What incubation medium do you use?

Just wondering what incubation medium/method everyone uses...

I've been using hatchrite but looking for a change....

I used old fashioned vermiculite

Vermiculite all the way!!! A little messy at times, but it does the job!

Originally Posted by btbutler

Vermiculite all the way!!! A little messy at times, but it does the job!

i agree with btbutler

I know some people who just use a grate over some water, but I've never tried it. I like my verm, I just think it holds heat nicely and keeps the humidity where it needs to be (if you prepare it right). I don't use a grate with my verm.

Originally Posted by phoenix-cry

I know some people who just use a grate over some water, but I've never tried it. I like my verm, I just think it holds heat nicely and keeps the humidity where it needs to be (if you prepare it right). I don't use a grate with my verm.

That is a key element, and a reason a lot of people fail when using vermiculite. Some people just don't understand that if you leave it way too wet, you might as well put your eggs under water. Same goes for leaving it too dry. The way I do it, wet it down, make it dry enough that you don't get even a drop of water out when you squeeze it in your hand, but not so dry that it doesnt clump. Then put the vermiculite into a shoebox sized tub(6qt sterilite) with the lid on. I also like to put a small hole on each end of the tub, just under where the lid snaps on, just to create a small space for air transfer, then under the lid, put saran wrap over the top where the lid goes,just so no condensation that has built up under the lid, drips onto the eggs. If you guys want visuals of how I do this, I can take pics this weekend.

100% perilite under egg crate.
We've had 100% hatch rate with locking lid tubs with 4 tiny holes for ventilation.
We add water until it almost touches the egg crate.
No need to air out, no need to add water, just add eggs and put in the inc.

Semi-substrateless with vermiculite.

Organic vermiculite.