Question: Escape!

[pinkspore]

My husband just stepped on my paddletail newt, which was quite traumatic for both of them. The newt is now lounging in a shallow tub of water in the fridge and seems to be perking up.

I have no idea how he got out of his tank. It has a heavy mesh lid with no major gaps. I also have trouble with my firebelly toads escaping occasionally and they have the same type of lid with clamps to hold it down tight.

These are store-bought lids with store-bought clamps. Is there something I can make or buy that would make them more secure? Are there better lids to be found somewhere?

 

[Kaysie]

Duct tape around the rim. Make a lip of it around the inside of the tank. It's unsightly, but it's not easy to bypass. Make sure you tape up the sticky side too, so they don't get stuck to the tape.

 

[AngieD]

I notice you said no MAJOR gaps. Block up every single little gap you can find, and then inspect every inch of it several times. I used up a lot of tape sealing up the lid on mine, and they haven't got out yet

 

[pinkspore]

Thank you, I have done some reading and will add duct tape rims to both tanks along with rethinking how I do the power cords.

 

[wargar]

I use pieces of sponge, which I wrap tightly around the power cords and then let expand to the edges of the tank and lid.. For me this works well and there are no sharp edges if a curious newt does ever climb a cable trying to escape.

Dave

 

[pinkspore]

Thank you, I have done this as well.

The newt re-hydrated just fine and has resumed swimming and eating with no ill effects after being stepped on.