Candling eggs does not harm the chick when done correctly. It is a safe and useful practice during incubation.
Why Candling Eggs Is Important
Candling eggs helps you understand egg health. It lets you spot problems early. This saves space in the incubator and helps healthy eggs grow better.
Main benefits of egg candling include:
- Checking if the egg is fertile
- Watching chick growth over time
- Finding clear or non-growing eggs
- Spotting dead egg candling signs
- Keeping the incubator clean
By removing bad eggs early, you reduce smell and bacteria risks.
Tools Needed for Egg Candling
To candle eggs, you need a strong light source. This tool is called an egg candler. You can buy one or make a simple version at home.
Common egg candler options are:
- Handheld egg candler
- LED flashlight
- DIY box with a bulb inside
The light must be bright but not hot. Heat can harm the chick.
How to Candle Chicken Eggs Step by Step
Egg candling is easy if done carefully. Follow these simple steps.
- Wash and dry your hands
- Turn off room lights
- Hold the egg gently
- Place the egg over the light
- Look inside for signs of growth
Do not candle for too long. Keep it under one minute per egg.
Best Time for Egg Candling
Timing matters for egg candling. You cannot see much during early days.
Recommended candling days:
- Day 5 to 7: Look for veins and a dark spot
- Day 10 to 14: See clear growth and movement
- Day 18: Final check before lockdown
Using an egg candling chart helps you compare what you see with normal growth stages.
Understanding an Egg Candling Chart
An egg candling chart shows what a healthy egg looks like on different days. It helps beginners know what is normal.
What you may see on a chart:
- Clear egg: Likely infertile
- Veins visible: Healthy growth
- Dark mass: Growing chick
- No movement later: Possible loss
Charts reduce guesswork and build confidence during incubation.
How to Spot Dead Egg Candling Signs
Dead egg candling is important to learn. These eggs must be removed quickly.
Common signs include:
- Blood ring inside the egg
- No veins after day 7
- Cloudy or dark liquid look
- No movement after day 14
Removing dead eggs keeps other eggs safe and clean.
Tips for Safe and Successful Candling
Follow these tips to avoid damage:
- Candle in a warm room
- Handle eggs gently
- Do not shake the egg
- Return eggs quickly
- Wash hands before and after
Many hatchers use tools from trusted brands like Incubator Warehouse for reliable results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New hatchers often make small errors. Avoid these to improve success.
- Candling too early
- Using weak light
- Holding eggs too long
- Dropping or rotating eggs fast
Patience and practice improve your results over time.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Egg Candling
Chicken egg candling is a valuable skill for anyone hatching eggs. It helps you track growth, remove bad eggs, and improve hatch rates. With the right egg candler, a clear egg candling chart, and gentle handling, you can candle eggs with confidence. Many home hatchers trust Incubator Warehouse tools to make the process easier and safer.
FAQs
Q1: Can I candle eggs every day?
No. Candling too often can stress the egg. Check only on key days.
Q2: What does a clear egg mean during candling?
A clear egg usually means it is infertile or not developing.
Q3: Is egg candling safe for chicks?
Yes. Egg candling is safe when done briefly and carefully.