Here are answers to the most common questions I am asked.
Q. Are you still breeding Green Tree Pythons (chondros)?
A. I sold my business, Fine Green Tree Pythons, in 2009 after thirteen years of producing some of the world’s best designer GTPs. Due to several factors (see next question) I took a long break from reptile keeping. I am not currently keeping or breeding chondros, mostly due to space limitations. I live in a much smaller house than I did back then and I simply don’t have any space in my reptile room for arboreal cages. Currently I am working with a few Ball python projects and some select locality and non-locality colubrids.
Q. Why did you stop breeding Green Tree Pythons?
A. After thirteen years of full-time GTP breeding, as well as maintaining the largest GTP-dedicated web site in the world, co-founding and moderating the ChondroWeb Forums, and authoring two best-selling books on the care and breeding of chondros, I was ready for a break. I probably over-extended myself during these years, and for me it as much about growing the culture of GTP keeping as it was breeding. In the end I had to take a break, and when I was approached about buying my business (I was NOT actively shopping it around), it seemed like the right decision for me and my family.
Q. Can I get a signed copy of your book?
A. As of spring 2025, The More Complete Chondro (2005, Eco Publishing) is sold out and no longer in print. You might find a copy on eBay or Amazon. I’ll be happy to sign your copy at a reptile show such as Tinley Park, or you can mail me your book for signing. Just cover return shipping cost. By the way, I am in discussion with my publisher about a third edition of the book.
Q. Do you plan on getting back into chondros?
A. Maybe. If space and budget allow, it may happen at some point. In fact, I do have one juvenile that I am raising up. This baby was sent to me as a non-feeder for me to work with, and after a year of rather difficult work it is now feeding normally and aggressively on hopper mice.
Q. Why are you breeding Ball pythons? Are you just in it for the money?
A. I was wrong about Ball pythons. For many years I was part of the herp community that looked down on these small pythons and complained about how many there were at reptile shows. A few years ago an old friend of mine introduced me to his breeding group, and I found myself drawn to the all the colorful morphs that were being developed, many of which I had not seen before. I also was attracted to the challenge of learning the rather complicated genetics associated with producing Ball python morphs. I have put together a small breeding group of some animals that I like, and produced my first six clutches in 2024. I’ve had a change of heart about these small African pythons, which make great pets and are available in a plethora of colors and patterns. And as with chondros, I am in it because I love the animals! But making an honest buck is never anything to apologize for.
Q. How can I purchase snakes from you?
A. There are two easy ways to buy from me online: Go to the Shop page of this site and click to buy any snake listed; or visit my MorphMarket Store. Both sites have the same animals for the same prices. Any captive bred offspring that are currently available will be listed. And of course you can buy in person at my facility or at any show I vend. Inquire for details.
Q. Can you ship to my house?
A. With rare exceptions I do not ship to residential addresses. Shipping is done via FedEx Ship Center on my end to FedEx Ship Center on your end. Why? This is the safest way to ship and receive live reptiles. It avoids potential delivery delays and prevents the package from riding in a delivery truck that is not climate controlled. Your new animal will be shipped Priority Overnight and will be ready for pickup at your FedEx Ship Center location by 10:00 AM. Please note that not all FedEx drop off and pickup locations are official Ship Centers. Be sure that the address you provide is in fact a Ship Center that accepts live reptiles to be held for pickup.
Q. How much does shipping cost?
A. Currently, Morph Market is providing discounted FedEx Priority shipping, so I am using them to save customers money. If this changes in the future I will adjust to provide the best value.