Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im expecting my first clutch ever within the next week and since I work long hours throughout the week I was wanting to go get my egg trays and vermiculite today so that I am prepared. I had two questions on this topic.

I've called around to all the home and garden places around and all Ive been able to find is horticultural vermiculite. Everyone says that they think it is not mixed with garden soil, but no one knows for sure. Also no one can tell me if it is course or extra coarse or fine. Does this really matter?

Pasty I want to get my trays, but since I've never really seen a clutch in person I have no idea how big of a tray I need. Can anyone suggest anything in minimum demensions of how big of a tray I would need if I did not want to separate the eggs?

Thanks
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1.0 Spider Ball Python
1.0 Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pastel Ball Python
0.3 Het for Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pinstripe Ball Python
0.1 Bumble Bee Ball Python
1.0 Hypo Ball Python
1.0 Lesser Ball Python
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0.2 Het for Piebald Ball Python
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No idea where that came from. iPhone spell check sucks. I meant to say plus I wanted to get egg trays.
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1.0 Spider Ball Python
1.0 Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pastel Ball Python
0.3 Het for Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pinstripe Ball Python
0.1 Bumble Bee Ball Python
1.0 Hypo Ball Python
1.0 Lesser Ball Python
0.1 Mojave Ball Python
0.2 Het for Piebald Ball Python
0.1 Normal Ball Python
0.2 Het for Axanthic Ball Python
0.1 Axanthic Ball Python

Minimum dimensions will ultimately depend on the size of the eggs. I use the "no substrate" method in a 232oz "SNAPWARE" container for most clutches. I drill a very small hole at the top of 2 sides. The lid has a gasket and makes a airtight seal... that's why I drill 2 small holes. In this link you can see more info and a pic. Link
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Best regards,
AlanColesReptiles

I didn't get the reply until after I got back from town. I was by Walmart so I just used my best judgement. I got 8 dry qtd of vermiculite and 2 15qt sterility tubs measuring 16.5" long x 13" wide x 6.5" tall. Does this sound like it will be big enough?
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1.0 Spider Ball Python
1.0 Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pastel Ball Python
0.3 Het for Albino Ball Python
0.1 Pinstripe Ball Python
0.1 Bumble Bee Ball Python
1.0 Hypo Ball Python
1.0 Lesser Ball Python
0.1 Mojave Ball Python
0.2 Het for Piebald Ball Python
0.1 Normal Ball Python
0.2 Het for Axanthic Ball Python
0.1 Axanthic Ball Python

The size is big enough.. but do they seal well? If they don't seal well you will need to add water periodically. I don't use the vermiculite method anymore so I can't direct you on that.
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Best regards,
AlanColesReptiles

>>The size is big enough.. but do they seal well? If they don't seal well you will need to add water periodically. I don't use the vermiculite method anymore so I can't direct you on that.
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>>Best regards,
>>AlanColesReptiles
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Press-n-seal works great!..I just trim off any extra plastic on the inside of the container lids so it doesn't interfere with it.

No substrate is definitely the easiest way to make sure the eggs have proper moisture for the duration of incubation.

I've been melting two small holes per container recently.One at the top of the side,and one at the bottom of the side(,just above the egg crate.)..Reasoning is,if there a buildup of carbon dioxide in the eggbox then(being a heavier gax than oxygen)it will automatically exit through the bottom hole.At the same time(slowly)drawing in fresh air from the top hole via the minor vacuum created.

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Charles Glaspie
picasaweb.google.com/coldthumb

I've used this method of incubation for around 20 years, first with colubnids then with ball pythons. Once the eggs are in the incubator all I do is wait. I never have to check on them and I never have to add water.

The grain size of the vermiculite is not important, the only thing that is important is that the vermiculte is asbestos free and does not contain fertilizer. Other than that if you follow the information on this video to the letter your eggs will hatch without a glitch.

There are many ways to incubate snake eggs, for me this method is simple and very effective.

Best of luck.

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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com