Candling is an essential process in egg incubation that involves examining the eggs by shining a bright light through them to check for embryonic development or any defects. Candling is typically performed after a week of incubation and then again at two-week intervals. This process allows for the removal of any eggs that are not developing correctly and adjustments to the incubator’s conditions if necessary.
How Candling Works
Candling is a simple process that involves shining a bright light through the egg to observe the development inside. A candling lamp or flashlight is typically used for this purpose. Eggs are held up to the light source, and the light shines through the eggshell, illuminating the embryo and allowing for observation of its development.
During the candling process, the inner membrane, air sac, and yolk can also be seen. The inner membrane surrounds the embryo and helps protect it during incubation. The air sac is located at the rounded end of the egg and provides oxygen to the developing embryo. The yolk is the food source for the developing embryo.
Reasons Why Candling is Important
Candling is important for several reasons. First, it allows for the identification of any problems with the eggs, such as a lack of development or the presence of a blood ring. This information can be used to remove any eggs that are not developing correctly, which can help prevent contamination and ensure optimal development of the viable eggs.
Second, candling allows for the identification of any problems with the incubator’s conditions, such as temperature or humidity levels. If the embryos are not developing properly, adjustments can be made to the incubator’s settings to ensure optimal conditions for development.
Third, candling provides an opportunity to monitor the growth and development of the embryos throughout the incubation period. This information can be used to predict the hatch date and ensure that the eggs are removed from the incubator at the appropriate time.
Advantages of Candling in Egg Incubation
The main advantage of candling in egg incubation is the ability to identify any problems with the development of the embryos or the incubator’s conditions. This allows for the removal of any eggs that are not developing correctly, which can help prevent contamination and ensure optimal development of the viable eggs.
Candling also allows for the monitoring of the growth and development of the embryos throughout the incubation period. This information can be used to predict the hatch date and ensure that the eggs are removed from the incubator at the appropriate time.
Differences Between Candling and Natural Hatching
In natural hatching, the mother provides the ideal environment for incubation, including the proper temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. She also turns the eggs regularly, ensuring healthy embryo development. The mother hen may also perform a type of candling by examining the eggs with her beak.
In contrast, candling with an egg incubator requires the user to provide the ideal environment for incubation. This requires the use of a temperature and humidity control system, an egg turning mechanism, and a ventilation system. Candling is performed by shining a bright light through the egg to observe the development inside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, candling is an essential process in egg incubation that involves examining the eggs by shining a bright light through them to check for embryonic development or any defects. Candling allows for the identification of any problems with the eggs or the incubator’s conditions, which can help prevent contamination and ensure optimal development of the viable eggs. It also allows for the monitoring of the growth and development of the embryos throughout the incubation period, which can be used to predict the hatch date and ensure that the eggs are removed from the incubator at the appropriate time. While candling differs from natural hatching, it provides a reliable and efficient method of monitoring egg development in an egg incubator.