bedding

whats the best to you for bedding carpet, aspen, bark, or sand????

No bark, DEFINITELY not sand.

Aspen and then paper towels. That's where my vote falls. I wouldn't use anything else.

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

whats the best to you for bedding carpet, aspen, bark, or sand????

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NO sand

Carpet is ground for bacteria and mold, I do not find it very sanitary.

The rest definitely depends on your enclosure with a glass tank for example you will want to get something holding humidity.

According to T-Rex brand substrate, the best substrate for humidity sensitive snakes like ball pythons is double-milled cypress or desert snow. Aspen is best for those that are not sensitive to humidity like cornsnakes or king snakes. You can look up the chart at the back of every T-Rex brand substrate at the pet store.

right now i have indoor/outdoor carpet cause i got tired of cleaning up bark then i heard not to use bark then again i heard aspen can have meldew and mold with high humidity. so im left with carpet for now or untill i find something thats great for humidity. i have 2 4x2x2 enclosures one cagesbydesign and one i built my self. with carpet they stay around 45 to 50% humidity

???????????? anyone anyone

Those are huge tanks O_o Like, really really huge. Are you keeping more than one Ball in each? Because even though they're large enough you really shouldn't anyway.

i have one that free roams and one in quarnatine then when my baby comes ill have her in quarnatine

whats wrong with keeping more than one snake in a huge cage two females one male

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

???????????? anyone anyone

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I personally like coconut fiber (bed a beast, eco-earth, etc...). It really helps out with the humidity, is absorbent, and looks nice. And it is cheap!

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Originally Posted by lmartelli77

I personally like coconut fiber (bed a beast, eco-earth, etc...). It really helps out with the humidity, is absorbent, and looks nice. And it is cheap!

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how much would i need for a 4x2 enclosure at least 1"deep

and is it safe for boas tooo?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

whats wrong with keeping more than one snake in a huge cage two females one male

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It's just a bad idea. You're putting them in a situation where they have to compete for everything...favorite hide, favorite cool spot, favorite warm spot, etc. Even in a big cage, they will feel pressure from the other BP.

Some people do keep mutipule BP's in the same cage, and some will no doubt chime in on the subject, but it's not a standard practice, and should be avoided.

Please don't tell me your feeding them both in the same enclosure?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slim

It's just a bad idea. You're putting them in a situation where they have to compete for everything...favorite hide, favorite cool spot, favorite warm spot, etc. Even in a big cage, they will feel pressure from the other BP.

Some people do keep mutipule BP's in the same cage, and some will no doubt chime in on the subject, but it's not a standard practice, and should be avoided.

Please don't tell me your feeding them both in the same enclosure?

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no i feed them in a 10g tank seperatly

its a pretty big cage

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...c/IMG00099.jpg

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

its a pretty big cage

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Actually, it's far to big. Look at the environment you've set up there. You have one hide, and not a good one at that, and the rest of it is wide open. Until you start to take the good advice I know you've been getting here on BP.net, at least toss a couple of empty cereal boxes in there or something so they can find a spot to hide.

Reapeat after me...BP's are not display snakes, and a hiding BP is a happy BP.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slim

Actually, it's far to big. Look at the environment you've set up there. You have one hide, and not a good one at that, and the rest of it is wide open. Until you start to take the good advice I know you've been getting here on BP.net, at least toss a couple of empty cereal boxes in there or something so they can find a spot to hide.

Reapeat after me...BP's are not display snakes, and a hiding BP is a happy BP.

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i have changed up the cages several times in the last few days right now im making it where it looks good. hides, big logs, branches, and different levels with hides, i have one heat lamp for day and just a low watt infrared bulb for night

right now im changing it up and adding a new bedding and adding plants and vines so there will be plenty of places to bask in and plenty of places to hide ill put a pic of the cage when i'm done

What are you using to measure the temps and humidity inside the cage? Humidity is likely going to be difficult in a cage that tall :)

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i have changed up the cages several times in the last few days right now im making it where it looks good. hides, big logs, branches, and different levels with hides, i have one heat lamp for day and just a low watt infrared bulb for night

right now im changing it up and adding a new bedding and adding plants and vines so there will be plenty of places to bask in and plenty of places to hide ill put a pic of the cage when i'm done

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Zombie, I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm picking on your set up, but I get the impression that you are setting your environment to suit you, not your BP's.

