Brooke Martin
Quail eggs are known for their dark, thick shells, which can make candling difficult. Candling involves using a light source to assess the development of an egg's embryo. It is typically done around day 7, as the embryos should be large enough to see by this point. Day 15 is also a common day to candle, as it is when you'll stop turning the eggs and let them rest before hatching begins. If you candle on day 15, you can also discard any eggs that have failed to develop. If the light shines straight through the egg, it is clear. If the egg looks dark and has a little air sac on the top, then it is fertile. Usually, if you candle the eggs after the first week, you can see one or two red veins, and with luck, the chick should develop from the embryo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to candle | Day 7 or 8, embryos should be large enough to see. |
| Candling on day 14 | Some eggs may be clear, others may show an air sac. |
| Candling on day 15 | Lockdown day, stop turning the eggs and let them rest before hatching begins. |
| Candling method | Use a phone light or a regular flashlight. |
| Candling angle | Expose the most visible detail at a given day of development, usually not the wide end of the egg. |
| Egg appearance | If the light shines through, the egg is clear. If it looks dark with a small air sac, it is fertile. |
| Egg appearance | After the first week, you may see one or two red veins. |
| Egg appearance | Green eggs may be due to a combination of a blue interior, yellow tint, and modern LED lighting. |
| Tips | Have clean, dry hands, be quick, candle in a dark room, and maintain optimal temperature for eggs. |
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What You'll Learn
Quail egg candling equipment
Quail egg candling is the process of monitoring the fertility and development of an egg. It is also used to remove non-viable eggs to prevent them from rotting and exploding inside the incubator. The process can be done using a candler or a phone with a decent light source.
Candling Equipment
Incubator
An incubator is a crucial piece of equipment when hatching quail eggs. It provides the necessary temperature and humidity levels for the eggs to develop and hatch successfully. Some incubators have automatic egg turner functions, which help in ensuring that the eggs are turned regularly. It is important to have backup thermometer-hygrometers in the incubator to accurately monitor temperature and humidity levels.
Candler
A candler is a specialised light source used to illuminate the interior of an egg during candling. While not everyone owns a candler, it is a good investment for those serious about hatching quail eggs. A good candler will provide a bright light source that allows for the clear visualisation of veins and embryos.
Phone with a Light Source
For beginners who may not own a candler, a phone with a decent light source, such as an iPhone 6s flashlight, can be used for candling. While the light may not be as bright as a dedicated candler, it can still be effective in monitoring egg development. It is important to ensure that the phone is clean and dry before using it for candling.
Flashlight
A flashlight can be a useful additional tool when candling quail eggs. It can provide extra illumination in a dark room, making it easier to visualise the interior of the eggs. A flashlight can also be helpful in checking for veins and embryos, especially if the phone's light source is not bright enough.
Other Considerations
When candling quail eggs, it is important to ensure that the process is done in a dark room to facilitate better visualisation. It is also crucial to handle the eggs gently and quickly to avoid damaging them. Additionally, maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels is essential to creating an optimal environment for egg development.
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When to candle quail eggs
Candling quail eggs is a tricky process, especially for beginners. It is recommended to candle the eggs on day 9 to check for infertility and again on day 15 to check for quitters. Over-candling could harm the embryo, and towards hatch day, shining a bright light may scare or harm the chick.
It is also important to note that quail eggs go dark very quickly, so it is best to avoid candling them too often. If the eggs go all dark, that is a good sign. In the later days, the eggs that are not completely blacked out are likely bad.
It is recommended to candle the eggs in a dark room, using a phone light or a flashlight to visualize the embryos and veins. It is also important to have clean, dry hands and to be gentle and quick to avoid letting the eggs get cold or overheated.
Some people also recommend candling the eggs before lockdown, which usually occurs on day 15 when the humidity is raised and the eggs are no longer turned. This is to ensure that the bad eggs are removed and do not explode.
Overall, the timing of candling quail eggs is crucial to avoid harming the embryos and to ensure the successful hatching of the eggs.
