As you've probably noticed in the photos from the How Will Crack First? Contest, we are using an interesting hatching material. It is called SHM (Supreme Hatch Material). We've used perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, sphagnum moss, and even HatchRite in the past. We've switched from one product to the next to give us the experience to discuss these materials at reptile shows and answer questions on-line.
Our feeling is that while vermiculite, perlite, peat moss and sphagnum moss (we had undesirable results from HatchRite) work well enough IF you have the experience to know how much water to include to maintain the correct humidity levels. However, this also means that you need to constantly check moisture levels in the material.
Supreme Hatch Material is a clay fired, pourous product. It soaks up water.... pour water into the mix and it sounds like Rice Krispies (you know- snap, crackle, pop!)
SHM is the easiest material to setup, usually does not need water added during the incubation period, and is least expensive as it is reusable!
In the past year, we have switched over to SHM for all of our hatching needs. From leopard geckos to crested geckos to day geckos to australian geckos. It works GREAT!
As we fully believe in this product, we sell it at reptile shows and online on the Supreme Gecko Store.
For a quick slide show on how SHM is prepared, check this out How to Prepare SHM
Wally
