I need urgent advice on my apartments no pet policy

My apartment manager is threatening to fine me 100$ for each animal I have, so a total of 700$. I've had these snakes in my apartment for three years now and never had a problem. All the maintenance guys and all the staff loves them but the manager just found out.

In my lease I did sign a portion (very small portion) that says this is a no pet property, and now I'm in a bind. Do I have an argument for saying my snakes are "collectors items" as oppose to pets? What do I do? :tears:

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

My apartment manager is threatening to fine me 100$ for each animal I have, so a total of 700$. I've had these snakes in my apartment for three years now and never had a problem. All the maintenance guys and all the staff loves them but the manager just found out.

In my lease I did sign a portion (very small portion) that says this is a no pet property, and now I'm in a bind. Do I have an argument for saying my snakes are "collectors items" as oppose to pets? What do I do? :tears:

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Honestly they can have you evicted for breaking an agreement. While it sucks that it exists, you did sign it in the beginning. Whether or not you say they're a collectors item or not, they're still pets because they're live animals. You're lucky to have gone so long without him finding out and they can charge you per animal or something like that, especially since it's in the contract that it isn't a pet property. I'm assuming he's making an exception for one of two reasons.

1.) Because they don't pee or poop inside the house then it's no risk involving damage.
2.) He wants to keep the money for himself because it's a no pet property.

Honestly if it were me, depending on how long on the contract you have left there's two ways to go about this.

1.) You don't pay anything and you move out, but if you're still under lease if they take you to court the court will make you pay the remaining money you owe for the time left on that lease(sucks but it's the truth).
2.) You meet him and tell him that you know it's a no pet policy so the money is going to be for him and make a middle wage with him, offer him $350 just for him to keep it out of the air.

Now while I'd do option #2, there's always a chance when he wants money he could threaten you with this again so I wish you luck.

Since they are animals I doubt you could claim then as collectors items. I think your only option is going to be either pay the fine or move. Maybe see if someone can keep them for you for awhile until you can find another place. Since you signed the no pet portion of your lease I don't think you're going to have much wiggle room.

this is word for word what my lease says
"Pets are not permitted in or about the apartment, except for animals assisting disabled or handicapped person and fish in an aquarium that can be no larger than 10 gallons."

My thing is, they use the word "pet" only. And the official definition of pet as from dictionary.com is: "any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.

My snakes and dragon are neither tame or domesticated, and none are companions. And I do not care for them "affectionately".

Its a living animal, it's a pet. Maybe if you would have asked before getting them he may have ok'd it being they are not prone to cause damage ( this is what I did with all my pets)
You really don't have any wiggle room... he could evict you if he chose to.

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

this is word for word what my lease says
"Pets are not permitted in or about the apartment, except for animals assisting disabled or handicapped person and fish in an aquarium that can be no larger than 10 gallons."

My thing is, they use the word "pet" only. And the official definition of pet as from dictionary.com is: "any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.

My snakes and dragon are neither tame or domesticated, and none are companions. And I do not care for them "affectionately".

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I REALLY doubt that's how either the apartment manager or the law would see it. You blew it, now it's time to pay the piper.

Also, how many different versions of this thread do we have to have? I swear either this or the version where some kid is going to college and wants to hide animals in their dorm room come up weekly. Can we just get a sticky thread saying this crap is a bad idea already?

Do you have a landlord tenant act in your jurisdiction?
1st thing to do is to check that.
Where i live "no pets" is a common clause but, the landlord tenant board ruled that clause is always invalid. Pets cannot be denied in Ontario but, the owner is strictly liable for any and all damages resulting from keeping that pet. It does get a little grey when it comes to animals causing allergic reactions among any other tenants though.
Before you decide what you are going to do you need to get informed on how the law regarding such things is practiced in your area.

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

this is word for word what my lease says
"Pets are not permitted in or about the apartment, except for animals assisting disabled or handicapped person and fish in an aquarium that can be no larger than 10 gallons."

My thing is, they use the word "pet" only. And the official definition of pet as from dictionary.com is: "any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.

