Sexing Chris and Char's snakes

[chris-uk]

We're fairly sure we know the sex of our 6. After yesterday its quite clear that we were correct on the Mexican pair. It never hurts to have experienced eyes look over our shoulders and nod in agreement though.

So, first up is Lightning, who is the largest of the ones we got from Pinjohn. They were all born 2 August and being a good eater this one is twice the weight of the smallest. The so, we think Lightning is female, anyone agree / disagree based on these pics?
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[guidofatherof5]

Female all the way. Great looking young lady.

[Char361979]

I love it when I'm right.

[chris-uk]

Female all the way. Great looking young lady.

We weren't too uncertain about Lightning (I think Esk and Bethan are more of a challenge). She's the one that looks to be destined to initiate the assimilation of our friends and their kids, plan is to hand Lightning over shortly before Christmas. I don't think either of us are looking forward to giving her away, because for all that she is a bit spirited, she's interesting to watch. If it helps get more youngsters (and their dad) to appreciate garter snakes it will be worthwhile, and we can still see Lightning every week or two when we visit.
And if we're slighly biased... Esk and Bethan have even nicer markings than Lightning. Some of Lightnings checks merge to give stripes, whilst Esk has perfect checkers. Esk has some personality as well, Bethan is the shy little sister who likes to be unseen and unheard.

Photos of Bethan and Esk should be available later, they'll be out for their feed this evening.

[Char361979]

I'm really gonna miss Lightning. Truth be known, I don't want to give her up, and I think there will be tears from me.

[chris-uk]

Next up... Esk, who started off as Eskerina, but we're not 100% on him/her so have got into the habit of calling her Esk. So, s/he is more of a challenge for two reasons, first because s/he is less clearly male or female to me, and secondly because s/he has been less than cooperative.
Here's some of the better pics of Esk.
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Male? Female!? Or, try again in a few weeks with better pics?
Irrespective of your answers, I just wanted to post the picture of Esk disappearing into the distance. :-)

[RedSidedSPR]

'nuther female if I'm not mistaken

[katach]

I would say female.

[Char361979]

Yay I was hoping you'd say female. Give's Binky a confirmed viv mate after Lightning goes.

[kibakiba]

Wow, she's a little porker isn't she? After a radix, I might have to get a checkered.... :D

[chris-uk]

Eskerina is positively skinny next to Lightning... You don't see how big a porker Lightning is in these pics - 3 months during and 22g already.

[RedSidedSPR]

22 GRAMS?!?! WHAT!?! My biggest (not longest) was born in May and is only 7 grams... you've gotta be kidding me..

[chris-uk]

Lightning will eat everything in front of her and hasn't had a single feed where she's been off. She's overtaken Binky as our biggest, so she dropped to 2 feeds a week at 3 months. Binky is 18g and probably a couple of months older than Lightning. If they're start in life is anything to go by Lightning will be a big girl.
I've got to say, Lightning looks a bit porky, but Binky looks in good proportion.

[kibakiba]

Weight Watchers for snakes! Do it! :D

[RedSidedSPR]

Jeez...

[Char361979]

Had a measure last night. Binky is 18g and 15inches long. Lightning is 22g and 12 inches long. She is also one of the most active and boisterous. Loves a good swim. We've cut down the feeds and the ammount, but she still gets bigger Length wise as well as weight. She's going to be a monster when she's done growing and the shame of it is, we're giving her up to a friend in a month. Kind of don't want to hand her over as I think she's going to be the one to watch.