Escape

So, I'm on vacation. My boyfriend, who is watching monty, has called me two days in a row to tell me she's gotten out. Luckily our room isn't big. But this time she was between the mattress and box spring. I'm really concerned that if she keeps getting out she is going to get injured. He is going to feed her today in hopes that she won't get out. Any suggestions on how to keep her in her tank? This is a problem that needs an immediate fix, so don't suggest I get a rack system or a better tank, please. I am not made of money.

How long have you had Monty? What type of set up do you have the snake in and what are you using as a top or door??? ...... It's like your wanting us to teach you how to bake a loaf of bread but all you have brought to the table is a bag of flour ....

Based on the information provided: Close the door!

Well not knowing what your setup is makes it a bit more difficult. If you have an aquarium type setup with a screen cover place something heavy on both sides of the top to make it more difficult for him to escape would be an immediate solution and then pick up locks asap.

Well like the others said I don't see how we can help without more information. If the cage has the proper security to keep the snake inside then the escapes would be human error. If the cage is as secure as you can make it then it is not a proper cage and another should be purchased be it a rack, tank, PVC, etc.

Same as what everyone else is saying; we need more information.

If the snake has never escaped before and suddenly escaped twice since your bf has been watching it, my guess is human error.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

my guess is human error.

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Yup, time for a new boyfriend. LOL j/k

Going to feed her in hopes she doesn't get out?

Sorry?

How about fix the issue about not having an apparently even remotely secure enclosure.

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

So, I'm on vacation. My boyfriend, who is watching monty, has called me two days in a row to tell me she's gotten out. Luckily our room isn't big. But this time she was between the mattress and box spring. I'm really concerned that if she keeps getting out she is going to get injured. He is going to feed her today in hopes that she won't get out. Any suggestions on how to keep her in her tank? This is a problem that needs an immediate fix, so don't suggest I get a rack system or a better tank, please. I am not made of money.

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We do need to know what type of enclosure you have to give the best remedy. In general, he has to pay more attention to the security of the animal. Escapes of reptiles from their enclosures is dangerous for the animal and it makes the reptile community look very bad when she shows up at your neighbors bathroom or living room while they have company! You guys might want to think seriously about putting a sign up next to the enclosure that reads " MAKE SURE TANK IS LOCKED". Stay in peace and not pieces. :gj:

I've had monty almost a year. I'm using a glass tank with a lid hinged in the middle. She has never gotten out before. I don't see how it's human error if he hasn't touched the enclosure since I left 3 days ago. The lid is closed. My boyfriend has owned ball pythons before so no, I don't need a new boyfriend, thanks for that suggestion. The only time she even brings her head to the top of the tank is when it's feeding time. I've had him check the heat lamp to make sure it's on. Her water is full and fresh. The lid of the tank and the tank itself. Have a spot to lock the lid down, but only on one side, I have a carribeaner on the side that can lock, so we've ruled out it being that side of the tank. The lid I have on there isn't the lid that came with the tank, but it is the correct size. The best remedy I can think of is to get some of that thick foam tape and add it to the inside of the lid so there are no gaps and the lid practically has to be forced on.

Don't add tape to the inside of an enclosure. The fact the snake is getting out proves it can get places that you don't expect it to. Tape of any sort can be a fatal mistake.

Can you buy some extra clips? I second the motion off the tape. Hey, what about getting the correct lid for the tank and trash the one that is suspect? Escapes are serious business! Good luck and keep us updated. Peace. :gj:

Back in my newb days to snake keeping I tossed some duct tape onto my king snakes tank as a quick fix one morning before work. Long story short I spent an hour and a half detaching said baby king snake from said duct tape with water, dawn soap and a q-tip. His little tail was the only thing that could move/wasn't stuck and he was rattling that thing fit to be tied. He still ended up with sticky bits of tape on him until his next shed. Moral of story - tape is a really really bad idea.

Clips or something heavy on top of the tank.

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Originally Posted by Kata

Well not knowing what your setup is makes it a bit more difficult. If you have an aquarium type setup with a screen cover place something heavy on both sides of the top to make it more difficult for him to escape would be an immediate solution and then pick up locks asap.

