candeling

Candeling is a practice primarily associated with egg incubation, referring to the process of shining a light through an egg to examine its internal development. This technique allows for the observation of the embryo, yolk, and air cell within the egg. A specialized candeling lamp, often a bright LED light, is used. The egg is held in front of the light source in a darkened room, enabling the internal structures to be seen.

The primary purpose of candeling is to assess the fertility and viability of the egg. During incubation, candeling can be performed at different stages to check for embryo development, identify any abnormalities, or detect infertile eggs that are no longer needed and can be removed to conserve space and prevent spoilage. It is also used to monitor the growth of the air cell, which is crucial for the chick's respiration as hatching approaches. Experienced incubators can discern various stages of embryonic growth and potential issues through careful candeling. The practice is common in poultry farming and among hobbyist breeders.