Brooke Martin
Candling an egg is a straightforward process that involves shining a bright light into an egg to see its contents and check for development. It is typically done in a dark room, and a bright light source such as a candle or flashlight is placed against the egg to illuminate its interior. This process allows people to identify fertilized eggs and monitor the growth of embryos, helping to separate viable eggs from non-viable ones. By candling, one can also detect hairline cracks in eggs, which could otherwise lead to bacterial infection and the death of the embryo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To identify fertilized eggs and monitor embryo development |
| Timing | Before incubation and 6-8 days after; typically 3 times during incubation |
| Lighting | Dark room with bright light source (e.g. LED torch, Cool-Lite Tester) |
| Egg Handling | Clean, dry hands; out of incubator for a maximum of 5-10 minutes |
| Viewing | Look for veins, blood vessels, embryo movement; candle from the air cell (rounded) end |
| Identification | Fertilized eggs show a network of white blood vessels with a dark outline (embryo) |
| Non-Viable Eggs | Cracked, blood spots, bacterial overgrowth, lack of development |
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What You'll Learn
How to candle an egg at home
Candling is a simple method used to check if an egg is fertile and developing properly. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to see what's going on inside without cracking it open. The term “candling” comes from the traditional practice of using candles, but nowadays, a strong flashlight or a light like the Cool-Lite Tester works just fine.
To candle an egg at home, you will need a dark room, a bright light, and the egg you intend to candle. It is recommended to candle at least three times during incubation to monitor air cell development and to discard any non-developing eggs. Eggs can be out of the incubator for up to 30 minutes, but it is best to put them back as soon as possible. Before you start, ensure your hands are clean and dry, as oil from your fingers can clog the pores in the egg shell and prevent the embryo from getting oxygen.
When candling, place the light on the bigger, rounder end of the egg, where the air sac forms. Rotate it slightly until you have the best seal against the egg and the best view of the inside. Identify the “winners” by looking for a network of blood vessels that appear white. A dark outline at the center of the blood vessels is the embryo. During the last three days of a hatch, it is best to avoid candling the eggs unless necessary.
If you are having trouble viewing the contents of the egg, turn off some lights or go into a dark room or closet. You may start to see veins as early as day three, and by day seven, you should see a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. By day eight, you may even see the chick wiggling and kicking in the egg.
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What to look for when candling an egg
Candling is a simple method used to check if an egg is fertile and developing properly. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to see what's going on inside without cracking it open. The process gets its name from the traditional practice of using a candle as a light source.
When candling an egg, there are several things to look out for to determine its fertility and development:
Day 3-7
On day three, veins may start to be apparent, and by day seven, you should be able to see early signs of life. A fertile egg will show a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. If you don't see veins or an air sac, the egg is likely not developing.
Day 8
By about day eight, you may be able to see the chick wiggling and kicking in the egg.
Day 14
By day fourteen, a healthy chick should be taking up most of the space in the egg. Look for a darker interior with less light passing through and continued movement. If it still looks clear or hasn't changed since day seven, the egg likely isn't viable and should be removed.
Day 18
Some sources suggest candling again on day eighteen. By this time, the egg will be full, and you won't be able to see much other than the increasing air sac size.
Identifying Cracks and Non-Viable Eggs
It's important to candle eggs before incubation to look for cracks, which can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection, leading to premature embryo death. During incubation, candling helps identify fertile eggs and remove non-viable ones (infertible or early death) to prevent them from rotting and potentially exploding, contaminating other eggs and the incubator.
Other Tips
- Work in a dark room with a bright light source.
- Place the narrow end of the egg gently against the light source.
- Wash your hands before and after handling eggs to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
- Minimise the time the eggs are out of the incubator and the frequency of candling to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels.
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How to identify a fertile egg
To identify a fertile egg, you can use a process called "candling". This involves shining a bright light through the egg to see what's going on inside without cracking it open. The traditional method uses a candle, but a strong flashlight will also work. Wash your hands before and after handling the eggs, and place the narrow end of the egg gently against the light in a dark room.
A fertile egg will show a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. You might even see a little movement. If you don't see veins or an air sac, the egg likely isn't developing.
By day 14, a healthy chick will fill most of the egg. Look for a darker interior, less light passing through, and continued movement. If it still looks clear or hasn't changed since day 7, the egg likely isn't viable.
