1. Could you please give a brief introduction about yourself?

My name is Troy, and I'm the founder of Troy’s Geckos. I’ve been passionate about reptiles for as long as

I can remember, and I’ve been dedicated to keeping and breeding geckos since 2010. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and knowledge to provide effective care and breeding practices for these fascinating creatures. I’m always excited to share my experience and enthusiasm for geckos with others!

2. What species do you breed?

My primary focus is breeding M. Chahoua (Mossy Prehensile Tailed) geckos, but I also breed a variety of

other species, including Crested Geckos, with a particular emphasis on high-end morphs. Additionally, I

work with Leachianus geckos and Eurydactylodes species. Each of these geckos has unique traits and

care requirements, and I’m passionate about producing healthy, quality offspring across all of them.

3. You’re very well-known for your work with Chahoua geckos. How did you get into them?

I was initially drawn to M. Chahoua geckos because of their docile and inquisitive nature. I appreciate their strong, prehensile tails, and their versatile size. What really captivated me, though, are their unique and variable colors and patterns. Chahouas are not only enjoyable to handle due to their calm temperament, but they're also resilient and easy to care for, making them great for both beginners and experienced keepers. They live long lives and can be excellent investments, which makes working with them even more rewarding.

4. Could you explain a bit about Chahoua geckos? For example, their localities or unique characteristics.

There are two primary locales that are prominently represented (to date) in the hobby: Isle de Pines (“Pine Island”) and Grande Terre (“GT”). The animals in my collection were all represented to me to be “Pine Island” locale or were produced by animals represented to be “Pine Island” locale.

5. What are some challenges or things to watch out for when breeding Chahoua geckos compared to other geckos?

Chahoua geckos are not as prolific as some other species, which actually enhances their investment value. However, they are definitely capable of being bred by hobbyists. One key challenge to watch out for is calcium deficiency in females during egg-laying. It's crucial to dust their prey, like crickets, with calcium powder (with D3 supplementation), and occasionally provide additional calcium supplements to breeding females, especially when they are laying eggs.

6. How do you set up their enclosures?

I set up Chahoua gecko enclosures using appropriately sized plastic bins, ranging from 5 quarts for

hatchlings to 30+ quarts for adults. The substrate is typically paper towels, which makes cleaning easy. I

include various hides, such as Cocohuts, egg crates, plastic plants, and cork bark, to provide them with

plenty of hiding spots and climbing opportunities. They’re fed a variety of live prey and gecko-specific

fruit-based food, along with a freshwater bowl. For breeding, I prefer using naturalistic, bioactive

terrariums.

7. You’re renowned for Chahoua geckos with prominent white collars. How did you go about designing and refining those traits?

The key to developing and refining Chahoua geckos with prominent white collars has been consistency

in selective breeding the finest geckos I could acquire and create. Over the years, I’ve invested significantly in and carefully chosen animals with these desirable traits from different, non-closely-related lineages. By consistently breeding geckos that exhibit strong white markings year after year, I’ve been able to really enhance the trait across my breeding program.

8. Do you have any future plans or goals?

My goal is to continue producing the highest-quality Chahoua geckos, as I truly believe they make the

best pet reptiles in the industry. I aim to help further their popularity, appealing to everyone from beginner keepers to seasoned collectors, and ensuring that more people can appreciate their unique qualities and wonderful temperaments.

9. This might be a sensitive question, but how do you view the current gecko market, and what advice would you give to breeders on how to adapt?

The gecko market, like any other, evolves over time. My advice to breeders is simple: focus on producing

the highest quality animals—whatever that means to you—and work with the species you’re most passionate about. Traits that are in high demand tend to be more valuable and rewarding to breed. For those just starting out, invest in the best animals you can afford. These animals often have strong investment potential, live long lives, and, when carefully selected and properly cared for, can more than cover their own costs, even for hobbyists.

10. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to other breeders or reptile enthusiasts

Always keep learning about the animals you care for—there’s always more to discover. Be kind to both

your animals and fellow hobbyists, and remember to never bite off more than you can chew. If you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to scale back and find balance. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and the connections you make along the way.