Almost every ball python owner wants to eventually find out their ball python’s gender. In this post, you will find ways to tell your ball python gender (sex) and differences between male and female ball pythons.
It can be hard to tell your ball python’s gender if you don’t wish to perform a popping or probing method. Main differences between male and female ball pythons are that males have hemipenes, generally larger spurs and females are often larger.
Method #1: Popping
Popping is a way to tell your ball python’s gender when it’s still a hatchling, but can be used with adult ball pythons too. That’s because during the first couple of months, a ball python doesn’t have full control over its hemipenes yet (if a male), so you can use this method easily.
With older ball pythons, because they have greater muscle control, they can try to prevent your from pooping them. But, you can still attempt it with care.
With this method, you need to put a thumb on the vent scale, and gently pull it forward to open the vent. Another thumb is placed on the base of the tail and then some pressure is applied in an attempt to evert hemipenes (if it’s a male).
You would need to apply some gentle pressure under the vent. You must not bend the tail however, so care is important. If hemipenes pop out, you will be able to see its red coloration (in the center).
Because a hatchling ball python is delicate, a person ‘pooping’ it should be very careful not to use nails or put too much pressure on its back. Please don’t attempt it yourself if you don’t have necessary experience. Below, you can see an example of pooping younger and older ball pythons.
Method #2: Probing
Probing is a common method which people use to determine their ball python’s gender. For this method, a thin and long lubricated probe rod is pushed inside a ball python’s cloaca. Ball python’s have two hemipenes, so a probe can be inserted from both sides.
Then, it is slowly pushed forward to feel the resistance and how far it can fit. Once the rod is in and can’t go further, you need to place a finger on the spot and then take it out slowly.
A greater distance (more than 3-4 scales worth of distance) will indicate that a ball python is a male. That’s because it accommodates male’s reproductive organs (hemipenes). But if a probe doesn’t reach too far, it would mean that your ball python is a female.
Please do not attempt popping/probing if unsure or if you don’t have necessary experience, or you could injure your ball python.
Method #3: External physical characteristics
If you cannot take your ball python to a vet or an experienced person for probing or better popping, you can try to tell its gender by looking at external characteristics. Some of the characteristics include:
- Spur size
- Hemipenal bulge
- Tail tapering
- Body size difference
Both male and female ball pythons have spurs, but spurs in males are often larger and slightly more hooked inwards. Spurs are small leg-like structures from both sides of the cloaca.
These spurs are used when mating, climbing and fighting. However, looking at spurs is not a surefire way to tell your ball python’s gender. That’s because spurs in adult males do wear down and might become smaller with time.
Other signs to look for are hemipenal bulge and tail tapering (at the end tip of the tail). Because males have hemipenes at the base of their cloaca, you might notice a bulge there.
The tail base might look more ‘square’ in shape in males. Also, in male ball python’s, their tail tapers down more sharply at the end. In females there is no bulge and tapering of tail is gradual.
Another sign that might help you determine the sex of your ball python is body size and weight. In general, female ball pythons get bigger and heavier than males. If your ball python is still young and is growing faster, it could be a female. Females also tend to have bigger heads.
However, this can be inaccurate, as ball pythons have different growth rates. Sometimes, males can be larger than females. You can find ball python weight and growth chart in this post.