When I incubate my alligator lizard eggs I usually use vermiculite (I purchase mine at OSH), but I've also used the soil sold for african violets (this soil is sterilized unlike most soils sold for gardening etc, just make sure that there is no fertilizer added). It's very important to get the water to substrate ratio right. The ratio should be 1:1 by weight. To weigh out the water and substrate you can use something like a postage scale (they're available at office depots and some walmarts). If a scale it totally out of the question, the substrate should be moist, but not wet; going by feel takes a bit of practice so going by weight is much safer. It's better to be slightly too dry than too wet. If your substrate is too dry, the eggs will start to dent and you will have to add a bit more water, but if it's too wet and the embryos drown that's it. I usually don't poke holes in the container, openning it about once a week or so to check to eggs is sufficient for air exchange. I incubate al eggs in my room where the temp is in the 70s, and I typically have 100% hatch 85 might be a bit warm (if you're dealing with southerns).

Good luck,
Alice

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