Biting - Front Opening Enclosures?

I am completely sold on a pcv enclosure for my new ball python but all the models I can find are front opening.
I have been told by a couple people that I have a higher chance of being bitten with a front opening enclosure.
Can I please ask your opinions on this??

I am no wuss but being bitten when reaching into his home is still a concern. I have only ever had my previous balls in glass tanks and have never recieved a bite.

I would assume the chance of being bitten is present for both types but with the side opening your hand looks less like a predator like a bird , I suppose it all depends on how defensive your noodle is, remember most large constructors are kept in side opening enclosures, best wishes on what ever you choose :)

IMO with a front-opening enclosure you are less likely to get bit as you can stand off to one side while opening the door, and if your snake is being obviously foody it's easier to open the door just enough to slip a hook or empty paper towel roll into the enclosure to tap your snake than if you have to take the top off.

Also your hand coming at the snake from overhead is a threat which increases your chance of a defensive bite. If you have a front-opening door you can get your hand around behind the snake to pick it up.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

IMO with a front-opening enclosure you are less likely to get bit as you can stand off to one side while opening the door, and if your snake is being obviously foody it's easier to open the door just enough to slip a hook or empty paper towel roll into the enclosure to tap your snake than if you have to take the top off.

Also your hand coming at the snake from overhead is a threat which increases your chance of a defensive bite. If you have a front-opening door you can get your hand around behind the snake to pick it up.

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^^^^ I agree 1000000% ^^^^

I've honestly never even heard a single person say that front opening enclosures create a higher likelihood of a bite. Seems like you've been misinformed to me.

Having come from years of tanks and switching to PVC for a few years now, I see no increase in probability in bites.

I can can tell you one thing positively for sure though. It is exponentially easier to put an adult constictor back into a Front opening cage versus a top one.

I have a couple of top opening tanks and tubs and a few front opening pvc enclosures. I do get more food strike attempts with front opening enclosures which is why I usually stand to the side and open the door with my hook. Once I tap them with the hook and they know there's no food coming they're all easy to handle.

I don't know about top vs side, but I've found with front opening cages you are more likely to get bit at feeding time if you have swing doors rather than sliding doors. Though in my case this applies to greedy feeding carpet pythons not BPs.

I’m with bcr229, in general our snakes are much happier being reached for on a level than from above.


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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I have a couple of top opening tanks and tubs and a few front opening pvc enclosures. I do get more food strike attempts with front opening enclosures which is why I usually stand to the side and open the door with my hook. Once I tap them with the hook and they know there's no food coming they're all easy to handle.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by DennisM

I don't know about top vs side, but I've found with front opening cages you are more likely to get bit at feeding time if you have swing doors rather than sliding doors. Though in my case this applies to greedy feeding carpet pythons not BPs.

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Thanks guys. This is one if the reasons I love this site, I learned something new today. That'll come in handy when I can finally afford my enclosure upgrade.

Actually I prefer the drop-doors for the retics. One person controls the door, the other uses tongs to put the feeder in, and both of us stand off to the sides and out of the way.