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Had a great experience. Adam responded quickly to my inquiry and I picked up a beautiful, healthy snake a couple days later. You can tell he really cares about his snakes. If I ever decide to get another, I will definitely contact Proper Royals first

Kimberly

Apr. 01, 2024

5 Star! I am very pleased with my banana Clown girl! Adam with Proper Royals is one of the best sellers on MM that I’ve had the pleasure of doing business with. He is fair and his communication is exemplary and his animals are healthy and on point.

Sanders

Feb. 01, 2024

Very great guy, great seller! Met up and hand delivered my female ball, well cared for. Super knowledgeable! Thank You!

Manson

Jan. 19, 2024

This experience went even better than I anticipated. I was nervous about purchasing online, especially being new to snakes, but I was so happy with the communication and breeder recommendations!

Katie

Feb. 03, 2024

Proper Royals

Along with breeding Ball Pythons, Adam stays active in the reptile community on the Proper Royals YouTube channel. Adam hosts two live reptile podcasts each week, as well as posting traditional format YouTube reptile related content. You can stay up to date with all of our current media here. Our library of videos is family friendly and focuses on the reptile business, ball python care, and the reptile community. Let us know what you think in the YouTube comments!

Had a great experience. Adam responded quickly to my inquiry and I picked up a beautiful, healthy snake a couple days later. You can tell he really cares about his snakes. If I ever decide to get another, I will definitely contact Proper Royals first

