Escaped

[zina10]

A 4 pound snake cannot push over a heavy space heater, but they sure can crawl on it, or even into it in some instances.
We already know they aren't the smartest to move off of objects that are burning them. Space heaters get HOT while they run. Very hot.

I'd be even more afraid of finding the rat AND snake gone, come morning. Snakes can disappear into the smallest of spaces.

Just not a good idea to let a snake loose, after a loose rat. IMHO Set a trap. Doesn't have to be a cruel trap, if you want to catch the rat alive.

[Godzilla78]

Well, I did set a trap. A live very aggressive feeding snake, and a small bowl of peanut butter as bait. we can agree to disagree, but I’d do it again. I almost always feed frozen thawed anyway, so this was a very rare occasion.

[zina10]

The trap idea was directed at the OP, since he still has a rat loose

In your case, the idea of a loose snake and a very hot appliance is what worried me. We don't like heat rocks for that reason, or exposed light bulbs. A space heater gets hotter then that.

[Bogertophis]

The trap idea was directed at the OP, since he still has a rat loose

In your case, the idea of a loose snake and a very hot appliance is what worried me. We don't like heat rocks for that reason, or exposed light bulbs. A space heater gets hotter then that.

And yes, Godzilla78...many use a space heater to heat their snake rooms, but I'm betting that NO ONE leaves their snakes LOOSE in that room.

[Godzilla78]

Yes, I’m way in the minority here, but I’m not nearly as paranoid about a loose snake as almost everyone else. I have maybe just had good luck, but snake’s “loose” in my house have never been an issue. They are not as stupid or helpless as people seem to assume.
Just my own little opinion.
It was quite amusing that the “live trap” was so effective. I was fully expecting the possibility of having to look for her in the morning, but in the morning there she was resting under the couch right near the coffee table where I left her. The heater was because it was winter, and I knew she would not stray far from it.

[Godzilla78]

And yes, Godzilla78...many use a space heater to heat their snake rooms, but I'm betting that NO ONE leaves their snakes LOOSE in that room.

Well I do.

[Bogertophis]

Well I do.

So much for promoting "best practices" on this forum...

[Godzilla78]

Yes, on this forum we can’t ALL be perfect, super-safe, paranoid, obsessive compulsive snake owners. Some are just living on the edge of total disaster! Shame shame

[MissterDog]

Yes, I’m way in the minority here, but I’m not nearly as paranoid about a loose snake as almost everyone else. I have maybe just had good luck, but snake’s “loose” in my house have never been an issue. They are not as stupid or helpless as people seem to assume.
Just my own little opinion.
It was quite amusing that the “live trap” was so effective. I was fully expecting the possibility of having to look for her in the morning, but in the morning there she was resting under the couch right near the coffee table where I left her. The heater was because it was winter, and I knew she would not stray far from it.

You can do whatever you want with your snake, but if majority is saying this is a bad practice it's best not to encourage others to do the same thing.

You've been lucky so far and that luck may not extend to other owners. Frankly it's a bad example that I hope others don't follow. You may be convinced there are no risks involved in your personal experience but there is no gaurantee that will apply to everyone.

If things have been working for you then great! But don't assume everyone will have the same results and promote a careless practice.

[CALM Pythons]

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