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How to candle quail eggs
Candling quail eggs can be difficult due to their dark, thick shells. However, it is not impossible, and there are several ways to make the process easier.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right light source. While some sources suggest that a regular flashlight or phone light may not be bright enough, others have found success using the flashlight on an iPhone 6s. If you are having trouble seeing the embryos with a regular flashlight, you may want to consider investing in a specialized egg candler, which may have attachments for smaller eggs.
The angle at which you candle the eggs is also important. To expose the most visible detail, the light should be shone from the side, rather than at the wide end of the egg, especially in later incubation.
It is also important to consider the timing of candling. Typically, embryos should be large enough to see around day 7. However, some sources suggest waiting until day 14 or 15 before discarding any undeveloped eggs, as the veins and embryos may be easier to see at this stage.
Finally, it is important to handle the eggs with care. Ensure you have clean, dry hands, and candle the eggs in a dark room to get the best view. It is also important not to let the eggs get cold or overheated.
Remember, candling quail eggs can be challenging, even for experienced handlers. If you are unsure, consider comparing your eggs to others in the same batch or waiting a few days before discarding any eggs that appear undeveloped.
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What to look for when candling quail eggs
Quail eggs are very difficult to candle, especially for beginners. Here are some things to look out for when candling quail eggs:
Day 0-13
On the first 13 days of incubation, it is normal for quail eggs to show little development when candled. You may not be able to see any veins or embryos, which can be worrying for beginners. However, this is typical, and you should not panic. If in doubt, compare your eggs to others in the same batch and wait a few days before discarding eggs (unless they smell bad).
Day 14
By day 14, there will be more development. You may be able to see blood vessels close to the shell, or even the chick's foot. It is harder to see inside the egg at this stage, so try looking from both ends. If you cannot see much, try candling in different places.
Day 15
On day 15, it is best not to candle the eggs to keep humidity high and allow the chicks to move into hatching position.
Day 16
On day 16, you may see an internal pip, which is when the chick's beak makes a small hole in the shell. Make sure you do not see an external pip, as this may cause the chick to drown.
Day 17-18
Days 17 and 18 are hatch days!
In general, when candling quail eggs, it is important to have clean, dry hands to prevent bacteria from entering the eggs. Candle the eggs in a dark room and use a flashlight to visualise the contents. Rotate the egg to get the best view, as the embryo may be in the centre or opposite side of the egg.
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What to do if you can't see anything when candling quail eggs
Quail eggs can be difficult to candle, especially for beginners. If you can't see anything when candling your quail eggs, there are a few things you can try.
Firstly, ensure that you are using a bright enough light source. If your light isn't bright enough, you may not be able to see the veins or embryo. Some people recommend using an iPod or iPhone flashlight, as these tend to be bright enough to see the necessary details.
The angle at which you candle the egg can also affect what you are able to see. Try candling the egg at different angles to expose the most visible detail. Additionally, it is recommended to candle in a dark room, as this can help you see more clearly.
If you still can't see anything, it may be because the eggs are too early in their development. You may be able to see more after a few more days of incubation. However, it is important not to candle too frequently, especially during the critical first few days and the last few days of incubation, as this can harm the embryo.
Finally, if you are still unable to see anything, it may be helpful to compare your eggs to others in the same batch. Remember that any guide is only a guideline, and what you see may vary depending on the quality of your candler and your experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to candle quail eggs around day 7 as the embryos should be large enough to see by then. Day 15 is also a good day to candle as it is the day you stop turning the eggs and let them rest before hatching.
If the light shines straight through, the eggs are clear. If they look dark and you see a little air sac on the top, they are fertile. Typically, after the first week, you should be able to see one or two red veins, and the chick should develop from the embryo.
Quail eggs can be difficult to candle due to their dark, thick shells. A regular flashlight may not be sufficient, and a specialized egg candler with an attachment for smaller eggs might be more effective. Some people have had success using the flashlight on their iPhone 6s.
The green color is likely due to a combination of the faintly blue interior of some quail eggs, the yellow tint from the compounds that make yolks yellow, and the yellow or blue light from modern LED lights. It does not indicate a problem.
Candling quail eggs is not necessary, especially for beginners. Many people successfully hatch quail eggs without candling. However, it can be helpful to track the progress of embryo development and ensure that all eggs are viable.
