Inside Gecko Junkie

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Alright, welcome back to The World of Geckos! I'm James Walker, and as always, I'm joined by the ever-knowledgeable Charlotte Davies. Today, we're diving into the world of professional crested gecko breeding, and specifically, we're shining a light on Gecko Junkie out of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Charlotte Davies

Hello everyone! I must say, James, I've been looking forward to this one. Gecko Junkie is a name that pops up again and again in the reptile community, and for good reason. Tristan Kaylor, the man behind the brand, has really built something special over the years.

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Yeah, absolutely. Tristan started with his first crested gecko back in 2009, and now he's a full-time breeder. I mean, that's a serious leap. And it's not just cresties—he's worked with leopard geckos, ball pythons, bearded dragons, but crested geckos are his main thing. You can really see that focus in the quality of his animals.

Charlotte Davies

And what stands out to me is his commitment to responsible breeding. He doesn't just pair up any geckos—he waits until they're fully mature, which is about two years old, and makes sure they're at a healthy weight. I think it's forty grams for males, forty-five for females, if I remember right?

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That's right. And, you know, that's not just a box-ticking exercise. It's about making sure the females aren't bred too young or too small, which can be risky for their health. It's something we touched on in our habitat episode—good care starts with the breeder, not just the keeper.

Charlotte Davies

Exactly. And Tristan doesn't just breed and sell—he's out there at reptile expos, especially Repticon shows on the East Coast and South. He's really active in the community, which I think says a lot about his passion for the hobby.

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Oh, for sure. I actually met Tristan at a Repticon a couple years back. I remember walking up to his table—he had this huge display of cresties, all these different morphs, and he was just chatting with everyone, answering questions, giving advice. I even saw him help someone pick out a heating device for their setup, which, you know, that's not even his product. He just wanted to help.

Charlotte Davies

That sort of personal touch really makes a difference, doesn't it? And during the COVID shutdowns, he even did virtual expos—Zoom auctions and the like—so people could still connect and see his geckos. It's that kind of accessibility that builds trust.

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Yeah, and you can tell he genuinely cares about the animals. He puts out care guides, diet recommendations, all that. It's not just about selling geckos—it's about making sure people succeed with them. And honestly, that's what sets apart the best breeders from the rest.

Charlotte Davies

Speaking of what sets breeders apart, let's talk morphs. Gecko Junkie is known for a really wide variety, from classic harlequins and pinstripes to some of the more advanced stuff—Lilly Whites, tri-colors, even those extreme color combos. It's quite a selection.

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Yeah, and the thing is, it's not just about having rare morphs—it's about doing it right. Tristan's geckos are consistently healthy, well-started, and have strong genetics. Other breeders actually use his animals in their own projects, which is a pretty big endorsement in this world.

Charlotte Davies

Absolutely. I remember the first time I saw a Lilly White in person—it was at a show, and I was just mesmerized. The contrast, the pattern, it's almost surreal. And knowing that breeders like Tristan are producing these animals with such care, it makes them even more special.

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Yeah, Lilly Whites are kind of the rock stars of the crested gecko world right now. But even the more common morphs from Gecko Junkie are top notch. And the pricing is actually really reasonable, which is rare for high-end morphs. You can find something for just about any budget, whether you're a beginner or a serious collector.

Charlotte Davies

And I think that's part of why he has such a loyal following. People know they're getting a healthy animal, with good genetics, at a fair price. And the variety means you can find that perfect gecko, whether you want a pet or you're looking to start your own breeding project.

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Yeah, and the inventory updates all the time. New geckos are released weekly, so there's always something new to see. I mean, it's a bit dangerous for my wallet, honestly.

Charlotte Davies

I know the feeling! And it's not just the geckos—he also sells enclosures and supplies, so you can get everything you need in one place. It's a real one-stop shop, which is handy, especially for people just starting out.

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So, let's talk about reputation and customer service, because that's where Gecko Junkie really shines. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive—people talk about how responsive and helpful Tristan is, both before and after the sale. I mean, you see folks saying things like, "Couldn't recommend him more," and that's not something you see every day in this hobby.

Charlotte Davies

No, it's not. And it's not just the initial purchase—he provides after-sale support, care sheets, and is active on social media. If you have a question about husbandry, you can reach out and actually get a thoughtful answer. That kind of ongoing support is invaluable, especially for new keepers.

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Yeah, and the shipping process is handled with a lot of care. He ships overnight with Reptiles Express.com, uses insulated boxes, heat or cold packs as needed, and only ships when the weather is safe. There's a live arrival guarantee, which is pretty standard, but he really goes the extra mile to make sure the gecko arrives healthy.

Charlotte Davies

It's worth noting, though, that all sales are final—no returns or cancellations once you've paid. So you do need to be sure before you buy. But honestly, with the amount of information and photos he provides, and the reputation he has, most people seem very happy with their purchases.

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Yeah, I read about a customer who owns eight crested geckos from Gecko Junkie and is still coming back for more. That's the kind of loyalty you only get when people really trust you. And even at expos, people mention how personable Tristan is—he'll help you pick out supplies, answer all your questions, and just make you feel welcome.

Charlotte Davies

And during the pandemic, when in-person shows weren't possible, he adapted with virtual expos and online auctions. That flexibility kept the community connected and made it possible for people to still find their dream gecko, even in tough times.

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Yeah, and I think that's a big part of why Gecko Junkie is so respected. It's not just about selling animals—it's about building relationships, supporting the community, and making sure people have a good experience from start to finish. But, as always, it's important to do your research before buying. Make sure you're ready for the commitment, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Charlotte Davies

Absolutely. And if you're in the U.S. and looking for a crested gecko, Gecko Junkie is definitely worth considering. Just remember, once you make that purchase, it's final—so be sure it's the right fit for you.

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Well, that about wraps it up for today's episode. Thanks for joining us as we peeked inside Gecko Junkie and what makes a great breeder stand out. We'll be back soon with more stories from the world of geckos. Charlotte, always a pleasure.

Charlotte Davies

Thank you, James. And thank you to everyone listening. Take care, and we'll see you next time!

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Bye everyone!