My BP got loose

I feel terrible. It is my daughters BP, and I did not have clamps on the top, just a heavy rock. He got out about 2 days ago. It is just about the time he would normally eat a f/t mouse. Early on, he ate live mice.

If I were to buy a live mouse today, and stick it in his tank (aquarium with all glass sides), I assume the mouse couldn't climb the walls to escape. Is that a safe assumption? I put his tank on the ground now, and am hoping if he smells the mouse, he'll come eat it, and then curl up in his 'hot' hide to digest it.

Also, I have a trail cam usually used outside to see bigger animals. Would that pick up movement if he was in front of it, does anyone know?

My wife is not a fan of snakes, so she's pretty freaked out. My perfect goal is to find him quickly, and get him back in his home with some very good clamps on top.

I did try the plastic bag trick, but over many hours, did not hear him at all. I didn't know if he has found 1 particular spot and is just hanging there for a while. Currently he was eating f/t weanlings. Does that mean they are weaned? Ideally, I want to get a mouse that can at least last a few days with a little food so he has time to sense him and or come out from where he is hiding.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I have already checked under the washer/dryer, around the furnace, and the stove, dishwasher, and fridge.

Thanks

Maybe heck the room he was in completely, like in between everything. Maybe he’s still in the same room. Also make sure there are no holes in the walls since i’ve hear of bp’s to go into te walls and hangout there.. i’ve also heard of bp’s to go under couches etc.. hope you find him soon!! The trick you said with the mouse might be a good idea, and maybe if you place his/her hide on the floor with bedding with a heat lamp and water he may go there.

Great, thank you. Just feel so bad. Wife is stressed because he's loose, my daughter goes down and is like, "Hey Banana, it's Elena" thinking he's gonna come slithering out. I just feel terrible. Have no appetite or anything.

When my BP got out I found him behind the freezer, curling up at it for the warmth that the back put out. Maybe check behind your fridge? Or anywhere else warm. Good luck!

Thanks. I'm hoping he is still on the lower level where his cage is. I'll see if I can think of anywhere else that is warm he might be.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

I did not have clamps on the top, just a heavy rock.

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If your ball python squeezed out of his cage under the weight of the large rock: then he probably scraped himself up or bruised himself and has been likely sitting in the exact same spot for the last two days feeling some pain. Since it is winter and warm air rises: It would not be a surprise to me if he was hiding in an elevated position (probably within 10 feet of the enclosure).

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

If your ball python squeezed out of his cage under the weight of the large rock: then he probably scraped himself up or bruised himself and has been likely sitting in the exact same spot for the last two days feeling some pain. Since it is winter and warm air rises: It would not be a surprise to me if he was hiding in an elevated position (probably within 10 feet of the enclosure).

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Thank you. I will check around when I get home.

Using a live rodent to bait him is a good idea, but don't underestimate how high they can jump when motivated...you'll be looking for a mouse instead of the BP,
and they're more destructive. Good luck finding your snake though...hope it's soon. I agree he probably hasn't gone very far.

I guess I could try covering half or 3/4 of the cage, and hopefully the mouse wouldn't try that side, or put the top on, and maybe at least put the trail cam on it to see if he tries to get the mouse.

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

When my BP got out I found him behind the freezer, curling up at it for the warmth that the back put out. Maybe check behind your fridge? Or anywhere else warm. Good luck!

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He already checked there. I lost a gopher snake once and found that he had crawled under the couch and found a way to get into the spring area under the seating through a slit in the underwrapping. He was just fine.

guess maybe I'll put the mouse in the tank, put the lid on, and just wait for a while, see if he comes out and approaches the tank, and then I could just grab him. He's very shy. if not, then i'll have to come up with another idea. What would the mouse eat? Just throw some like Cheerios in there? Water is already in there.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

I guess I could try covering half or 3/4 of the cage, and hopefully the mouse wouldn't try that side, or put the top on, and maybe at least put the trail cam on it to see if he tries to get the mouse.

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How tall is the tank? Covering part won't do anything, a mouse would go for the opening. You'd be better off putting the mouse in a small plastic ventilated "Critter
Cottage" with food & water, & leave that in the tank...the mouse's scent will spread just fine.

You could put (unsalted) nuts-seeds-grains including popcorn (popped or not) in. Cheerios, meh. Lettuce or slice of apple for moisture.
Raw carrot, uncooked green beans, stuff like that are best, not "manufactured" foods. Uncooked pasta ok too.

hes in a 10 gallon tank now, so not very tall. He would need to be upgraded to a bigger tank probably in the next 2-3 months.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

hes in a 10 gallon tank now, so not very tall. He would need to be upgraded to a bigger tank probably in the next 2-3 months.