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I've already done this, minus the lock part. I prefer to use clips because I live in California. If an earthquake happened I would need to get her out fast. But the lid is hinged in the middle. He is going to stay up late and watch her to see if he can figure out where she is getting out.

The foam tape I'm talking about goes on the inside of the lid and just adds thickness. It's usually used for an insulation seal. It's not duct tape or scotch tape. There is no chance of the snake getting stuck to the tape. I have stacks of books on top of the tank, I can only clip one side down, the other side of the tank doesn't have a lock hole. There is about a 1/4 inch gap between the lid and tank. I wish I was home so I could show you a picture.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...15b671c1cb.jpg like this. Only one side is sticky (the side that will be stuck to the inside of the lid). It really just creates a seal.

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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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...15b671c1cb.jpg like this. Only one side is sticky (the side that will be stuck to the inside of the lid). It really just creates a seal.

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You do not want to use anything adhesive that the snake can gain access to or it may stick to the snake resulting in some potentially very nasty injuries. It could at best, tear off only scales and at worst tear off skin.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...cd9df2c100.jpg this is the best I could do. This is looking at the top of the tank and the lid as if you were looking up at it. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...87173589d7.jpg this is how I have the lid secured right now.

The xs are stacks of books.

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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.

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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.

You could always switch to Tubs. A tub with locking ends work great! I have yet to have any of mine escape from them. Just a thought.

Box of four Jumbo Binder Clips $4.00

Knowing your snake can't escape: priceless.

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Originally Posted by KMG

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.

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I think you may have commented on my post about me moving at the end if the month and trying to decide whether or not to upgrade her housing situation. I am in the process of getting her a new tank ready in southern California so that I won't have to search for one once I am there.

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Originally Posted by nightrainfalls

Box of four Jumbo Binder Clips $4.00

Knowing your snake can't escape: priceless.

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Not entirely sure how binder clips will help my situation, but thanks?

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Originally Posted by ROACH

You could always switch to Tubs. A tub with locking ends work great! I have yet to have any of mine escape from them. Just a thought.

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I was thinking about switching to a rack system after I move, I'm planning on expanding my collection as long as my landlord allows it.

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Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

I prefer to use clips because I live in California. If an earthquake happened I would need to get her out fast. But the lid is hinged in the middle.

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This is what I was referring to.

Ive been in a quake and the only thing I was thinking about was protecting my wife.

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Originally Posted by KMG

This is what I was referring to.

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I know. I will still be living in California, just a different part of California. Yes, I suppose there isn't much logic behind it from your standpoint but from mine there is. The adults in my home can handle themselves. I have no young children in my house. I guess the clips (caribeaners) are more geared towards if there is a fire, not so much an earthquake. The house I lived in when I was young caught on fire and we almost didn't get our red tail boa out because her lid was locked. There is always someone at my house, so no need to worry about me not being home.

Now that we're all adults, our number one concern during an emergency like that is the pets, not the people.

I believe since the lid is slighty too big and there is 4 corner stacked books that this is the logical scenario of where the naturally strong BP pushes in the middle of the lid where the hinge bends, and retracts the hanging lid allowing a "slack" space near the hinge of the lid




http://i.imgur.com/fnTE1bX.png

I totally understand that your snake has escaped. I had a big normal male that escaped twice on me when I kept him in a tank. I then changed over to tubs and he never escaped again. I have two girls now that are in tubs and I have zero issues with escapes anymore. I'm not saying that you have to switch to tubs you DO need to make sure to do the right thing so that Monty doesn't keep escaping or she could end up getting hurt or worse.

Well, since being fed she has been staying put.

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Originally Posted by BigJay

I believe since the lid is slighty too big and there is 4 corner stacked books that this is the logical scenario of where the naturally strong BP pushes in the middle of the lid where the hinge bends, and retracts the hanging lid allowing a "slack" space near the hinge of the lid




http://i.imgur.com/fnTE1bX.png

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The hinges only go one way, if I were to lift one side, it would lift up. It won't go the other way, but I see where you're getting at.