sexing ammies?

[reptilemama]

Is it possible to guess the sex of an ammie by the shape of their tail? Or do they all have long, skinny tails? It's not a big deal, but I've been trying to think of a name for my new baby, and having some idea of whay sex it might be would help. Also, at what age/size is it ok to probe? I may never do it, as I don't have any plans to breed at the moment, but I may change my mind in the future and I don't want to have it probed too young. Thanks!

[addsig]

[LdyDrgn]

Can't probe baby ammies I don't think since they are so small. They can be popped if done VERY carefully (it's possible to snap the spine if done wrong). Tail shape doesn't really matter as most arboreals have a very long tail. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] I think Brett would be best to answer the "what age is it safe to probe" question.
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	Arboreal Arboreal is a word meaning "related to or resembling trees". Its meaning comes from the Latin arbor, meaning tree.<br> In biology, an arboreal animal is one which inhabits or spends large amounts of time in trees or bushes.

[eddie]

An ammies tail starts just behind their heads ..... so.....
They can be popped when small or probed later on.
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[Ed_r]

There actually is a difference in the tail, but without having 2 to compare its real tough. If you had a micro probe set you possibly could probe them, but I would wait. They are not breedable for about 3 years at the earliest so you have time.
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[reptilemama]

Hey, Ed, if I post a pic, do you think you could take a guess? It just ate yesterday, so photo session will have to wait a day or two, but if you think you might be able to take a rough guess, I'll post a tail pic. Also, I've read about a technique where you run your fingers down the underside of the tail and feel for two lumps where the hemipenes would be. Anybody tried it? Any idea if it's accurate? Some people say it is, but I don't think I've heard anybody say they've done it with an ammie. I'm paranoid about hurting the little bugger, so I don't want to mes with its tail too much!

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[JuliusSqueezer]

Find someone near you that knows how to pop....almost every baby ammie and most adults too seem to pop themselves anyway upon picking them up. When a snake is musking...very often the "goods" either spill on out too or at least can easily be popped out during this time with the slightest of presure....but this doesn't help anything if you don't know what you are doing or what to look for. It is best to have someone experienced in such practices do it for you.
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