Candlinglaitteita

Candlinglaitteita, Finnish for candling devices, are tools used to illuminate eggs to inspect their contents and development without breaking the shell. They range from pocket-sized handheld lights to larger benchtop units and incubator ports. Modern devices usually use LEDs or other low-heat light sources and often include a translucent viewing window or screen. Some models offer adjustable brightness, magnification, or built-in stands for stability.

Candling is a common practice in poultry production, hatcheries, and among hobbyists. By placing the egg against the light in a dark room, observers can detect internal features such as vascular development and the presence of a viable embryo. In later stages, movement or a heartbeat may be visible. Infertile eggs generally appear opaque or lack visible vascular structures. The timing of candling depends on the species and incubation period, with many checks performed around mid-incubation.

Using candling equipment is a non-destructive method, but care should be taken to minimize heat exposure and physical handling to avoid harming the embryo. Candlinglaitteita are also used for educational demonstrations and research on avian development.

In practice, users select candling devices based on egg size, species, portability, and whether the unit is standalone or incubator-integrated. For hobbyists, a small handheld candler is often adequate; commercial operations may rely on dedicated candling ports within incubators or larger lighting setups.