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[snakesRkewl]

Looking for suggestions for what type of substrate I should use in my egg box.

I'm planning on using a 6 quart sterilite lockable lid box, is this ok, or is locking top an issue?

Should I go with no holes in the egg box and open it daily for air transfer?
Or go with a few holes and let it breath?

[RonCrawford]

The 6qt containers are fine. Adding a small air hole on each opposite end is suggested as well. As far as substrate goes, you might want to look at HatchRite. I've never used it before but I hear that all you have to do is pour it right into the container and you're all set. The other alternative is mixing stuff together (perlite, vermiculate, water, etc.) and if you've never done it before it's possible that you might mix it wrong and cause problems with the eggs during incubation.

[hhmoore]

There are a few things to consider, and a whole bunch of different opinions on the subject. I don't know if it is as prevalent as it seems, but, judging by some forum threads I have been directed to, I get the impression that BP people tend to favor sealed egg boxes. The logic, if I understand it correctly is to minimize moisture loss. Call me lazy, or even cheap, but I tend to grab vacant tubs to put the eggs in. Sometimes they have holes in them, sometimes not...but both versions seem equally effective. Of course, the tubs I use aren't airtight, even without holes. Ventilation isn't a huge issue in the early part of incubation, but, as the process continues, (IMO) it becomes more important.
**Note** If you use tubs with holes, make sure the holes are smaller than the babies that come out of the eggs :roflmao:

HatchRite is supposed to be "the ideal incubation media" - perfect humidity no matter what (as long as you follow the instructios). I've never used it, but some friends have & they experienced significant egg collapse & had to keep adding water...one of them finally dumped the stuff and changed media.
My set up is slightly different for vermiculite and perlite, but not terribly so. I think if you go by the widely accepted practices, both are supposed to be done the same way....but I do my preparations by look & feel, not weights and measurements.
For BP's, I use vermiculite (sometimes with a bit of perlite blended in). It's easily obtainable, relatively cheap, simple to prepare, and holds moisture quite well. It also makes a nice mess when you spill it on the floor

[deborahbroadus]

As you can see..either way has its pros and cons.

I personally use the Hatchrite. Although I have the substrate-less boxes, I am not confident as far as making sure they don't "roll" around, so I prefer to use substrate.

My egg boxes do have holes in them, they are adjustable so as Harald said, in the earlier part of the process, the holes are closed..at the latter part when condensation forms and the eggs start to dimple, the holes are opened a bit to reduce condensation.

IMO, I think a roll of flexwatt (with thermostat) could be put on the bottom and sides of a plastic shoe box throw some hatchrite substrate in there and they would do fine with you just lifting the lid once a week to check on them. (you can also mix your own..either way..if it's the wrong mixture, you will have to keep adding water.)

Harald, I have had some good bags and bad bags..the bad ones, I had to keep adding water, but the good ones I didn't have to do anything.

[hhmoore]

[RonCrawford]

[snakesRkewl]

Thanks for the input, it's very much appreciated.

I've wondered about picking up a humidity gauge that takes humidity levels from the probe, to stick into the tub.

Necessary?

Thanks in advance

[hhmoore]

[snakesRkewl]