I have never used perlite before but would guess it would be about the same mixture. I order my vermiculite because no one has it near me either. Their minimum though is a lot so that wouldn't work for you. With the perlite you need to be careful and not use the stuff with fertilizer or chemicals mixed in like they sell for gardening. Actually no holes are needed in your container and better if there isn't any to keep humidity up. You will probably be ok you will just need to keep an eye on the eggs and make sure they are getting plump and not deflating. I usually open the container once every 1-2 weeks to let air in and check to make sure they are ok. Then right about pip time I put lids on with small holes in them. Next step is to impatiently wait about 2 months lol