Probe depth for female Dumeril's?

[rocknhorse76]

Does anyone know the average probe depth for a female Dumeril's boa? I've heard that they probe deeper than other boas, and there isn't as big of a difference between males and females as there is in other species.

[SSSSnakes]

Dumeril's ground boas can be sexed by probing (males probe to 10 to 12 subcaudals, over one-third the length of the short tail) or by looking for the cloacal spurs. In this species of boa, only the male has distinct spurs on either side of the vent. Otherwise the sexes are almost identical.

[rocknhorse76]

Well, I have a yearling that the breeder swore is a female but I kinda have my doubts. It only seems to probe about 6-7 scales deep, but has very small spurs. I'm a little confused.....

[Snakesitter]

Have you tried popping or palpitating, Rocknhorse? It's another perspective, and both are safer for the snake. Good luck either way.

[rocknhorse76]

I've palped and can feel bumps, but haven't tried popping yet. I just keep hearing that Dum's are tricky to probe due to the fact that females are only slightly shallower than males.

[Snakesitter]

What worries me more about probing is the higher potential for damage. Bumps is a good sign to tie the issue up. Always worth getting a second opinion though, just to be sure.

[rocknhorse76]

Yeah I think I'll have the snake probed at a local shop this weekend.