Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can you place eggs straight onto wet perlite, or are there any drawbacks?

Thanks,

Steve

I would not put eggs on "wet" anything. Eggs need humnidity, noit moisture. I suppose you could use slightly dampened perlite, and some folks have done so successfully. I would much rather go "no-substrate", with the eggs on a plastic grid above wet perlite.

The problem with perlite is that it is hygroscopic. It likes to absorb and hold water. If the perlite is too dry, it will "suck" water OUT of the eggs...

Is vermiculite hygroscopic also?

I don't think it is...at least not to the degree that perlite is. Thats the whole reason perlite is used as a soil additive for fancy dirt at the home improvement store (its in all of the potting mixes, to help the soil retain water).

That is what I am doing. Perlite and egg crate. My eggs look great so far.