Adalae is loose (for the hundredth time)

[Ashleedm]

I had my ball python get out a couple years back, I cried for a week! I searched and searched and couldn't find him! until one day he was trying to get BACK IN HIS CAGE!!! I was so relieved!

ive seen on the web different traps involving mice to lure the snake back.

Ill keep you in my prayers to find her! good luck

[Mindibun]

Thank you everyone for the good ideas - and they really were. I'd never heard of putting plastic bags on the floor to listen for noise but that was BRILLIANT. Thank you for suggesting that.

I have to admit I haven't checked on this thread since I made it because I was afraid I would get more people jumping on me.

The good news is: I FOUND ADALAE TODAY!

She was in the same spot I found her in the last time she was loose. Obviously, I'd checked there 30 times before today and she wasn't there, but today something just told me to go look again and there she was! She likes to hide in this big box of junk stuff - extra cups, plates, an old blender, etc. And so I took everything out of her cage except for her two hides, and piled all of that stuff from the box around her hides and randomly in her cage. Maybe she'll be happier now.

I am going to try again to feed her tomorrow, though it's been a month since she's eaten and I don't know if she'll refuse again.

I am wondering if I shouldn't try to sell my enclosures and set up something more ... fool proof. But I don't know what else would make a nice enclosure for her. A 40gal tank would work, but they are so expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe I could get my dad to add two more locks on her door, just in case... Yes, I think I will do that.

[kc261]

I'm SO glad you found her! Now do something about making the enclosure more secure! And get in the habit of always fully locking it, even if you'll only be a couple minutes!

[BuckeyeBalls]

Ever think of keeping her in a tub? She may like that better

[het.pied]

And so I took everything out of her cage except for her two hides, and piled all of that stuff from the box around her hides and randomly in her cage. Maybe she'll be happier now.

lol i love that!!!! that is probably the most inovative thing ive ever heard! congrats on finding her. i know youve been having a heart attack!

[Mindibun]

She was kept in a tub when she was younger. I don't agree with keeping large snakes in small tubs. I know many people do, but I am not one of them. (unless they are currently breeding.) ESPECIALLY since Adalae is determined to roam and explore. She's always been like this. When she was younger I'd find her pushing on the roof of her tub to get out. She never sits still!

And I know nothing is wrong with the husbandry because I triple checked it all again today before putting her in the cage again. She just wants to be out. I guess she thinks she's a boa.

[Lolo76]

Glad you found her! I've noticed that mine always head for the same spots when they're out (having "floor time"), so it makes sense she headed for that hiding place. If you don't want to switch to tubs, I'd suggest a cage with sliding/locking front doors... I used to have one that cost a pretty penny, but it was pretty much escape-proof. Here's a photo of the one I had, which was used for geckos:

[piper]

I apologize for my previous comment, I guess the title just got to me a bit "(for the hundredth time)" ..

Congrats on finding her!

[juddb]

If you keep a steady supply of rodents, and a waterfall in its cage it will never try to escape. Im glad you found Adalae, how will you be punishing her?

[ballpythonluvr]

Congrats on finding her!