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Originally Posted by starmom

What are you using to measure the temps and humidity inside the cage? Humidity is likely going to be difficult in a cage that tall :)

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i got a digital thermometer/hygrometer

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Originally Posted by Slim

Zombie, I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm picking on your set up, but I get the impression that you are setting your environment to suit you, not your BP's.

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i hear ya

Where are you quarenting your WC girl? What's in the cage under the big cage in your pic?

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Originally Posted by Slim

Zombie, I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm picking on your set up, but I get the impression that you are setting your environment to suit you, not your BP's.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Slim

Where are you quarenting your WC girl? What's in the cage under the big cage in your pic?

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thats my boa. i have had him and my pastel about the same length of time my QT is in the same room(mom freaks out about seeing snakes so they cant leave the room unless shes gone) but in a different enclosure own separate enclosure

Sorry, I should have directed you to this link earlier:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=74329

yeah i read all that.

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

yeah i read all that.

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So you know keeping your WC in the same room as your other snakes isn't QT, right?

i guess not then whats the importance of keeping them apart if your just gonna put them together anyways

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

how much would i need for a 4x2 enclosure at least 1"deep

and is it safe for boas tooo?

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It is sold by the brick and you have to then soak it so it will expand. 1 brick is enough for a 40 gallon breeder...so maybe a brick and a half for your cage. You can usually get a 3 pack for like $10.

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Originally Posted by lmartelli77

It is sold by the brick and you have to then soak it so it will expand. 1 brick is enough for a 40 gallon breeder...so maybe a brick and a half for your cage. You can usually get a 3 pack for like $10.

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it took 2 bricks but looks really nice

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

it took 2 bricks but looks really nice

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Cool...how about some updated pics when you get a chance?

i built my own cage so right now im builting a 2nd floor(platform) in cage so i can give my BALLS more places to go

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i guess not then whats the importance of keeping them apart if your just gonna put them together anyways

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I think you're missing my point.

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i guess not then whats the importance of keeping them apart if your just gonna put them together anyways

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You want to keep them apart so that if the other one has mites, diseases, etc. your other snakes won't get them... even if it's in a different tank mites and various other bad stuff can go to the other cage.

Yes, you're gonna put them together, after your 100% your new snake is completely healthy.

gotcha they have a vet there they dont sell anything thats sick or has mites cause they mostly deal with morphs and they have them side by side i talked them for a while before buying her even had her tested for diseases, etc

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

gotcha they have a vet there they dont sell anything thats sick or has mites cause they mostly deal with morphs and they have them side by side i talked them for a while before buying her even had her tested for diseases, etc

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Sighs

Zombie, best of luck Bro!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i have one that free roams and one in quarnatine then when my baby comes ill have her in quarnatine

whats wrong with keeping more than one snake in a huge cage two females one male

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By free roam you mean just go where ever it pleases?

It can be deadly to leave more than one BP in a cage. They will compete for every thing. They have even cannibalized each other when kept together.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i have changed up the cages several times in the last few days right now im making it where it looks good. hides, big logs, branches, and different levels with hides, i have one heat lamp for day and just a low watt infrared bulb for night

right now im changing it up and adding a new bedding and adding plants and vines so there will be plenty of places to bask in and plenty of places to hide ill put a pic of the cage when i'm done

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BP's do not normally climb, and they are clumsy so they can fall and cause injury.

Changing their cage will only stress them further. You should leave them be for about 2 weeks.