Kimberly

Apr. 01, 2024
This Proper Cup of Joe episode starts light—with a tragic possum encounter and a celebration of Adam’s long-awaited sink install—but quickly dives into something far more serious: the impact of Colorado’s new PACFA regulations on the reptile breeding community. From licensing requirements and enclosure mandates to broader questions of intent, enforcement, and hypocrisy, we explore what these new laws might mean for the future of our industry—not just in Colorado, but nationwide. Do ball pythons really need five-foot enclosures? Are breeders being unfairly targeted while industrial livestock remains untouched? And how do we push for informed, species-specific regulation rather than sweeping mandates that put small businesses at risk? It’s a winding episode full of banter, coffee-fueled insight, and some heavy questions. Tune in to learn, reflect, and join the conversation. Catch us live every Thursday at 7:30am EST—and don’t forget to stop by PalmStreet this Sunday for an epic live auction (with a Super Gravel male starting at $20!). ProperRoyals.com PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out Cold Blooded Cafe! https://www.coldbloodedcafe.com IG: @coldbloodedcafe Use Promo code PROPER11 to save 11% off your first order Check Out HusbandryPro: Husbandry.pro Check Out SunDog Serpents: linktr.ee/SunDogSerpents Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://share.google/Zw9vwymIl2I4Di621 PACFA Colorado reptile law, ball python rack systems, reptile regulation Colorado 2027, animal cruelty laws PACFA, reptile show display laws, USARK PACFA response, small breeder rights, pet industry overreach, ball python husbandry, snake enclosure requirements, Cold Blooded Cafe rodents, Proper Cup of Joe podcast, Adam Proper Royals, PalmStreet reptile auction, Florida Wildlife Commission possum rescue, reptile industry advocacy, reptile law impact, Pet Animal Care Facilities Act 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
A Dead Possum, Sink Relocation, and the Colorado Breeder Crisis
What happens when you cancel your MorphMarket account and still make a living selling snakes? Shane Kelley of SmallTown Xotics is back, and he's breaking down exactly how he's built a thriving reptile business beyond the big marketplace. We talk ball pythons, hognose, boas, and his love for side projects—but that’s just the start. Shane walks us through his sales strategy using seven different platforms including Instagram, in-person expos, Husbandry.Pro storefronts, Patreon, and his all-new custom website. He’s got a system that puts his brand front and center—and his results speak for themselves. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow beyond one selling channel, this episode is packed with honest advice, behind-the-scenes insight, and a ton of laughs. Plus, we dig into the power of community building, why social media engagement beats algorithms, and why the right salsa can spark a hot debate in any live chat. From brumation to breakfast burritos, from Reptiles on the River to Reptiles Unplugged—this episode is 100% Shane. ProperRoyals.com Check out REDLINE SHIPPING! Use Promo code PROPER5 to save an extra $5 off your next shipping label. The BEST customer experience in the industry. PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out www.ShedTesting.com Use Promo code PROPER15 to save 15% on two shed test orders. Accurate, reliable testing, fast turnaround times, and the *best* service! Check out Portuguese Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/portuguesepythons/ Check out B and S Reptilia: IG: @BandSReptilia Check out Reagan Renee Royal Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/reaganreneeroyalpythons/ Check out Ball Labs https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/ball-labs/ IG: @ball.labs Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Shane Kelley SmallTown Xotics, leaving MorphMarket, reptile business strategies, diversified reptile sales, how to sell snakes in 2025, ball python breeder, hognose breeder, Husbandry.Pro storefront, reptile vending, expos and online sales, reptile breeder websites, reptile Patreon communities, building a brand in reptiles, reptile podcast guests, reptiles on the river, Reptiles Unplugged podcast, selling snakes online, how to grow a reptile business, marketing for snake breeders 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Life After MorphMarket? Shane Kelley on Reptile Sales Without the Marketplace
This week on Proper Cup of Joe, we get into everything from pheasant hunting mix-ups to laying the foundation for real community impact. Adam shares the next phase of his car wash venture—transitioning from drywall and signage to food trucks, paint jobs, and public perception. What does it mean to build a business in a town versus with a town? How do you normalize snakes, rodents, and reptiles in a community of 4,900 people? Plus, Joe opens up about future career shifts, the value of curiosity, and whether podcasting is a professional risk or a resume builder. From Sly Stone asking out Joe’s mom to a deep dive on maternal instincts in ball pythons, this episode goes from hilarious to heartfelt and back again. New live episodes every Thursday morning —grab your mug and join the conversation. ProperRoyals.com PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out Cold Blooded Cafe! https://www.coldbloodedcafe.com IG: @coldbloodedcafe Use Promo code PROPER11 to save 11% off your first order Check Out HusbandryPro: Husbandry.pro Check Out SunDog Serpents: linktr.ee/SunDogSerpents Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Lonsdale Minnesota business, small town entrepreneurship, building community connections, car wash business ideas, food truck marketing, Proper Cup of Joe podcast, Adam and Joe, ball python breeding tips, maternal incubation snakes, normalizing reptiles, Sly Stone story, Beck music tribute, podcasting and professionalism, local business networking, Chamber of Commerce strategy, father-son movie nights, Shawshank Redemption reflection, hometown business growth, using AI for small business 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Big Ideas in a Small Town: Building Business, Community & Snake Rooms