My snakes and dragon are neither tame or domesticated, and none are companions. And I do not care for them "affectionately".

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Frankly saying they're not pets nor are they tame or domesticated would just make your landlord even more inclined to evict you, because that logic you're saying you have wild animals in your apartment.

I'm sorry that you're looking at losing a large chunk of change, your animals, or the roof over your head, but on the other hand you chose to twist the rules. It's nice that your neighbors and maintenance people had no problems, but ultimately your landlord makes the choice as he owns the building. If you had mentioned to him up front or asked if you could pay a deposit before got the snakes, he probably would have been okay. So now as opposed to a $500 catch-all pet deposit, you're looking at $700 fine.

That's also incredibly unfair to your animals to put them in a situation where it was a matter of time before you were caught. It's your responsibility to wisely care for them, and an uncertain living arrangement does not meet that requirement.

Good luck bro.

Sucks man, but he has every right to fine you. You signed a contract with him stating no pets and it is what it is. I'm not saying this to be mean or harsh either.

I signed a no pet policy with my landlord for 2 years and I told him hey I got reptiles that stay in cages and I told him how many BPs I had and a beardie. I told him at the table is this cool with you... before I signed, he said you can have any animal you want as long as its in a cage.

He just didn't want cats and dogs pooping and peeing everywhere, he runs a business renting houses and some people are just dirt balls so I don't blame some landlords.

Don't tell him they are a collection that's just silly at this point he just wants them out. What you need to do is show him how they are properly caged and don't stink and cant escape. Offer him some extra cash like 300 dollars for a pet security deposit, if that doesn't work out you gotta move or keep your word on what you signed. Hope some of this helps you out.

One time fee? Just pay it. Recurring? Move.

Good luck.

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/h...t_Handbook.pdf

Thats the landlord-tenant handbook for GA. Unfortunately, you're stuck.

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Originally Posted by Parysa

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/h...t_Handbook.pdf

Thats the landlord-tenant handbook for GA. Unfortunately, you're stuck.

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Read the link pretty throughly, on the pets section. According to that, the land lord can only terminate the lease and seek to evict. There is not wording for being able to fine you, now if you get him to put into writing that the fee is actually a pet deposit and that upon paying his requested amount you can have the animals until your lease is up, that's one thing.

According to that, he is NOT able to fine you, and he is lying if he says it's legal. If he won't go the IN WRITING part, then go take the free 30 minute lawyer sit down and discuss your options. At the very least you can persuade him to just end the lease and move without penalty.

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

My apartment manager is threatening to fine me 100$ for each animal I have, so a total of 700$. I've had these snakes in my apartment for three years now and never had a problem. All the maintenance guys and all the staff loves them but the manager just found out.

In my lease I did sign a portion (very small portion) that says this is a no pet property, and now I'm in a bind. Do I have an argument for saying my snakes are "collectors items" as oppose to pets? What do I do? :tears:

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Just wandering....in you lease, does it say you have to pay $100 per animal or is that an amount that he just made up?

Also...just a thought, would fish be considered to be pet to him? I know there's a big difference, but they are in a tank. :D

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Originally Posted by ROACH

Just wandering....in you lease, does it say you have to pay $100 per animal or is that an amount that he just made up?

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Thats the point, he can not assess fees as he sees fit.

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I liked my way. :(

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Originally Posted by Kodieh

Thats the point, he can not assess fees as he sees fit.

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No, it's just blackmail. Pay up or get evicted. Unfortunately I'm not sure what choice he's left himself with.

Why don't you just be "real" with him? Talk to him person to person, and say, "look. I know theres a no pet policy, but obviously there is some allowance, as you allow fish which are pets. I have snakes, which are all in cages. I really don't have the $700. And I really love my snakes, and I don't want to have to move if I don't have to. Could we perhaps meet in the middle? Maybe I could give you an extra amount per month in a separate agreement to allow me to have my snakes?" ...or something like that. Be real. Be reasonable. Maybe your landlord is not as big a jerk as you think. Im sure hes more upset that you hid them, instead of being upfront. Offer to show him how you house your snakes, so he knows they wont escape, and wont pee/poop on the floor n cause damage to the apartment. You just never know. Are you a good tenant otherwise? Do you always pay your rent on time? Use that as leverage. If he still insists on charging you the $700 fine, then tell him you will be moving out then. Youd rather stay somewhere that allows caged pets. And believe me, there are tons out there. He may be willing to work with you if you are a god tenant. (sometimes those are hard to find!) Just talk to him. You never know. Best of luck to ya.

