In this guide, you’ll learn what egg candling is, why it matters, and how to do it safely at home.
What Is the Candling of Chicken Eggs?
The candling of chicken eggs is the process of shining a bright light through an egg to see what is happening inside. The light helps you spot signs of life, such as veins, movement, and embryo growth. Long ago, people used real candles, which is how the method got its name. Today, most poultry keepers use a flashlight or a special egg candle designed for this purpose.
Candling is commonly done while eggs are in an incubator or under a broody hen. It does not harm the egg when done correctly and only takes a few seconds per egg.
Why Candling Is Important
Candling helps you understand which eggs are fertile and developing. Not every egg placed in an incubator will hatch, and that’s normal. By checking early, you can remove eggs that are clear or no longer developing. This helps in several ways:
- Prevents bad smells from rotten eggs
- Keeps healthy eggs safe from bacteria
- Improves hatch rates
- Saves space in the incubator
Brands like Incubator Warehouse often recommend candling as part of proper incubation care because it helps poultry keepers make better decisions during the hatch process.
When Should You Candle Eggs?
Timing matters when candling hen eggs. If you candle too early, you may not see much. If you candle too often, you can disturb the developing chick.
Here are the best times for candling:
- Day 7: Look for veins and a dark spot (the embryo)
- Day 10–14: See more growth and possible movement
- Day 18: Final check before lockdown (stop turning eggs)
Avoid candling after day 18, as the chick is getting ready to hatch.
How to Candle Eggs Step by Step
Candling hen eggs is easy and does not require special skills. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare a dark room – Less light helps you see inside the egg clearly.
- Use a light source – A flashlight or egg candle works well.
- Hold the egg gently – Keep it upright and steady.
- Shine the light at the wide end – This is where the air cell is located.
- Look for signs of life – Veins, shadows, or movement mean the chick is growing.
If the egg looks clear with no veins, it may be infertile. A cloudy look or blood ring usually means development has stopped.
What You Might See During Candling
During the candling of chicken eggs, you may notice different things depending on the stage:
- Clear egg: Likely infertile
- Veins like spider webs: Healthy growth
- Dark mass: Growing embryo
- Blood ring: Embryo stopped developing
Don’t worry if you are unsure at first. With practice, candling becomes easier.
Tips for Safe and Successful Candling
- Wash and dry your hands before handling eggs
- Keep candling sessions short
- Return eggs to the incubator quickly
- Handle eggs carefully to avoid cracks
Using quality incubation tools from trusted suppliers like Incubator Warehouse can also make the process smoother and more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can candling of chicken eggs harm the chick?
No, candling is safe when done gently and quickly. Avoid shaking or exposing eggs to cold air for too long.
Q2: What is the best light to use as an egg candle?
A small LED flashlight or a purpose-made egg candle works best. The light should be bright but not hot.
Q3: How often should I do candling hen eggs?
Two to three times during incubation is enough. Too much handling can disturb the embryo.
The candling of chicken eggs is a simple yet powerful way to understand what’s happening inside the shell. With a little practice and patience, you can increase your chances of a successful hatch and enjoy the amazing journey from egg to chick.