I have a normal ball python that has great sentimental value to me- my mother found it in a bucket next to her pool. She about had a heart attack (very very scared of snakes). It was baked (from being trapped in a black bucket in the sun all day before he was found) but we revived him with weeks of tender care, a few sheds later he was as good as gold.
Two and a half weeks ago, I lost him. I was standing outside in the sunshine with him, in the middle of cleaning his cage when I got an emergency call- my 8 year old daughter had fallen five feet, flat on her back and could not move her arms or legs. I jumped in the van, stuck the snake in a box I had in the van, and went to the hospital. THere are a million better ways for me to have reacted to the situation, but I didnt think, I just left.

Eight hours later, when I returned to my van, the snake had gotten out of the box. (My daughter is fine now). The next morning, I tore my van apart, pulled out the seats, the carpeting- never found the ball. My husband suggested baiting a large jar with a mouse and a funnel type set-up so the snake would come feed, and not get out (heh heh heh). I did that, and when I checked back the next morning- the mouse was gone.
I never posted for any suggestions, because I didnt think there wasnt anything I hadnt thought of- short of removing my dash board which I couldnt get my husband to do.

The nights have gotten cold- down in the thirties since his escape. I figured he was dead, or had gotten out of the van. But, not so- last night I was driving home, and he plopped out of the dash, and onto my foot. YAYAYAY!
I put him in his cage, and he drank a ton of water, shed his skin during the night, and now looks fine.

I just wanted to share my story, I am so happy Slither is back.

[ Show Entire Thread ]