is Kiki a girl?

[CoastalDragons]

Hi, recently acquired two skinks, One is a proven male. the other is I'm told is a probable female. I'd like to get others opinions on it. I know it won't be definitive. She's 2 years old.

I'm also wondering, when i eventually come to attempt to pair them next year if it is male x male, what behaviors will i see that'll indicate such. Ideally prior to then i'll get proof via sperm plugs or everted hemipenes if Kiki is infact a lad. If you'd like any other photos I can sort them.

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[splashy07]

My guess is male, but then again, just a guess. That's about all one can do without proving.

[CoastalDragons]

My guess is male, but then again, just a guess. That's about all one can do without proving.

thanks, of course just a guess. I've got Kiki set up in an enclosure with a camera recording 24/7 to watch for hemipenes during pooping. Could i ask which factors lead you to believe male just for my own knowledge.

[splashy07]

Long tail and wide head are clues, but I've seen females with long tails too.

[CoastalDragons]

Long tail and wide head are clues, but I've seen females with long tails too.

Thanks, heres Kiki next to a proven male. - I witnessed Kiki poop with no hemipene eversion. after taking these photos, i placed them on the floor of my large reptile room. behaviors i noted was - proven male mostly sat there for 10 minutes, whilst Kiki walked around the edge of the room almost like she was stuttering around, presumably looking for an exit. thereafter the male walked towards Kiki, upon which she got defensive, tilting the body, attempting to bite. I moved the male away, then the male walked directly back, rinse repeat until separated. The male was also attempted to bite didn't seem to favour any part on the attempt to bite, he did go for her face several times. Being out of season, this could be natural territorial behaviors, but I'm new to BTS so I'm not overly sure.

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[splashy07]

I'd say you've got two males. But without proof, nothing in stone.

[CoastalDragons]

I'd say you've got two males. But without proof, nothing in stone.

probably going to have to wait until their cooling period and attempting next year.

How often do they drop sperm plugs? ideally don't want to keep him /her off substrate for long but it'll make it far easier finding them without the substrate.

[splashy07]

When they are in season it is frequent, but not all males do this.

[Janella]

Yes, it can be SO hard to sex males and females. My male barely drops plugs. Usually only when in season and really really looking for a mate. I hardly see his male parts either when he goes.

[splashy07]

I've got some shy boys and others who prominently dislpay...hey look at these....they just evert those boys every time they go.
Some do not drop plugs at all, especially when no females in close proximity.

[LeapingLizards]

In Audie's case, he's a confirmed male, but is similarly shaped to Kiki, so shape isn't a very reliable indicator sometimes.

Unfortunately the only reliable way to know the sex is by having a vet check the sex, or just getting lucky with seeing sperm plugs. I happened to find out he was confirmed male because I keep finding plugs, even in substrate... and on his basking rock... and here... and there... and everywhere.


He's boy looking for girl.

[CoastalDragons]

In Audie's case, he's a confirmed male, but is similarly shaped to Kiki, so shape isn't a very reliable indicator sometimes.

Unfortunately the only reliable way to know the sex is by having a vet check the sex, or just getting lucky with seeing sperm plugs. I happened to find out he was confirmed male because I keep finding plugs, even in substrate... and on his basking rock... and here... and there... and everywhere.


He's boy looking for girl.

Seems like I'll be waiting til next season to really know! how would a vet go about sexing?

[splashy07]

A vet sexing a BTS would have to be qualified in exotics. Probing is unreliable and dangerous for lizards. Unless you want to pay for a sonogram which could be inaccurate also unless in season and turgidity is present. Behavioral is the most accurate, but there are a few clues that may prove indicators. Narrow head and more ovoid shaped body with a shorter somewhat carrot-like shape to the tail lean towards female. (I'm talking about adults here, 18+ months). Females also eat more and more often. Males may have a fasting period post brumation through their breeding season. They may lose quite a bit of weight at this time.
If you have two males, they will more than likely go at eachother. A sexed pair out of season may also do this but just a bit of chasing and no real violence so long as the other gets the hint. Under no circumstances should northerns of any sex (even two females) be kept together. I've had two female eastern sisters grow up together and remain together to this day. I have tried separating them...but they stop eating and climb the walls until I put them back. So much for the theory that reptiles are emotionless. If I remember, (I don't remember much) I'll post a picture of a proven pair when I get home.

[splashy07]

Proven pair, male is the lighter one.

[Andrea]

I've had two female eastern sisters grow up together and remain together to this day. I have tried separating them...but they stop eating and climb the walls until I put them back. So much for the theory that reptiles are emotionless. If I remember, (I don't remember much) I'll post a picture of a proven pair when I get home.

That is so cool! I’d love to have an Eastern, let alone two and housed together and getting along! Sounds like a dream!

[splashy07]

I will have an adult eastern male up for sale shortly. Had to take on another from a friend who had to move and downsize. Now I have too many male Easterns! You may text me if interested. 516-318-6259
My northern pair pictured above hate eachother just about all the time, but thankfully they are proven breeders for many years.