Expecting 1st clutch any day now...QUESTIONS!!!

[Alok Khanna]

I am expecting my first clutch (if I'm reading the signs right) any day now. I'm using a still-air incubator and vermiculite. I've got the temp set at just a tad under 90. For the vermiculite mix I used a 6:1.25 ratio (cups) of vermiculite:water. My humidity is running around 60%. Is this too low?? I tried adding some water but the vermiculite got so wet that I could squeeze water out of a handfull (which I was told is not good) and the humidity only went to 70%. I was planning on covering the eggs about 50%-75% with the vermiculite if that makes a difference. I do realize that everyone has their own method that works best for them. I'm planning on using this method (that was reccomended to me by a long time reptile breeder) but I'd like some tips if anyone has used this method....I've seen people who bury the eggs completely...some who do 75%, 50%, 25% and some who just set the eggs on the vermiculite.
Thanks in Advance!!!

[PghBall]

I mix my vermiculite\water so that I can squeeze it in my hand and have it clump together. If you have water coming out in your hand, you have to much water. I also just place my eggs on the vermiculite. I don't bury them. I place a layer of press and seal over the top of the box before putting the lid on to keep it nice and humid. I then air out the eggs every few days and wipe any excess moisture off of the press and seal and eggs. Worked like a charm my first clutch with no issues. I am doing the same for all three clutches this season as well. Good luck to you!

[Alok Khanna]

do you monitor your humidity? If so what is it at?

[zach_24_90]

I use Tupperware tubs with the lids and that keeps the humidity around 94%.... 60% is a good bit low in my opinion. I open them every 2 days to get the excess humidity out. Also if your bator humidity is too low in general you can always put a bowl of water or two in the bottom. This will bump the humidity up for you. Also I just set the eggs on the vermiculite and snuggle them down into it just a little bit.. Hope that helps.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Your humidity should be as close to 100% as possible without having any condensation dripping on your eggs.

Here is a error proof method I use, never had any worries with it, perfect humidity and eggs are never to dry or too wet.

[PghBall]

do you monitor your humidity? If so what is it at?

I do not have a hygrometer in with the eggs. But considering I can see condensation on the press n seal, I know my humidity has to be up around 90-100%.

[Domepiece]

I mix the the vermiculite and water at a ratio of 1:1 by weight and this works fine. If you have the right amount of water in the medium and a nice tight lid your humidity should be fine, I dont know. I dont even measure humidity within my egg tubs, I just make sure theres plenty of water but not too much and keep an eye on my eggs. Works just fine, dont over think it.