3 Ways To Sex A Corn Snake - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tell if a Corn Snake is Male or Female PDF download Download Article Determine the sex of a corn snake Co-authored by Clint Bartley

Last Updated: August 1, 2025 References

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  • Probing a Corn Snake
    • |
  • Popping a Young Corn Snake
    • |
  • Using Visual Techniques
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Clint Bartley. Clint Bartley is a Herpetology Expert based in Chandler, Indiana. He has over 30 years of experience working with reptiles, and opened Metazotics in 2022, a large reptile breeding facility and specialty store where he oversees a breeding colony of nearly 500 reptiles. Metazotics specializes in reptiles such as colubrids, ball pythons, geckos, tortoises, and more, and serves a national audience with their state-of-the-art online merchandise platform. In particular, Clint is known as an industry leader in Asian rat snake and black rat snake mutations. Clint has successfully reproduced more than 60 species of reptiles in captivity. He was the second person in the United States to produce Archelaphe bella chapaensis (bell rat snakes), and the first person in the U.S. to produce them twice. Metazotics carries a comprehensive line of supplies and habitats, offers all bioactive enclosure needs, and works with local organizations to further their knowledge and understanding of reptiles. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 169,904 times.

At first glance corn snakes are not easy to sex because both males and females are of a similar color and length. They do not have external genitalia, making the difference between the sexes even less obvious. Like most snakes, though, you can sex corn snakes by probing or popping the snake, though popping should only be used on hatchlings. Also, it's important to have someone experienced show you how to perform either technique, as you can harm the snake if you don't know how to do it properly. You can also use visual techniques to some success.

How to Tell the Sex of a Corn Snake

Have someone hold the snake, and apply lubricant to a ball-tipped probe. Bend the snake’s tail back to expose the cloacal opening and gently insert the probe. Determine how far the probe goes in. If it only went in a couple of scales, it’s likely female. If it went in 8-16 scales, it’s likely male.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Probing a Corn Snake

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  1. Step 1 Pick an appropriate probe. 1 Pick an appropriate probe. Ball-tipped probes are generally safest so they don't hurt the snake, though ones that are dull-tipped are also appropriate. You can find kits online that come in several sizes.[1] [2]
    • You don't want to use one too small. The probe should just fit inside the opening when you perform the procedure.[3] However, don't ever use one over 4 millimeters on a corn snake.[4]
  2. Step 2 Have someone hold the snake face up. 2 Have someone hold the snake face up. It is difficult to do this procedure by yourself. It's much easier if you have someone available to hold the snake face up. You should be looking at the tail end.[5]
    • Make sure the person is supporting most of the snake's body with her hands, especially the middle part of the body.[6] You can also have her control the head by placing gentle pressure on either side of the head at the base. The reason you don't grasp the snake underneath the head is that it can cut off breathing.[7]
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  3. Step 3 Apply lubricant to the probe. 3 Apply lubricant to the probe.[8] It helps make the procedure go more smoothly if you apply some kind of lubrication to the probe. You can dip the probe in petroleum jelly or something like KY Jelly.[9]
  4. Step 4 Bend the tail backward. 4 Bend the tail backward. Gently tip the tail away from you. This slight bend will expose the cloacal opening, which is where you will be inserting the probe. Locate the opening.[10] [11]
  5. Step 5 Insert the probe. 5 Insert the probe. Use the tip of the probe to gently find an opening, going towards the tail end. You don't want to push too hard, as you can hurt the snake. Once you find an opening, push the probe in, letting it go as far as it will without too much pressure.[12]
  6. Step 6 Examine how far the probe went in. 6 Examine how far the probe went in. Count how many scales the probe went in. If you can't tell, mark where it is at the opening with your finger and pull it out. Hold it up against the snake from the opening towards the tail. Count the number of scales. If it only went in a couple of scales, it's likely a female. If it went in 8 to 16 scales, it's likely a male.[13] [14]
    • The reason you probe a snake is to see how far the probe goes. If it goes a longer way in, you have a male snake. If it goes a short way in, you have a female snake. Essentially, when you are inserting it along one of his hemipenes, one of two of his inverted genitalia. A female doesn't have these parts, so you won't be able to go as far.[15]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Popping a Young Corn Snake

