Repticon Jacksonville 2025 Breeder Spotlight

Jay Tacey

Hey everyone, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and as always, I'm joined by Michael Arnold and Lisa Parker. Today, we're gearing up for Repticon Jacksonville, coming up August 2nd and 3rd at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. And, uh, I gotta say, this lineup of breeders is looking really exciting—especially if you're into geckos, chameleons, or, honestly, just about anything with scales or sticky toes.

Lisa Parker

Oh, absolutely, Jay! And you know, every time we do one of these spotlights, I get a little more tempted to add another gecko to my own collection. I mean, the 10 20 Gecko Gang is new to the scene, but they're already making waves with their New Caledonian geckos. High-end Lily Whites, Phantom Eye Gargoyles, Super Dalmatians—it's like a gecko fashion show over there!

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and what I like about them is they're not just about flashy morphs. They're really focused on learning and education, which is perfect for folks just getting started or, you know, if you're looking to step up your gecko game. I mean, you see a lot of breeders, but not all of them are as open about being on that learning journey themselves.

Jay Tacey

Exactly, Michael. That kind of humility and curiosity is what keeps the hobby fresh. It actually reminds me of a project I did back in my Zoo days—this is a bit of a tangent, but bear with me. We were working with a group of crested geckos, and I started experimenting with operant conditioning. Now, most people think, "Oh, you can't train a gecko," but you'd be surprised. Even with these little guys, positive interactions—like rewarding them for coming out or for gentle handling—made a huge difference in their confidence and even their coloration. It just goes to show, even the smallest species can benefit from thoughtful, positive engagement.

Lisa Parker

I love that, Jay. And honestly, that's the vibe I get from 10 20 Gecko Gang. They're not just selling animals—they're building a community, and they're excited to meet other gecko people at the show. If you're new to geckos or just want to geek out about Lily Whites, definitely stop by their table.

Michael Arnold

And, hey, if you want to see some truly wild Super Dalmatians, this is your chance. I mean, those spots are out of control. I always say, you can never have too many geckos—unless you ask my wife, but that's a different podcast.

Lisa Parker

Speaking of color, let's talk about Beachside Chameleons. They're based out of Satellite Beach, and, oh man, their Panther Chameleons are just stunning. I remember the first time I saw their display at a show—actually, quick story, I was running around trying to get everyone set up, and their chameleon enclosure was so elaborate, I almost tripped over a fake tree branch. True story! But it was worth it, because those animals just pop. The colors, the health, the way they interact with people—it's next level.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Lisa, Beachside Chameleons is a great example of a boutique breeder doing things right. They hand-raise their Panthers, which, if you've ever tried to work with chameleons, you know that's not easy. They're sensitive, they need a lot of attention, and you can't just, you know, toss them in a cage and hope for the best. These folks are all about exceptional care and making sure their animals are not just beautiful, but also healthy and well-adjusted.

Michael Arnold

And don't forget, they've got some really unique Carpet Python morphs, too. It's not just chameleons. But what stands out to me is the community they've built around their animals. You buy from Beachside, and you're not just getting a chameleon—you're getting a support system. They want you to succeed, and they're there to answer questions, troubleshoot, all that. It's the kind of thing we talked about in the Orlando episode, right? That sense of community and support from breeders who care.

Lisa Parker

Exactly, Michael. And, you know, as someone who sees the behind-the-scenes chaos at these shows, I can tell you: the breeders who go the extra mile with their displays and their customer care, they stand out. Beachside Chameleons is definitely one of those. If you're thinking about a Panther Chameleon, or you just want to see some jaw-dropping color, make sure you check them out in Jacksonville.

Jay Tacey

And if you see Lisa running around with a clipboard and a kazoo, just know she's probably making sure the chameleons have the best spot in the house. Priorities, right?

Lisa Parker

Always! Chameleons first, paperwork second. That's my motto.

Michael Arnold

Alright, let's switch gears and talk about Queen of Kings. Now, if you're into colubrids—kingsnakes, milksnakes, ratsnakes—these folks are a must-see. They're based in Florida, and they're known for some really rare morphs, like the yellow line T- albino Nelson’s milksnake. I actually had a moment at a past Repticon where someone walked up, saw that snake, and just—boom—fell in love. It was like, love at first sight, and I totally get it. Those colors are unreal.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Queen of Kings is one of those breeders that really focuses on top-tier husbandry. Their animals are always in great shape, and they're super transparent about care, genetics, all of it. And it's not just snakes—they've got captive-bred dart frogs, isopods, feeder rodents, the whole package. So whether you're a new keeper or you've been doing this for years, they're a great resource.

Lisa Parker

And I love that they're so active in the community, too. They're at shows all over the country, sharing knowledge, answering questions, and making sure every animal goes to a prepared home. It's that same spirit we've seen at other Repticon events—education, support, and a real passion for the animals. Plus, those dart frogs? Adorable. I always say, if you leave a Queen of Kings table empty-handed, you have more willpower than I do.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and if you want to talk morphs, these guys are happy to nerd out with you. Whether it's colubrids, frogs, or even feeder rodents, they're all about helping you succeed. And, honestly, that's what makes Repticon Jacksonville so special—it's not just about buying animals, it's about building connections and learning from the best.

Jay Tacey

Couldn't have said it better. So, whether you're coming for geckos, chameleons, colubrids, or just to soak up the community, Repticon Jacksonville is the place to be August 2nd and 3rd. We'll be there, and we hope to see you all—maybe with a new animal or two in tow.

Lisa Parker

Alright, that's a wrap for this breeder spotlight! Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to check out the show notes for more info on all the vendors we mentioned. Jay, Michael, always a pleasure.

Michael Arnold

Always fun, Lisa. See you both in Jacksonville—and, uh, try not to buy out the whole vendor hall before I get there, okay?

Jay Tacey

No promises, Michael! Thanks for listening, everyone. We'll catch you at the next episode. Bye, Lisa, bye Michael!

Lisa Parker

Bye, Jay! Bye, Michael! See you all at Repticon Jacksonville!