Ball python able to push sliding doors out of AP T3

[clark.matt9]

Hi, I got my animal plastics T3 yesterday and my ball python immediately figured out that she can just push the acrylic doors out and escape. I am using some heavy objects to hold the doors in place as a temporary measure, but I would like to know if there's any DIY fix that is more permanent...For the money I paid, I shouldn't have this problem.

[Eric Alan]

Hi, I got my animal plastics T3 yesterday and my ball python immediately figured out that she can just push the acrylic doors out and escape. I am using some heavy objects to hold the doors in place as a temporary measure, but I would like to know if there's any DIY fix that is more permanent...For the money I paid, I shouldn't have this problem.

Call AP first thing in the morning. Their customer service is fantastic and I'm sure they'll take good care of you as soon as they're aware of the issue.

[clark.matt9]

So this isn't a characteristic of the AP T3? I didn't order the lock because I was under the impression that it is an extra feature. I didn't expect the doors to pop right off with very little force without it...

[Eric Alan]

So this isn't a characteristic of the AP T3? I didn't order the lock because I was under the impression that it is an extra feature. I didn't expect the doors to pop right off with very little force without it...

They can actually exert a good amount of force, but I don't know what kind of force is needed to get those doors open as I've always gone the sliding glass door route. The locks (at least on the sliding doors) are more to keep unwanted hands out more so than keeping the inhabitants in.

In the mean time, if you haven't found a solution already, you should be able to find a luggage strap for pretty cheap that can be tightened around the enclosure that should help keep the doors closed until a more permanent solution from AP arrives.

[Sauzo]

I've seen guys with retics that use the swing doors on their AP cages and they use those luggage straps between the 2 door handles. Also can use a small cable lock too. Kind of surprised a BP is pushing those open, I mostly just hear about retics pushing stuff open lol.

[Eavlynn]

If you have the swing doors, you can use a window sash on the corners to keep them from being pushed open. I've always gone with the sliding glass in my AP enclosures, but did a custom pvc build with swing doors and used these for locks.


If AP doesn't have a solution, these DIYs are cheap and easy. If you email AP, Ali usually gets back to you pretty quicky, she's great.

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[Reinz]

I've had an adult Boa and Carpet Python completely bow out the 1/4 " plastic doors and escape.

I've also had the same Boa and a different Carpet completely blow the doors out of the tracks!

For this reason I am anti-plastic sliding doors for big snakes! I plan on replacing with glass doors.

This is another reason I REALLY like my one Boaphile cage with drop down doors and heavy duty latches. Too bad their size selection is more limited than AP's.


also

When I'm in another room watching TV or doing something and I hear noises in another room, I now go and inspect since it may be more than the regular snake noises.

[Eavlynn]

I've had an adult Boa and Carpet Python completely bow out the 1/4 " plastic doors and escape.

I've also had the same Boa and a different Carpet completely blow the doors out of the tracks!

For this reason I am anti-plastic sliding doors for big snakes! I plan on replacing with glass doors.

I just assumed that with the issue, the doors were swing doors. It never occurred to me that sliding acrylic panes could bend enough to pop out!

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[clark.matt9]

Thanks for the replies!

Problem is potentially solved. While I was assembling it yesterday, my instinct told me something was off---I put the bottom piece on upside down. The sticker mislead me because all of the other stickers specified whether the piece was facing inside or outside---The bottom piece did not. My logic told me otherwise, I should have listened.
I just spent the last 30 minutes reassembling it.
Doors have a much tighter fit now. I will know if there is actually a problem with the cage and not just my foolishness if I find her sitting on my bed when I go up...

[Reinz]

I just assumed that with the issue, the doors were swing doors. It never occurred to me that sliding acrylic panes could bend enough to pop out!

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Sorry for not being clear.

I'm talking about SLIDING plastic doors.

That's why my two new T-25's have Glass sliders.

BTW, I've never had an issue with my adult BP and the swing out doors on her large Eco-Terra cage. And there are many nights that she is looking for an escape route.

My personal preference order for security and for big adult snakes:

Boaphile drop down doors
Swing out
Glass sliders
Plastic Sliders