Mike Johnson is back on the show—and his Herp Collectors brand is bigger than ever. What started as a single podcast has evolved into a full network of shows, creators, and collaborations under one vision. We’re digging into what it means to grow beyond yourself in the reptile world. Mike shares what he’s learned from handing off the mic, building trust, and managing consistency across a growing media platform. We also get into how branding works like compound interest over time—and why some breeders flame out while others build equity every day. Plus: we get back to breeding ball pythons - with a business plan. What lasts, how to ignore the noise, and the power of saying “no” as a growth strategy. If you’re trying to grow with intention, build something that lasts, or just figure out how to stay sane in a noisy market—this one’s for you. ProperRoyals.com Check out REDLINE SHIPPING! Use Promo code PROPER5 to save an extra $5 off your next shipping label. The BEST customer experience in the industry. PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out www.ShedTesting.com Use Promo code PROPER15 to save 15% on two shed test orders. Accurate, reliable testing, fast turnaround times, and the *best* service! Check out Portuguese Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/portuguesepythons/ Check out B and S Reptilia: IG: @BandSReptilia Check out Reagan Renee Royal Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/reaganreneeroyalpythons/ Check out Ball Labs https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/ball-labs/ IG: @ball.labs Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Herp Collectors, Mike Johnson reptiles, ball python branding, reptile business podcast, building a reptile brand, reptile breeder discipline, YouTube reptile shows, reptile podcast network, Clutch Conversations, breeding with a plan, morph market strategy, snake business growth, Proper Royals Live, long-term branding reptiles 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Building a Brand Bigger Than Yourself - Mike Johnson of Herp Collectors Returns
What do grieving dog owners, Beach Boys harmonies, and a kid’s kicking camp have in common? Turns out—quite a lot when you're trying to build loyalty in your reptile business. In this episode of Proper Cup of Joe, we workshop a concept stolen straight from Chewy.com: creating predictable, repeatable moments that build trust and customer lifetime value. Adam and Joe dive deep into the ball python customer lifecycle—from hatchling kits and first feedings to the dreaded 1,000g wall. We ask: What pain points do your customers hit, and what would it look like to meet them there before they reach out? Plus: Adam relives sharing a festival poster with Brian Wilson, Steve Earle walks past a cover song, and a checklist from 1996 still proves its worth. Tune in for insights, strategy, and maybe even a little inspiration for your next follow-up email. ProperRoyals.com PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out Cold Blooded Cafe! https://www.coldbloodedcafe.com IG: @coldbloodedcafe Use Promo code PROPER11 to save 11% off your first order Check Out HusbandryPro: Husbandry.pro Check Out SunDog Serpents: linktr.ee/SunDogSerpents Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ ball python lifecycle, reptile customer experience, Chewy.com customer service strategy, predictable sales moments, follow-up marketing, ball python feeding issues, 1000g wall, first-time pet owner tips, hatchling kits for snakes, ball python customer loyalty, how to retain reptile buyers, best practices for follow-up sales, Proper Cup of Joe podcast, reptile business strategies, Adam Shirah, Joe Arner 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Predictable Pain Points & Customer Loyalty: Reptile Business Ideas You Can Steal
Danny and Renae Rocha of Portuguese Pythons are back! It’s been nearly two years since their last Proper Royals Live appearance—and wow, have things scaled up. This time, we dig into what it really takes to manage 70+ clutches, build sustainable rodent production, and make smart breeding decisions in a challenging market. Are triple hets still worth the wait? What’s the smartest way to build an Ultramel project? And how do you manage business, marriage, and family all while pushing forward as top-tier breeders? We also talk about pairing strategies, what genes are exciting them now (hint: Cypress Ultramel Clown!), how they handle shows, the highs and lows of byproduct animals, and why presentation and professionalism matter more than ever. Whether you're just starting out or growing a full-scale collection, this is a must-watch episode packed with insight, honesty, and experience. ProperRoyals.com Check out REDLINE SHIPPING! Use Promo code PROPER5 to save an extra $5 off your next shipping label. The BEST customer experience in the industry. PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out www.ShedTesting.com Use Promo code PROPER15 to save 15% on two shed test orders. Accurate, reliable testing, fast turnaround times, and the *best* service! Check out Portuguese Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/portuguesepythons/ Check out B and S Reptilia: IG: @BandSReptilia Check out Reagan Renee Royal Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/reaganreneeroyalpythons/ Check out Ball Labs https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/ball-labs/ IG: @ball.labs Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Portuguese Pythons, Danny Rocha, Renae Rocha, Ultramel Ball Python, Ultramel Clown, Ultramel Pied, Ball Python Breeding, Reptile Industry 2024, Proper Royals Live, Scaling Breeding Projects, Morph Market Strategy, Super Shows, Rodent Production, Family Ball Python Business, Ball Python Feeding Strategy, Proper Royal Podcast, Cypress Ultramel Clown, Ball Python Market Trends, Recessive Gene Projects, Ball Python Cleaning Systems, Morph Market Sellers, Ball Python Husbandry Tips, Ball Python Collection Organization 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Portuguese Pythons: Scaling to 70 Clutches & Breeding Smart in 2025
