FINCHforum

hi how can i make an egg candler

In my experience a small flashlight or a penlight often works very well. Though my boyfriend did make me a flashlight with a really long "neck" so that the light bulb can easily reach into the nest.

I use open canary nests so it is quite easy for me to candle without toughing the eggs. Just remember if you take the eggs out to be careful and have clean hands or use gloves ;)

I'm not sure if it works for All finch/small bird eggs, but there's a fantastic little light you can get a Walmart that works Beautifully for my gouldians and societies. IT's a single LED bulb on a flexible neck - it also has an laser pointer on it, so be careful not to activate that when you're checking nests. I'll see if I can get a pic of it - it's Cheap.. and it it works Great!! about $5 or so. It's NOT categorized as a book light, so don't look for it with the books, it's typically with all the other regular flashlights.
Oh... and you dont' need to disturb nest or eggs, just shine to the side of the eggs... you'll see if it's fertile.

You can do so by taking a small can and inverting it, hammer a nail through the bottom making sure the rough edges of the metal are on the inside of the can. Place the can over a light bulb, turn off all other lights in the room and hold the egg to the hole with the light coming through.

The biggest drawback in candling the eggs this way is the shell of the egg is covered with pores if your hands have cream or lotion on them or perfumes from soaps or your hands are not clean well enough, bacteria can get through into the eggs and kill the embryo. Oils from soaps or the oil your skin produces can clog the pores depriving the egg/embryo of oxygen.

Handling and removing eggs to candle does not alway ensure the parents will return to the nest and sit. They can get spooed enough to abandon the clutch or even young.

The best method is a pin light or worm light as others suggested. You can check without touching the eggs. I use if I have to inspect a lit dental mirror you can purchase at Target or the grocery store. Usually I leave, eggs, nest alone and let nature take it's course, that is the safest way.

thanks