Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Phil1988 · Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:26 pm Post subject:

Got another question now that it's nearer the time - what grade of verm/perlite do you use? I have seen a few different sizes and don't know whether it matters or not what size the pieces are so thought I'd ask.

aidan · Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:39 pm Post subject:

i don't think it matters as long as the pieces aren't huge
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PaulG · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:03 pm Post subject:

think its best to try and get small.
Paul
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Phil1988 · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:16 pm Post subject:

Yeah I've just found some fine grade vermiculite and perlite on ebay so I've grabbed that. I might mix the two to make my egg incubating substrate.

Cleef · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:19 pm Post subject:

I have read that perlite is best for rhacs, slightly too dry is better than too wet, and perlite helps with this. I think it is something to do with standing water with vermiculite, that can cause problems.

I remember reading a post by Jackie; she was having problems with auric eggs going full term and then not hatching, with vermiculite. I think the hatchlings were drowing once they had pipped, therefore not making it out of the egg, as the eggs had taken on too much water (correct me if I am wrong please Jackie Smile

). A switch to perlite gave her better hatch rates.

I also think Scott uses perlite, or a bed slightly damp vermiculite (clumps when squeezed, breaks when dropped) with dry perlite on top.

I'm not saying vermiculite is useless, as it obviously works very well for most eggs, personally I think perlite would be the better option, from what I have read :]
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Steve P

Phil1988 · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that mate, it's info like that that I need. I've got a 5kg bag of verm and a 5kg or perlite so I can mess around with what I like best before I get any eggs.

Jackie · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject:

Phil1988 · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Jackie I'm going to PM you with a few more questions.

Scott W · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:04 am Post subject:

I used to use perlite, I've switched back to vermiculite for all my rhaco eggs now.

So long as you get the humidity right I don't think it matters which you use, I just found perlite too 'sticky' when the babies hatched and they would stress out trying to get it off themselves.

Slightly on the dryer side is better for rhaco eggs, I'm getting 90% + hatch rates from my eggs now.
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Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Phil1988 · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:06 am Post subject:

Well that's a 'too sticky' comment for both Laughing

I guess I'm just going to have to test everything out, might end up with a mix of the 2. Thanks everyone.