Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I see that most people prefer the front opening cages by Boaphile, Vision, Etc. 1. Does the front opening cage produce a greater oportunity for a bite than a top opening cage? 2. Is the weight of the snake the primary factor for having the front opening container when a top opening would be harder to raise them? Give me your thoughts.

for me it depends on the type of snake, the size, how high it is off the ground how tall the enclosure is and most important to me, the temperament of the snake. for example, for nasty snakes i prefer large drawer type enclosures (ie, freedom breeders), for me its easier to deal with nasty snakes, if the snakes are calm and laidback, they will do well with front opening enclosures and just pulling them out
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retic is king of kings

1.0 Tiger Retic
1.0 Albino Tiger Retic
0.1 Striped Tiger Retic (het albino)
0.1 Salmon Boa
1.0 Albino Boa
0.1 False Water Cobra

>>I see that most people prefer the front opening cages by Boaphile, Vision, Etc. 1. Does the front opening cage produce a greater oportunity for a bite than a top opening cage? 2. Is the weight of the snake the primary factor for having the front opening container when a top opening would be harder to raise them? Give me your thoughts.

I use stacking cages for my big ones, so the front openings are sort of mandatory. The only racks I've seen big enough for adult retics are hugely expensive so...
And I've never had more problems with front vs top opening either way. Doesn't seem to matter much in regards to how they react.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

large drawers sound nice--never had them. I use stacks withe front slide.

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steve

Here is my big girl after feeding --> about 1 yr/10'

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steve

Cool, I will put some pictures of mine when I get going. I should be bringing him home soon. He's a baby right now.

I have been told that snakes prefer to be approached from the side at their level as opposed to overhead. All of my cages are side opening and specificaly sliding glass doors that give more control at feeding time. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

10-4, I have heard that also. I just got my Retic home tonight. This guy has the manners and temperment of a Ball Python. I cant wait to see how this snake develops. He is about 3ft right now. He is a normal marked Retic.

i have heard this my whole time with snakes, but hasnt worked for me. i had a drawer system (not freedom breeders but similar), and a couple of the wc's that have been nasty i have had, i personally did better with them opening a drawer enclosure. for me, they just get caught up in the lips of the top and bottom of the cages when trying to pull them out through a front door enclosure. but that was just me
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retic is king of kings

1.0 Tiger Retic
1.0 Albino Tiger Retic
0.1 Striped Tiger Retic (het albino)
0.1 Salmon Boa
1.0 Albino Boa
0.1 False Water Cobra

Retics can be the tamest of snakes but they are territorial. Just a friendly warning from experience: I have gotten retics home that seemed very docile but once they settle in, they may go the other way. Use a snake hook to touch the retic before you get him out. Once out they are fine but inside their cages they may be a bit jurassic. I highly recommend feeding him inside his cage. Good luck and enjoy your new retic and keep us posted. Bill.
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

I highly recommend sliding glass doors (1/4" tempered glass). When a big retic knows it's feeding time you need all the protection you can get. Really!

Bill

I use 1/4" polycarbonate (similar to plexiglass) just because it is light weight, and VERY difficult to break or fracture. I use two 47"X18" per 8' tank and it cost me about $30 a piece AKA $60 a tank.
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steve