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  1. Step 1 Have someone hold the other end of the snake. 1 Have someone hold the other end of the snake. Some corn snakes will bite when you pop them. Therefore, try to have someone control the head so you don't get bitten. The person should hold the snake near the base of the head, placing light pressure on the sides of the head. Don't apply pressure underneath the head, as that can cut off breathing.[16]
    • Remember to only perform this technique on hatchlings.
  2. Step 2 Find the cloaca again. 2 Find the cloaca again. With the snake's belly up, look at the tail of the snake. Find the opening that is a few inches from the tip of the tail. Have tip going away from you.[17]
  3. Step 3 Place your thumb under the cloaca. 3 Place your thumb under the cloaca. Using your dominant hand, apply gentle pressure just underneath the opening. Hold the tip of the tail with your other hand.[18] [19]
  4. Step 4 Use your other thumb to apply pressure. 4 Use your other thumb to apply pressure. Moving from the tip of the tail towards the cloaca, apply gentle pressure along the snake. You are gently squeezing it toward the cloaca, sort of like getting toothpaste out of a tube.[20]
    • Applying excessive force could cause tissue damage to the snake. Make sure you don't press too hard.[21]
    • Before you try this procedure for yourself it is best to be shown what to do by an expert, such as a specialist reptile vet or a trained herpetologist.[22]
  5. Step 5 Watch for the hemipenes. 5 Watch for the hemipenes. In a male snake, the hemipenes will pop out.[23] [24] You'll see two little tubes pop out of the opening if it is a male.[25] A female won't have these tubes. All you'll see is two pink dots at the opening.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using Visual Techniques

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  1. Step 1 Find the cloacal opening. 1 Find the cloacal opening. The cloaca opening or vent is near the end of the tail. Find the opening to help identify where to look.[26] [27]
  2. Step 2 Look at the girth. 2 Look at the girth. In a female snake, the body of the snake will immediately taper after the vent, going towards the tip of the tail. In a male snake, generally the tail will stay the same girth for an inch or two before tapering.[28] [29]
    • Males will also be longer from the cloaca to the tip, but that is difficult to distinguish if you don't have another snake for a comparison.[30]
  3. Step 3 Count scales. 3 Count scales. Another method to visually determine the sex of the snake is to count the scales from the cloaca to the tip of the tale on the underside of the belly. It's easiest to do this process on a shed skin, as you will have a hard time keeping a snake still in the process. In an adult, males usually have more than 140 scales, while females usually have less than 130 scales. Between 130 and 140, it is difficult to tell the sex.
    • If you can't see it very well, try taking a picture and zooming in.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do you tell the difference between a male and female snake? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer The tail shape can help give you a clue. With a female corn snake, the tail starts to narrow immediately after the cloacal opening. Whereas in the male, immediately after the cloacal opening, the tail stays just as wide (this is where the hemipenis is located) and only the distal two-thirds is tapered. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
  • Question How can you tell if a corn snake is a male or female? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer One way is to count the number of scales from the cloacal opening to the tail tip. The easiest way to do this is to take a photograph (as the snake may well wriggle halfway through counting). As a rule of thumb, a male has 140 or more scales, while a female has 130 or fewer scales. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
  • Question How do you tell the age of a corn snake? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer One way is by measuring the length of the corn snake. Snakes measure around 12.8 inches at the hatchling stage, 22.9 inches at six months, and 35.1 inches at one year. However, growth also depends on how well fed the snake is. Once fully grown, ageing the snake is difficult. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 6
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Warnings

  • Male hemipenes are delicate and are easily damaged by rough handling. If you are rough, you could cause infertility in your snake. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • None of these methods are foolproof, especially if you aren't an expert. It may behoove you to try more than one of them to be sure of the result. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for snakes, check out our in-depth interview with Clint Bartley.

