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SexyBear77
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3796 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2012 : 18:50:13
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A few weeks back my gravid golddust motley, Aurelia, managed to escape from her viv. Its the bottom unit on a home-made wardrobe conversion, with sliding glass doors on plastic runners. The doors are tall, wide and heavy. Upon inspection I saw that the wood at the side had angled slightly, leaving a gap a few MM across which she had pushed open.
I fixed this with plastic stripping glued down the side of the wood, and once dry she went back in, having been found a few hours after we discovered she was missing.
A few days later she was out again. More searching revealed a gap about 1mm across at the bottom of the plastic stripping- although tiny, it was evidently enough for her to get the tip of her nose into and push open again.
This time we didn't find her. On Friday, I received a call from my landlord who told me that a 2 metre long "dangerous" snake had been found in the offices directly below our flat. Aurelia was only about 3 feet and soft as butter.
It took 4 teams of police officers and the RSPCA to "contain" her, during which time someone dropped a box on her and caused her to prolapse. She was taken by the police to a local vets, who looked after her until I arrived to pick her up. She seemed well enough, tongue flicking, no flat or squashed areas, strength all through her body, and the prolapse was small. The vets she was at, having no idea about reps, had spoken to a reptile vet who seemingly was happy to be treated at home by me.
She was soaked in a sugar solution and the prolapse disappeared within 2 hours, whereupon she was then put into a clean RUB lined with paper. She was doing well.
Upon speaking to my downstairs neighbour, an Indian lady, it became clear that all the drama was the result of a lot of hysteria and ignorance- the police had been told the snake was "trying to eat her baby" and was 2 metres long, hence the massive overkill. She then asked me if the snake had been killed, and was very annoyed when I told her it hadn't.
(Don't get me wrong, I can understand her shock and was mortified by what happened, just slightly taken aback by her attitude.)
Well, it would seem she got her wish. Aurelia is dead. I am totally gutted and despite spending well over £100 and most of my Saturday buying viv locks, door wedges and new RUB's for the little'uns I am totally paranoid about it happening again.
Moral of the story- never underestimate a determined snake, never leave a gap unplugged, and check for gaps regularly. It just isn't worth the risk. |
9.11 Cornsnakes
1.1 Hogg island boas
1.0 Dwarf Burmese python
Location: Watford
Website- http://rassnakes.yolasite.com/ |
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smart bunny
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5091 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:01:57
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| Oh no, I am so so sorry, not much more I can say really :( |
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serena_08
Yearling
United Kingdom
784 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:28:10
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:(
R.I.P. Aurelia x |
1.0.0 Corn: D-Bo (Amel)
1.0.0 Western Hognose: C*ntyB*ll*cks
0.1.0 MBK: Rosa
0.0.1 Leopard Gecko: Zuko
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon: Kobe
0.0.1 Fire Bellied Toad: Snoop
1.1.0 Cats: Penny and Sheldon
1.0.0 Staffy: MooMoo
I intend to live forever. So far, so good. |
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paulie78
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2331 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:30:02
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| omg im so sorry to hear that and grr at stupid pig headed minsiformed idiotic people !!! really sorry for your loss its a tragedgy |
6.8.0 Corn Snakes http://buzzsprehistoricpets.yolasite.com/
1.1.0 Royal
0.2.0 Chinchillas
1.1.0 Cats
1.1.0 Birds
0.0.2 Fishtanks
0.0.1 Cali Kingsnake
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Dancross0
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1315 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:30:39
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| Sorry to hear about that. RIP Aurelia. |
Aguna CB11 Anery - Typhon CB12 Amber - Plissken CB08 Carolina - Iara CB11 Caramel
Indra CB12 Lavender (?) - Evren CB12 Carolina (?) - Ophis CB11 Hypo Lavender - Sirae CB11 Ghost Motley
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SexyBear77
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3796 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:44:41
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Thanks guys, I'm very upset about it.
Not only was she one of my favourite snakes but I feel responsible for her death by not being more vigilant. I know mistakes get made, but I've never made a mistake before that has resulted in the death of such a sweet natured and (dare I say it) intelligent snake. Of course, her eggs are now no good also.
RIP 
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9.11 Cornsnakes
1.1 Hogg island boas
1.0 Dwarf Burmese python
Location: Watford
Website- http://rassnakes.yolasite.com/ |
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Mamma
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
4494 Posts |
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kev 5
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3065 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:57:54
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| sorry for you're loss,she was a lovely snake |
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tordyjo
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2036 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 19:59:45
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| I'm sorry that is so sad, RIP aurelia |
 Lilly Crystal Harry
1.2.0 corns, 1.1.0 cats tropical guppies who continually breed
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Donnie
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3215 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:15:55
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| Sorry to hear of your loss |
1.1 Corns (Anery Stripe, Amel) 1.0 Rootbeer 0.2 Jungle Carpet Python 1.0 Zebra Jungle Carpet Python 1.0 50% Diamond Zebra Carpet Python |
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ScalySituation
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5292 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:20:50
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That is heart breaking! :( :( she was a stunning lass
RIP Aurelia, go find all the other lost snakeys to play with at rainbow bridge xx
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1.0.0 Butter motley corn (Sheldon)
0.1.0 Caramel Corn (Maggie)
0.1.0 Caramel motley corn (Echo)
1.0.0 Cat (Angus)
1 mealworm colony
RIP Skye x
Sleep well Sonny, Mummy loves you xx
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scottishbluebird
it is all my fault
United Kingdom
8403 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:24:52
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| So so sorry |
     
0.1.0 Corn - Kellogs
1.0.0 Hognose - Storm
0.1.0 Staffy - Lyla
1.0.0 Spaffy(staffy x springer)-Spyro
1.0.0 Ferret - Peanut R.I.P
0.1.0 Crestie - Fudge. Wish List - Pygmy hedgehog. Tropiocolotes |
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SexyBear77
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3796 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:33:02
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Just got off the phone with the police trying to find out more- its all a bit sketchy but the report states the snake was injured when they got there, and that my downstairs neighbours had dropped the box on it.
