Ball Pythons are one of the hardest reptiles when it comes to identifying gender. Typically their physical attributes are similar making it a complicated process. However, we can use subtle differences and different methods to assist the process.
In this article I am going to write about the following;
- Size & Growth Differences
- Probing Method
- Popping Method
- Pelvic Spurs
What Are The Physical Differences?
One of the differences between male and female Ball Pythons is their size and weight, at 6 months of age a female will typically overtake the males in size and weight and remain the larger sex between the two.
Male Ball Pythons have hemipenes, these are the two penises they’ll use during the mating process. Males have two penises because no matter what side the female tail will be, they’ll have success in mating.
Although it is hard to see unless you have a male and a female next to each other, their tails have slight differences. A male’s tail will be blunter and square-ended, whereas a female will taper into a sleeker more pointed tip.
Male Vs Female Growth Chart
| Age | Male Length | Male Weight | Female Length | Female Weight |
| Hatchling | 10 – 16 Inches | 80 Grams | 10 – 16 Inches | 80 Grams |
| Six Months | 16 – 27 Inches | 275 – 360 Grams | 16 – 27 Inches | 300 – 360 Grams |
| Nine Months | 25 – 30 Inches | 400 – 450 Grams | 25 – 35 Inches | 450 – 470 Grams |
| One Year | 1.5 – 2 Feet | 500 – 800 Grams | 2 Feet | 650 – 800 Grams |
| One and a Half Years | 2 – 2.5 Feet | 600 – 900 Grams | 2 – 3 Feet | 1000 – 1400 Grams |
| Two Years | 2 – 3 Feet | 800 – 1100 Grams | 2.5 – 3.5 Feet | 1200 – 1800 Grams |
| Three Years+ | 2.5 – 4 Feet | 900 – 1200 Grams | 4 – 6 Feet | 1200 – 3000 Grams |
Fun Fact: Only 14% of all snake species have males larger than females.
Methods To Identify Gender
Their size alone isn’t an accurate measure for identifying gender, so here is a list of 3 different methods to use.
#1 Probing
Probing is the most accurate method for identifying gender in Ball Pythons, but it can cause harm to your pet if done incorrectly. I recommend if you’re not confident in probing, you seek out an experienced breeder or veterinarian.
The following steps to probing are;
- Purchase a snake probing kit
- Ensure the probe is sterilized
- Apply water-based lubricant to the probe
- Carefully insert the probe into the vent, pointing towards the snakes tail end
- Gently push the probe until stops
- Place your finger as a marker and then remove the probe
- Measure the distance marked from the vent toward the tail
A probe will typically measure 9-15 subcaudal scales for a male Ball Python and only 1-5 subcaudals for females.
#2 Popping
The popping method is the process of making the hemipenes of the male prominent to identify gender, if there are no prominent bulges this means your Ball Python is a female.
I recommend only using the popping method on Ball Pythons under 6 months of age because as they get older they have stronger muscles and will be able to better resist the popping process.
Follow these steps for popping hemipenes;
- Hold your pet firmly but not so tight you’re squeezing them
- Press your thumbs on either side of the vent scale
- Apply pressure with the thumb closer to the tail tip, this will pop the hemipenes
#3 Pelvic Spurs
Both male and female Ball Pythons exhibit spurs on both sides of the cloaca, on average males typically have larger spurs than females. However, I don’t find this an accurate method to determine sex because it’s based on an average. Probing and Popping are by far the best methods to use.
Summary
Identifying the gender of Ball Pythons can be challenging due to their similar physical attributes. However, there are methods that can assist in this process. While size and weight differences can provide some clues, they’re not definitive indicators.
The three methods commonly used are;
- Probing
- Popping
- Observing pelvic spurs
It is important to exercise caution and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure the well-being of the snakes.