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i guess not then whats the importance of keeping them apart if your just gonna put them together anyways

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QT lets you catch parasites, diseases, or other issues before you have them in the same room.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i built my own cage so right now im builting a 2nd floor(platform) in cage so i can give my BALLS more places to go

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They are ground dwellers.

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

You want to keep them apart so that if the other one has mites, diseases, etc. your other snakes won't get them... even if it's in a different tank mites and various other bad stuff can go to the other cage.

Yes, you're gonna put them together, after your 100% your new snake is completely healthy.

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100% on the money.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

gotcha they have a vet there they dont sell anything thats sick or has mites cause they mostly deal with morphs and they have them side by side i talked them for a while before buying her even had her tested for diseases, etc

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A lot of pet stores are liars... Not all of them but a lot just want the sale and will BS you if they can. Not saying this is the case with this pet store but better safe than sorry.

and not all diseases can be caught with preventative tests, just necropsy and you don't want to do the second test.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

gotcha they have a vet there they dont sell anything thats sick or has mites cause they mostly deal with morphs and they have them side by side i talked them for a while before buying her even had her tested for diseases, etc

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Generally you'd want to be extra sure.... but they're your snakes.

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Originally Posted by hoax

They are ground dwellers.

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True, but every snake is different.

However, I'm with you on that they're clumsy and you should provide sturdy, very large climbing areas; they can fall and hurt themselves.

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

True, but every snake is different.

However, I'm with you on that they're clumsy and you should provide sturdy, very large climbing areas; they can fall and hurt themselves.

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This is true. I just figure the basic generalizations for standard BP care is what should be covered now. I have no problem with providing heavy things to climb on as long as it cant fall and hurt them. BP are remarkably strong for their size.


Also I found this link that helps a little

http://www.rcreptiles.com/blog/index...e_ball_pythons

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

whats the best to you for bedding carpet, aspen, bark, or sand????

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You have a few choices that work well for BP's...

Personally I use paper towels, but you could always use newspaper or Aspen as well. Make sure to stay away from Pine and Cedar as it is toxic for reptiles I would also stay away from reptile carpet you don't want to deal with the bacteria that grows on it since it is hard to clean thoroughly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

right now i have indoor/outdoor carpet cause i got tired of cleaning up bark then i heard not to use bark then again i heard aspen can have meldew and mold with high humidity. so im left with carpet for now or untill i find something thats great for humidity. i have 2 4x2x2 enclosures one cagesbydesign and one i built my self. with carpet they stay around 45 to 50% humidity

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You could use newspaper or paper towels that are easy to clean and replace and to help with humidity add moss (in a small dish or in a humid hide) that you would mist.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i have one that free roams and one in quarnatine then when my baby comes ill have her in quarnatine

whats wrong with keeping more than one snake in a huge cage two females one male

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Dominance is a big thing. BPs are solitary creatures only coming together to mate. They will fight for the best spot in the hide, and it will cause both snakes undue stress. Plus if one gets ill you won't know which one it is. If one has a nasty poo or a regurge how will you know which snake it came from???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

no i feed them in a 10g tank seperatly

its a pretty big cage

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...c/IMG00099.jpg

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That tank is far too big IMO for a BP which also adds to the snakes stress. Most adult BPs can live their lives comfortably in a 20L tank. They like feeling secure. Tight small spaces.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i have changed up the cages several times in the last few days right now im making it where it looks good. hides, big logs, branches, and different levels with hides, i have one heat lamp for day and just a low watt infrared bulb for night

right now im changing it up and adding a new bedding and adding plants and vines so there will be plenty of places to bask in and plenty of places to hide ill put a pic of the cage when i'm done

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The snakes will be far better off in separate enclosures. IMO it sounds as you are doing what is most convenient for you and visually appealing for you and not what is best for your snakes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i got a digital thermometer/hygrometer

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That's a good start ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

yeah i read all that.

