Top open or face open?

[Khentimentiu]

So Argentine black and white will be here from Bobby Hill on Tuesday and he will be using a 60 Gallon long for a little while. However, my parents are ridding of their french doors in the basement and I had an idea to use them for 2/4 of the sides of my new cage.

They are each 6.5' x 3'. The side without the handle will remain fixed, either front or top for extra viewing. The other, will be hung just like a door but sideways as the entrance to the tank. My question is whether it would be best to open from the front or the top.



Dad is a wood worker and I can as well. So, just throw suggestions as to arrangements and it can be done. Thanks!

[Ben3233]

Some think that an front opening door is better for a tegu. Because they seems less threatened by it compare to a top opening door. But if you tried to catch a ''panicked'' tegu in a front opening enclosure, it will be a real pain in the *** compare to the top opening cage.

For an adult Species, I would go with a front opening enclosure.
Good luck

[Khentimentiu]

Well, he is just a baby but this will be his permanent enclosure.

[nordica]

Then I'd suggest going with the front-opening door. Be sure to post pics of the build process!

[the enigma]

Yes I think the front opening door is the best idea.

[Khentimentiu]

Another thought that I would like some more feedback on. I am trying to figure out the best placement for this cage. As well an I have a 4x8' gameing table that we pay board games and such on. Do you think people being around the cage and movement sounds/vibrations such as dice on the top would stress the tegu if I were to build the cage under it? Also, what about putting the glass doors on both side so it could be viewed from both sides if it was in the center or the room? I've never considered this option but thought the lack of backdrop may make him insucure, but with multiple hides and a burrowing rep, this may not be an issue...

Thoughts?

[Pikey]

i think as a baby it would be VERY stressful for both the game on top & windows on both sides, but as an adult i dont think it would be to bad.

I would say raise him in smaller cages & move him in to the bigger one when he is bigger, but i've used top open for all, but one of my tegu cages & have never had a problem. Altho with the front open i've almost been bitten a few times & almost had a jumper (cages is 2 1/2ft +/- off the ground)

the only thing i dont like about open top is you cant stack them if you get more in the future or want to save room.

[Khentimentiu]

Well his 60 gal long will last him a bit, I'm just making plans for his permanant for next year'ish.

[DaremoAlpha]

Predator/prey stress for young ones is something to think about, I only use front opening enclosures myself.
When I open mine I put myself right at the opening with my arms crossed on the edge and wait for them to come to me.
I always treat mine like stray dogs by using closed fists knuckle down until they have flicked me a few times and know I don't have food for them.