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A Warning About Sterlite 'Flip-Top' Containers

A_Mc

I like shiny things.....
A Warning About Sterilite 'Flip-Top' Containers

I purchased about 50 Sterilite Flip-Top containers for my hatchlings (They cost about .95 at Wally World)....They're a great size for little ones, and pretty convenient. I drilled the appropriate airholes all around, and was really impressed with them.....However, I have had 4 escapes from them since...
The first, I thought that I didn't close the lid properly after feeding, so I was dilligent about checking and re-checking to make sure they were closed. 2 more escaped the next day..(from their own individual containers). Again, I thought that MAYBE the lids just weren't 'snapped'. Last night, I was sitting here on the computer (all of my snakes are in the computer room) and I heard a 'pop'. I looked over to see yet another hatchling escaping from the container!!! :sidestep: It seems that if they can wriggle between the lid and the container, it pops open---without much force--I'm talking babies here!!
So, last night, each of my hatchling containers got a strip of tape to keep them from popping open..I hope it works!!!
Luckily, I found ALL of the escapees (thanks to an inquisitive cat and yippy chihuahua).
I just wanted to warn everyone, if you are using the Sterilite flip-top containers for your little ones, PLEASE tape the lids!!
Cheers :cheers:
 
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Another solution is binder clips. They are much more secure than tape and you'll only have to pay for them once.

There is a pic on this thread.
 
I bet velcro would work well too. I saw that being used in another thread :D BTW how much did you pay for the containers?
 
CAV said:
Another solution is binder clips. They are much more secure than tape and you'll only have to pay for them once.

There is a pic on this thread.

:cheers: Good idea---I was just looking for something to keep them closed, and tape was the quickest (and readily available) at 2am. I'll have to get some clips ASAP!!
 
In my experience, binder clips do not work for all corns, I have had a couple escape sterilites that were properly closed and binder clippped. :grin01: Now most of them are in shut sterilites inside a tight rack system so there is not much they can do.
 
Angelina...

90% of my corns are in various Sterilite tubs. For hatchlings I often set a book on top of the lid in the rack. Books are plentiful in this house (smile). The bonus is you dont have to tape and re-tape..or risk splashing their water bowls all over taking the tape off.

Another neat trick for hatchlings, mentioned in several threads, is to get the inexpensive Ziploc (or generic equiv) sandwich-lunch containers. They have press down lids that hatchlings can't pop open. Tried it last year and they work great !

My Wife went to Joann's Fabrics and bought some nylon strap material (1" or so wide) and 2 part plastic clips (like you see on gym bags and backpacks). You can make a sturdy wrap around with them and they're easily adjusted. They're great for sub and adult snakes.
 
Thanks, everybody for the suggestions!! I have my subs and adults in tight racks, so 'binding' containers isn't a problem. I was just looking for a new way to house my hatchlings (less space consuming, as my collection has steadily grown to 60+ with more on the way). I saw the flip-tops and thought they looked great--and smaller than the Lee's Reptile Ranches I was putting the little ones in....I wasn't happy using deli-cups either, and the sterilite was a happy medium. I just wanted to let everyone know about the 'escape' possibility so that no one else would have to learn the hard way :sidestep:
Gronk..I looked at the food storage containers, too...I didn't go with them because the lids were seperate to the containers...I was lazy and thought it would be easier to have the lid remain attached..That made it a little more convenient at feeding time, and lids didn't get 'mixed up' or switched around. I still like the sterilites (I just have to keep them closed)...they have enough room for water bowls and a tiny 'hide' of paper towel with aspen at the base....Plus, they are pretty cheap and sturdy. I was actually considering shipping them with the snake as 'quick homes' or 'comfortable feeding places' for the new owners....I will probabaly still do this, but will have some kind of security system in place to prevent escape..
 
Angelina..

(smile) I agree dealing with lids is no fun. I'm starting on a new adult rack to try to eliminate they need for them. I planned to do it this weekend..but too many yard chores..lol !

I'm thinking of doing the same for my hatchling containers...time, time just can't find enough ! :)
 
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