Adalae is loose (for the hundredth time)

[Mindibun]

and this time I don't know what to do. It's really cold outside and I can't figure out why she would have wanted to leave her warm enclosure. She'd been refusing food so unless she suddenly got hungry, it wasn't the urge to hunt. It definitely wasn't in search of a warmer spot. I just don't know. She just really likes to explore -- she always has.

I checked all of her usual spots on our screened in patio and found a small hole in the screening, low to the floor, that she could have gotten out of. We are on the 6th floor so if she went through the hole ... all she found was a 6 story drop. We went to the ground level and checked for a body but didn't find one. Although that's not to say that buzzards didn't find it first. We've had a lot of them around here recently.

I don't have a heating pad to lay out for her, just a heat bulb but it's a small wattage and gives off next to no heat. Plus, she probably won't want to go near a light. If she's even still out there ...

I have found her before but this time it's really looking hopeless. I need ideas and well wishes. I am so depressed...

[piper]

Well if you find her, maybe it's time to rethink what you are keeping her in?

[jben]

Well if you find her, maybe it's time to rethink what you are keeping her in?

x2

[FatBoy]

I try to make it a point to never say anything disrespectful to anyone...but after the first time she got out you should have fixed it where she couldn't get out again. That is part of being a responsible owner.

[Mindibun]

It's not really the enclosure's fault. It's mine entirely because when I feed I latch only one latch - since I know I'll be coming back momentarily to check on them. If I forget to latch it again when I'm done, Adalae can get out. I'm really furious with myself because I know that this is entirely, 100% MY fault. And that is part of why I'm so upset. Whatever has happened or will happen to her is the direct result of my negligence. Honestly, when that thought dawned on me, I had considered rehoming my other two snakes...

Ok, yes, thank you guys. I understand why you're saying what you're saying. But trust me, I'm beating myself up 1,000 times worse than any of you ever could. I need a little positivity or an idea right now. I have all the negativity covered. Really.

[ballpythonluvr]

Hang in there! I am sure you will find her soon! I wish you luck with finding her!

[alan1]

I need ideas

escape proof enclosure would be a start...
think you need to re-examine your husbandry techniques

[Jenn]

I hope she turns up soon. Did you look behind your fridge?

If you find her, you may want to look into a wind-up cooking timer. Set the timer for five minutes or so when you feed the first mouse.

[Vypyrz]

I don't know what kind of building you live in, but it sounds like an apartment building. Maybe check with the people who live below you and see if she ended up on their balcony or something. Good luck..

[JLC]

There's a very good chance she's still inside the apt somewhere. They can climb so well and hide in such small spaces. Don't give up! Try putting out a bunch of plastic grocery bags all over the place...then sit VERY quietly without any TV or radio playing. Read a book or something....and keep your ears peeled to listen for rattling bags. Flour on the floor at night can also give clues to possible paths she might take for explores after you've gone to bed. Even if such a trail doesn't lead you to her, if you see one, you'll know she's still in the apt. Good luck!