Vermiculite questions

[PyramidPythons]

I am in the process of preparing for future breeding projects and have been milling over what I am going to use as a substrate to incubate my eggs in. In the past, my breeding endeavors were centered around Corns and...well.....you can incubate Corn eggs in just about anything. I used Sphagnum moss with a very, very high rate of hatch, but in doing some research, I've found that most people who breed Balls use Vermiculite or even Perlite as their hatching medium. My questions center around the Vermiculite. Does it work the best? Where do you purchase your Vermiculite? Can you use the Vermiculite that Home Depot sells in the huge bags? I definitely don't want to put any of my future eggs at risk and would like to use only the best stuff, so any input that anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[3skulls]

I used vermiculite and perlite with the same results.


Seems like the perlite might hold up the grate a little better..?

You can find it at HomeDepot but make sure its 100% with nothing added. Also check out garden centers or hydro shops.

[hunte567]

Perlite is all I use.

[adam_c]

http://palmettovermiculite.com/Vermiculite_Products.asp

i get coarse A-3.

[PghBall]

I've been using vermiculite for the past three years both putting the eggs right on the vermiculite and using egg crate to put a barrier between the eggs and the vermiculite. I have had good results with each method. As far as where you purchase it, you can go online (if you are not in a need it now situation as you may find a good deal), or check Home Depot, Lowes or a local garden center. I would just make sure it does not have anything else added to it. I purchased a large bag online and have been using it for the past 3 seasons with plenty to spare (only had about a 3 clutch average over that time).

[Ms_jojo]

well for this year being my first clutch I thinK i have used everything........ its been rough keeping up my humidity... 88 is all I can do...... i have tried EVERYTHING... we now put the eggs in the vermiculite... day two... humidity still wont go past 88........ I dunno what else to do but pray for my lil eggies... After dealing with an egg bound momma... I hope these lil suckers are as tuff as her...