Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am going to incubate some cal king eggs with a basic Hova Bator, my question is do I fill up the bottom parts with water?? Or just spray the vermiculite down with water?? If so how often? Please help this will be my 1st time attempting this. Thanks a bunch.

I've never used a hovabator before. The goal of misting and/or water in the bottom is to keep humidity high (follow your species' guidelines as to how high). Ideally the vermiculite is moist but not wet. The eggs should not have condensation on them and dimpling/shriveling is sometimes a sign of them drying out (again, species dependant, this can be a normal thing).

Good luck, perhaps there is a more complete answer from someone soon

Ian

Your mix should be slightly damp. Use warm tap water and mix in so that the vermiculite clumps slightly. Too damp and your eggs will rot.
Better dry. If eggs dent in beginning, lay a piece of damp paper towel over eggs till they pop up again. Providing eggs are fertile, temp around 81 degrees, eggs should hatch in 58-63 days.

Mike

Great, Thank you for your help.