You can probably find vermiculite at a local garden store or nursery. Call around and ask. I bought mine at a nursery, and it's a huge bag that will probably last me a few years. I have had good luck with Hatch Rite, but I do usually add a little bit of water to it. It's always safer for eggs to be too dry than too wet, so you could always try it without any water, put in a humidity gauge, check frequently at first, and add some water if you find you need to.