Everyone can chime in!

Hello Python Owners!

A small introduction: My husband and I recently got a 6-month old python from a certified breeder. Her name is Banana. When I was 10 (oh... 21 years ago) I got to hold a MASSIVE yellow (forgive me, do not know the correct breed) snake. He had a stupid name, but I thought that if I ever got my OWN snake, I'd name her Banana - regardless of colour. And that is her name.

I have owned reptiles before, but never a snake - always wanted one.

Banana's house is 20 gallons. She is about... ~18 inches (she won't be straight for me). She can get around 90° on one side, and roughly 82° on the other side during the day - nighttime is around 75-77°.

She has two lovely hides where she can curl up into an IMPOSSIBLE ball (cute).

I've heard 8700 different suggestions for a substrate. I went with a fresh towel every few days. She seems to adore it - she moves it to her will, then balls into it in a hide. This is where you tell me if I'm screwing up.

Her humidity was a tad low, 50%, so I stuck a humidifier (tell me if I'm screwing up) there and it is helping raise it.

She's in blue now, poor thing. Offered a fuzzy - complete refusal. Oh well, trying again once she clears up. I have heard that even while shedding, some snakes will eat if offered food reiteration of, "am I screwing up?"

She pooped for the first time - nothing but urate. This is where I would like some input on things. Her urate was about 1.5 inches. No fecal matter. Might this change once she eats?

It is lovely to be a part of the python forum. I look forward to meeting you all!

Emily, Jerry & Banana :P

Paper towels are a perfectly acceptable substrate. :)
I've never had to put a humidifier in a tank before - but it's probably doing more good than harm (Someone correct me if I'm wrong!)
Some snakes will eat when they are blue, some won't. Not anything to be worried about. I'd try again in a few days and see if she goes for it. Are you feeding f/t or live? and are you feeding mice or rats?
Poo may be stuck - you can always give her a lukewarm bath to see if she will pass in the water. It'll also help with the shedding, seeing as the humidity is slightly lower than is considered adequate.

The humidifier isn't IN the tank, but near it - it works well. We're in Asheville, NC - and currently there is no moisture here, it's either 100% humidity, or -50% humidity. Silly little area.

I may go with paper towels (I have for previous reptiles)... but she does LOVE her cozy towel to ball into under a hide.

She is on arctic fuzzies at the moment. This is the first time we've attempted to feed her. So, with relocation, stress, etc... it may be a while. She's far from skinny.

Thanks for the bath idea, I'll give it a shot if nothing else passes for a couple of days.

:welcome:

It sounds like you did your research! Congrats on Banana and :welcome: to bp.net!

I also used a tank and the humidity was hard to keep up. Some substrates can help with that such as coco husk or cypress mulch (i love the smell!, but not everyone does).

Ah okies - Yeah, its probably more help than anything. You can also try putting a towel over the top of her tank and soaking it with water (not enough to drip, but to enclose the damper air, and cover part of it with saran wrap - BUT make sure you leave enough open space for air flow!!

Ah - I thought you meant paper towels, not regular terrycloth towels..I've never used those inside of tanks before, but I guess if you don't mind the laundry..I would be concerned about bacteria though.

The Arctic Fuzzies you buy in a blue box at PetSmart? I'd suggest getting the similar sized rats from the same company. They have a higher protein content, great feed for a growing baby. When did you get her?

I would actually suggest giving her a bath today, even if the tank humidity is back up.. It'll definitely help no matter what. But make sure the water isn't hot. If its hot to you, its scalding to her. You should be able to stick your hand in the water and barely notice the temperature change.

And it will definitely help with the poo! She may not poo in the bath, but don't be surprised if she does.

Hello and welcome!!!

I'm going to be brutally honest, so don't take it the wrong way, ok ?

The tank is a less than ideal habitat, simply because if humidity and heat issues. You don't say how you are heating her tank, but her temps really need to be stable, not such wild swings. That can cause stress and feeding refusals. If you have a heat lamp, which is the standard pet store recommendation, that is 3/4ths of your troubles. It is very worthwhile to invest in a heat pad/heat mat. You do need something to control your heat source, whether lamp or mat, so if you don't have a thermostat, invest in one.

