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My name is James McGhee, and I'm addicted to Blood and Short Tail Pythons... that pretty much sums it up! I keep all three species in the curtus complex (P. curtus, P. breitenstieni, and P. brongersmai) including several different mutations. Over the years I've kept a wide selection of various snakes and lizards, but I've long since fallen in love with the fat red ones, and they have become my main focus. Aside from one common Boa (my very first snake) Bloods and Short Tails are all that I keep. To me, they have been by far the most rewarding, and make the ultimate captive reptile. |
Prior to diving head first into Bloods exclusively, my collection included some of the giants; specifically Reticulated Pythons. A few years ago I made the difficult decision to sell and trade all my Retics, and focus soley on Bloods. Seeing the same destructive things happen in the Retic market that have happened in the past with Ball Pythons, coupled with the ever increasing restrictive legislation, lead me to the decision to get out of giants all together. It was the intelligent decision to make, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss having Retics around, since the very first day they were gone. They will always have a special place for me, and somehow I don't imagine that I've owned my last one just yet.
In addition to keeping and breeding my own animals, education and conservation are two things that have always been very important to me. I'm an active member of my local herpetological society, of which I have served as a board member, and I also volunteer at the local zoo.
Myself, some brave kids, and a very cooperative albino Burmese at my herp society's annual show. I was on "big snake picture duty".
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Dave Barker and I after a Chicago Herp Society Meeting
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When I'm not cleaning cages, thawing rats, or hoping for eggs, you can usually find me either at home with my soon-to-be-wife and our dogs, or chasing Smallmouth Bass in one of many midwest rivers and streams.
Me with a 4lb. smallie, caught in the shadow of the Sears Tower. Yes, I'm pretty much always wearing that same hat!
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Because sometimes you just have to put a pug in your shirt!
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