Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject:

They were hatching fine in the vermiculite, just wanted to try something diff; and much cheaper than vermiculite. Also to see if average hatching quantities changed. Just a small scale experiment really. What I have found is that if the peat drys out too much it does not absorb the water unless you give it a good stir, in turn this disturbs the eggs. Having the tanks heated does tend to dry the peat out real quick! it's moss peat so should really hold the water better.

Rick
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Rickeezee · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:43 pm Post subject:

I might just try a mix of the both!
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Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:57 pm Post subject:

8 bins you say, thought as much. Think I am gonna have to get bin building. Some fine tuning is needed in the incubating department I think. It would seem that if the egg tubs are left in the breeding bins for too long that`s what dries the peat out.

Perhaps I will try taking them out earlier and incubate them a tad cooler than the bin temperature. Going to have to get a cycle/relay system going to get into my stride me thinks! Smile

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Rickeezee · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 4:48 am Post subject:

It has taken me quite a while to get a good continual stock flow of Locusts and Crix. I was quite surprised at how much storage I actually ended up needing, plus the lights and the heat mats and the time consumption.

Viable if your feeding a lot of reps etc. Costly and time consuming if your not. It will take me a little while to recoup the initial outlay financially. But once past that point it's all a boon. Especially with the price of Locusts. Now and then I will purchase some fresh breeder stock to mix it up a bit and place half in with old stock.

I kid you not I get through five 2litre ice cream tubs of self prepared veg in a week. Used to feed the locusts and crix! Shocked

They eat better than I do!

I don't leave my egg laying tubs in for more than three days.

The main thing is though, yes it's a tad costly and very time consuming but, I enjoy it and after all that's what it's all about"!

Very Happy

Rick
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Peter Parrot · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:45 am Post subject:

That`s the main thing, the enjoying part! Smile

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YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41

Rickeezee · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:47 am Post subject:

Morning Pete, yes it is I could not agree more if you paid me!

Rick
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Jan O · Key Member Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 360

I have tried and tried to breed my own- but just cant seem to do it at all. Have no trouble with wax worms etc, but just cant do locs. Anybody like to give me some pointers please? Thanks, love Jan

Rickeezee · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 2:00 am Post subject:

Hi Lily-Pad

I keep mine in large containers, when adult they will mate after being at adult stage for at least approx ten days. Temp approx 85. Feed well. Keep dry they will get water from veg that is fed.

Place a container 10cm deep or more in with them; containing damp vermiculite or damp moss peat, ensure if using peat it is damp all the way through.

Leave egg laying tubs in with adults for 3 days. Then remove tubs cover with perforated lid. It will be clear when they are laying eggs. Then transfer to home made incubator. I use plastic tanks with snap on lids, x2 heat mats (no need for stat), stick heat mats on either side of tank, cover with polystyrene, I use poly tiles from B&Q then cover with tin foil. Can also cover lid with poly.

I incubate at 85. Just move lid on tank to get the right temperature I use a cheap stick on temp gauge. After approx ten days they will hatch!

Good luck.
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Rickeezee · Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 2:12 am Post subject:

Jan forgot to add, check locusts eggs when in incubator that they do not dry up, keep peat/vermiculite moist, don't let it dry out.

How do you bred your wax worms then, I have been thinking about doing this but not got round to it yet. ta.

Rick
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Jan O · Key Member Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 360

Thanks for this info, I will PM you the "never fail" guide to breeding waxies, it works beleive me! Love Jan