Once you get the temps stabilized, you can focus on the humidity. Since your tank almost certainly came with a screen top, that is where your humidity is going. Some people use simple tin foil over most of the screen to help hold in humidity, I prefer plexiglas because it's more aesthetically pleasing. You can pick up a scrap of it from most hardware stores for next to nothing.

Now, substrate. There are as many types of substrate as there are numbers of ball owners. Many use aspen shreds, myself included. Many use paper towels, some use cypress, others choose coconut husk. Mainly it is personal preference.

You don't say what type of humidifier you are using, but be aware that ANYTHING inside your snakes enclosure becomes a potential hide to your snake, and there have been a number of really bad accidents involving snakes stuck in fountains and such placed in their tanks. So, please be cautious.

Some snakes will eat in blue, most will not. Wait for her to shed and try again. From cloudy eyes to complete shed can take 7 days or longer, so be patient.

As to the poop thing, that is normal. Most of mine wee every few days, and only poo two or three times a month. That isn't so bad with the little ones, but when a 3800 gram female does that, it can look like a horse snuck into the tub! :O

She doesn't need to soak yet, if you do it mid-shed it can cause a really difficult shed.

So, all in all I'd say you are off to a good start! Congratulations on joining the wonderfully addicting world of ball pythons!

Gale

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

Hello Python Owners!

A small introduction: My husband and I recently got a 6-month old python from a certified breeder. Her name is Banana. When I was 10 (oh... 21 years ago) I got to hold a MASSIVE yellow (forgive me, do not know the correct breed) snake. He had a stupid name, but I thought that if I ever got my OWN snake, I'd name her Banana - regardless of colour. And that is her name.

I have owned reptiles before, but never a snake - always wanted one.

Banana's house is 20 gallons. She is about... ~18 inches (she won't be straight for me). She can get around 90° on one side, and roughly 82° on the other side during the day - nighttime is around 75-77°.

She has two lovely hides where she can curl up into an IMPOSSIBLE ball (cute).

I've heard 8700 different suggestions for a substrate. I went with a fresh towel every few days. She seems to adore it - she moves it to her will, then balls into it in a hide. This is where you tell me if I'm screwing up.

Aspen, cypress mulch and newspaper are the top three most frequently used beddings Ive seen; however, for a tank setup (the humidity in tanks is often quite lower than in tub setups) I would highly suggest something like cypress mulch (its what I use). You can get it at any pet store and it holds humidity much better than aspen or newspaper.

Her humidity was a tad low, 50%, so I stuck a humidifier (tell me if I'm screwing up) there and it is helping raise it.

You stuck a humidifier in the room, right? Yep that is a perfectly fine way to raise humidity; however if the room is big, then that humidifier might not do the best job. Typically you want around 50-60% humidity normally and 70% when hes in shed. I use a tank as well and here are some ways Ive found that help raise temps and humidity:

1) Insulate the outside of your glass tank. Get some corrugated cardboard (or buy some cheap insulator from canadian tire) and tape a layer to 3 sides of your glass tank, leaving just the front exposed. This will help keep the temps a bit better because glass tanks lose heat very quickly.

2) Get some aluminum foil. Put 2-3 layers on top of your screen top and tape it in place. Make sure theres at least 1/3-1/4 of the top still open to allow for proper ventilation, or what I do is I cut off a strip about 1" wide at the back from the foil, and that should be enough. This foil on top will also help keep temps up as well as keeping humidity up. Another way I have heard that works is covering the top with two towels. The bottom towel should be fairly moist, but not dripping, and the top one can be dry or damp. I have not yet needed to try this but Ive heard it works.

3) When you are misting your enclosure, make sure you have an accurate hygrometer. The digital ones are often better than the analog ones. Also, make sure you arent misting the substrate (wet substrate = scale rot, a little moisture is ok of course), but instead, mist the sides of the enclosure, and the hides and whatever other objects you have in there.

