Brooke Martin
Candling is a method used to check whether a chicken 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 specialized equipment like the Cool-Lite Tester can be used. The process of candling an egg typically involves working in a dark room, shining a light source on the egg, and observing indicators such as veins, blood vessels, and movement to determine fertility and development. It is recommended to candle eggs multiple times during incubation, with the first candling usually occurring around 6 to 8 days after placing the eggs in the incubator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To check if an egg is fertile and developing properly |
| Timing | First candling: before placing in the incubator or 6-8 days after; Second candling: 7 days after incubation; Third candling: 14 days after incubation |
| Tools | A bright light source in a dark room, such as a candle, flashlight, or Cool-Lite Tester |
| Procedure | Shine a bright light through the egg to see inside without cracking it open; Look for signs of fertility and development, such as veins, a dark spot (embryo), movement, and a visible air sac |
| Precautions | Wash hands before and after handling eggs to prevent bacteria transfer and clogged egg pores; Work quickly and return eggs to the incubator as soon as possible |
| Additional Tips | Number and mark eggs to track progress; Candle dark eggs from the rounded end; Perform a "sniff test" if visibility is challenging |
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What You'll Learn
How to candle chicken eggs: the basics
Candling is a simple method used to check if a chicken egg is fertile and developing properly. The term comes from the traditional practice of using a candle to illuminate the inside of an egg, but today, a strong flashlight or other bright light source can be used.
Before you begin
Wash your hands before handling the eggs to ensure you don't transfer bacteria or oils that could harm the embryo. Numbering each egg is also a good practice to easily track progress throughout incubation.
Setting up
Candling should be done in a dark or dimly lit room for the best results. If using a flashlight, hold the narrow or pointed end of the egg gently against the light. Alternatively, you can place the light on the bigger, rounded end of the egg, where the air sac forms, for a better view of the inside. If using a specialised candling device, such as the Cool-Lite Tester, follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results.
What to look for
A fertile egg will typically show a small dark spot (the embryo) with red or white spider-like veins branching out and a visible air sac. You might even see the embryo moving or the dark outline of its eyes. If you don't see any veins or an air sac, the egg is likely not developing.
Timing
The first candling should be done around 6-8 days after placing the eggs in the incubator. A second candling can be done a week later, around day 14, to identify any eggs that have stopped developing. Candling three times during incubation is recommended to monitor the development of the air sac and embryo growth. However, during the last few days before the expected hatch, it is best to avoid candling unless necessary, as the chick is positioning itself to hatch.
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When to candle chicken eggs
The best times to candle chicken eggs are on days 7 and 14 of their 21-day incubation period.
Candling 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 old-school practice of using candles, but a strong flashlight works just fine today.
On day 7, you can check for 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. By day 14, a healthy chick should take up 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 and should be removed.
You can candle your eggs every day if you like, but it is recommended to candle at least three times during incubation. However, avoid candling during the first few days of incubation, as this is when the embryo is most vulnerable. Also, avoid candling during the last few days of incubation, as the chick moves into position to hatch, and you risk disturbing this process.
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What to look for when candling chicken eggs
Candling chicken eggs 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. Here's what to look for when candling chicken eggs:
Day 3
On day 3, you may start seeing the veins of a developing embryo.
Day 6-7
By day 6 or 7, a fertile egg will show a small dark spot (the embryo) with spider-like 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
On day 8, you should be able to see the chick wiggling and kicking in its egg.
Day 14
By day 14, a healthy chick should take up most of the egg. The egg will be darker, with less light passing through, and you should still be able to see movement. If it still looks clear or hasn't changed since day 7, the egg is likely not viable and should be removed.
General Indicators of Progress
The best indicators of progress are veins and blood vessels that continue to grow and spread. As the hatch progresses, the air pocket in the egg should get larger, and the egg will get darker as it is filled with more bird.
Signs of a Bad Egg
Signs that an egg has gone bad include a vague ring inside the egg, a distinct blood spot with little or no veins, and a lack of development compared to the rest of the eggs in the hatch. If you notice any rotten egg smell or oozing, indicating bacterial overgrowth, remove the egg immediately to avoid an explosion inside your incubator.
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How to build a budget egg candler
Candling is a simple method used to check if a chicken 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 homemade egg candler works just fine.
Here's a guide on how to build a budget egg candler:
Materials:
- A tin can with a shiny interior and a removable top, such as a coffee can or a candy container.
- A piece of wood to mount the can on, such as an old scrap of 2"x6" board.
- A lamp socket.
- A piece of foam or similar material to pad the hole where the egg touches.
- A light source, such as an ordinary light fixture or a strong flashlight.
- Basic tools like a drill, screws, nuts, and bolts.
Instructions:
- Drill two small holes in the bottom of the can and use wood screws to fasten it to the piece of wood. You can add a small block of wood underneath for height.
- Create a "porthole" for illuminating the eggs by cutting a hole in the can's lid (around 1 1/2" in diameter). Glue a cork gasket around the opening to prevent any accidental cracking of the egg.
- Position the light source inside the can and secure it with nuts and bolts. Make sure to create an opening for the light's electric cord.
- Add an electric plug and an in-line switch to the cord for convenience.
- Pad the hole where the egg touches with foam to protect the egg.
- Turn off the lights in the room or use a dark closet for better visibility.
- Gently place the narrow or broad end of the egg against the light opening and look for signs of fertility and development.
With this budget egg candler, you can now examine your chicken eggs without having to spend a fortune on store-bought candling equipment.
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How to avoid common mistakes when candling chicken eggs
Candling chicken eggs is an exciting process, but it can be a little nerve-wracking for beginners. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes when candling chicken eggs:
Prepare the Right Environment
Candling chicken eggs in a dark room is ideal. Turn off the lights or candle at night to minimise light pollution. This way, you'll be able to see what's happening inside the egg more clearly.
Choose the Right Light Source
Use a bright light source, such as a strong flashlight or a modern LED torch that doesn't emit much heat. Alternatively, you can build your own egg candler by placing a desk lamp with a bright, low-energy lightbulb inside a cardboard box with a small hole at the top for the egg.
Candle from the Right End
It is best to candle from the air cell end (the rounded or fat end) of the egg, especially as the chick develops. While candling from the side or the pointed end won't hurt the embryo, it can be harder to see inside the egg.
Clean Hands and Eggs
Always ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling eggs. Wash your hands before and after to prevent the transfer of dirt, bacteria, or oils that can clog the egg's pores and affect the embryo's oxygen supply.
Timing is Key
The best time to candle chicken eggs is on days 7 and 14 of incubation. By day 7, you can check for early signs of life, such as a small dark spot (the embryo) with red veins branching out and a visible air sac. By day 14, a healthy chick should take up most of the egg, making the interior darker with less light passing through. Avoid candling during the last 3 days unless necessary, as the chick is positioning itself to hatch.
Monitor Progress
Number each egg and make notes on what you observe during each candling session. This helps you track progress and easily identify eggs that are progressing well and those that aren't. Additionally, monitor the air sac size to ensure correct humidity levels in the incubator.
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