Corn snakes are not easy to have sex with because both males and females are the same color and length.The difference between the sexes is not obvious because they don't have external genitalia.Corn snakes can be sexed by probing or popping them, though popping should only be used on hatchlings.If you don't know how to do the two techniques correctly, you can hurt the snake.You can use visual techniques to your advantage.
Step 1: Pick a probe.
Ball-tipped probes are usually the safest because they don't hurt the snake.There are several sizes of kits online.You don't want it to be too small.When you perform the procedure, the probe should fit inside the opening.Don't use one over 4 millimeters on a corn snake.
Step 2: Someone hold the snake up.
It is difficult to do it on your own.It's easier if you have someone with you.The tail end is where you should be looking.The person needs to support the snake's body with her hands.She can be controlled by placing gentle pressure on either side of her head at the base.You don't grasp the snake underneath the head because it can cut off breathing.
Step 3: The probe should be applied with lubricant.
It helps if you apply some kind of lubrication to the probe.The probe can be dipped in something like KY Jelly.
Step 4: The tail should be bend backwards.
You should tip the tail away from you.The cloacal opening will be exposed by this slight bend.Find the opening.
Step 5: The probe should be inserted.
The tip of the probe can be used to find an opening.You don't want to hurt the snake.Push the probe in if you can find an opening and let it go as far as it will.
Step 6: Take a look at how far the probe went.
Take the number of scales the probe went in.If you can't tell, mark the opening with your finger and pull it out.From the opening towards the tail, hold it up.The number of scales can be counted.It's likely a female if it only went in a few scales.It's likely a male if it went in 8 to 16 scales.To see how far the probe goes is the reason you probe a snake.You have a male snake if it goes a long way in.You have a female snake if it goes a short way in.When you insert it along one of his hemipenes, you will have two inverted genitalia.You will not be able to go as far because a female doesn't have these parts.
Step 7: Someone should hold the other end of the snake.
When you pop them, some corn snakes will bite you.Try to have someone control the head so you don't get bitten.Light pressure should be placed on the sides of the head when the person holds the snake near the base.Applying pressure to the head can cut off breathing.This technique can only be performed on hatchlings.
Step 8: Find the cloaca again.
Look at the tail of the snake.The opening is close to the tip of the tail.Take tip away from you.
Step 9: Under the cloaca, place your thumb.
Use your dominant hand to apply gentle pressure to the opening.With your other hand, hold the tip of the tail.
Step 10: The other thumb can be used to apply pressure.
Move from the tip of the tail towards the cloaca.It's like getting toothpaste out of a tube when you gently squeeze it.It is possible to cause tissue damage to a snake.Make sure you don't press too hard.If you want to try this procedure for yourself, you need to be shown how to do it by an expert, such as a reptile vet or a trained herpetologist.
Step 11: Look for the hemipenes.
The hemipenes will pop out in a male snake.If it is a male, you will see two tubes pop out of the opening.A female will not have these tubes.There are two pink dots at the opening.
Step 12: There is a cloacal opening.
The cloaca is near the end of the tail.To identify where to look, find the opening.
Step 13: There is a girth.
The body of a female snake will go towards the tip of the tail after the vent.The tail of a male snake will stay the same for an inch or two.If you don't have another snake for a comparison, males will be longer from the cloaca to the tip.
Step 14: There are scales.
Counting the scales from the cloaca to the tip of the tale on the belly is one way to determine the sex of a snake.You will have a hard time keeping a snake out of the process on a shed skin.In an adult, males have more than 140 scales, while females have less than 130 scales.It is hard to tell the sex between 130 and 140.Take a picture and zoom in if you can't see it.