Re: Is this a problem in other species?

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

Posted by Walt Deptula on July 28, 2001 at 23:49:26:

In Reply to: Is this a problem in other species? posted by patricia sherman on July 28, 2001 at 23:23:15:

: I only ask, because in a clutch of E.o.obsoleta in which four babies survived, I believe that three are males for sure, and possibly all four.

: I realize that this is a very small clutch, and could possibly be accounted for by simple chance; however, I'd like some reassurance that it probably is due only to chance, and that it isn't a result of something I did or failed to do during incubation.

: I'm very new to this hobby, and have only hatched two clutches (only two hatchlings from first clutch, and five from second, of which one escaped from the incubator and was never found). The one remaining hatchling from first clutch also appears to be male. I'm judging sex by tail shape (gradual tapering), since there's no vet in Yellowknife that can sex them for me by probing, and I've not had any instruction in "popping".

: Thanks for any suggestions,
: Patricia

Hi Patricia,

What's that you say? No vet in Yellowknife?
Shocked, I tell you, I'm shocked. (grin)

Your results are nothing more than chance.
Your next clutch will probably yield diametrically opposed results.

Popping is very simple although I'm somewhat hesitant to explain the procedure in anything other than a hands on approach. Holding the front of the snake in your weak hand (pointing downward), bend the animal slowly at the vent with your strong hand (forming a relaxed upside down L shape). Using your thumb, slowly slide forward from a starting point of 1/2 inch- inch behind the vent in the direction of the plate. I find it best to slide my thumb diagonally across the area behind the vent as you slide your thumb forward. This allows for the occassional popping of only one h-p which is sometimes easier and certainly
will guarantee the sex of the animal in question.
When sliding your thumb forward, you should exert minimal pressure if any in a downward direction, rather any slight pressure should be applied in the direction of the vent.

Walt Deptula

Follow Ups:

Good instructions, up to how old? patricia sherman 08/05/01 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : : I only ask, because in a clutch of E.o.obsoleta in which four babies survived, I believe that three are males for sure, and possibly all four. : : I realize that this is a very small clutch, and could possibly be accounted for by simple chance; however, I'd like some reassurance that it probably is due only to chance, and that it isn't a result of something I did or failed to do during incubation. : : I'm very new to this hobby, and have only hatched two clutches (only two hatchlings from first clutch, and five from second, of which one escaped from the incubator and was never found). The one remaining hatchling from first clutch also appears to be male. I'm judging sex by tail shape (gradual tapering), since there's no vet in Yellowknife that can sex them for me by probing, and I've not had any instruction in "popping". : : Thanks for any suggestions, : : Patricia : Hi Patricia, : What's that you say? No vet in Yellowknife? : Shocked, I tell you, I'm shocked. (grin) : Your results are nothing more than chance. : Your next clutch will probably yield diametrically opposed results. : Popping is very simple although I'm somewhat hesitant to explain the procedure in anything other than a hands on approach. Holding the front of the snake in your weak hand (pointing downward), bend the animal slowly at the vent with your strong hand (forming a relaxed upside down L shape). Using your thumb, slowly slide forward from a starting point of 1/2 inch- inch behind the vent in the direction of the plate. I find it best to slide my thumb diagonally across the area behind the vent as you slide your thumb forward. This allows for the occassional popping of only one h-p which is sometimes easier and certainly : will guarantee the sex of the animal in question. : When sliding your thumb forward, you should exert minimal pressure if any in a downward direction, rather any slight pressure should be applied in the direction of the vent. : Walt Deptula

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]