Newbie incubation question.

[Reptile Frenzy]

We have our incubator set at 89° and always warm up a few boxes a couple weeks before laying. We use vermiculite 1:1 ratio to water by weight. Usually 250 grams vermiculite and 250 grams water. We sit the eggs straight into the vermiculite no problem.

[KingKuma]

wont the media dry out if u put it in the incubator before you put the eggs in?
Also my girls had what i assume was their pre lay shed on the 15th and 30th of January, and look insanely huge now so am i right in saying they should be laying soon?

[bcr229]

wont the media dry out if u put it in the incubator before you put the eggs in?

I get the egg tub ready to go, complete with the Glad Press n Seal and the lid. That way I can monitor it for a few days to make sure it's retaining humidity before the eggs go into it.

[KingKuma]

I'm using rubs that are airtight so I don't need press and seal do I?

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[Stewart_Reptiles]

Even if they are not air tight in most cases there is no need for glad press and seal. My tubs are not air tight and I have never use it.

Part of the process is to learn as you go and see what works in your situation.


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[Kourtneyhk]

Is it generally recommended to have a grid set up above the substrate for incubation? Or is that just a personal choice? Pros and cons?

And are we talking the plastic, "diffuser" grid stuff that is often used for false bottoms (that you get at Home Depot/Lowes?)

Thanks!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Is it generally recommended to have a grid set up above the substrate for incubation? Or is that just a personal choice? Pros and cons?

And are we talking the plastic, "diffuser" grid stuff that is often used for false bottoms (that you get at Home Depot/Lowes?)

Thanks!

The diffuser are light diffuser from Home Depot.

Using those is one of those personal choices, it's all about finding what works for you.


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[Peoples]

The diffuser grid is used for substrateless method where you can use water only or very wet substrate as long as it doesn't touch the eggs.

The substrate method would be vermiculite mixed with water on a 1:1 ratio by weight. Bury the eggs half way in a tub of 2" mixture. You can also use hatchrite instead of manually mixing. You may also use the diffuser grid with this method.
Place the mixture or unopened hatchrite in the incubator a few weeks before egg laying so you can monitor and calibrate your temps.

Humidity will hold using both methods, no need to add holes in the egg tubs, you open the tubs every 3 days to check on the eggs and for air exchange.