Incubation -- vermiculite V's water ?

[Shiresnakes]

My Woma has laid eggs tonight...I'm super excited!

I've only ever incubated my eggs on vermiculite, (with great success) however have heard that a lot of people are doing the water method and I would be interested to hear your thoughts on both options and which one you think produces the best results and also any advantages or disadvantages.

Thanks heaps

 

[mysnakesau]

I have only ever bred two clutches of pythons. But I used vermiculite with 100% success rate in both clutches. So, for me, I vote the vermiculite. I know I won't always have such luck but one of my favourite sayings is "Don't fix what isn't broken" so I won't be trying anything different while I know the vermiculite has worked a treat.

 

[xxMelissaxx]

I incubate my Woma eggs in a slightly drier environment than most other eggs. I've used both vermiculite and perlite with good results. I've used the water method also, but not with Woma eggs so can't personally comment, but I know breeders that have had success with this.

As long as you don't allow your eggs to get too wet or too dehydrated, either method should work fine.

Congrats on the clutch.

 

[Shiresnakes]

Thanks mysnakesau and xxmelissaxx I really appreciate your comments

 

[Bryce]

Woma eggs need to be on dry mixes of incubation mediums. Some people have had good results with the water method. Make sure that the incubator has the same humidity level as the egg box. If try are not the same you will lose humidity from the egg box and the eggs will dent in etc.

 

[snakelady-viper]

I incubate beardies in vermiculite but the snake eggs over water I get 100% with both so I would say it would be personnal choice

 

[pythonmum]

I have had luck with my carpets over water, but Yommy said he had disasters last year with womas over water and is returning to vermiculite for them this year. You might PM him, as he is very experienced with womas.

 

[onthillside]

Vermiculite for me. 60grams to 40grams of water. It's a little drier then the 1:1 mix for some other species.
T

 

[Shiresnakes]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences.

@ onthillside, thanks. I di my vermiculite 1:1 ratio, should I mix up another batch and do it 60/40? How o I keep humidity up? Thanks

Oh and I forgot to mention 2 eggs were half the size if the other 5. Not Slugs, They look all normal except for the size. Thoughts?

 

[pythonmum]

Incubate them anyway and candle them. If you see no blood vessels when all of the others show vessels, you know they are duds.

 

[Shiresnakes]

Cool thanks python mum

 

[onthillside]

Yes I would change it if you have some more vermiculite. There are no doubt people that have had no problem with the 1:1 mix but I think most would use a drier mix. I have tried 1:1 and also 1:0.8 but 60:40 works best for me. You will have no prob with the humidity it will still be high with this mix. If you think it's a bit dry during the incubation period you can add a little more(slowly) but if it's to wet it's hard to make it drier.
Best of luck, I'm just around the corner if you need a hand.
T

 

[mysnakesau]

Southern Cross Reptiles have articles on their website. Their information on breeding is really good reference. That will also tell you what ratios you need for different pythons so you will find what they suggest for your woma. Check it out.