just knew it. You are a latent/closet Prober. I've been figuring you for the probing/probative kind. :D
 
vetusvates said:
LBoz/Curmudgeon/Lori,
I just knew it. You are a latent/closet Prober. I've been figuring you for the probing/probative kind. :D
Click to expand...

Ha! And you thought you had me all figured out, didn't you? :laugh: I'm an enigma on my own special little planet!
 
0_o I dont even want to understand whats going on here....

and no, I'm pretty sure outside animals cant be brought into the show.
 
That's lame, the shows around my neck of the woods encourage you to bring your critters in to show off (Within reason.), you can't sell them there, but you can have them in the building, and can trade them with anyone who has a table. I've got some pretty cool stuff in trade at the local show.
 
caz223 said:
That's lame, the shows around my neck of the woods encourage you to bring your critters in to show off (Within reason.), you can't sell them there, but you can have them in the building, and can trade them with anyone who has a table. I've got some pretty cool stuff in trade at the local show.
Click to expand...

It's not "lame."
Their are specific, valid reasons why good show promoters do not allow it...

  • Vendors (who pay to sell there animals at shows) get POed when people bring animals in and sell/trade them
  • Shows are busy, stressful situations for the animals
  • You run the risk of your pet catching something by exposing it to hundreds or thousands of other animals
 
Are there any reptile shops near your house? I know there are a couple of reptile shops that prob snakes for a small fee where I live.
 
Oh by the way it makes me super nervous even thinkin about doin it myself too. I want to learn how though so I don't have to take my snakes to local reptile shops and risk them catching something... :(
 
Jenstar said:
Are there any reptile shops near your house? I know there are a couple of reptile shops that prob snakes for a small fee where I live.
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the only one nearby that I know of is maybe a half hour away, and from what I've heard, not somewhere I want to take a perfectly healthy reptile, unless I look forward to my snake getting sick... there may be another one nearby, but I have to look around. my cousin breeds corns, but he just pops the babies I'm pretty sure. I should ask his wife though, she might know. I should see her at thanksgiving anyway, so I will ask her then.
 
Jenstar said:
Oh by the way it makes me super nervous even thinkin about doin it myself too. I want to learn how though so I don't have to take my snakes to local reptile shops and risk them catching something... :(
Click to expand...

the thought does kinda make me nervous, but mostly because of the fact that the snake would be wiggling around while I was trying to probe it... :eek1:
 
OK, I'll do it

Poshey said:
probe it what does that mean??
Click to expand...

Probing is when you want to determine the sex of your snake, and do a very close physical exam in the vicinity of the anal vent, carefully with an instrument, to see whether it has a pair of hemipenes (which would make him male) or not (which would make her female).
 
Definitely get someone to show you. It's very easy to do, but is best done under super vision and with proper instruction. I wouldn't try it on my own w/o assistance the first time.
 
Here are probably the two best tools for the snake breeder to come along in quite sometime. Who better to give us these tools other then Kathy Love herself. You should watch these videos repeatedly even before you decide to probe/pop any snake yourself. Hope this helps.
Jay :cool:

Click This Link ---> "Sexing Videos" <--- Click This Link​
 
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