References

  1. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HG1q42Ll7c
  3. ↑ http://vpi.com/publications/determining_the_sex_of_snakes
  4. ↑ http://www.cornsnake.co.uk/sexing-corn-snakes.php
  5. ↑ https://www.cornutopia.com/Corn%20Utopia%20on%20the%20Web/Sexing%20Snakes%20With%20Probes.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.reptileknowledge.com/news/how-to-handle-a-pet-snake-handling-tips-for-beginners/
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hdXsXu6pKQ
  8. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HG1q42Ll7c
More References (21)
  1. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.cornutopia.com/Corn%20Utopia%20on%20the%20Web/Sexing%20Snakes%20With%20Probes.htm
  3. ↑ https://www.cornutopia.com/Corn%20Utopia%20on%20the%20Web/Sexing%20Snakes%20With%20Probes.htm
  4. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ http://vpi.com/publications/determining_the_sex_of_snakes
  6. ↑ http://vpi.com/publications/determining_the_sex_of_snakes
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hdXsXu6pKQ
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwCI_xjaIk
  9. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwCI_xjaIk
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwCI_xjaIk
  12. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  13. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ http://www.gartersnake.co.uk/maintenance.htm#Sexing%20snakes
  16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwCI_xjaIk
  17. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  18. ↑ http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Breeding-Snakes/Visually-Sex-Snakes/
  19. ↑ Clint Bartley. Herpetology Expert. Expert Interview
  20. ↑ http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Breeding-Snakes/Visually-Sex-Snakes/
  21. ↑ http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Breeding-Snakes/Visually-Sex-Snakes/

About This Article

Clint Bartley Co-authored by: Clint Bartley Herpetology Expert This article was co-authored by Clint Bartley. Clint Bartley is a Herpetology Expert based in Chandler, Indiana. He has over 30 years of experience working with reptiles, and opened Metazotics in 2022, a large reptile breeding facility and specialty store where he oversees a breeding colony of nearly 500 reptiles. Metazotics specializes in reptiles such as colubrids, ball pythons, geckos, tortoises, and more, and serves a national audience with their state-of-the-art online merchandise platform. In particular, Clint is known as an industry leader in Asian rat snake and black rat snake mutations. Clint has successfully reproduced more than 60 species of reptiles in captivity. He was the second person in the United States to produce Archelaphe bella chapaensis (bell rat snakes), and the first person in the U.S. to produce them twice. Metazotics carries a comprehensive line of supplies and habitats, offers all bioactive enclosure needs, and works with local organizations to further their knowledge and understanding of reptiles. This article has been viewed 169,904 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 13 Updated: August 1, 2025 Views: 169,904 Categories: Snakes Article SummaryX

To sex a corn snake, start by finding its cloacal opening near the end of its tail, and looking at the girth of its body. If it appears to taper immediately past the opening, it’s probably a female. However, if it appears to be the same size for a few inches before tapering toward the tail, it’s likely a male. Alternatively, count the scales on the underside of your snake’s body from its cloacal opening to the tip of its tail. If you count more than 140 scales, your snake is likely male, but if your tally is less than 130, it's probably female. For more information from our Veterinary co-author, including how to probe your snake to determine its sex, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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    Sep 29, 2016

    "It was helpful to see the pictures and learn that you might be able to simply count scales. I got my corn snake,..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Clint Bartley Co-authored by: Clint Bartley Herpetology Expert 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13 Updated: August 1, 2025 Views: 169,904 Anonymous

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Sep 29, 2016

"It was helpful to see the pictures and learn that you might be able to simply count scales. I got my corn snake,..." more Anonymous

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"Thank you. I'm a beginning corn snake breeder, and this was very helpful! You've done a great job with..." more Jordyn Martinez

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"I got my new corn snake about a week ago and I'm almost sure she is a female!" Anonymous

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