Can't find vermiculite

[BocaJan]

Seems like the stuff isn't being mined here in the US any more. The big Montana mine shut down. All the perlite I find has Miracle Gro in it. I know there is hatch Rite somewhere but my reptile store doesn't carry it. Can anyone give me some suggestions? I live in So. Florida.

 

[Syn]

Best place to look if you can't find anything local is online. I recently saw a 5lb(?) bag of vermiculite for something like $8. Maybe it wasn't lbs but it was 5 something lol.
I have a medium sized bag of it if you don't need a lot, I could send some to you.

 

[summoner12]

Do you have an OSH near you? I know they sell it. If you can't find it I can send you some if you pay the postage.

 

[yoza717]

I live just north of you and I just bought a bag of Vermiculite at Lowes. It was in the area where the sell the Orchid bark and Sphagnum moss

 

[toddmkeller]

Hydroponics supply store always has vermiculite

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

Did you check our neighborhood lowes?

 

[BocaJan]

I checked all the Lowes stores in my area and they are all unable to get it. Don't know about any hydroponics stores, I guess I will google. Otherwise, I would be willing to spring for someone to mail me an 8 lb bag.

 

[summoner12]

I live just north of you and I just bought a bag of Vermiculite at Lowes. It was in the area where the sell the Orchid bark and Sphagnum moss

This is where I have found it at the Lowe's near me.

 

[BocaJan]

Just checked the Lowe's website and it says that the vermiculite is no longer available.

 

[summoner12]

I checked all the Lowes stores in my area and they are all unable to get it. Don't know about any hydroponics stores, I guess I will google. Otherwise, I would be willing to spring for someone to mail me an 8 lb bag.

8lbs?! Thats a LOT of vermiculite...

We sell vermiculite at my work. You have to buy two bags min though... Uline

But these are HUGE bags (relative to what most of us would need). A local breeder purchased two bags and I am pretty sure he still has a lot left. He gave me quite a bit and I still have plenty to share.

How many eggs are you working with Jann? Maybe it might be worth buying the two bags from Uline if you have people near by who could use vermiculite. Maybe you can sell to Lowe's LOL.

 

[james L]

Theres a garden supply shop in West Palm called Uncle Bims thats sells all sorts of dirt, fertilizers, etc. that carrys vermiculite. This is the place were I buy mine.

 

[yoza717]

Just checked the Lowe's website and it says that the vermiculite is no longer available.

I must have gotten lucky. I didn`t need it but decided to buy more since my bag was getting low. I will not try to waste this batch.

 

[BocaJan]

Theres a garden supply shop in West Palm called Uncle Bims thats sells all sorts of dirt, fertilizers, etc. that carrys vermiculite. This is the place were I buy mine.

I will try calling tomorrow and see if they have any.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

Hey I have alot left if you want it, you can get it for free.

 

[jrh3]

we have stock pile of it at work maybe 600 25lb. bags. it is the fine sand type, if you want pm me and i can get you a price from work.

 

[BocaJan]

I thank you for your offer, however the chunky stuff works better then the fine sand type.

we have stock pile of it at work maybe 600 25lb. bags. it is the fine sand type, if you want pm me and i can get you a price from work.

 

[summoner12]

I thank you for your offer, however the chunky stuff works better then the fine sand type.

Not trying to make a debate cause I don't breed too much.... but I have found that the finer type works well. Several people I know use the fine granules and they seem to be having pretty good success.

I think the main key to making eggs grow correctly is the heat and humidity? Both products hold moisture, which is the purpose of using vermiculite.From my understanding the finer granules hold more moisture. Of course it all depends on how you mix up your vermiculite and water....