Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went out of town for the weekend and when I returned, I discovered that the latch on the critter cage was tilted at an odd angle. Panicked, I searched through all of the bedding and his favorite hide spots, but Zumbi was no where to be found in his cage! It appears that the addheasive holding the latch on had failed (probably due to the heat and humidity here). I have searched everywhere with no luck. I placed toothpicks along the walls to see if he disturbs them and also put his water/hiding bowel on the ground along with several paper towel tubes with frozen mice in them. I am really scared that he may have gone down the hole in the floor by the radiator tube. If he hasn't though, I want to seal the hole - but I just can't do that until I know he is not down there. Any way to lure him out of hiding? Also, I am afraid he is behind the fridge. It is not on wheels and is way too heavy to move - me and my boyfriend have tried with no avail. It is quite hot here in Chicago (90 or so) and we don't have ac so do you think he might go someplace cool rather than hot? Where should I check? Please help!

He will probably remain in the same room as he is kept. They do not tend to travel far, and when you do find him (and you will) he'll be tucked along the edge of the wall somewhere. Corns do not often venture across open spaces.

We have lost 2 corns at different times. Each was found within 10 - 12 feet of their cage. One wasn't found until 3 weeks later, the other one was only missing a day and a night. But your idea about the toothpicks along the wall is a good one.

I'm sure you have searched the room, but keep searching again and again. Do it at night. Leave a dull light on (a red one if you have it, some say snakes don't see red lights - who knows, but try anything). Then check the edges of the room at different times of the night. That is when he is most likely to be roaming. You can also spread flour or corn starch in thin rows, then when he crosses it you can trace his direction from the trails he leaves. Good luck. I'm sure he'll be back. They can go a long time without food, but they will give themselves away sooner or later.

Michael

Still no luck finding him! No trace of movement. Not drinking water out of his bowels on the floor. Not eating any of the mice set out for him. Any more suggestions? It has been 1.5 weeks and I am about to give him up for dead or escaped out of the entire apartment.
Jenny

First- Sorry for the late reply, I have been on vacation and "off line".

Second: Do not give up. You'd be suprised how long they can survive on their own. One of ours was only a couple of months old when she escaped. It was winter and (although I'm in CA) it was still pretty cold. It was about a month later, we had begun to give up too .....and my wife happened to find her under some laundry in the cold garage. She was begging to come home where it was warm and the pinkies were plentiful.

Keep us posted, and keep trying.
MAP