just making sure

[guidofatherof5]

Would I be able to put rags under the lid so it has no place to get out

Not reliable keeping snakes in.

[Didymus20X6]

I use two clear plastic tubs connected together with a pipe. They both came with locking lids that fit fairly tightly over the enclosure, and have clamps that lock them into place.

When I was more paranoid about escape attempts, I used cow clips on the sides as further security. But these days, I don't worry about it. I've never had a snake escape from being able to slide between the enclosure and the lid. But I also have foam insulation tape between the lip of the lid and the lip of the enclosure, that further tightens any gaps a sneaky snake might try to squeeze through.

Honestly, even with as much space as there is in the enclosure, I get the feeling that Little Dude gets cramped in there. I've started taking her on "walks" lately - that is, taking her outside and letting her crawl around in the yard for about 15 minutes a day. Some days, she'll explore, explore, explore. Other days, like today, she'll just find a good spot to burrow in the grass and just plop down and stay there.

A suggestion: if it's a matter of just making sure your lid is secure, you can always try using gluing in some scrap lumber pieces or, for small enough gaps, some insulation tape (as long as the snake can't reach the adhesive).

[Invisible Snake]

I use two clear plastic tubs connected together with a pipe. They both came with locking lids that fit fairly tightly over the enclosure, and have clamps that lock them into place.

Can you post a pic of this enclosure?

[Didymus20X6]

Sure. There might already be some from when I first constructed it, but I've made several upgrades since then. More plastic plants, a brick island in the water side, a water filter in case I need to leave them alone for a lengthy period of time again (long story, don't feel like telling it right now).

You can see my designs on this page: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/encl...closure-4.html. The completed version is on the next page.

[Invisible Snake]

Wow it looks amazing and very creative!

[Didymus20X6]

Thanks!

Also, Little Dude is a lot bigger now than in some of those pictures. Also, it turns out, she's not a dude.

[Didymus20X6]

Here are some updated pics, including one of Tiny hanging out in the water enclosure. The bowl there is a feeding bowl. I find that it works best if I give Tiny his food in the water enclosure; if I put it in the land side, Little Dude eats it all.

DSC00520.jpg

Here is the land side. Little Dude is taking a snooze in the big cottage.

DSC00521.jpg

[Steveo]

That's really cool. Can you disconnect them for easy cleaning?

[Didymus20X6]

Yep, sure can! All I have to do is make sure both snakes are in the same enclosure, use one of the lids from the flange pipes to block off that enclosure so they don't get out, and just pull them apart.

For the water enclosure, I change the water every week (or when I spot poop), using a siphon hose to drain what's in it, and some five gallon buckets to replenish the supply. About once a month, I wipe it down with some salty brine.