vermiculite/perlite

[Newt]

what is the proper way to mix these for incubating leo gecko eggs?

and i dont have a scale so is there another method you guys use?

i heard perlite is best....which do you use?

[Stockwell]

Vermiculite is the best. Here's how.
Start with dry vermiculite and slowly add tepid water while mixing with a spoon or stick.
Every now and then, grab a clump in your hand and squeeze it into a "snowball"
Squeeze it as hard as you can.
It should stay in a ball, and make your hand moist but it shouldn't drip water.
If it drips, add more dry vermiculite until you get the consistancy correct.
That way has worked for me for 20 plus years.. It will work for you too

Perlite also works as an egg medium, but it is very hard to tell when it's wet or dry as it looks the same. It also can't be sqeezed, so getting the water ratio correct is more difficult.
I prefer long strand Sphagnum over perlite, but vermiculite is the way to go.. it's cheap, easy to get and easy to get the water content correct using my "squeeze technique" above.
Happy hatching

[anaconda]

Where do you buy vermiculite?

[Stockwell]

Vermiculite is actually processed MICA.. It's mined from the ground.
It's sold widely as soil conditioner for plants.
You'll find it in just about all garden centres, harware stores, etc. Walmart, Canadian Tire, Zellers.... All the major stores will have it in assorted bag sizes. If they have a plant section they'll have vermiculite right next to the potting soil. It's cheap, cheaper than dirt

[Bartman]

Hey man,

They sell vermiculite in massive bags near me sorta. Its a bit far from you but its near highway 7 and centre st. I dont remember the name now but they've got everything to do with gardening.

[JonD]

They even sell it at Sobeys and grocery stores!