Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I'm interested in hearing what people think about several factors related to using Vermiculite for incubating tortoise eggs from arid environments, (multiple types of Geochelone and testudo).

Areas of interest:
1. I've heard that larger granular pieces are better than smaller pieces and that the smaller pieces require less water than a 1 to 1 weight ratio because they have increase exposed surface area.

2. I've heard that some brands of vermiculite have caused deformities such as blindness. This may have been a case of Asbestos contamination in a particular batch, http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/verm.html

3. I've heard some people don't even add water to the vermiculite, they just mist every two weeks or so. Some mist the underside of the container lid and others mist the eggs. Most everyone seems to have a water reservoir to increase humidity.

4. What kind of Vermiculite works best? Brand? Where do people buy Vermiculite?

I recently went to three major garden supply stores in my area and only found Perlite.
a. www.beanfarm.com only recommends and sells Perlite.
b. www.bigappleherp.com has "Perfect Hatch "Glitter Grade" Vermiculite" and says it is "Fresh" but I'm not sure why that makes a difference with a baked mineral ore. Haven't tried this brand yet.
c. Sunshine brand available from http://shop.store.yahoo.com/77hydro-store/ve8qubag.html
d. Lyon Incubator place resells a type made by a large garden distributor in CA, www.lyonelectric.com, that comes with their incubators.
e. Various local stores used to sell their own brands but have discontinued.

5. Have people had good success using Perlite instead of vermiculite? If yes, with what water ratio by weight?

Thank you,

John

I have used whatever coarse grade vermiculite was available over the years with good success. I now use perlite, due to the asbestos concern and because it works just as well in my experience. I went 1:1 by weight, but I am not convinced it matters...sometimes I just add water so I can see the water level at the bottom of the perlite (1.5" layer in tupperware tub) and that works fine also. I know people who hatch tortoise eggs with no substrate. I have hatched snake eggs with paper towels, the point being that different methods work. I think perlite is a good and readily available product. Do not leave hatchlings on it for long term, as they might ingest it. If you are like me, you will be so nervous and excited come hatching time this shouldn't be a problem... When in doubt, a little dry is probably better than too wet. Good luck, Vic

Vic,
Thank you for sharing. It's good to hear what has worked from people like yourself.
John