So glad you had a happy ending, you must have been crazed for the time he was gone. My most horrible moment was one day i was checking for poops and not only forgot the top clip, but didn't flip the lock, i guess because it was new and stiff, and just didn't turn it all the way to the locked position. IChores done, i went on the computer i another room. Well my husband comes home from work about 15 mins later and says nugget is out of his cage and just relaxing on the arm of the sofa, which is right next to his cage. Thank god thats as far as he got. So i know that crazed feeling. now i never leave the room after chores till i double check every lock and clip. So don't feel bad it happens to us all.