What do broken lawn mowers, outlet installs, summer camp, and ball python seasonality all have in common? Apparently, a lot. Joe's off to Pennsylvania, Adam's rewiring the car wash, and both hosts dive deep into the rhythm of snake breeding seasons—from the chaos of fall hatchling shows to the economic waves of summer sell-offs. Plus, Adam tells a wild story about a Maine summer camp, a fishing boat full of 7-year-olds, and a man swimming with a tiger. Yes, really. We cover: -The business rhythm of ball python breeding -Electrical wisdom from a 13-year-old piece worker -Whether Joe Exotic should be a guest (we're... undecided) -Why cleaning rocks might not be worth it -The subtle but powerful differences between “I don’t care” and “That’s not important to me” Another Proper Cup of Joe episode with laughter, questions, and a few thoughtful takeaways. Grab your coffee. It’s Thursday morning and we’re ready to go. ProperRoyals.com PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out Cold Blooded Cafe! https://www.coldbloodedcafe.com IG: @coldbloodedcafe Use Promo code PROPER11 to save 11% off your first order Check Out HusbandryPro: Husbandry.pro Check Out SunDog Serpents: linktr.ee/SunDogSerpents Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Proper Cup of Joe podcast, ball python breeding seasons, exotic animal industry, Adam Shirah, Joe Exotic podcast, Proper Royals reptiles, summer camp story tiger, reptile breeding cash flow, electrical DIY outlet install, game theory reptile sales, Minnesota reptile shows, hatchling season October, seasonal reptile market, Joe lawnmower fails, Adam car wash renovation, free shipping Proper11, Sund Dog Serpents, breeding rack tips, adult holdbacks, exotic pet ethics 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Tigers in the Lake?! Adam’s Summer Camp Story, Snake Seasons & Lawn Mowers
Garrick DeMeyer of Royal Constrictor Designs is back—and we go deep on what it takes to survive and thrive in a changing reptile market. We talk production cuts, the truth about scaling, why Garrick is done with overproducing, and how he's navigating a market slowdown after nearly 25 years in the business. We also dig into the realities of feeding, rodent production, shed testing, and how to avoid being crushed by your own collection. What’s the ideal clutch count? What genes still move the needle? How do you balance personal passion with profitability? We cover all of it. If you're in this industry for the long haul—or trying to be—this is one of those episodes you don’t want to miss. ProperRoyals.com Check out REDLINE SHIPPING! Use Promo code PROPER5 to save an extra $5 off your next shipping label. The BEST customer experience in the industry. PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out www.ShedTesting.com Use Promo code PROPER15 to save 15% on two shed test orders. Accurate, reliable testing, fast turnaround times, and the *best* service! Check out Portuguese Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/portuguesepythons/ Check out B and S Reptilia: IG: @BandSReptilia Check out Reagan Renee Royal Pythons: https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/reaganreneeroyalpythons/ Check out Ball Labs https://www.morphmarket.com/stores/ball-labs/ IG: @ball.labs Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Garrick DeMeyer, Royal Constrictor Designs, ball python breeding, ball python market trends, reptile business, scaling reptile collection, rodent production, shed testing, Cold Blooded Cafe, MorphMarket sales, double recessive projects, triple het strategy, reptile logistics, banana clown combos, efficient reptile breeding, Proper Royals Live, reptile expo strategy 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Garrick DeMeyer Returns: Breeding Smarter, Not Bigger in Today’s Market
This week on Proper Cup of Joe, we dig into a surprising question facing many reptile breeders in 2025: is it smarter to scale back and breed more accessible animals—or keep chasing the high-end dream? Adam shares real stories from two veteran breeders, each taking opposite paths in today’s market. One is stepping away from complex recessive combos after years of development, while another is doubling down on proven sellers like Blue-Eyed Lucies to fund long-term projects. We also kick off a new segment, Check My Social Media, featuring a bizarre and slightly intense DM exchange with a would-be customer named “Rhino.” It’s equal parts hilarious and revealing about what reptile sellers deal with behind the scenes. Plus: • Sauna sessions vs. cold plunges • The evolution of taste buds (Brussels sprouts and Fresca?) • Why pricing strategy and customer reach may be more important than premium genetics Whether you’re running a full-scale breeding operation or just thinking about your next clutch, this episode offers real-world insight into balancing passion, pricing, and sustainability in the ball python business. New episodes every Thursday at 7:30am EST. Watch live or catch the replay right here. ProperRoyals.com PalmStreet Reptile Seller Application: https://dub.sh/properroyals Check out Cold Blooded Cafe! https://www.coldbloodedcafe.com IG: @coldbloodedcafe Use Promo code PROPER11 to save 11% off your first order Check Out HusbandryPro: Husbandry.pro Check Out SunDog Serpents: linktr.ee/SunDogSerpents Donate to the Dr. Tom Harbin Reptiles Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University: https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/HarbinMemorial?appealcode=HARBINMEMQ Keywords ball python breeding 2025, should breeders scale back, ball python sales strategy, blue eyed lucy demand, Proper Cup of Joe, reptile market trends, morphmarket tips, ball python pricing strategy, building a reptile business, cold blooded cafe, husbandry pro, palm street reptiles, snake buyer stories, reptile podcast 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5674463762055168
Should Breeders Innovate Backwards in 2025? | Proper Cup of Joe
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