![]() ![]() However, I don’t think that this is always helpful, as a lot depends on the moisture content of your particular bag of vermiculite, as well as the size of the granules. The usual advice is to combine 1 part water to 2 parts vermiculite. I have found that it works well when the water to vermiculite ratio is done right. Let’s start with vermiculite, as it is the established go to. I have used both, and have found that they both work well. ![]() Make finger sized impressions in the medium.Īlthough Hatchrite is easy to use and reasonably priced, many breeders opt for more traditional media, such as vermiculite, perlite, or a mix of the two. Perlite will clump, but not drip, when water to media ratio is correct. I have had good results with this product, and would recommend it to anyone who is a little daunted by figuring out just how much water to add to a traditional egg substrate. Simply add a couple of inches of Hatchrite to your egg container, place your eggs, and leave alone until they hatch. Unlike other egg incubation media, Hatchrite does not require you to add water, taking out a sometimes tricky step for a new breeder. This incubation bedding looks a lot like perlite, but has the advantage of being ready to go right out of the bag. If you are looking for a ‘no brainer’, Hatchrite is a great option. Luckily, there are a few good and easy to use options. However, what you put the eggs in after they are laid is a little more important. Anything from vermiculite to organic potting soil can be used as a substrate for egg deposition. If your female is getting ready to drop eggs, having the lay box set up ahead of time is a good idea. Last time we talked about preferred medium for egg laying. I always label the container (either with a makeshift sticky tag, or directly on the lid) as soon as I get done cupping the eggs. It’s easy to forget the lay date even when you only have one dragon’s eggs to keep track of. Regardless of which type of receptacle you choose, remember that proper labeling is important. You can then put each clutch in its own container without having to worry about keeping track of multiple smaller cups. This is sometimes helpful if you have more than one female. ![]() Larger deli cups or other ventilated containers can also be used if you prefer to put all of your eggs in one container. I have found that you can easily fit 5-6 into each deli cup. The 8 oz cups that come in the incubator specials (described later) are perfect for dragon eggs. Deli cups-those with pre-punched holes-are readily available, and easy to use. If you only have one dragon’s eggs to worry about, a smaller incubator and smaller containers are probably the easiest. A lot of it depends on the size of the clutch and the size of the incubator. If you follow a few simple instructions, you should be on your way to whipping up a batch of dragons.Ī simple, yet important, aspect of incubation is what to put the eggs in. Luckily, incubating beardie eggs is about as easy as using an Easy Bake Oven. In this issue, we’ll try and relieve some of those worries by going over some tips and techniques that will help those of you first time dragon breeders. While incubation requires the least amount of action on your part, it can in some ways be the most nail-biting aspect of breeding reptiles. With any luck, your breeding endeavors have so far been fruitful, and you are preparing for a clutch of eggs. In the May issue of the Reptile Times we discussed maternal care of gravid bearded dragons, from conception to laying. ![]()
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