P.S. .....If he does agree to a separate clause/agreement allowing you to keep your snakes, make sure you get a copy of that IN WRITING and a copy signed by both you and him.

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Originally Posted by spitzu

No, it's just blackmail. Pay up or get evicted. Unfortunately I'm not sure what choice he's left himself with.

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If he's evicted, he won't be penalized with like buying out the lease or what not.

I know I couldn't just up and move on a whim, so working it out may be the only choice.

Though he cannot assess the fee and don't pay it unless he gives you in writing that upon payment that the animals can stay. Don't expect to be able to renew though.

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Working it out is a good advice!

The manager just wants money. That's all there is to it and since he knows he has the person by the balls so to say, he's going to use it as leverage.

Ok so he may not legally be able to assess the fee... what is better, the fine or being evicted??? Working it out should have been done before they were gotten. I hope it works out for you but in all honesty you broke the lease... not him.

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This can go two ways, it will get really nasty, or he will let you stay. If I was a landlord and found one of my tenants was lying to me the last three years I would be pretty pissed.:mad: Now if your landlord has a legal standing to fine you then your are stuck paying it. Best you can do is try and talk him down a bit and have him turn it into a deposit so you can keep your pets and stay in your home. If you are a good tenant he WILL work with you. If he has no legal standpoint to fine you then that will be up to you to pay or not. If you don't then he will surely not renew your lease and you will have to move and figure out another place that will take those type of pets with a deposit. Ya that is messed up but you put yourself in this situation by hiding your pets. But if you have been an outstanding tenant the last 3 years he will no doubt work with you.

First off: No animals are collectors item.... Bottle caps and stamps are collectors item, but not breathing, living souls.
Second of all: When I moved in, I told my managers that I owned snakes, what kind I have, how big they can get, etc, etc and they didn't care. they let their five year old come over and hang out with my Ball Python all the time. Either they are okay with it, and don't fine you, as they didn't with me, but if you hide it from them like you did, they aren't going to be as kind about it :/
Your options:
1. Pay $700
2. Move out
3. Get rid of your reptiles. Sorry to hear that you're having this issue, buddy.

Sorry but I just reread the first page. I am not going to lie.. I'm kind of annoyed that you said you don't care for your snakes affectionately, and you do not consider them companions, and my snake are tame... Perhaps if you did care for them affectionately, yours would be, too.
Why own reptiles, if what you said was true? Just because they're solitary animals doesn't mean that they are not tame, can't be your companion, and don't deserve affectionate, attentive, and passionate care. I just don't think of any living thing as a toy or a collectors item. No offense.

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

Sorry but I just reread the first page. I am not going to lie.. I'm kind of annoyed that you said you don't care for your snakes affectionately, and you do not consider them companions, and my snake are tame... Perhaps if you did care for them affectionately, yours would be, too.
Why own reptiles, if what you said was true? Just because they're solitary animals doesn't mean that they are not tame, can't be your companion, and don't deserve affectionate, attentive, and passionate care. I just don't think of any living thing as a toy or a collectors item. No offense.

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Wow, I missed that part. Yea I won't make any comments regarding that, and BOS I wouldn't even waste my time trying to argue and risk getting an infraction. Take that from me if you never take anything from me ever again, lol.

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Originally Posted by Neal

Wow, I missed that part. Yea I won't make any comments regarding that, and BOS I wouldn't even waste my time trying to argue and risk getting an infraction. Take that from me if you never take anything from me ever again, lol.