She's in blue now, poor thing. Offered a fuzzy - complete refusal. Oh well, trying again once she clears up. I have heard that even while shedding, some snakes will eat if offered food reiteration of, "am I screwing up?"

You do not necessarily need to feed while in shed, in fact many of us do not attempt to feed during shed time. If you feed live, definitely do not feed during shed. If you feed f/t and dont mind wasting a rat, it certainly doesnt hurt to try.

She pooped for the first time - nothing but urate. This is where I would like some input on things. Her urate was about 1.5 inches. No fecal matter. Might this change once she eats?

Yep that is completely normal. I know when I first got my BP, everything she did got me paranoid, but as long as youre providing proper husbandry (temps and humididty etc), they will adapt to their environment and will thrive! She will poop when she wants to. Unless she is holding it in for like 3 or 4 meals straight, I wouldnt be too worried.

It is lovely to be a part of the python forum. I look forward to meeting you all!

Emily, Jerry & Banana :P

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Awesome to meet you, its nice having new members who are so open to suggestions. I suggest you take a look at the Care Sheet if you havent already and keep asking us questions if you have any!

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...thon-CARESHEET

Thanks!

I have so many towels, it's insane. For some reason, family members think that "towels" mean "gifts for every occasion, including rotating your tires."

However, I understand bacteria, and may do paper towels, but I'd change them just as often too!

A bath for the Banana. She's nocturnal and it's around 10:00, I doubt she'd mind.

We got Banana on Monday.

She's still small, and the arctic fuzzies are also small, about her width exactly!

Gale - BE BRUTAL. I mean, seriously, I work with three other lawyers, it's not like I have a soul ;) Besides, it can only help Banana, not hurt her <3

While doing research, just about every site I found recommended a temperature gradient - a hot side and a cool side. This is maintained by overhead clamp lights and two reliable thermometers. Alas, I do not yet have an under the tank heating element. I believe that will be my next purchase. I just don't know a whole lot about them. I will research - I do that a lot anyway.

I think I mentioned earlier that the humidifier is SO NOT in her house, LoL... it's a floor standing humidifier - one you'd use if you were sick. Simply in close proximity :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

Thanks!

I have so many towels, it's insane. For some reason, family members think that "towels" mean "gifts for every occasion, including rotating your tires."

However, I understand bacteria, and may do paper towels, but I'd change them just as often too!

A bath for the Banana. She's nocturnal and it's around 10:00, I doubt she'd mind.

We got Banana on Monday.

She's still small, and the arctic fuzzies are also small, about her width exactly!

Gale - BE BRUTAL. I mean, seriously, I work with three other lawyers, it's not like I have a soul ;) Besides, it can only help Banana, not hurt her <3

While doing research, just about every site I found recommended a temperature gradient - a hot side and a cool side. This is maintained by overhead clamp lights and two reliable thermometers. Alas, I do not yet have an under the tank heating element. I believe that will be my next purchase. I just don't know a whole lot about them. I will research - I do that a lot anyway.

I think I mentioned earlier that the humidifier is SO NOT in her house, LoL... it's a floor standing humidifier - one you'd use if you were sick. Simply in close proximity :)

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I just realized I forgot to tell you just how awesome a name Banana is. Its pretty adorable.

I've even learned a few things myself - my kids all love water, so I give them a bath whenever they come out, regardless of if they are shedding or not. I haven't had a problem, but I can see where it wouldn't be best.

And I don't have a soul either, don't worry about it. :D

I would invest in a reptile under-tank-heater (UTH). The heat lights aren't as reliable as the pet stores want you to think.

As for food - you can feed stuff that is a little bit bigger around than she is - she'll be fine. Omnomnom.

Ok, so I buy a UTH (it's so weird typing abbreviations - "legalease" is never abbreviated - but I like abbreviations - much shorter) - which I plan on.

What materials may be placed above said UTH and how do I properly regulate the heat emitted from same?

