What are egg candlers, and why are they important?

Egg candlers are essential tools for monitoring the development of embryos inside eggs. By shining a bright light through the shell, candlers reveal the growth and viability of the embryo, helping you identify which eggs are fertile. This ensures that only healthy eggs remain in the incubator, improving your hatch rates. Our egg candlers are designed for ease of use and maximum precision. Whether you're hatching chicken, duck, or quail eggs, using a candler gives you confidence and control during the incubation process.

How do I use an egg candler?

Using an egg candler is simple. Begin by turning off the room lights to ensure a clear view. Hold the egg securely and shine the candler's light at the wider end of the egg. Look for signs of embryo development, such as blood vessels or movement. Our high-intensity LED egg candlers make it easy to spot these details, even in eggs with darker shells. Regular candling, typically on days 7, 14, and 18 of incubation, helps you track progress and remove non-viable eggs. By doing so, you create the ideal conditions for a successful hatch.

Why choose Nesty Boxes for your egg candlers?

Nesty Boxes provides high-quality, durable egg candlers suited to all levels of chicken keepers. Our models feature ergonomic designs, bright LED lighting, and compatibility with various egg sizes. Perfect for small flocks or larger hatching operations, our candlers ensure a smooth and effective hatching experience. Pair your egg candler with our range of chicken incubators and accessories to complete your incubation setup. Shop now and enjoy reliable tools backed by trusted customer support and quality assurance.

All your questions answered

How to use an egg candler?

Using an egg candler is a straightforward process that helps monitor the development of embryos inside eggs:

  1. Prepare the environment: For best results, perform candling in a dark room to clearly see the light passing through the eggshell.
  2. Position the egg: Hold the egg gently but securely, placing the wider end against the candler's light source. This end typically has an air sac that allows for better visibility.
  3. Observe the interior: Switch on the candler and look for key signs of development, such as blood vessels, movement, or a dark spot that indicates the growing embryo.
  4. Take notes: For optimal results, candle on specific days of incubation, like days 7, 14, and 18, and record your observations to track progress.

Nesty Boxes' LED egg candlers make this process effortless, even with dark or speckled eggshells.

How to tell if an egg is bad when candling?

When candling eggs, certain signs can indicate that an egg is not viable or has gone bad:

  • No visible veins or blood vessels: By day 7 of incubation, fertile eggs should show a clear network of veins. If no development is visible, the egg may not be fertilised.
  • Dark, unmoving mass: If the egg contains a large, dark spot with no movement or blood vessels, it may be dead or infertile.
  • Cloudiness or discoloration: A bad egg may appear cloudy or show unusual colours inside, indicating bacterial contamination.
  • Unpleasant smell: In advanced cases of spoilage, the egg may emit a foul odour.

By regularly candling and removing these eggs, you can maintain a healthier incubation environment.

What are the disadvantages of egg candling?

While egg candling is an excellent tool for monitoring development, it does have a few potential disadvantages:

  • Stress on the embryo: Frequent handling and exposure to light can disrupt the embryo's growth if not done carefully or sparingly.
  • Limited visibility in thick or dark shells: Eggs with darker or thicker shells may be harder to assess, even with a high-intensity candler.
  • Requires practice: Interpreting candling results can be tricky for beginners, as it may take time to recognise the signs of viable and non-viable eggs.
  • Risk of damage: Mishandling eggs during candling can lead to cracks or contamination, reducing the chance of successful hatching.

Despite these drawbacks, proper technique and high-quality tools, like those offered by Nesty Boxes, can minimise risks and maximise the benefits of egg candling.

What is an egg candler used for?

An egg candler is used to monitor the development of embryos within fertilised eggs. By shining a bright light through the shell, candlers reveal the internal structure of the egg, allowing you to:

  • Determine whether the egg is fertilised.
  • Track the growth and movement of the embryo.
  • Identify and remove non-viable eggs, which can prevent contamination in the incubator.

Egg candlers are an invaluable tool for poultry enthusiasts, ensuring that only healthy eggs are incubated, leading to higher hatch rates and healthier chicks.