Candling Ostrich Eggs: A Guide to Checking Fertility and Development

Candling is an essential process in ostrich farming that allows farmers to check the fertility and development of ostrich eggs. This process involves shining a bright light through the egg to illuminate the interior and identify any potential issues that may affect the hatch.

Candling can be done manually or with a special candling machine, and it is typically done around the 14th day after the egg is laid. During this time, it's possible to check for the development of the embryo and determine whether the egg is fertile or not.

To candle an ostrich egg, hold the egg up to a bright light source and cover the top of the egg with your hand to create a seal. Look for a network of blood vessels and a dark area in the center of the egg, which indicates that the egg is developing normally. If the egg appears clear, it may not be fertile or may have stopped developing.

It's important to note that candling is not a foolproof method for determining the health and viability of ostrich eggs. Some eggs may appear fertile and developing normally but fail to hatch, while others may hatch successfully despite appearing abnormal during candling.

However, candling can be a valuable tool for ostrich farmers to identify potential issues early on and make adjustments to improve hatch rates. By tracking the development and fertility of ostrich eggs through candling, farmers can ensure that they are producing healthy and high-quality chicks for their farm.

In summary, candling is an important process in ostrich farming that allows farmers to check the fertility and development of eggs. By learning how to candle ostrich eggs and what to look for during the process, farmers can ensure a successful hatch and produce healthy and high-quality ostrich chicks for their farm. If you're interested in learning more about ostrich farming and egg production, contact us at Superior Ostrich today.