The curve of a corn snake’s tail can tell you a lot about its gender. Reticulated reptiles have what’s known as the “hemipenis,” and because of where it is located in their tail, males have larger tails than females after the cloacal, which begins to taper immediately.
Counting the scales after the cloacal is another option that may be more accurate. From the cloacal to the end of the tail, simply count the number of rows.
The lower the number, the more likely it is that you have a girl.
A positive reading of 140 or above indicates that you have a guy.
It’s impossible to say with certainty how many there are if the number is between 130 and 140. The thicker section of the tail should also be examined in this case, in my opinion.
How can you tell if a corn snake is a male or a female?
Mexican and American corn snakes (Pantherophisguttatus) are medium-sized snakes with a slender body. This type of snake is a popular pet and may be found in meadows and woodlands as well as abandoned farm buildings and abandoned man-made structures. Male and female members of the same species exhibit some morphological differences.
Many corn snakes have brown or orange bodies. Gray, brown or yellowish-brown snakes are also common. They have large red and black markings on their upper parts, and smaller white and black squares on their lower parts.
They are generally, but not always, hidden in the bowels of the earth. Corn snakes don’t contain venom, hence they tend to be docile and mild-mannered. Those who consume meat in this way don’t have to eat it every day, but rather only once or twice a week at most.
A large portion of their diet is made up of bats, birds, and small mammals, such as moles and rats. There are a large number of lizards in their diets as juveniles. Constriction is the method they use to kill their victim. Because of their penchant for consuming mouse flesh, humans frequently regard them as a useful tool for reducing rodent populations.
It’s possible that probing, which should only be done by a herpetologist, is the only way to be sure.
That may not always be the case, so you can also have a look at the tail to see if it’s conceivable. While the tails of males are longer and thicker than those of females, the males are also more muscular.
The size of the snake can also be taken into consideration, as male snakes tend to be larger than females, however there may be some exceptions to this rule. Larger male corn snakes often have dark stripes running the length of their bodies, totaling four in number. These streaks don’t usually show up in the species’ smaller males.
What is the proper procedure for sexing a corn snake?
It is difficult to tell the difference between male and female corn snakes.
Male corn snakes aren’t all the same hue, but females are.
They don’t have any externally visible genital identifiers.
It is impossible to tell the difference between a male and a female corn snake by observing their behaviour.
Corn snake sex can be determined in one of three ways, as previously discussed.
1. Size
The size of a corn snake can be used to differentiate between male and female snakes. Males of the species tend to be substantially larger than females, with average lengths ranging from 27.5 to 47 inches.
2. Streaks
It is common for larger male corn snakes to have four distinct dark stripes running down the length of their bodies. These streaks don’t usually show up in the species’ smaller males.
3. Checking the tail visually
Corn snake sexing isn’t always 100% accurate, but with experience, anyone can use this procedure to identify a snake’s sex.
Visually inspect the tail from the cloacal vent to the snake’s tail end.
Hemipenis (male sex organs) are placed after the vent in male snakes and appear as bigger bulges.
The bulges on the tail of the male snake are absent in the female.
Males’ tails taper differs from that of a female’s to fit the male’s reproductive organs.
The tail of a female snake progressively thins out, whereas the tail of a male snake abruptly narrows.
Compared to male snakes, female snakes’ tails are shorter and thinner than their male counterparts’ tails.
Anybody may use this strategy to make a decision, and there is no risk to your snake involved.
It can be difficult for a novice to tell the difference between a man and a woman using this method, but after some practise, the differences will become clearer.
4. The role of gender
Neither male nor female corn snakes play a role in the raising of their baby snakes. After mating, the men bid farewell to the females. Finally, the mothering tasks of the females have been completed. They only spawn once a year, usually in the months of March and May.
5. Social standing
When it comes to male and female corn snakes, there are more than just physical differences. The males, unlike the females, frequently engage in competition for social position. The opportunity to procreate with the female in the spotlight is a huge “reward” for the winner.
6. Popping
You can also use popping to establish the gender of your corn snake or any other snake you may have in your collection.
In order to perform this technique, you must gently press down on the snake’s vent with your finger while applying solid pressure.
Because of this pressure, the hemipenis will “pop” and become apparent.
Only hatchlings less than a month old should be subjected to the popping procedure.
This technique can have long-term negative effects for snakes that are already old and infirm.
Leave this to the pros; doing it incorrectly can do a lot of harm to your snake.
The wrong amount of pressure may be applied where the hemipenis does not come out if you attempt this on your own rather than having it done by someone with experience.
You may mistakenly identify your snake as female.
Why should you sex your Snake?
If you plan to breed your animals, it’s a good idea to have your snake sexed.
In the case of many corn snakes, separate cages are recommended because snakes are not social.
Corn snakes of the same gender should be kept together in a single enclosure if many snakes are kept in the same tank.
You can tell if a snake is a male or a female by sexing it.
Are male or female corn snakes more aggressive?
You want a corn snake that is as docile as possible because a bite from one can be painful. Therefore, you must know whether male or female corn snakes are more violent or if it is simply down to the snake’s disposition that is responsible for their aggressive nature.
Male and female corn snakes are not more aggressive than the other one.. If you put two guys in the same cage, they’ll struggle for dominance. Females can be kept together. When men and females mate, the males tend to become more aggressive while the ladies tend to become more defensive. So, a snake’s attitude and personality influence whether or not it will bite you.
