Leopard Gecko eggs - incubating?

Question

My female just laid this afternoon and I moved the eggs into a make-shift incubator. I don't have any vermiculite or whatever it is they use to help keep humidity up. They are in a hide box and the box has holes cut into the roof for air flow, there's many holes, but they're a knifes width apart, very slender. They are on sterile sand surrounded by moss inside of the hide box. I marked the tops so I know which way is up. I know you have to keep the humidity up...but how do you know? Since I transported them into the incubator this afternoon (around 5?), I have sprayed the entire tank they're in with a garden mister twice. Is that too much? Too little? How do I know if the eggs need more humidity or less??? Please help...Should I go and find vermiculite? Is it crucial? Any other ideas on a better incubator. The cage they're in is glass and it's 5 gallons.

Answer 1

Yes, you absolutely need vermiculite. That is what will keep the eggs moist enough to incubate properly. I have been breeding for several years now, and I don't do anything more than put the eggs in an empty sour cream bowl with vermiculite. The vermiculite should be moist to the touch, but not soaking wet. I keep it lidded with a few small holes for air. I recommend opening it everyday or two just to check on the eggs. Keep the temperature constantly between 79-88.  If all works fine, you should have little ones in 6-12 weeks. Good luck!