I have been keeping ball pythons since the summer of 2000, I still have my first ball python I have ever purchased. There was a time once I was searching for a birthday present for myself, this was maybe 2002-2003, and I came across a website for reptile auctions. I was browsing through the ads and I came across a pair of normal breeding ball pythons. I was astounded at the thought of that and rig
ht there I knew that is what I wanted to do. I started looking up where to buy reptiles in a show/expo fashion and the first result was the Midwest Reptile Expo out in Indianapolis. So for my birthday, which happened to be about a week before the expo, my mother took me and a friend of mine to Indianapolis to this show. Upon arriving there were maybe 5 vendors total, due to it being around Christmas time I'm assuming. This was my first real taste of the reptile world. The only vendor there with ball pythons was Ron Billingsley, and buying a pair of ball pythons from was the first purchase toward this newfound passion of mine. While talking to Ron further on aol instant messenger, yes I've known him since 2002-2003 as a 13 year old kid, he informs me of other shows in my area as well as answering any questions I had. The first show I attended in Illinois was, then called, Lee Watsons Reptile Swap; now known as Scott Smiths All Animal Expo. This is where I saw ball python morphs for the first time and was just floored by some of the things I saw. Now that pair of ball pythons I initially bought did not end up producing a clutch, I never produced my first clutch until I was 16. Fast forward to when I was 20 (2010), I enlisted in the Marine Corps and unfortunately sold off most of my collection. In maybe late 2012 I started buying ball pythons again and having a good friend who wanted to breed ball pythons take care of them. Unfortunately due to some situations with his personal life, I decided it was best to have the snakes moved to my mothers house as she too love ball pythons. Fast forward a little bit more to winter 2014 and I am out of the Marine Corps and back to taking care of ball pythons on my own, which is a great feeling. I have a lot of people to thank for where I am today. A few are: George Knaack, Danny Bartsch, Brad Boa, my mother, and despite his controversial background now Ron Billingsley. Also, of course, my customers. Nothing makes me feel better about the ups and downs of doing this as the smile and happiness of everyone purchasing something I produce. I thank you all. Please feel free to contact me whenever about anything and I will get back to you as fast as I can. - AJ