If you treat a corn snake well, it will be less likely to attack you because it won’t perceive you as a threat. Male and female corn snakes can become hostile at various times, which we’ll examine.
Because owners can’t agree on whether male or female snakes are more aggressive, any difference is likely to be minimal.
The majority of snake owners claim that their pets’ personalities, not their gender, determine whether or not they are violent. Some owners, however, claim that females are more likely to bite than men.
If you kept a male and a female in different cages, you may notice a difference in their personalities. Rather than a result of biological sex, this discrepancy is the result of individual differences in personality. Unless you had a large collection of snakes, it would be difficult to discern whether one sexe is more aggressive than the other.
Is the corn snake dangerous?
To say that corns aren’t moody is an understatement: Because some snakes are more violent than others because they were bred in captivity, this is a factor. The aggressiveness of a wild-caught snake is substantially greater than that of a captive-bred snake.
Because captive-bred snakes are raised in close proximity to humans, they are more likely to bite people. The snakes learn that their owners aren’t dangerous if they are properly cared for and handled.
A lack of socialisation has left wild-caught snakes fearful of humans. Three more factors contribute to snake aggression:
1. Shedding
When they shed, corn snakes become more aggressive. Because of this vulnerability, corn snake males and females shed at the same rate.
2. Feeding
Before, during, and following a meal, corn snakes become more hostile. Snakes compete for food with other animals, although males and females dine equally frequently on snakes’ eggs and larvae.
3. Stress
Stressed corn snakes might become aggressive. Men and women are both susceptible to the effects of stressors, whether they be loud noises or other snakes.
It doesn’t matter if the snake is male or female; it will not bite more often than the other. Male and female snakes behave in the same way. Whether or not its first owners were men, a male snake will not like male owners more.
Because snakes aren’t as intelligent as other types of pets, there’s a gap here. There are various ways in which reptile brains differ from those of mammals, according to Current Biology. Furthermore, they lack the ability to form social bonds that other animals possess.
4. Handling sessions
When handled, corn snakes are less aggressive. Picking them up and handling them is not a problem if done appropriately.
A snake’s temperament, not its sex, determines whether or not it is aggressive or fearful when it is handled.
If you’ve had your corn snake since it was a baby, it’s probably accustomed to your presence at this point in time. Should react well when picked up in this case.
Because reptiles cannot form attachments to their humans, a corn snake will not appreciate being handled like a dog or cat would, but it will not respond adversely either.
5. Size matters
Because of its size and ability to protect itself, a giant corn snake will be more confident in an attack. For example, cage aggression can be a sign that you’ve done something it doesn’t like.
It’s possible that a smaller snake is more afraid of you since you’re so big compared to the snake. Picking it up may result in it attempting to flee. When you’re handling it, it could bite.
Male corns are smaller than females, according to Animal Behavior. However, in contrast to other species, there is no discernible difference in size.
Corn snakes, on the other hand, do not appear to be more aggressive because of their smaller size than other snake species.
6. It’s all about territory and dominance
Corn snakes, both sexes, have a strong sense of self-preservation. Corn snakes are solitary creatures that do not form social groupings. Water, food, shelter, and possible mates are all within easy reach of each individual wild corn snake.
Females and guys alike must take care of their personal space. As stated by PLoS One, snakes have the ability to establish territory without engaging in any sort of combat. This only becomes a problem if they are kept in close proximity.
Where do female corn snakes reach in size?
Depending on the species, corn snakes can grow anywhere from 2 1/2 to 5 feet long. Males tend to be larger, while females tend to be smaller. When they initially emerge from the womb, they can grow up to 14 inches in length. These snakes reach sexual maturity and their full adult length in about two years.
Watch is my corn snake a boy or a girl | Video
Does the female corn snake grow larger?
Size. The size of a corn snake can be used to differentiate between male and female snakes. Males of the species tend to be substantially larger than females, with average lengths ranging from 27.5 to 47 inches.
Is it possible to detect the gender of a corn snake?
Hemipenis (male sex organs) are placed after the vent in male snakes and appear as bigger bulges. The bulges on the tail of the male snake are absent in the female. Males’ tails taper differs from that of a female’s to fit the male’s reproductive organs.
To tell whether a corn snake is male or female, how do you determine the gender?
You can tell if your snake is a male or a female based on its tail’s length and shape. Men have a thicker and longer tail than their female counterparts, which is why males are sometimes referred to as “men” snakes.
Is it better to have a male or a female corn snake?
An improved “pet” is what you’ll get. A female corn snake, on the other hand, will typically grow larger and make a nicer pet if you insist on keeping it. Although certain snakes are known to be fertilised but not to lay eggs for years, a female snake may be gravid when you buy it, only to lay eggs years later. Be careful.
How large can corn snakes grow?
After reaching full maturity, corn snakes can grow up to 2.5 feet long and can live up to 10 years. Make sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment before getting a pet. They can even live longer with proper care.
Conclusion
Due to the lack of external cues, sexing your snake can be quite challenging.
The most accurate method of determining the sex of your snake is to have an expert snake handler or a veterinarian pop or probe it.
If you don’t want to put your corn snake’s health and safety at risk, have a look at the length and width of its tail.