I'm glad you like her name :) She is black with brownish markings (probably just a normal little python) but I don't care - she's Banana.

You can buy thermostats that you can use to regulate the temps.
DO NOT buy a human heating pad. They are difficult to control, and are meant for humans.
You can put any of the substrates anybody else has mentioned on it. They usually come with adhesive, so they stick to the tank itself - unless you get Flexwatt - it's basically "build-your-own-heating-pad". So the heat goes straight to the glass. My snakes move their substrate out of the way as they please.

Abbreviations are convenient, once you know what they all mean! :P

Of course - her heating pad would be for reptile use only. This is a very good idea. It will be purchased.

Oh, super-thanks on the whole, "Flexwatt" is "build your own".

No. I do not build. I don't even like Legos.

Thanks to all for your valuable input. A UTH is still rather foreign, but I'll find a perfect one for Banana.

:) You are very welcome!
Flexwatt is great if you need a heat source for a ton of enclosures, but unless you want to do it - probably not worth it for one tank.

I'm not sure what you have for petstores in Asheville, but you can probably find a Petsmart or Petco. I know they have reptile UTH's, they can be kinda expensive (35$ or more) but Banana will love every penny. I promise.

I've actually been known to build climbing structures for my babies out of legos! :) They're cute.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

Of course - her heating pad would be for reptile use only. This is a very good idea. It will be purchased.

Oh, super-thanks on the whole, "Flexwatt" is "build your own".

No. I do not build. I don't even like Legos.

Thanks to all for your valuable input. A UTH is still rather foreign, but I'll find a perfect one for Banana.

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Be sure to get a thermostat or at least a dimmer switch with your UTH. They can reach very high temperatures and burn your snake if left u regulated.

Welcome!

I'm looking at PetMountain.com at the moment. I've had good luck with them (and less monies out of pocket) in the past.

Does the UTH need to cover the ENTIRE bottom of the floor? I'm doubting it, just in case Banana might like a cool spot.

Also, ZooMed or Exo-Terra?

Looks like everyone is on spot! I just wanted to add that it's a breath of fresh air to have actual newbies with a decent set up and idea of how to care before they come here. I, sadly, was not one of those people-much like others, so it's nice to see it from time to time. I love the name Banana and am looking forward to pictures ASAP! :D Welcome to the forum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

I'm looking at PetMountain.com at the moment. I've had good luck with them (and less monies out of pocket) in the past.

Does the UTH need to cover the ENTIRE bottom of the floor? I'm doubting it, just in case Banana might like a cool spot.

Also, ZooMed or Exo-Terra?

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I prefer Exo-Terra, but both are good companies.

It does NOT need to cover the entire floor. She will need a cool side. You said she's in a 20gallon tank correct? I would suggest this product -
http://www.petmountain.com/product/n...m=11442-107628
in a size Small. This one is available, but if you would like to go with ZooMed

http://www.petmountain.com/product/r...m=11442-105646

There is this one. The size you would need is out of stock, so you'd have to wait for a bit.

I've never used this particular model before - but here is a Rheostat-
http://www.petmountain.com/product/s...m=11442-512443

and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not use in tank heatrocks. I don't want to assume you don't know this - but I don't want to assume you do. They are very difficult to control and can burn your snake very badly.

Fabulous - I hoped they didn't need to cover the entire floor. I measured - twice.

I have a very good knowledge of reptiles. In the not so distant past, our beloved Bearded Dragon passed on. She was like taking care of a toddler who was on crack. Banana... not so much. A bit more... relaxed.

Banana, for only having her for a very small time, is extremely friendly. I may take her out in the morning for a hug, and she will unball entirely, and crawl up my face and sit on my forehead for a while. She seems to have no fear of us. The beloved Dragon was a cuddle freak, so we are somewhat still in that mentality.

