Pearlite/Vermiculite

I'm working on getting all my incubation materials ready and I'm wondering about pearlite.

I found some pearlite at Fleet Farm when I went and bought a incubator (decided to try this instead of building my own). Can I use just pearlite or do I need a mix of pearlite and vermiculite.

I prefer Vermiculite only. I am not sure I would use straight Perlite for BP eggs but I am sure some have done it.

also does it matter if the incubator I got is a 'still air' kind ?

it's a Little Giant brand

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Originally Posted by joyful girl

also does it matter if the incubator I got is a 'still air' kind ?

it's a Little Giant brand

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I dont know that one but I am sure it will do just fine.

If it's a Huva the one without the fan... (still air) was the one that was recomended that I get/got.... hope that helps? I'm going with straight vermiculite.... heres my question... how soon before the eggs are expected do you mix it?

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Originally Posted by Laooda

If it's a Huva the one without the fan... (still air) was the one that was recomended that I get/got.... hope that helps? I'm going with straight vermiculite.... heres my question... how soon before the eggs are expected do you mix it?

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Assuming you are going to use rubbermaid type boxes with sealed lids, you can mix it a couple weeks in advance (possibly more) and not have to worry about it drying out. Air is your enemy :)

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Assuming you are going to use rubbermaid type boxes with sealed lids, you can mix it a couple weeks in advance (possibly more) and not have to worry about it drying out. Air is your enemy :)

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Thanks Jamie! :D So.. I can guesstamate aprox. a week after her shed to mix?!?!?


One more if I may... :oops: I know it's 1/2 & 1/2........... but what? like 1/4 pound of each???

Sorry...for a 6qt shoe box!

Sorry if I hijacked Joyful..... :oops:

Should be about right. Eggs should arrive about 27-30 days after shed. You could even wait another week. As far as mixing, I am the wrong person to ask. I have done it by feel in the past.

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Originally Posted by Laooda

Sorry...for a 6qt shoe box!

Sorry if I hijacked Joyful..... :oops:

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it's ok I wanted to know all this anyway

I'll call one of the garden centers around me and see if I can buy vermiculite from them. If not I'll order it.

I'm testing out the incubator now just to see how it works. It seems to be maintaining temps well.