Probably worrying too much, but...

[guidofatherof5]

Infernalis: Thanks- he's done that before.

Guido: The temperature in my house is normally set from 74-77 degrees Fahrenheit, but the room Mort's in is the warmest, in the low eighties most of the time. Also, the chicken wire is secured on all sides (and the middle) by six heavy books which I took off for the picture. He's also in a room that's always closed off to my cats and dog. The duct tape doesn't have any sticky surfaces exposed to the air, is it still a problem? Oh, and Mort is full grown, maybe 3 1/2 feet.

Thanks for the advice.

I would say yes. I would never use that size wire for any snake. Your snake can easily reach the top and cause damage to its face. Snakes have the ability to fit their heads into rather small areas and this top in a dangerous situation.

[EasternBlackNeckedGarter]

Thanks guys, I'll try to find some aluminum screen for him. I may have an old heat pad attached to that tank already- had a beardie in there when I was little.