Pearlite/Vermiculite

[joyful girl]

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.

[jglass38]

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

[joyful girl]

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

it's a Little Giant brand

[jglass38]

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

it's a Little Giant brand

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

[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?

[jglass38]

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?

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

[Laooda]

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

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


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

[Laooda]

Sorry...for a 6qt shoe box!

Sorry if I hijacked Joyful.....

[jglass38]

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.

[joyful girl]

Sorry...for a 6qt shoe box!

Sorry if I hijacked Joyful.....

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.