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I don't argue on forums. I just wanted to speak my mind because it seemed a little harsh the way it was worded. again: No offense. I am sure the OP is just trying to figure it out without a bunch of hassle, and if I needed a way to keep my reptiles; I'd use the fact that reptiles are solitary animals to my defense if necessary, as well.

Pay up and ask to keep them

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

Sorry but I just reread the first page. I am not going to lie.. I'm kind of annoyed that you said you don't care for your snakes affectionately, and you do not consider them companions, and my snake are tame... Perhaps if you did care for them affectionately, yours would be, too.
Why own reptiles, if what you said was true? Just because they're solitary animals doesn't mean that they are not tame, can't be your companion, and don't deserve affectionate, attentive, and passionate care. I just don't think of any living thing as a toy or a collectors item. No offense.

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The OP is at fault for breaking the rules, however let's not sugar coat the art of keeping reptiles. Just because someone does not care for their reptiles affectionately does not make them a bad reptile owner. It can simply mean that they understand their "pets" are wild animals and are to be respected, sometimes that means refraining from having affectionate emotions towards them and seeing them for the wild creatures they are.

And don't put words in the OP's mouth Erik, he never said he saw his animals as collector's items. He asked if he could use that argument in order to keep his animals.


You are just using what you can to bash OP, probably because people have been bashing you for so long for your husbandry mistakes...however i would say with good reason.

How did this turn out?

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

And don't put words in the OP's mouth Erik, he never said he saw his animals as collector's items. He asked if he could use that argument in order to keep his animals

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Oh.. So he was going to lie. That's better. Either he thinks of his animals as collector's items or he was asking if he could lie about it to fix his mistake. Either way, I think they're equally wrong. Just my opinion, though. Bet you've missed pestering me, Mikoh. Probably why you JUST joined here, right?
Lol... If you don't get enough response from me here, you can try me on other forums, too. SnakeGuy at RedtailBoa.net, SnakeGuy at HerpCenter.com
have fun

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

Oh.. So he was going to lie. That's better. Either he thinks of his animals as collector's items or he was asking if he could lie about it to fix his mistake. Either way, I think they're equally wrong. Just my opinion, though. Bet you've missed pestering me, Mikoh. Probably why you JUST joined here, right?
Lol... If you don't get enough response from me here, you can try me on other forums, too. SnakeGuy at RedtailBoa.net, SnakeGuy at HerpCenter.com
have fun

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Lol don't change the argument. I already stated the OP was at fault for breaking the rules, but you are also at fault for making assumptions and putting words into peoples' mouths.

Missed pestering you? I actually don't have problems with you but I'll call out BS when I see it.

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

Lol don't change the argument. I already stated the OP was at fault for breaking the rules, but you are also at fault for making assumptions and putting words into peoples' mouths.

Missed pestering you? I actually don't have problems with you but I'll call out BS when I see it.

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http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/a...tory-bro41.jpg

that's what i thought

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

that's what i thought

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http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/9...c82d7542d1.jpg

Ok really this is not necessary

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alright B.O.S. let me begin by saying, i have seen your posts, and every time you get told youre wrong, you get super defensive and attack whoever is trying to HELP you not harm your animals, or give your animals a better life. now if OP doesnt feel the same way about his snakes, thats his business not yours.
ive seen him all over the forums also and from what i can see is a pretty good guy and he does care for his animals or he wouldnt be trying to keep them.


with that said. i had to deal with this too about two months ago. i moved to a little podunk town that feels like snakes are satan. and moved all my reptiles with me, i got my apt manager to sign a document stating she knew that i had them and that as long as i had a "Warning" sign on the door that they are kept in, i could avoid any fees, and keep them.
then we got a new manager who decided that she didnt like snakes, and wanted me to get rid of them, or move, or pay $250 per animal as a depost and an aditional $25 a month per animal as 'pet rent'
luckily i still had all my paperwork and avoided this.

The situation has been handled, I talked with my manager and we worked something out. I don't see my snakes as collectors items, I'm more passionate about my snakes than I am a lot of things. Everyone is fine and happy and please, do not turn my thread into a pre-teen online fight. I asked for the advice of professionals, not people who just want to act big and bad behind their computer screens.