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Mice can jump out of a 10 gallon...or at least, I wouldn't bet on them staying in it. ;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Mice can jump out of a 10 gallon...or at least, I wouldn't bet on them staying in it. ;)

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Well, I do have a small critter carrier at home already I could use. I'll also of course check again in the room, especially under and in furniture.

also, how good are those metal clamps that they sell at Petsmart? Looks like the bottom slips up under the top plastic of the tank and then the top part notches over the lid. I saw a video review of a different one (1 plastic piece inserted underneath the top part, and then a second plastic piece clipped on to that, and then it could slide on/off) that looked VERY flimsy.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

Well, I do have a small critter carrier at home already I could use. I'll also of course check again in the room, especially under and in furniture.

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Perfect. (they are so handy to have) Hope you find your snake soon, before you have to do all this stuff... As already mentioned, snakes seem to gravitate to upholstered
furniture & beds...if there's a hole in the lining, they find it & go inside. (remember they're looking up from floor-level) Don't sit down until you check under all the cushions.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

also, how good are those metal clamps that they sell at Petsmart? Looks like the bottom slips up under the top plastic of the tank and then the top part notches over the lid. I saw a video review of a different one (1 plastic piece inserted underneath the top part, and then a second plastic piece clipped on to that, and then it could slide on/off) that looked VERY flimsy.

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I've never trusted those clips either. IF you weigh down the lid, you don't do it with something heavy in the middle. That makes the screen sag & as you now know,
the sides can still be pushed up just enough. Assuming the tank is rectangular, you weigh it down at each end, with something that's slightly longer than the cage is
wide going across for support (so the weight isn't on the screen but on the sides of the tank) and THEN put something heavier than a snake can lift on each side. Best
to error on the side of caution (a little heavier than you think possible). ;)

For store-bought screen tops you can also strap them down, even w/ bungee cords, attaching them to the base that the tank sits on. Metal strapping that plumbers
use is useful too, in a pinch: it has holes that can easily be hooked into, so cut 2 pieces that fit under tank with a couple inches folding up on either side to hook into.

Most of my tanks have tops I made of wood (frame) with welded wire, & I attach eye-bolts to each corner & run a light chain (w/ snap-bolt clip like on a dog leash)
to eye-bolts installed in the wood cabinet the tank sits on. Nothing can push MY lids off when the chains are attached...:D

Sorry for the bad quality picture, you can get these through Amazon and other online pet shops. Four per tank lid, I like to see the ball python that could pop this one (with the matching Zilla screen top).https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...cd553a97c5.jpg
Trust me they’re extremely strong, I’m surprised more people don’t know about these.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Sorry for the bad quality picture, you can get these through Amazon and other online pet shops. Four per tank lid, I like to see the ball python that could pop this one (with the matching Zilla screen top).https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...cd553a97c5.jpg
Trust me they’re extremely strong, I’m surprised more people don’t know about these.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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^^^^ I have these as well. Or at least I did. I've just switched to a tub. But when he was in his tank, these were very strong and kept his screen lid in place. I recommend them.

The first place I would check is under the couches if you haven’t already.


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I wish u the best of luck! I’d tear my house apart until I found it!

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Originally Posted by Jbabycsx

The first place I would check is under the couches if you haven’t already.


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Wow, what a great idea!

Ours got out once. I found him in a bag of substrate under his tank..

Thanks everyone. The couch in his room is a sleeper sofa, and I did check by pulling out the sofa the first day. I did put the mouse in the critter cage into his tank which is on the ground. Not sure if he came by in the night, but he wasn't around there this morning. Still praying and crossing my fingers.

When my girl got out last year I found her wedged under some moving boxes and between some frames. Thankfully what gave her location away was the cat was staring over there with his fur sticking up! I really hope you find him soon!

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Originally Posted by Kira

When my girl got out last year I found her wedged under some moving boxes and between some frames. Thankfully what gave her location away was the cat was staring over there with his fur sticking up! I really hope you find him soon!

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You know, that's a good idea...even if you don't have a dog or cat, maybe a good friend does that you could borrow (on leash!)? They often know (smell or sense)
critters that we can't. My dogs sure do...just make sure they're under good control at all times, some breeds (terriers!) I wouldn't trust very far.

I'll see if any neighbors have a reliable pet. The cage is in the basement, and the bad part is there are a LOT of places he could hide. if he's still in the basement, he had to smell the mouse. I could smell it.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

I'll see if any neighbors have a reliable pet. The cage is in the basement, and the bad part is there are a LOT of places he could hide. if he's still in the basement, he had to smell the mouse. I could smell it.

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It would be best for the pet's owner to manage it, since they'll read their body language far better than you can, plus be more relaxed with their owner. If the owners
don't know you have snakes or barely know you, they might over-react about yours being loose...be CAREFUL whose help you ask for...best if someone you know/trust.

