What is Vermitculite?

CrabbyKev · Post by **CrabbyKev** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:14 pm

What is it and is it safe for hermit crabs?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:13 pm

I've never heard of it, but I found this on a reptile forum:

Do NOT use vermiculite in any way that an animal can come in contact with it. It is very sticky when wet and if swallowed can possibly result in impaction. If it dries out it becomes dusty and is damaging to the lungs if inhaled.
It is fine for incubating eggs but that is about it.

and this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite from wiki

we should probably wait for someone more knowledgeable to join in, though

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:38 pm

Vermiculite is a type of fertilizer commonly found in potting soil. Since it is a chemical fertilizer, it's probably not a good thing to have anywhere near crabbies.

CrabbyKev · Post by **CrabbyKev** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:39 am

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 11:02 am

Vermiculite is a mineral used to help keep humidity high for things like incubating eggs or certain plants (orchids) that require a lot of humidity. I don't know if it would be safe for the crabs or not. I imagine that a bag of playsand from Walmart or Home Depot would be cheaper though