Escape

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

I think it's an ill fitting lid, and she figured out how to get around it. The lid is weighed down pretty good, like, 75 lbs worth of books good. And she still got out. I don't want to run out and spend another $20 on a lid if I can resolve the problem myself. Even my boyfriend thought about using small bungees to pull the lid down, but if there is a gap, it won't do any good to push from the outside.

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Okay, we asked you to avoid any kind of tape. A snake by any name is a natural Houdini when it comes to getting out of enclosed spaces! A used screen top from craigslist or amazon or any herp related site that deals with caging and supplies should not cost 20.00. You should be willing to address the lid issue at all costs. The fact that he's escaping is a warning sign to you that you really have to listen to! Next time he escapes you may not be lucky enough to find him! If I had a extra one I would give it to you. Stay in peace and not pieces. Get the right lid. Do it for the little guys safety and life! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Okay, we asked you to avoid any kind of tape. A snake by any name is a natural Houdini when it comes to getting out of enclosed spaces! A used screen top from craigslist or amazon or any herp related site that deals with caging and supplies should not cost 20.00. You should be willing to address the lid issue at all costs. The fact that he's escaping is a warning sign to you that you really have to listen to! Next time he escapes you may not be lucky enough to find him! If I had a extra one I would give it to you. Stay in peace and not pieces. Get the right lid. Do it for the little guys safety and life! :gj:

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I looked everywhere I could and the lid I have on now is the closest I could find. The only difference is the hinges in the middle. The other one had no hinges.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

I think it's an ill fitting lid, and she figured out how to get around it. The lid is weighed down pretty good, like, 75 lbs worth of books good. And she still got out. I don't want to run out and spend another $20 on a lid if I can resolve the problem myself. Even my boyfriend thought about using small bungees to pull the lid down, but if there is a gap, it won't do any good to push from the outside.

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If the proper fitting lid is only $20, it is probably the best idea, to just get it.
That weather strip tape probably costs around $10, so isn't it worth the extra $10 to insure no future escapes ??

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Okay, we asked you to avoid any kind of tape. A snake by any name is a natural Houdini when it comes to getting out of enclosed spaces! A used screen top from craigslist or amazon or any herp related site that deals with caging and supplies should not cost 20.00. You should be willing to address the lid issue at all costs. The fact that he's escaping is a warning sign to you that you really have to listen to! Next time he escapes you may not be lucky enough to find him! If I had a extra one I would give it to you. Stay in peace and not pieces. Get the right lid. Do it for the little guys safety and life! :gj:

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I'll avoid the tape as much as possible. If I were home I would have probably already fixed the problem. What about laying a towel between the lid and top of the tank to secure it tighter?

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Originally Posted by mohawk

If the proper fitting lid is only $20, it is probably the best idea, to just get it.
That weather strip tape probably costs around $10, so isn't it worth the extra $10 to insure no future escapes ??

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The tape is three dollars at home Depot, but I'm being scorned for even thinking about putting tape near her tank. The lid I have on now is the closest lid I could find. I don't think the lid that came with the tank was even the right one.

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

The tape is three dollars at home Depot, but I'm being scorned for even thinking about putting tape near her tank. The lid I have on now is the closest lid I could find. I don't think the lid that came with the tank was even the right one.

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We are not trying to scorn you or give you a difficult time here. What we are trying to do is impress upon you how important the proper caging is for your animal. Personally, I couldn't relax at home and definitely not away from home knowing my snake is not secured in a escape proof enclosure. You need to just get a whole new setup right now before you lose him for good! A setup with a appropriate securing device. Simple as that. Part of owning pets, especially reptiles, is being responsible. No scorn, not throwing you under the bus, there are just certain things that are a must. Good luck! :colbert: :gj: :colbert:

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

We are not trying to scorn you or give you a difficult time here. What we are trying to do is impress upon you how important the proper caging is for your animal. Personally, I couldn't relax at home and definitely not away from home knowing my snake is not secured in a escape proof enclosure. You need to just get a whole new setup right now before you lose him for good! A setup with a appropriate securing device. Simple as that. Part of owning pets, especially reptiles, is being responsible. No scorn, not throwing you under the bus, there are just certain things that are a must. Good luck! :colbert: :gj: :colbert:

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I know you're trying to help. I'm incredibly frustrated being 3 hours from home. My boyfriend figured out what happened. Apparently my nephew came in and moved the heat lamp to the side of the tank and moved the books that were on the corner. So he moved the lamp back to where it was supposed to be and put the books back on the corner where they were supposed to be. The lid snapped down into place like it's supposed to be.

Side of the tank lid, rather. It's still on top of the tank, but it's supposed to be towards the middle.

I was gonna say, since he wasn't getting out when you were there, and nothing else would have changed, there had to be human error involved SOMEwhere. So the culprit was found, a nephew did it! Sounds to me like nephew needs to not be allowed interaction with snake unless under direct supervision until he learns a little care and responsibility.

Agree with the other posters though, you need to replace that lid ASAP when you get home. That it has to have things stacked onto it in relatively specific positions just to function correctly as a lid is no good.

Nothing sticky should ever be used in a snake tank. EVER!!!

Books on a lid is not what I would consider the proper method for keeping a lid on. The lid obviously is not correct and you should find a better one that works properly.

Your plan in an earthquake is to go grab your snake? Why not secure the cage the best you can to be earthquake safe and worry about the humans in the house first? What if the quake comes and you are away? All the books will fall off and your snake will be gone. What if the books fall and land on the heat lamp and catch fire? No more snake, no more house, maybe even no more neighbors house.

I don't think books are proper and in your situation I don't feel they are a responsible fix to your issue.

Do it right and if that only cost $20 bucks its a no brainer. I would also stop searching for just a lid and check online for used tanks. You can probably get a gently used sliding top tank for pretty cheap. They work much better than the lay on tops and will give you peace of mind while making your setup more safe and look better.