Thanks for all of the useful help everyone, everything's been settled, y'all have a nice day :)

I'm glad it all turned out well!

Good to hear, glad it worked out :)

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Good to hear, glad it worked out :)

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Thank you :)
Snakes were never a problem, but my complex just switched managers, thus the problem. Old manager loved my snakes, even came and visited them a few times :P new manger doesn't like them. But we all talked about it and new manager said as long as they don't get out, they're fine.

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

The OP is at fault for breaking the rules, however let's not sugar coat the art of keeping reptiles. Just because someone does not care for their reptiles affectionately does not make them a bad reptile owner. It can simply mean that they understand their "pets" are wild animals and are to be respected, sometimes that means refraining from having affectionate emotions towards them and seeing them for the wild creatures they are.

And don't put words in the OP's mouth Erik, he never said he saw his animals as collector's items. He asked if he could use that argument in order to keep his animals.


You are just using what you can to bash OP, probably because people have been bashing you for so long for your husbandry mistakes...however i would say with good reason.

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

Oh.. So he was going to lie. That's better. Either he thinks of his animals as collector's items or he was asking if he could lie about it to fix his mistake. Either way, I think they're equally wrong. Just my opinion, though. Bet you've missed pestering me, Mikoh. Probably why you JUST joined here, right?
Lol... If you don't get enough response from me here, you can try me on other forums, too. SnakeGuy at RedtailBoa.net, SnakeGuy at HerpCenter.com
have fun

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

Lol don't change the argument. I already stated the OP was at fault for breaking the rules, but you are also at fault for making assumptions and putting words into peoples' mouths.

Missed pestering you? I actually don't have problems with you but I'll call out BS when I see it.

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/a...tory-bro41.jpg

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Originally Posted by mikoh4792

that's what i thought

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/9...c82d7542d1.jpg

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Not sure what the history between you two is and honestly I DO NOT CARE, however I will make it very clear to both of you, YOUR childish behavior and side arguments will not be tolerated here so I would highly encourage you to take YOUR personal bickering to PM. Should you persist in following one another in threads derailing them in the process you will both receive infractions.

I'm so glad that it all worked out!! :w00t:

thats exactly what happened to me! glad everything is good now!

Glad to hear everything workes out for you. We ourselves had to get a lawyer... the original manager said it was okay and we made the secobnd In charge mad because I threatened to sue and bring in the Tenant Union after we had no fridge for TWO MONTHS and ro rop it off our water heater AND central air didn't work... needless to say once she took over she said to us word for word. "I don't give a (bad word..) what your (bad word!) Lease says get out of apartment. Needless to say I refused she served us a eviction and I got a lawyer and we settled at breaking the lease at no cost to us...

Ij my lease it said pets allowed just no large fosh tanka or large dogs oh... and no poisonous snakes :rolleyes:

Glad it worked out. Congrats. In the future it may be wise to be upfront with the landlord about the collection. My landlord is charging my roomate an extra 150.00 per month for his cat. But does not charge me for the 8 snakes because they are in cages. Most of the time all they are worried about is the damages to the property. Anyway Congrats.

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Originally Posted by Drake Moonslayer

Glad it worked out. Congrats. In the future it may be wise to be upfront with the landlord about the collection. My landlord is charging my roomate an extra 150.00 per month for his cat. But does not charge me for the 8 snakes because they are in cages. Most of the time all they are worried about is the damages to the property. Anyway Congrats.

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I believe it was because of a change in management that caused the issue, not lying or hiding. They already had been there when the new manager made a fuss.

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Originally Posted by Kodieh

I believe it was because of a change in management that caused the issue, not lying or hiding. They already had been there when the new manager made a fuss.

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Exactly. My old manager loved them, new manager not so much, hence my problem. Lol but it's all settled now. Thanks guys!

I'm so glad it worked out for you! I knew your snakes weren't viewed as collector items when I saw a couple of their names....Penny and Peaches!!https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/icons/icon7.png Very cool!