A terrible scare

[Green Tea Boa]

I was in bed when I heard my BP Chili making a ruckus. He usually does at night so I didn't think much of it. The ruckus got louder so I was curious as to what he was doing. I saw him going up towards the top of his hide which is put together with tape. I picked up the hide and he was attached to it. I was horrified to found his snout wrapped in a piece of tape. I frantically tried to peel the tape off him so he could breath. It took at least 30 seconds and once the tape came off, I saw his tongue flick and eventually saw his body expand and contract to show he was breathing. I was relieved but still very upset. I had no idea that could happen when putting together the hides. I removed the tape from one hide and put it back in so he has somewhere to hide. and took the other out. I'm going to buy some new hides tomorrow.

The problem now is that there looks to be some tape or adhesive stuck to his eye. He looks like he's trying to rub it off. I have no idea what to do. All I know is that there appears to be no adhesive or tape around his nostrils and he seems calm. I don't know what to do now.

[Kaorte]

Let this be a lesson to never use tape inside your snakes enclosure. They will always find a way to get stuck to it.

I also learned the hard way and had to remove duct tape from my first ball python, Eero.

I would try giving the snake a soak in some shallow water with some wet paper towels or a wash cloth and see if he can rub it off. If not, hopefully it will be gone with the next shed.

[BuckeyeBalls]

I try to keep all tape out of my tub. even when i tape holes on the tub. I put something over the hole and tape that. My luck he would flick his tongue at the tape and get stuck

Anyways good luck. Idk if water would help. Only thing i know that would for sure take if off is in no way good for a snake

[JLC]

Glad things turned out alright. Lesson learned!!

I wouldn't mess with it too much. You could do more harm than good by messing with the eyes. A soak in water that's around 80-85 degrees...maybe a slither through a damp towel. If that doesn't get it off, just wait for the next shed and let it be taken care of naturally.

[WaRocker]

TRY?? Heck no just keep tape out of the tub.. No try to it..
Remember there is a hot glue gun in your future. This alone will be your best friend and save ya from another post like this. Thanks for sharing
Happy to hear it went well.

[cinderbird]

Velcro is also a good way of securing things. I used to use velcro to attach things to sides of tanks back when i used them.

No tape in enclosures is a good thing to go by.

[stratus_020202]

Velcro is also a good way of securing things. I used to use velcro to attach things to sides of tanks back when i used them.

No tape in enclosures is a good thing to go by.

Uh. Isn't the back of Velcro still sticky? Good luck op. I wouldn't advise using anything sticky in the future. Even if it's industrial strength.

[zantedeschia]

Try a dab of mineral oil to help loosen up the tape.