I had a really young BP get loose a couple weeks ago, from christmas eve to shortly after christmas. He only made it about 5 feet away, he was hiding in another rack between some tubs on the heat tape. I found him by accident, as I noticed the tub didn't slide all the way back in the rack like it was supposed to, I'm still glad I thought to look and not just chalk it up to a sticky spot on the rack. He did manage to climb at least 3 feet down off his rack and 2 feet up to the other rack. His first move is definitely going to be to find someplace warm and dark, but he'll climb to get there if need be.

They usually travel along the walls so I'd put some hides down along the edges of the walls, and try to find ways to make them warm, as well as some water bowls so he won't dehydrate, and leave the bags down, he'll eventually cross them. You could also put down flour or some other powder/sand in doorways and along the walls if your flooring allows it, that will show you if he leaves a room and which way he was going.

It's definitely stressful when you have an escape, but don't lose hope, he'll eventually turn up probably when you least expect it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Sorry for the bad quality picture, you can get these through Amazon and other online pet shops. Four per tank lid, I like to see the ball python that could pop this one (with the matching Zilla screen top).https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...cd553a97c5.jpg
Trust me they’re extremely strong, I’m surprised more people don’t know about these.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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I bought these for my snakes at a reptile show. They were only $4 per package and they don't budge.

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Originally Posted by Phoenix Rising

I bought these for my snakes at a reptile show. They were only $4 per package and they don't budge.

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I use those as well. They're solid.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I use those as well. They're solid.

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But how will they help find the dang snek???

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

But how will they help find the dang snek???

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They won't. But, I figured I'd second the advocacy of a quality product. Wise guy....hahahha

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

They won't. But, I figured I'd second the advocacy of a quality product. Wise guy....hahahha

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Hmm, I'll have to look that word up.

Thank you to everyone. After a very stressful 5 days, I set up another hide in a corner and put a space heater next to it. I went down this morning, and he wasn't in that hide, but actually in his original tank, in that hide, right next to the mouse.

A huge stress lifted!!!! Thank you to everyone who gave me places to look, ideas to try! These boards are awesome!

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Originally Posted by Acedink

Thank you to everyone. After a very stressful 5 days, I set up another hide in a corner and put a space heater next to it. I went down this morning, and he wasn't in that hide, but actually in his original tank, in that hide, right next to the mouse.

A huge stress lifted!!!! Thank you to everyone who gave me places to look, ideas to try! These boards are awesome!

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Great!!! Now I can finally sleep. Would love to hear about his adventures.....of course when he's ready to talk. Congrats.

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Originally Posted by Acedink

Thank you to everyone. After a very stressful 5 days, I set up another hide in a corner and put a space heater next to it. I went down this morning, and he wasn't in that hide, but actually in his original tank, in that hide, right next to the mouse.

A huge stress lifted!!!! Thank you to everyone who gave me places to look, ideas to try! These boards are awesome!

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Awesome news!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!

GREAT news! :dance: Glad that Pee Wee's Big Adventure is finally over...tell him he's grounded! and NO T.V.! :D

And tell him to wipe that smirk off his face!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

GREAT news! :dance: Glad that Pee Wee's Big Adventure is finally over...tell him he's grounded! and NO T.V.! :D

And tell him to wipe that smirk off his face!

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Wait, his name is Pee Wee and he has his own TV?

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

GREAT news! :dance: Glad that Pee Wee's Big Adventure is finally over...tell him he's grounded! and NO T.V.! :D

And tell him to wipe that smirk off his face!

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OMG!!! I read this and laughed so I snorted coffee out of my nose. ROFLOL!!! :P

thanks everyone! Now a more random question. In probably 2 months he should move up in tank size. My dad is really good with wood, metal, glass, plastic, pretty much everything, so if I commissioned him to build a custom setup (Alcatraz-type escape proof), what substances besides glass would be safe for the interior, that also are ok if they get wet/soiled?

Wood is the best insulator but it needs to be well-waterproofed with a NO-VOC* product (no volatile organic compounds that off-gas toxic stuff) and
thoroughly dried until no smells remain before your snake moves in. It's do-able. I've converted nice wood furniture cabinets in the past, had some custom
doors made with glass windows & installed (w/. piano hinges), and I installed vents using nice perforated metal (be sure the smooth side is inside cage).
I was happy with the results, as were my snake occupants. I've also had plate glass sliding doors made & installed them in padded aluminum tracks on re-
purposed cabinets.

I'm personally not a fan of plastics (& they scratch easily- even from paper towels over time, & may warp, more likely with the high temps that BPs need).

Mostly I'm a fan of glass tanks for what I now keep (mostly colubrids) that do best with fresh air & ambient room temperatures. I also like to see my pets
& for them to see out...tubs & racks that many like for convenience etc. are not something I'd ever use, other than temporarily for hatchlings.

Alcatraz eh? Are you putting in a moat too? :rofl: I hope he got a fair trial? It could be that the guard was the one who messed up? ha ha ha!