Keeping the lid of a tub securely closed?

I moved my dumeril's boa into a tub with latches on four sides just temporarily, and within the same day, she somehow popped off all four latches from the inside and I found her crawling out! I have no idea how she did it. I tried closing it again and prying at the lid with my bare hands, but couldn't pop the lid off at all without feeling like it would crack the plastic.

I'm not sure I want to go through the trouble of luggage straps, and I doubt that giant clips would be able to contain a larger snake. So does anyone have other ideas to securing the lid of a tub enclosure in a sure way?

I was going to suggest (multiple) binder clips, is that what you meant by "clips"? They're pretty strong, especially using several, as long as they fit right.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I was going to suggest (multiple) binder clips, is that what you meant by "clips"? They're pretty strong, especially using several, as long as they fit right.

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I'm not totally sure, but I don't know if they would be stronger than the tub's latches. I still can't wrap my head around how she got out of that.

I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often, as plastic has a little 'give' to it when snakes push a coil against it. I guess you need a "baby-cam"? :D

The only time I've used this sort of thing was years ago to brumate snakes- I used binder clips but that was never for larger snakes like boas.

Binder clips (the larger ones- they're metal) used IN ADDITION to the latches might do it though...?

I think this needs to be discussed over several Double Doubles at In-n-Out.

Tie down straps.

A big reason why I like rigid glass tanks with inflexible metal lids that clip down. I'll frequently keep a stack of books on top too.
As much as a pain they can be re. weight and not storing efficiently in nested stacks like tubs, I've never had an animal escape one after I secured it.

I'm not surprised a snake finds a way out of that. All they have to do is push with their face (and they get a lot of leverage by pushing their body against the opposite end) until they form a tiny gap. They shove their face in that gap and then use the leverage to keep opening the gap bigger until the clips pop.

Snakes are one big muscle. Even ones that aren't giant, can be very powerful. You sometimes don't realize how much so, until you try to pry one off of something, or they are holding on to you for dear life.

As inconvenient as it is, you will have to use straps, like Pit said, tie down straps. I wouldn't trust anything that stretches.
That is why it is best (and easiest) to have tubs in some sort of shelf or rack system, it either keeps the lid on tight, or you don't need a lid.

Keep an eye on that girl, now that she succeeded into getting out, she surely will try again. ;)

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Originally Posted by distaff

A big reason why I like rigid glass tanks with inflexible metal lids that clip down....

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One of several reasons I'm a glass tank fan too...

I guess I need to go with the tie down straps! LOL