Reptile & Amphibian Forums

PLEASE... anyone with any ideas or knowledge on this help out.

My 2 year old jungle carpet got out last night, I had weights on the top of the tank but somehow he moved the top and now he is out. He is in the basement somewhere and no idea where. We have an exposed ceiling so he could have gotten within the pipes and all that good stuff.

Worst and best part I guess is that he just ate yesterday, so I doubt hell move much, and that leaves months for him to just show up. I also have a terrier which I am terrified to let downstairs now for the snakes safety.

Anyone with any type of crazy experience with something like this please give me some ideas of what could possibly be done. I have been looking for an hour now with my father all over the place and we have no luck!!!

THANKS!!!

How large is this animal? if it is a neonate or small, you might try using sticky glue traps, can be bought at Wal-m--- and place a lot of them (flat type) anywhere you think it may crawl. If it gets mired in one, use olive oil liberally and gently work it around them, and that seems to inactivate the glue. Then gently wash your animal down and get him into a secure environment...as the escaped happened once, it will likely do so again. Also look for warm areas, i.e. pipes. If the climate down in the basement is cool, it may seek heat. If not, and it will support life, maybe try funnel traps baited with favorite food when you think it is hungry. Good luck, sorry for your loss, I know how it feels. vic h. P.S. Is your terrier an agressive hunter? Maybe you could expose the terrier to the snakes cage scent and he would seek it out? My labrador recovered a box turtle for me this way...but she was very gentle and no biting.

Sorry, I just reread your post and note it is a two year old, too large for the glue traps I think. Wishing you luck, Vic h.

Look in high places. They like to climb. They also like to wedge between tight spots. Search every inch and look at night with a flashlight. Most pythons are nocturnal and hunt at night. You will also be able to see the "eye shine" a little easier this way.

Good luck.
Brandon
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www.brandonosbornereptiles.com

My vet lost my Ball in his clinic for 3 months one time. It's a BIG clinic, and I combed every inch after hours with a flashlight, Long story made short: no one could find him. I was sure he'd die due to how cold (central AC in Fl.) they kept that place.

Don't give up. After 3 months the receptionist looked up one day and there was my python sunning himself in front of the glass front doors!
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1.0.0 BP
1.1.0 Chondro

Typically, escapees will move along the closest wall until they find a nice dark spot to hole up in. Try moving along the wall closest to the enclosure and check every possible nook and cranny you think the snake could get into, and especially the ones you think it COULD NOT get into. Also, as was already stated, set your alarm for about 2am and go check with a flashlight. I've found that by looking with a flashlight, you tend to be more thorough and notice little details easier, like a tail tip or some color that just doesn't belong.

Good luck!

An over cooked mouse will possibly draw him out. Sadly this is why most care guides say to never use weights and always use cage clips, they dont need to be strong enough to lift their weight, just be big enough to get a start and use their body as a wedge. that being said I have seen them even get out of custom snake cages with clips. On another forum, a guy lost his Ball Python outside, and he found it months later. Just don't give up. Good luck man. I know it sucks.
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3.2.0 Corn Snakes (Jareth, Morkai, Gunner, Selene, Angela)
1.1.0 Ball Pythons
1.0.0 Yorkshire Terrier (Ragnar)
0.1.0 Kenya Sand Boa het Snow (Moo)
0.1.0 Red Tail Boa(Annabelle)