How to Tell the Difference Between a Female & Male Python

Sexing pythons is not as easy as determining gender in many other pets. Other species such as cats and dogs have very clear visual indications as to whether they are male or female, but pythons are more difficult. There are a number of ways to tell whether you should name your python Harry or Sally, each of which can be accomplished without too much difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Probing rod
  • Lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Compare the size of your python to others in a group if possible. Female pythons tend to be slightly longer, larger in diameter and have larger heads than males of the same age.

    • 2

      Examine the cloacal spurs near the snake's tail. The cloaca is the hole near the end of the tail that houses the snake's reproductive organs, known as the hemipenes. Male pythons will have two large, curved spurs near the cloaca, while females will have either smaller spurs or none at all.

    • 3

      Watch your snake to see if there is any nesting or egg laying behavior. Female pythons will typically lay eggs in the late spring as the weather warms up and her fertile cycle is triggered by the higher temperatures.

    • 4

      Put on a pair of gloves and pick up your python to prepare it for probing. Most pythons are very gentle, but young snakes or ones that have not been handled frequently can strike out in an attempt to defend themselves.

    • 5

      Turn your snake over and insert the tip of your lubed probing rod into the cloaca. If your python is a female, the cloaca will be very short and the probe will not go in very far. The cloaca in male snakes is much longer as it houses the hemepenes and your probe will slide much further into the cloaca of males.