Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just got my incubator (without fan). What temp should I keep it at? Do I turn the eggs and if so, how often? What do I put the eggs in and how moist? Keep the bottom well watered as well? I've never done this & would appreciate advice!

I have switched to Perlite, since i have not been able to find Vermiculite at small enough quantities. Up until today, that was the case. While at Menards today, I found that they small small bags of vermiculite in the gas fireplace area. I think they use it to mimick burned up wood or something. They sell small enough bags to easily last a season. Anyway, here is what I cut/pasted from something I wrote up last year. I have a small write up on gravid females, egg-laying boxes, and brumation. Anyway, here it is...

For the egg box used in incubation, I use Perlite as a medium. I started using Perlite, because I can't find Vermiculite around here anymore. I put about 3" of Perlite into a deli-cup container. I add water until it is all moist. The material is quite different from Vermiculite, as it will not feel very soft/wet. The best feature of the product, is you will be able to see cleary the water level in the deli-cup. I wet it evenly, then keep the water level at least 1" below the bottom of the eggs. You can then watch the level, and add more water as needed. Very cool feature. Hope this helps you out.