Help. I think corn snake is dying..my fault!

Ok, where to start...I bought this snake last Saturday at the Reptile Expo for my son. He ate on Sunday. He was very docile and loved exploring. The lid is a locking screen lid but the screen wire was ripped and cut so I cut the piece out and put new screen wire on it (since the lid locked) Well, around the edge where I added the new screen, I ran strips of Duct tape to make sure all gaps were sealed closed. Then I ran a strip on the inside, facing outside to seal any gaps. I had no idea that he would or could work his way under the tape! This morning I found him stuck to the tape from head to tip of tail! I took my time and removed him from the tape. A small part of clear skin came off at the base of the tail but none of his actual skin came off. His mouth was stuck in a fashion that his jaw was gapped open (for who knows how long)His mouth is now closed and he can move his head slightly. From about 1/4 way from his head down, he can move...the last 3/4 of his body aren't moving, or responding to touch.At first, I thought he was dead.
I placed him back in his tank (with all the tape removed!!!!!!!) and covered him in the shavings. Being a rehabber I know that stress is the #1 killer (just ahead of bad moms that don't think things through) My son is going to be so upset with me. I spent an hour crying like a baby.

I do not want to be yelled at or talked down to..just some advice on what to do now. We learn from our mistakes and yes, this was a big one. I feel worse than you can EVER imagine!!! I even called my mom and asked her to start a prayer chain(LOL-for a snake) but it's my last hope right now.

My son is 9 and will be devastated. I called our local petstore and they don't have ANY corn snakes in stock or I would be on my way now to get a new one. I don't think this one is going to make it and my son will blame me, even though I had good intentions.

So, any advice? Should I go ahead and euthanise him? I don't want him suffering. Or, should I wait and see? I just don't know what to do.... :(

I know others have had to deal with the effects of their snakes getting stuck on duct tape, so hopefully they will chime in here. Sorry, I can't be of help other that to ask if there is a reptile vet in your area you can call/visit?

My daughters king snake got out in the house, we found him in the basement attached to duct tape, my father and brother peeled it off him real carefully, luckily he did not lose any skin or scales. We got lucky. But I believe that had he not gotten stuck on the tape, we would have never found him again, my daughters room is on the 2nd floor of the house, nearest I can figure, he went through all the crawl spaces and ended up down there. He is still alive and OK.

It may be your corn is just stressed or just plain wore out from struggling with the tape, I would take him to the vet cause it does sound like he may have had a worse time or been attached to the duct tape longer than ours had.

And- as far as your son, I too have kids so I know where you are coming from. When you have to explain to him what happened, just be honest and tell him that you will understand if he is mad at you, but you did not mean for this to happen. Kids are more forgiving than we give them credit for. They too realize accidents happen to.

Check your private messages.

He died right after I posted this. I have already driven 85 miles and bought one identical to replace him. The new one is only 1 1/2 inches shorter!! Duct tape is GONE!!!!!
Thanks guys!

It is possiable that in trying to get free he broke his back. I have seen a RTB that had the same thing to the letter happen to it. Good luck with the new guy and don't ever be afraid to ask. People around here are more intrested in seeing that your animals get proper care than talking down to you

well i must say your a good mom. driving all that way for a new corn for your son. and sorry to hear of your lose

hey my ball python got into some duct tape like 3 weeks ago and doesn't move around a whole bunch and hasn't eaten, stays really cold. Is that the same as how ur corn snake was acting? plz msg back?

Candy was REAL cold. Even after I put him on the warm spot (above the UTH pad) He moved his head, that's about it. I think he did something to his spine trying to wiggle off.

Aaww, poor thing. :cry:

Hey!

I joined the forum just to get this out. There is a safe way to remove duct tape without any damage done to the snake! Never just pull the tape off, it's dangerous...as we've all read about. All you have to do is slowly peel off part of the tape I mean a small corner, and take oil, i mean like mineral oil, EVEN VEGETABLE OIL and rub a little on/ alot, Just dont get it on the snakes head if possible cause it could sufficate it. The oil will make the sticky come loose and it will peel off without any damage, just make sure you keep oil on it, you can tell when it starts to pull too much, Add more oil. If you dont believe me try it on your self first, take some duct tape and tape it to a leg or something then take Veg. oil and do as instructed. It works and no other snakes should be harmed by this! Oh and you did a great thing to get your son another snake. If you ever need anymore advice Feel free to post and i'll answer with whatever i can! I may only be 16 but i know snakes! (corn snakes...lol) 8)

Welcome to the forum Tabitha!

I am very sorry, and I know how much it hurts when you "feel" like you've disappointed your family. It wasn't your fault, and you did the best you could, or any of us could do. I am so sorry for your loss. That is so wonderful that you drove 85 miles to get your son a new snake, thats really nice of you. My mom always says that if one of my reptiles dies that shes not getting me another one. But I always know that she would buy me another one, and that she's just trying to push me to care for my reptiles the best I can.

I think that is awesome what you did, and good luck with Candy#2~!

Thanks for Welcoming me! :D

Yes I forgot to say, Good luck with the new snake! I hope it'll all be ok and you have learned. Your a very loving parent, my step mom wont let me get one at all. But i had one that ran off while my friend was caring for it....I shall have one soon!! LOL. GBU!

I hate to hear that about your old snake, but good luck w/ur new snake.

Yes, good luck with your new snake. :)

What kind of corn is it ?