Brooke Martin
Candling is a cheap and easy way to see what's happening inside an egg. It involves illuminating the contents of an egg by holding a light up to the wide end. Blue eggs are harder to candle than white or light brown eggs because of the pigmentation in their shells. To candle blue eggs, you'll need a high-intensity light source, such as a flashlight or a phone torch, and a dark room. You can also make a candling tube out of a shampoo bottle and some tinfoil to make the tube completely lightproof.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To discover what is happening inside the egg |
| Equipment | A bright light source such as a flashlight or high-intensity egg candler |
| Environment | A dark room |
| Process | Hold the light source up to the wide end of the egg to illuminate the contents |
| Pigmentation | Blue eggs have pigmentation throughout the shell, making them more difficult to candle than white or light brown eggs |
| Embryo Development | On Day 7, the embryo and spider-like veins are visible; by Day 14, the egg is fuller and it is harder to see the embryo |
| Non-Viable Eggs | Remove non-viable eggs (infertile or dead) by Day 14 to prevent rotting and contamination |
| Frequency | Avoid candling daily to prevent influencing growth and development |
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What You'll Learn
Blue eggs are harder to candle due to pigmentation
Egg candling is a cheap and easy way to see what is happening inside an egg. It involves shining a light through an egg to check for embryo development. This process is important because non-viable eggs can become rotten and even explode, contaminating the rest of the eggs in the incubator.
To candle blue eggs, it is recommended to use a completely dark room and a bright light source. A high-intensity egg candler, such as Brinsea's, can be used for thick or dark eggs. A high-powered flashlight can also work, although it may be too hot and a cardboard tube may be necessary to channel the light and prevent heat from reaching the egg. A homemade candler can be made using an LED flashlight and a piece of cardboard. For blue eggs, it may be helpful to practice candling light-coloured eggs first for comparison.
It is important to note that candling should not be done daily, as it can influence growth and development. Additionally, eggs should be clean before going into the incubator to prevent bacteria transfer.
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Use a high-intensity light in a dark room
Candling blue eggs can be a challenging task due to the pigmentation in the shell, which can make it difficult to see inside. However, using a high-intensity light in a dark room can help improve visibility and allow for a better candling experience.
Firstly, ensure that you have a completely dark room to work in. The darkness will help to reduce any external light interference and improve the visibility of the egg's contents when using the high-intensity light.
For the light source, consider using a high-intensity egg candler, such as Brinsea's high-intensity candler, which is specifically designed for thick or dark eggs. Alternatively, a high-powered flashlight, such as one with a 10,000-lumen beam output, can be used. If using a flashlight, it is important to prevent excessive heat from reaching the eggs, so consider using a cardboard tube to create some distance between the light and the egg.
When candling, hold the light source up to the wide end of the egg, also known as the air cell end. This will illuminate the contents of the shell. At three weeks, the egg should be almost completely dark, except for a large air cell visible at the top (big end) of the egg. If the entire egg lights up, it is likely not fertile.
It is important to note that candling blue eggs may not always provide a clear view of the veining or embryo. The visibility can depend on factors such as the shade of blue, the thickness of the egg, and the placement of the embryo. If there is any uncertainty, it is generally recommended to leave the eggs alone and avoid taking any risks.
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Avoid candling daily
While candling can be fun and interesting, it is best not to candle your eggs daily. It can influence the growth and development of the embryo from repeated interruptions. The changes happening inside the egg are small and difficult to monitor on a day-to-day basis.
Candling involves holding a light source up to an egg to illuminate it, allowing you to observe what is developing inside and remove any non-viable eggs. This can be done with a small flashlight or a high-end article that can photograph the eggs. It is important to ensure that 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.
Blue eggs can be particularly difficult to candle due to the pigment in the shell. It is recommended to use a high-intensity egg candler or a bright light source, such as a high-powered flashlight, to get a clear view inside the egg. You can also make a candling tube out of a shampoo bottle and some tinfoil to make the tube completely lightproof.
It is generally recommended to candle eggs before incubation to check for cracks and after 7 and 14 days of incubation. After 14 days, it becomes more challenging to see inside the egg as the chick takes up most of the space. During the last 3 days of incubation, it is best to avoid candling unless there is a specific reason to do so.
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Look for cracks and signs of infection
Blue eggs can be difficult to candle due to their dark shell pigment. However, it is still possible to look for cracks and signs of infection in blue eggs by following these steps:
Firstly, ensure you are candling the eggs in a completely dark room. Use a high-intensity light source, such as a high-powered flashlight, and create a candling tube out of a shampoo bottle and some tinfoil to make the tube completely lightproof. You can also use a cardboard toilet paper tube to channel the light and protect the eggs from the heat of the flashlight.
When candling the eggs, look for any cracks or signs of discolouration. Cracks can be difficult to spot, especially microcracks, so it may be necessary to gently squeeze the egg to confirm the presence of a crack. If there is a crack, the egg is likely contaminated by bacteria or mould and should not be consumed.
In addition to checking for cracks, look out for any discolouration in the egg white or yolk, which could indicate spoilage from bacteria or fungal contamination. A bright red blood spot is common and perfectly safe, but any black or green spots are a sign of spoilage.
If the egg has been incubated, also check for any signs of unusual growth or development. For example, at three weeks, the egg should be almost completely dark when you candle it, with a large air cell at the top. If the whole egg lights up, it is definitely not fertile.
By following these steps and carefully inspecting your blue eggs, you can increase the chances of identifying any cracks or signs of infection and ensure the safety and quality of your eggs.
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Remove non-viable eggs
Blue eggs can be difficult to candle due to their dark pigment. However, it is still possible to identify non-viable blue eggs and remove them from the incubator.
To candle blue eggs, you will need a bright light source, such as a flashlight or a high-intensity egg candler. It is recommended to use a completely dark room when candling blue eggs, as too much light can escape and make it difficult to see inside the egg. Place the light source at the top (big end) of the egg, and avoid turning or rotating the egg. Instead, move the flashlight around it.
There are several signs that a blue egg is non-viable. If the whole egg lights up like a light bulb at three weeks, it is definitely not fertile. Additionally, look for a thin ring of blood around the yolk, which signifies a ""quitter" where the embryo has stopped growing. If you see a floating yolk with no red blood vessels, this is also a sign of a non-viable egg, known as a "yolker". These eggs should be removed from the incubator to prevent them from rotting or bursting.
It is important to handle the eggs gently and not shake them, as this can harm the embryo. It is also crucial to have clean hands when candling to prevent bacteria from entering the egg and killing any life inside.
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Frequently asked questions
Egg candling is a process to discover what is happening inside an egg. It is often used to check the fertility of eggs before putting them in an incubator.
Blue eggs are more difficult to candle than white or light brown eggs because of their pigmentation. You will need a very bright light source to see what's happening inside the egg. You can use a high-intensity egg candler, a high-powered flashlight, or a bright LED flashlight. It is best to candle in a dark room.
It depends on the shade of blue, the thickness of the egg, and the placement of the embryo. You may see a shadow, a lump, or some veins. If you smell something bad or see something coming from the egg, remove it from the incubator.
