Incubation Medium Poll:

[Nigel4less]

Perlite is my baby. Which Hatchrite pretty much is pre-moistened perlite. But Perlite to a .8 weight ratio works fantastic for me!

 

[jakemyster44]

I was hypothesizing (sp?) that the two winners would be perlite (1st) and hatchrite
(2nd)... I guess I was wrong.

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

I used to use perlite... Now I do not use a substate at all... I will post pics of my incubation containers in a day or so with "how to" instuctions... Anyway, I use a metal mesh (stainless steel) with legs to keep it above the water level in the container... The mesh is fitted perfectly to the size of the container so hatchlings can not go into the water... The eggs are placed in egg sized indents made in the mesh... This is where they stay until they hatch...

I have seen a huge difference in hatch time averages... You can set your calander on my eggs hatching... The temps in the incubation containers are much more stable and the humidity is consistant... There are no ratios to worry about, no squeezing water out of substrate, no worries about too much or too little humidity, and the hatchlings have no substrate stuck to them at all... So far, at 86 degrees, all eggs have hatched in exactly 42 days from being layed using this method......

Oh, and for those questioning Matts ratio, the deal with perlite is that it does not actually hold humidity or retain moisture... It works more like drainage stones... The water settles at the bottom of the container and the surface of the perlite stays relativily dry which is exactly what you want...

Gregg, I'm very interested to hear more about your method. I really hope you post some pictures of your incubation chambers as well. Very interesting info! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Troyschicken]

Well I really had none of those work for me. What did work was the bed a beast. I got frustrated with the vermiculite so I just put the lay box in the incubator hole in lid and all. I just made sure I put a extreamly fine misted ( one side then folded in half. Dry half being on the eggs) paper towel over the eggs. I mean just enough that you could hardly tell if it was moist or not. Buggars hatched in 42 days no worries. Not too wet not too dry. No mold. FINALLY!

I bought some hatchrite for this year though. We'll see how that works.

 

[Gregg M]

Maurice, I will post all the info and pics tomorrow for certain... The only thing is that it will have to be refered to as the Madden incubation method... LOL

It is a really great way to incubate and is pretty much fool proof...

This method allows gas exchange in every direction so eggs can maximize oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. The eggs stay dry but the air surrounding them is at almost 100% humidity...

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Cool! I'm intrigued! Madden incubation method it is. :main_thumbsup: :main_laugh:

 

[supperl]

I use coco fibre humus. But I would love to test hatchrite but I would need someone to send me a pound to Germany

 

[Leopard.Geckerz]

Perlite this year.

 

[KnECritters]

Can't wait to see the Madden Incubation Method!

I used to use Vermiculite. Now I'm using Superhatch, and also have some Perlite for when I run out. My eggs are doing great so far!

 

[Dan K.]

I've found that it's the amount of water in the medium that matters more than type of medium I've used vermiculite and perlite with great success

 

[gators0204]

I've always had good results with vermiculite. Its the first thing I read about when I started when I was about 15. I've since used perlite, but I do prefer vermiculite probably cause Its been working since I started using it. Kinda like the "brand loyalty" thing.

I just ordered superhatch from LLLreptile, and I ordered some hatchrite from my local pet store. They can get me anything, dirt cheap too. I'm more excited to try the superhatch though.

 

[gators0204]

Where do you buy Superhatch?

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/reptile-incubators/-/repashy-superhatch-incubation-media-4-lbs/
Cheapest I could find it on the net, 4lbs too. They also have a 2lb bag cheaper.

 

[shawn119]

I use vermiculite.

 

[jakemyster44]

Oh did you already breed shawn119? I was mistaken, I thought that the leos in your avatar were the ones you wanted to breed. Sorry, I didnt know you already bred leos...

 

[ariana]

im using moss right now but i may switch later on

 

[JohnxII]

Vermiculite on the bottom, perlite on top.

 

[Boopster]

I voted Superhatch but actually I am using "Eldorado kattsand" Which is a non clumping cat litter made of the same material as superhatch but only costs 2$ in the supermarket.

 

[DarthGekko]

I use Hatchrite with 100% success. I am very intrigued by Gregg's method. Sounds like the perfect method especially regarding the gas exchange. I can't wait to see your pics Gregg!

 

[Gregg M]

Nathan, You will be able to see much more than pics by the time August rolls around... We will have a product available...

 

[DarthGekko]

Sweet Gregg! I cant wait Will you be able to use it for Carpet Python eggs? I'm gonna try and breed those next year. I have never bred snakes of any kind before but I am currently growing up some great bloodlines and any help I could get for next year would be awesome. If it's only for geckos I am still very interested..