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PLEASE read it again - it seems you missed some key points :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i guess not then whats the importance of keeping them apart if your just gonna put them together anyways

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THe point is you shouldn't keep them together :colbert:

Good luck :weirdface

...and Lena to the rescue :D

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

...and Lena to the rescue :D

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Lena helps everybody....I'm the E-Thug:P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

...and Lena to the rescue :D

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She is always helpful.

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Originally Posted by Slim

Lena helps everybody....I'm the E-Thug:P

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You are our Guido...

Sausage

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Originally Posted by Slim

Lena helps everybody....I'm the E-Thug:P

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Slim, I will never forget it when that user accused you of E-Thuggery. Never.

Dont forget he isn't the only one involved in E-Thuggery :rolleyes:

good damn i was proud of my cage now i just feel like trashing it and building a new one thanks haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

good damn i was proud of my cage now i just feel like trashing it and building a new one thanks haha

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I don't think that is necessary. If you want to keep a bigger cage, I would recommend putting a lot more decoration inside of it such as fake plants, wood, vines and anything else that takes up some room and makes it a little more cozy inside of the enclosure. Use your imagination and creativity. Big areas of nothing can make bp's feel insecure.

All of the other people who responded to this thread definitely have legitimate points. I have heard horror stories of people keeping more than one bp in a single enclosure. Is that a guarantee it will happen to you? No....but it is a possibility and I personally wouldn't want to take that chance.

As far as quarantine, it is an absolute MUST. There are even more horror stories of what improper or non-existant quarantine can lead to. I read on another board of a woman who had to euthanize 95% of her collection due to a breeder (whom she trusted) selling her an infected snake. If certain breeders will do that, a pet store certainly will, no matter how much you trust them. It is even more imperative in your case since you are introducing a wild caught specimen.

Good luck sir.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lmartelli77

I don't think that is necessary. If you want to keep a bigger cage, I would recommend putting a lot more decoration inside of it such as fake plants, wood, vines and anything else that takes up some room and makes it a little more cozy inside of the enclosure. Use your imagination and creativity. Big areas of nothing can make bp's feel insecure.

All of the other people who responded to this thread definitely have legitimate points. I have heard horror stories of people keeping more than one bp in a single enclosure. Is that a guarantee it will happen to you? No....but it is a possibility and I personally wouldn't want to take that chance.

As far as quarantine, it is an absolute MUST. There are even more horror stories of what improper or non-existant quarantine can lead to. I read on another board of a woman who had to euthanize 95% of her collection due to a breeder (whom she trusted) selling her an infected snake. If certain breeders will do that, a pet store certainly will, no matter how much you trust them. It is even more imperative in your case since you are introducing a wild caught specimen.

Good luck sir.

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i wish i had my old house back so then i could do true qt my mom is terrified of snakes she wont even go in my room so im stuck is this situation where its impossible to qt them

any other thought of what i could do

That's a tough one....i'm sure you have tried already but how about trying to educate your mom a little? We all know that BP's are harmless, but she may not. My wife was the same way at first, but now I have 2 display tanks in the living room. Irrational fears are difficult to overcome, but with some persistence and patience you can beat them. Unfortunately, my recommendation doesn't help you at all in the short term.

no when i moved back home she said hell no to the snakes and my dad said cool ok. his final word wins. but they have to stay in my room when mom is home but i can bring them out once shes gone

im taking all 4 to the vet asap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

good damn i was proud of my cage now i just feel like trashing it and building a new one thanks haha

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i wish i had my old house back so then i could do true qt my mom is terrified of snakes she wont even go in my room so im stuck is this situation where its impossible to qt them

any other thought of what i could do

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

no when i moved back home she said hell no to the snakes and my dad said cool ok. his final word wins. but they have to stay in my room when mom is home but i can bring them out once shes gone

im taking all 4 to the vet asap

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Do they teach grammer in school anymore? Ever heard of a comma?

Hi,

It's "Grammar" - and play nice. :P


del

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

It's "Grammar" - and play nice. :P


del

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Holy crap Slim. I'm sorry, but you just got powned. :banana: