BP gets out of everything - need new cage idea

[Mindibun]

After Adalae got loose the last time, I added another lock to the cage and quadruple-checked the other two when I put her away. Lo and behold, she is out the next day! WTF?!

At this point, I know where she is but haven't bothered to catch her yet. She'll just get loose again. So, I have an idea as to how to prevent her from escaping again (it involves barricading the door...) but I am thinking that if she wants out THAT badly that I should get her a different cage. What she's in now is the equivalent of a 40gal. It's pretty much perfect for her - not too big and not too small. So I dont understand why she's leaving. Should I go smaller? Or bigger? She did this when she was young and in a tub, too.

The other thing is, do you think maybe it's a drive to breed? This is the first year she would be able to, so maybe that's what it is?

I don't know. I am at a loss right now. I don't know how to make her happy. Please give me your suggestions.

[A.VinczeBPs]

Ball pythons escape because they can. There is no real reason, if they can get out, they will. What you should focus on is HOW it's getting out. Any hole or gap about the size of their heads, they can fit out of.

Second, is you husbandry good? Temp, humidity and such? Enough hides?

[vjb]

How about a small rack setup?

[A.VinczeBPs]

How about a small rack setup?

Agreed. A rack system is safe, secure, and I find all around easier.

[Bleepr]

A picture of your set-up would help. IE lock locations and types, ect.

[Aes_Sidhe]

A picture of your set-up would help. IE lock locations and types, ect.

x2

[Mindibun]

The only pictures I have of the cages are here: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83857

The husbandry is good. I've had these guys for years; I know what I'm doing when it comes to temps and humidity.

It is obvious the locks don't work so I don't need you guys to tell me that one. I will not use a rack set up because I don't like them. I don't think snakes should be forced to live in buckets all their lives. Granted, there are some that do best in that type of environment but I don't feel that mine benefit from it. They were kept in tubs as babies, and moved when they were larger and the move has worked well for everyone up until now.

If there is no reason for Adalae to escape other than "just because," then I will simply change the lock type and add a few other security measures. If there *is* something else I should be considering, then I want to do what's best for her. Whether that means moving her or not.

[Aes_Sidhe]

The only pictures I have of the cages are here: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83857

The husbandry is good. I've had these guys for years; I know what I'm doing when it comes to temps and humidity.

It is obvious the locks don't work so I don't need you guys to tell me that one. I will not use a rack set up because I don't like them. I don't think snakes should be forced to live in buckets all their lives. Granted, there are some that do best in that type of environment but I don't feel that mine benefit from it. They were kept in tubs as babies, and moved when they were larger and the move has worked well for everyone up until now.

If there is no reason for Adalae to escape other than "just because," then I will simply change the lock type and add a few other security measures. If there *is* something else I should be considering, then I want to do what's best for her. Whether that means moving her or not.

OK If Your temps and humidity are good I have no idea.... Only one thing... is still little too much space in my opinion in this cage so maybe She feel Insecure a little... Any way That is Smart-Ass Snake getting out from that secured cage...

[Bleepr]

We're by no means questioning your husbandry. I'm sure its better then mine.

The thing is, ball pythons do escape just because. When I had 12, 3 of them escaped in 1 night and I found them in rather cold places. Why leave when they have all they need in their tubs? Just because.

I'm sure you know that if a snake can get its head through something, almost guaranteed that the rest of the body will follow. I would suggest that you close everything up and do a twice over looking for ANY opening. If you find one, tug on it a little to see if there is any flex, if there is, fix it. Locks on the front don't help anything if there is other places she can wiggle into.

[A.VinczeBPs]

I never meant to question your husbandry, or try to make you put your snake it a "tub". Just wanted to find any other reasons it might be wanting out.

If you have temps and humidity at the right place, all you need to do is look over your cage. Maybe the locks, though working, don't close the glass all the way? Maybe there is a hole or gap in the top?

They always try to get out, they want to explore...they're like kids: "I wonder if I can fit my head in this?"

Also, I would put your ball python back into the tank, I think I read that you're not going to because it will get out again, you don't want it to get sick though. You can always watch him/her and see where they're getting out.

Other than that though, good luck finding the problem.