Escaped Ball Python

[Timberman]

My son had a 4 foot Ball Python in its tank in my pole barn for the summer. Eight days ago he fed it one mouse. It managed to escape and is in the pole barn someplace. Three days later he noticed it missing. It is a large pole barn (50' x 100') and is impossible to find it. The building is full of trunks, farm equipment, tools, etc, and etc. There is no water in the building. How long can the snake survive in this situation. What do you recommend to be done? Is there any possibility it will survive the winter in Pennsylvania if it is not found? I would appreciate anyone giving me information along this line. Would the Ball Python be more likely to remain on the concrete floor, or on shelves that are built around the inside perimeter. Would it likely climb to a rafter?

[joebad976]

Good Luck....He could be anywhere and he probably would not survive the winter in PA.

[KMG]

Unless it finds a really warm spot it will not survive your winter.

It will be in a tight place that gives the proper heat it needs. Depending on the temp you have in the barn I would look and search the spots that you think would be the closest to what it needs (85-95). This could be anywhere.

Something you could try:
Get flour, make a large circle that is pretty thick. Then make another one or two circles within that one. In the center place a clear critter carrier (example: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...ductId=2753371 ) with one or two live mice inside, I would use two considering the size of the area. Then hope and prey it is still within the barn and tries to get the mice. I would check it often and if you don't find it trying to get the mice maybe you will atleast get a flour trail to give you a narrowed search.

I would also set up a heat source near the mice so when it gives up trying to get them maybe it will crawl inside. Maybe a small box with a heat lamp over it or maybe even its hide. I would put it on a towel so the cold floor doesn't keep it from staying. Be sure to make sure the lamp creates the proper hotspot otherwise it won't stay.

This could really be a long shot but it is the best chance I know to find it.

[Flikky]

Sorry to not be any real help but you'll need luck to find him. One of mine escaped and I-for some reason- felt like I should look under my bed and found him. Good luck, though

[dillan2020]

Do u have anything running out there maybe an old fridge or a deep freezer or something where it might be hugged up to the motor. i live in pa and the forcast for every night this week is low 50s at night so maybe a warm spot alone will probably draw it out if it's still in there.