I'll speak to them tomorrow to see what happened.
I can understand their fear, however, if the woman was as frightened as she made out ...... why not leave the building and wait for help to arrive?! Rather than attempt to contain, and ultimately kill my snake.
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9.11 Cornsnakes
1.1 Hogg island boas
1.0 Dwarf Burmese python
Location: Watford
Website- http://rassnakes.yolasite.com/ |
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Katie.Dublin
Sub Adult
Ireland
1560 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:43:06
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| Absolutely gutted for you :( Stupid neighbours. The poor girl. |
     
0.1 normal (Miami) - Hugo
0.1 hypo Motley - Spunky
0.1 MBK - Tequila. RIP
Horses, bearded dragons, a red tailed boa constrictor, a tortoise, a cat and a dog |
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lotabob
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
4334 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 20:58:33
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You cant blame the neighbour for reacting how she did, yes its a response that shows a lack of knowledge of snakes and its terrible an animal was hurt and this lead to its death but as the educated ones in this subject it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our animals.
In a vivarium there are a few weaknesses when it comes to escaping, the doors, the vents, and the wire holes, a few very simple measures can be taken to make a vivarium virtually escape proof the most important of which is to immobilise the doors, if you give them an inch they will always take a mile.
Dont get me wrong it is terrible that a very beautiful little snake has lost its life and I'm sorry for your loss. |
Anery Corn snake SPOT. Royal Python, DUKE. Hogg Island Boa, SANKE. Albino House Snake, HAL.
Harlequin Crested Gecko HARLEY
Albino Horned Frog WAKA
Chilean Rose Tarantula TRIXIE. Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Tarantula SAM. Orange Baboon Tarantula BORIS.
Giant Asian Forest Scorpion, SALLY.
Giant African Land Snails, SHELDON & MICHELLE.
Budwing Mantis, MAIA
Dubia Roach Colony. Silkworm Colony. Mealworm Colony. Waxworm Colony. Fruit Beetle Colony.
MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/user/alocheeky |
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kdlang
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3556 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 22:22:55
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| Oh SB!! I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. I can understand how devastated you were to find her. Unfortunately there are always going to be people who are scared of snakes and thus panic when they come across one unexpectedly. |
4.1.0 corns - Izzy (Carolina) Alice (Amel) Peanut (Butter Motley) Swayze (Ghost) Carmellia (Butter Motley)
0.1.0 cat - Kizzy
1.0.0 Dog - Dobbie
Location - Chesterfield, Derbyshire
www.support-dogs.org.uk |
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Kez
Hatchling
United Kingdom
378 Posts |
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nickyff
Yearling
507 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2012 : 23:17:42
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I'm so sorry for your loss - she was a beautiful snake.
i think the "moral", or learning point here though, is to talk to neighbours- because such a large percentage of the population are misinformed, inexperienced, ignorant and fearful, it's probably best to pre-empt any possible disasters like this-
let neighbours know that any snakes they might see at any future point (by whatever accident) are utterly harmless pet snakes, and give them a contact number for you, so before they ring police, RSPCA, whoever, you can deal with the situation safely, without any injury to your pet. I'm sure we've all seen the story of the woman who found an MBK in her cupboard, called the RSPCA and the RSPCA woman who turned up freaked and called for back-up, basically because she had no experience/training in the handling of totally harmless pet snakes and apparently thought it was a dangerous rattlesnake. ie we can't rely on so-called animal "experts" to be what they claim, when it comes to all things herp....
Reading between the lines of this story, I hate to say it but I suspect that the neighbour wasn't trying to 'contain' Aurelia at all.
Definitely a learning point for all of us- we love them, but our neighbours do not.
Very Sad.
I'm so sorry for you SB. and for Aurelia, that she managed to get further than the safe boundaries of your home. |
and you thought there was no such thing as a stupid question....
1.2.0 corns: captain haddock, sharon the tiddler and Darling Debbie. plus 0.2.0 cali kings: spot and Numpty... not forgetting the delightful Miss Lovely-Gonzalez-La-Poop apricot pueblan milk snake, and we all miss the Lodger who thought he was a cobra....
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nusnakemum
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1612 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 09:07:10
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| oh a very sad story and i am so sorry SB, thinking of you |
0.0.1 corn Ernest
0.1.0 leopard gecko Mrs T
1.0.0 anery Black Eyed Bill RIP Bill x
2.0.0 kids |
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Hissyfit
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2214 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 10:48:20
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What a terrible thing to happen to your poor girl.
RIP Aurelia |
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Casta
Hatchling
United Kingdom
335 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 11:46:21
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| thats a bloody shame. ignorance makes me abhor the human race... but what can you do. probably why i choose to spend a lot of my time with animals and educating people about them. really sorry for your loss x |
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A cautionary tale with an unhappy ending.
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