Banana doesn't mind, and always welcomes a hug or a touch. I have read say something if I'm wrong they stay balled up if they are frightened or unsure. As soon as I pick the little girl up, she stretches and climbs, and inspects/tongues my glasses - or hair. She's strange, in an adorable way. We try to only love on her at night, but sometimes we can't resist in the late morning. She never minds. She's terribly curious. The house is always warm should she be cold.

Edit: Fear not, I would NEVER use a heat rock for her :)

They get the name because usually their first form of defense is curling into a ball. Hence the name ball python lol. So for her to be curious when she is out is a slight sign that she is comfortable, yes. I only say usually, because as some people have the pleasure of knowing, like myself, others will tag you every change they get :rolleyes:

To LGray23: I just saw the name of your ball pythons. That is so cute, and so sweet I just got diabetes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

To LGray23: I just saw the name of your ball pythons. That is so cute, and so sweet I just got diabetes.

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LOL thanks! :aww: I like to keep it interesting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

Edit: Fear not, I would NEVER use a heat rock for her :)

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YAY! I've seen some terrible things happen. I /may/ threaten my friends with death(or never letting them own a reptile ever) if they use IT heat rocks.

Yup, BPs tend to curl up when they don't want to be touched, or if they feel threatened. Some others will just strike willynilly because well, you might eat them. Omnomnom.

Before I go to bed (@&*# this place is addictive), one last thing.

I have had a request for pictures. I LOVE pictures!!!! Besides, I would like to show off Banana. My dear Dragon was a MODEL - literally. Would pose or be posed and think nothing of it.

Banana... kind of lacks eyelids....

Should I use a flash? Would that frighten her? She's quite young and small - and SO loving already - I don't want to scare the little thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Emily&Jerry

To LGray23: I just saw the name of your ball pythons. That is so cute, and so sweet I just got diabetes.

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This is one of the rare times I will pull out my favorite made-up word.

ADORBZ! And very creative!



---The flash doesn't bother my babies, but I would suggest taking a picture with it aimed away from her and see what she does. If she recoils, don't use it. Otherwise, I'd say its fine - BUT If you take pictures in a room that's lit by other lights, you'll get a better representation of her colors. :)

They all lack eyelids :rofl: I don't think the flash bothers them that much...I hope not because I take pictures all the time! May I also suggest another site that could be helpful for you? Iherp is great for tracking if your interested. Here's my page, you can see all my critters here if you need a fix :D

Just wanted to say :welcome:

Everyone has been spot-on with advice - no surprise there! I love this place - everyone is so helpful and yes, it is very addictive!

I am surprised though that one thing was not picked up on - at least not that I saw. You mentioned you just got Banana on Monday. You really should not handle her at all for at least a week. That means no baths tonight and no hug in the morning! Even if she seems to enjoy the handling (and some balls do), she needs the time to settle in and relax. You'll get a better feed response and she'll be better off. I know how hard it is though!

Welcome again! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Just wanted to say :welcome:

Everyone has been spot-on with advice - no surprise there! I love this place - everyone is so helpful and yes, it is very addictive!

I am surprised though that one thing was not picked up on - at least not that I saw. You mentioned you just got Banana on Monday. You really should not handle her at all for at least a week. That means no baths tonight and no hug in the morning! Even if she seems to enjoy the handling (and some balls do), she needs the time to settle in and relax. You'll get a better feed response and she'll be better off. I know how hard it is though!

Welcome again! :gj:

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I didn't even put two and two together. Thanks for mentioning that!
Also - If you decide to get another BP (seriously, they are like candy), quarantine is important, and not handling for a week or so will definitely help with that.

I don't know how to post links but this thread helped me. You can put it in your search on the right hand of the page. I hope the pictures come up for you I couldn't get them to come up on my computer. You can read it anyway and get an idea of how to do a good setup. Welcome to the forum and the addiction :)

The jfreels glass tank setup w/pics *DUW*

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Originally Posted by DellaF

I don't know how to post links but this thread helped me. You can put it in your search on the right hand of the page. I hope the pictures come up for you I couldn't get them to come up on my computer. You can read it anyway and get an idea of how to do a good setup. Welcome to the forum and the addiction :)

The jfreels glass tank setup w/pics *DUW*

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The jfreels glass tank setup w/pics *DUW* :)

Evenstar, I had NO IDEA I wasn't supposed to handle her. I'd never read that, and I researched like a FIEND with Banana. She never hissed, struck or anything. She's just unball and wrap herself around my wrist, explore my rings, and sometimes examine my glasses. Very carefully. She seems like a strong little girl too - she can extend her baby neck about 8 inches if my hair is fascinating enough to her.

