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Using a Candling Lamp

At Mole Valley Farmers we stock the Egg-Lume, a candling lamp manufactured by Brinsea.  This handy tool allows you to monitor the development of embroyos inside eggs.  Learn more about what's going on inside your eggs using the following guide.

Instructions for use

The Egg-Lume is a scientifically designed purpose made lamp for inspecting the embryo development during incubation.  The standard unit is a low cost lamp running directly from 110/115v mains supply.  The bulbs for this unit are cheap and readily available.

Caution – the very high light intensities of these units can cause damage to eyes. Never look directly into the light source.

  • The Egg-Lume is designed for intermittent use only. Continuous use for more than 15 minutes may cause overheating. The push button switch should never be taped or tied down.
  • Eggs may be examined for fertility after about 7 days. Infertile eggs will appear clear and can be rejected. Hold the Egg-Lume close against the large end of the egg so that the soft nose cone excludes all light except that which is directed through the shell.  Darken the room to improve clarity.
  • Usually checks for fertility and air sack estimates can be done without removing eggs from the incubator trays. For closer examination of embryo structures it is best to pick up the eggs and inspect from different angles. Do not overheat the egg by holding the lamp close for too long, particularly with very small eggs.
  • Air space estimation can be made using this chart. If the airspace is too small reduce humidity and visa versa.
  • Replacement bulbs are available from Mole Valley Farmers or direct from Brinsea Products.
  • To change bulbs: undo the screws fastening the two halves of the lamp together to expose the bulb connection.  DISCONNECT THE MAINS SUPPLY BEFORE DISMANTLING THE PRODUCT.

Illustration of airspace growth

Hen Egg 58g

Turkey Egg 85g

 

Diagram shows extent of airspace development throughout incubation (in days)

What to look for

1) Clear when candled - probably infertile (or very early death) when candled at 1/3 of the incubation period
2) Fertile with red blood vessels - after 1/3 of the incubation period
3) Red or black staining - early death when candled at 1/3 of the incubation period
4) Embryo with red blood ‘ring’ - early death when candled at 1/3 of the incubation period
5) Dark outline with ill defined detail - late death (1/2 or 2/3 of the incubation period)
6) Live embryo with bill in air sack - due to hatch in 24-48 hours


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>