Welcome to the Crested Gecko Community: Hold onto Your Tails

Let's start 2025 off with a greeting!

Welcome all new crested gecko breeders, this post is for you. Don’t worry my fellow seasoned breeders, there’s a little something for you in this post too.

If you’re just starting your journey as a crested gecko breeder, I’m thrilled to have you as a part of the community. Breeding crested geckos is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes challenging, but it’s worth it for the experience and new friendships. Whether you’re here to turn geckos into a passion project or into a small business, you’re in the right place.

Why New Breeders Matter in an Overly Saturated Market

You’ve probably heard people say the crested gecko market is “oversaturated.” While it’s true there are many breeders out there, I believe there’s always room for newcomers. Every breeder brings something unique to the hobby—whether it’s a fresh perspective, new goals for morph development, or simply more love and care for these incredible tiny reptiles.

It’s no secret that some older breeders feel frustrated or even jealous of newer breeders entering the market. Why? Because as more people breed geckos, prices can drop, making it harder for long-time breeders to maintain the same profit margins. And truthfully, some people see new breeders as competition (which I don't understand because I see it as community). But this doesn’t mean new breeders are unwelcome or that they’re doing anything wrong. In fact, your presence is essential and I'm happy you exist in this community.

Saturation isn’t a bad thing when it’s filled with people who genuinely care and are putting money and work into quality geckos. More breeders mean more diversity in bloodlines and morphs. It also means more education, innovation, and collaboration within the community. You’re not “ruining” anything—you’re helping the hobby unfold and grow.

If you face negativity from more experienced breeders, don’t let it discourage you. Instead, focus on what you bring to the table: passion and unique vision for this hobby.

A Safe Place for Learning

Even though I’ve been keeping and breeding geckos for over 10 years, I’m the first to admit that I’m still learning, too. I don’t have all the answers, and neither do people with 20 years of experience. The world of reptiles is constantly evolving, with new discoveries about genetics, husbandry, and care is being made all the time. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, remember that no one has all the answers—and that’s okay.

This space is a safe and supportive place for new breeders like you. I don’t believe in gatekeeping or shaming others for mistakes—because we all start somewhere. Whether you need help figuring out care, advice on pairing geckos, or just someone to talk to about the highs and lows of breeding, my goal is to be a resource and a friendly face in your journey.

Tips for New Breeders

As you get started, here are a few reminders to help you navigate the hobby:

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Focus on producing healthy, clean, well-cared-for geckos rather than chasing trends or flooding the market. This means doing research before pairing your two geckos together. Take time to understand genetics and structure, get opinions, and understand the market. People don’t want average geckos: geckos without good lines, average patterns, random spotting, and weak structure. Most importantly, there still needs to be some degree of awareness for the market. You don’t have to chase the trends, but you do need to be aware of them. For example: Lilly white crested geckos, as beautiful as they are, are getting difficult to sell because there are so many in the market.

Never Stop Learning

Research never ends—keep reading, asking questions, and connecting with experienced breeders. Facebook groups are really toxic, but there is still a wealth of information there. If you join the groups, utilize the search to find answers before you ask the question. There are other good resources out there that are much more welcoming in my opinion. Check out these resources below:

• Lil Monsters Reptiles - The best place to read about genetics and morphs.

• The Gecko Pod - This podcast focuses on asking various breeders all kinds of questions.

• Carebugs - This is an upcoming newer breeder with great insight. His YouTube videos are great!

• Supreme Geckos - Wally is a seasoned breeder with a heart of gold and great information.

• Pangea - Both their YouTube and blog have a lot of useful information.

• Palm Street Lives - This is a great place to hang out and chat with other breeders in real time. There is always something new to learn when I jump on lives. It doesn't get old.

• Academy Gecko Pixel Research Group - This group is on Facebook, but it's the most welcoming non-toxic group there is. We like to cultivate good vibes.

  
  

There are so many other good resources out there too, you just have to ask!

Be Patient

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Building your knowledge, reputation, and collection takes time. I know, the journey can be tough, especially when starting out and trying to build friendships. But don’t worry, be a kind person and be patient. You’ll be well on your way before you know it!

Let the Negativity Fuel You

If someone tells you you’re “ruining the market” or doesn’t support your efforts, use it as motivation to prove them wrong. Stay focused on your goals and the animals, and let your good ethics and success speak for itself. Remember this phrase: "First they laugh, then they copy."

Be Open to Correction and Listen

This journey is humbling. Please be open to correction and advice from reputable breeders. They might not always be correct 100 percent of the time, but they have golden nuggets, so listen to them. I think that’s why they get frustrated with new breeders—no one wants to listen, and as a result, damages the community. Be a better generation and prioritize learning and wisdom.

Stay Passionate

Let your love for geckos guide you in this hobby. I know, it sounds Chuckie cheesy, but it’s true. Don’t let the negativity and breeding too much too fast boggle you down. Focus on the morphs you love and take things in bite-sized pieces, and you’ll be okay. Also, don’t make it about money and clout—that’s a fast way to burn out your sparkle.

A Little Note to All The Grumpy "Big" Breeders

The smallest thing a "big" breeder can do is ignore the newbies. You have the opportunity to help mentor the next generation of breeders—do it. This is how we create a better and more educated generation after us. If you’re constantly giving the cold shoulder and attacking newbies, nothing will improve in the community. At that point, you’re the problem, not the new breeders. Instead of publically shaming new breeders for a mistake, privately offer correction.

Anyways….

Thank You

Thank you for joining this incredible community and for bringing your excitement and energy to the hobby. Remember, it’s okay to make some mistakes as long as you can correct them. It’s okay to learn as you go. It’s always OKAY to ask questions after questions. We all start somewhere, and every day is a chance to grow.

If you ever need support, advice, or encouragement, I’m here for you. Let’s learn and thrive together!