Another way to identify a fertile egg is to crack it open and look for the yolk. A fertile egg will have a white "bullseye" on the yolk, while an infertile egg will have a small white spot or dot called the germinal disc. This is where the sperm enters the yolk.
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How to make your own egg candler
Candling is the process of illuminating the inside of an egg to check for cracks, blood spots, and air pockets. This is done to determine the suitability and quality of the eggs for storage and sales. To candle an egg, you need to darken the room and place the egg over a light source.
Materials:
- Light source: A high-wattage bulb is ideal, as it will help illuminate the inside of the egg better and help you detect any cracks or imperfections.
- Bathroom cup or similar: This will be used to support the egg and block out any external light.
- Maglite or similar flashlight: A bright, focused beam of light will help you see inside the egg clearly.
Instructions:
- Create a dark room: Turn off the lights or go into a dark closet. This will help you see inside the egg better and observe any imperfections more easily.
- Prepare the egg: Wash the egg and allow it to dry before candling. Washing the egg will help eliminate any cracked eggs, as they cannot handle the washing process.
- Set up the light source: Screw in the high-wattage bulb into a lamp or light fixture. Place the lamp on a table or stable surface.
- Prepare the egg cup: Cut a small hole in the bottom of the bathroom cup, just large enough for the beam of light to pass through. This will allow the light to illuminate the egg from below, while the cup blocks out external light.
- Position the egg: Place the egg on top of the cup, covering the hole. You may need to support smaller eggs with your finger to prevent them from falling through the hole.
- Shine the light: Turn on the flashlight and shine it through the hole in the cup, illuminating the egg from below.
- Observe the egg: Look for any signs of cracks, blood spots, or air pockets. Gently roll the egg to get a better view from different angles.
- Remove unhealthy eggs: If you observe any dark black spots that move around easily, discard the egg, as it has spoiled.
By making your own egg candler, you can ensure the quality and suitability of your eggs for storage and consumption. This process is a critical step in maintaining optimal egg quality and can help prevent any unpleasant surprises when using your farm-fresh eggs.
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The best egg candling devices
Candling is a method used to check if an egg is fertile and developing properly. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to see what's inside without cracking it open. The process gets its name from the traditional use of a candle as the light source.
Today, there are many lighting tools available for candling, and some can even be made at home. However, commercially produced candlers are also available and typically fall into two categories. The first type uses AC power and involves plugging a cord into a wall outlet to turn on the bulb. The egg is then placed in the hole where the light is shining, and the surrounding lights are turned off to see what is developing inside. The second type of candler is similar to a flashlight and uses high-density LED bulbs. The end of the light is modified to allow the egg to fit tightly onto it, preventing light from escaping. Many customers prefer this LED style because it does not generate enough heat to harm the egg, and it is more convenient to use due to its battery-powered design.
- GQF Manufacturing's Cool-Lite Tester: This device helps reduce the risk of dropping or cracking the egg by minimizing handling time. It creates a tight seal against the base of the egg, reducing light escape and providing a clear view of the egg's interior.
- IncuBright™ Ultra Bright LED Egg Candler: This candler is cordless and runs on batteries, allowing for convenient use anywhere. It features a durable aluminium casing that is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to handle. It also has a simple on/off button.
- Brinsea Candlers: These candlers have been reported to be effective for up to ten years and are still going strong, according to a user. They offer both basic and high-intensity options, with the latter being recommended for combination with the OvaScope for better visualization.
- Magicfly Bright Cool LED Light Egg Candler: This high-lumen LED egg candler is safe and easy to use, with an on/off button. It helps reveal fertilized eggs' initial dark spots and vein development, allowing for weekly monitoring of embryo growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Candling is a method used to check if an egg is fertile and developing properly. It involves shining a bright light through the egg to see its contents without cracking it open.
Wash your hands before handling the eggs to ensure you don't transfer bacteria. Use a bright light source in a dark room. Place the narrow/rounded end of the egg gently against the light.
A fertile egg will show a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. You might even see movement. If you don't see veins or an air sac, the egg is likely not developing.
Eggs can be out of the incubator for up to 30 minutes, but it is recommended to return them within 5-10 minutes. Candling can be done every day, but typically, eggs are candled up to three times during the incubation period.
A "quitter" is a fertilized egg that stops developing during incubation. It can be identified by a dark red streaking inside the egg, known as a blood ring, which forms when the embryo dies.
