Hello, I have a caging question.

I have been wanting to order some boaphile cages in a few months, but after 3 emails, i still get no answer from them, so they lost my business, I was going to order about 1500-2000$ in cages, but for now, I will not, I will instead use something else until better caging options come along.

and keep in mind, these cages will hold ball pythons, a few carpet pythons, a woma python, and possibly a bci or hogg island.

I am thinking about using exo terra cages, or these:

http://www.capitainedragon.com/catal...86&language=en

these are from a local store, they have every size, sliding doors with screen top, and seem decent.

and yeah I am aware of covering some of the top with something to hold heat and humidity, and covering the back and sides with black paper for security.

so basically my question is should I use cages with front swing opening doors, or sliding doors?

I once heard someone had a 6 foot carpet python squeeze through the gap in the sliding doors, and I don't want that to happen.

Also, if I use a thermostat for all of them, is it safe to use store bought heat pads? and also do you just plug them in to the thermostat? or do you have to do some wiring?

sorry for all the questions, please let me know.

thanks