Vermiculite?

[sarah777]

So it's been awhile since I've had any eggs. My panther just laid eggs today and I'm getting the vermiculite ready in the tupperware and noticed the vermiculite is super fine. It was the only kind Lowes had and there isn't anything added. Will this be ok to have the eggs in? I just remember bigger chunks last time I did this. Or should I go get hatchrite tomorrow?

 

[kinyonga]

I find that the finer stuff seems to dry out quicker and more unevenly than the coarse stuff does.

 

[BocaJan]

The fine stuff is all I have been able to find, so I use it. I just check it now and then to make sure it hasn't dried out. Be sure that your vermiculite doesn't have any fertilizer in it. I am finding that many places have now decided that fertilizer should be in everything. Check before you use it.

I ended up going to a nursery and getting a huge bag (still only cost me $12.00) and that is what I use. You can also use it in your garden so it isn't a total loss.

 

[sarah777]

I could only find the fine stuff so I guess it will have to do. Thanks for the replies

 

[primestick]

I've read that if you mix it with some spnaglaim(i pronounce it like i spell it) moss it dosent dry out as fast. The guy that was saying that used a 50/50.

 

[jrh3]

im about to try hatchrite for the first time and see how it works, Im just wondering if i have to ever add water, it says no but the dont say it can last for 6 months either on veiled eggs.

 

[jrh3]

i have tried fine vermiculite and it sucks, none of my leopard geckos hatched from it, too hard to control. we have tons of it at work (literally tons) but its is like sand texture and i haven't had luck with it.

 

[sarah777]

I know nothing about hatchrite so I wasn't sure about using it. It also seems so dry and says don't add water.

 

[BocaJan]

I tried spagham moss when I was unable to get vermiculite and unfortunately the 3 clutches that I put into the moss didn't do well. The eggs became discolored and I ended up having to discard many of them. When I found vermiculite again I very gently (using a plastic spoon) moved the eggs. I don't ever move eggs once they are set, but the moss was ruining my eggs.

The eggs that made it are getting ready to hatch in about a month so I am hoping that the babies are healthy and normal. Will let you know if anything weird happens.

 

[Syn]

I can send you a small bag of vermiculite if you'd like.

 

[Warrix642]

I used very fine vermiculite, hatch-rite and a 50/50 mix of the two on one clutch of panther eggs(in separate deli cups) The 50/50 mix were the biggest, then hatch-rite was close behind but the vermiculite eggs seem to be way behind in size. My plain vermiculite seems to stay wet the longest. I would try to use a mix if possible.

Dustin

 

[sarah777]

I used very fine vermiculite, hatch-rite and a 50/50 mix of the two on one clutch of panther eggs(in separate deli cups) The 50/50 mix were the biggest, then hatch-rite was close behind but the vermiculite eggs seem to be way behind in size. My plain vermiculite seems to stay wet the longest. I would try to use a mix if possible.

Dustin

Never thought of that, great idea!