Jerry and I are taking a trip to the pet store today - PetSmart - we'll see what their prices on UTH's are, and if they're more than that of Pet Mountain (plus shipping) we'll order online ;)

Hello from the other side of NC, and :welcome: to BP.net.
As others have said, don't soak or bathe your snake when they are in shed. It can cause a bad or stuck shed because it robs their skin of essential oils that are used in the shedding process.
Don't worry too much about the lack of poop. They will pass urates more frequently than feces, especially in younger snakes, because they are processing more of the prey for growth. My BP's feed/poop schedule usually averages about 3 in/1 out. And it is also not uncommon for them to hang on to it longer if they have an approaching shed. Then, in addition to a nice shed skin, they will leave you a giant Poozilla to clean up.
I also suggest keeping records on your snake. You can use online websites like iHerp or just make up your own charts where you can keep track of feedings, poops, sheds, growth, etc...

A Banana Update:

Thank you all for the advice!

Jerry and I went shopping for the little thing. We bought 100% pure cypress mulch, a UTC, and a new hide - I'm weak, it was cute. Besides, it's much more her size. She can use the current hide we have there now once she grows a bit more.

I'll wait until it gets darker here to change her house up some.

She hasn't been bathed - some have inquired ;) I'm just letting her do her own shed thing, and she'll have a fabulously remodeled home this evening.

What's up Moorehead City! Yep, the other side :)

I also suggest a plug in lamp dimmer temporarily until you get a thermostat for that UTH...you can buy them at Home Depot or Lowes for like $10 or less...the UTH needs to me controlled otherwise you risk burning Banana. My small UTH exceeds 130 degrees without a thermotstat...

A thermostat.... for the UTH... Um... Do I just ask for a generic thermostat? Do I plug the thermostat into the power strip then plug the UTH into the thermostat?

I'm confused - please talk to me like I'm an idiot - I don't mind - it actually helps.

Sorry! I forget that it's confusing when your first starting out :oops:

A UTH thermotsat is most likely something you'll have to buy online. I can list a bunch of the main used ones, but this one is good for if you have a budget, and it's free shipping. It's one of the only "cheap" thermostats I would ever recommend, and I do use them.

Hydrofarm

But, if you get the plug-in lamp dimmer, they have them for $10 at Home Depot, in the lamps section...

I know it's a lot of info to take in all at once, but I promise once you get everything you need it will become second nature. Just try not to get overwhelmed...if you ever need help you can PM me, and I'm sure others wouldn't mind if you PMed them as well.

Thanks Gray :)

She will be monitored tonight well with her new UTH - I'll check out the online thing too. The dimmer doesn't sound like a bad idea either!

Oh I'm so excited! I hope she likes her Cypress bed.

Second update:

The UTH is her new happy spot. Paper towels on the glass first (since I have no regulator yet) then followed with Cypress Mulch.

Her humidity is now at 80%!!! Woohoo!!!!! Thank you cypress!

Also, thank you members :)

She is warm and very humid. Hopefully her shed will go well.

When we redid her home tonight with all of the new stuff, I had to handle her, even though she's still in blue. Talk about friendly. We had some soup going in in the kitchen - horribly hot and humid. Banana and I chilled there while Jerry cleaned and redid her house (we took turns hugging on her). She was SO curious - OMG, I thought she was going to reach for the baker's rack once! Other than the baker's, it was mostly my hair.

Again - your advice and suggestions are so appreciated. She's curled into a little impossible looking ball, cozy on her UTH with her new cypress.