If you’re a snake lover, you know that one of the most important things is to keep your pet safe and secure. Whether you have an escape artist on your hands or just want to be extra careful, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your pet snake from escaping its enclosure. Read on for our top tips!
Things to do to avoid snake escape from a cage
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought a snake might have escaped its cage? If that idea makes you uneasy, then it’s time to get organized and learn how to keep your reptilian friend safe and secure. Regularly check cages for signs of damage and make sure the locks are secure. Clean enclosures, tanks, and habitats regularly to prevent draftiness and other problems that may cause snakes to escape.
Keep an eye on the temperature in the tank or enclosure- too hot or too cold of temperatures can make a snake uncomfortable enough to want to seek out more suitable conditions. Lastly, always consult with an experienced vet about the size, type, and other aspects related to keeping your snake safe in its habitat; it never hurts to be extra cautious!
Why do snakes escape their cages?
Snakes are one of the most determined animals when it comes to escaping their cages. Whether they slither through the tiniest cracks or overpower the lock mechanisms, snakes never give up when given a chance to roam free.
Even if they’re given spacious enclosures with lots of hiding places, it’s only a matter of time before they find a way out and make their escape. That’s why snake owners need to be extra careful in making sure every inch of their cages is secure—snakes will work day and night to figure out an escape route!
How long can my snake be out of its cage?
For most pet snakes, it’s best to limit their out-of-cage time. That way, you can be sure they’re as comfortable and secure as possible. How much time your snake gets out of its cage depends on the type of snake, but generally speaking, you should limit it to a couple of hours at most each day.
When it comes to handling your pet snake, keep any interactions short and gentle—depending on the species they may not even need to be handled at all unless you’re cleaning them or the tank. As long as you stay mindful of how long they’re out and handle them carefully, your snake should have plenty of fun outside its cage!
Where would a snake go if it gets out?
If a snake finds its way out of captivity, it would make its home outside unless it is recaptured. Depending on the type of snake, they will likely choose to go somewhere warm with plenty of food sources such as rats and other small animals. Wooded areas are particularly attractive for snakes because they provide lots of hiding spots and access to the food sources mentioned above.
Snakes are also able to utilize any resources or leftover materials in their environments like old logs, boards, trash piles, and even burrows made by other animals. Regardless of where it decides to make its home, though, one thing’s for sure – once a snake is free it uses its impressive survival instincts until it can find an environment that provides plenty of safety and food.
What to do if a pet snake escapes?
If you own a pet snake, the worst nightmare that could happen is if it were to escape the safety of its habitat. The feeling of panic may quickly set in as you frantically search your home and yard for your beloved pet. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your chance of recovering your escaped snake. First, carefully search the areas closest to its habitat; snakes are quite timid creatures and may not have ventured far. If you cannot find it in the immediate vicinity, be sure to alert family and friends who share the space – even if they didn’t see it escaping!
Also, keep an eye out for visible disturbances within nearby plants or hiding spots; this may indicate where your snake has decided to take up residence. Knowing what species of snake you own can help immensely as well; depending on their size and preferences for warm climates, there might be specific locations to check. Taking a few proactive steps upon the realization that your snake has gone missing can help lead toward a successful recovery!
Do snakes escape easily?
Escaping is something that many snakes do quite successfully. It’s no surprise, given how agile and fast some can be, as well as their natural abilities to access nooks and crannies we may not have even noticed!
Of course, there are definitely some more timid species who are content to stay put in the same spot for days on end – for all those slip sliders out there looking for a way out of their enclosure – it’s clear that in some cases, asking someone to keep an eye on these animals is paramount. The next time you find yourself with a slippery customer on your hands, make sure you double-check that all exits are closed off.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that not all snakes are the same and will attempt to escape their enclosure in different ways. Regardless of your pet snake’s quirks, using an appropriate-sized terrarium, a secure lid and latch system, heavy items like rocks to weigh down the lid, and adding silicone caulk around lids or vents will help minimize escape attempts. There are many products out there that can be useful when it comes to reinforcing enclosures, such as those with snap closures or specialty clamps. So do some research on your particular snake species and stay diligent about their enclosure — you’ll be rewarded with a happy and healthy pet for years to come!
