How to Candle a Cockatiel Egg?

Question

My female Cockatiel laid an egg at the bottom of the cage and I've heard that you can hold a candle to it to see if it is fertile. How can I check if it will hatch? I took it into a dark room and used a candle, but I couldn't see anything. I then tried a flashlight, but I couldn't see anything either. Is the egg not fertile or am I just doing it wrong?

Answer 1

It can only be candled if its been sat on or incubated for at least three days (hang on, you do have a male don't you?  If not then you're wasting your time!)  Then you just chnage the batteries in your torch so they are really bright, and hold the egg right up so its touching the bulb, and wrap a cloth around the base, then turn out all the lights so all you can see is a glowing egg.

Red veins or dark blobs in the egg means its alive!  Take a look at these pics, it should help.  http://shilala.homestead.com/candling.ht...  (they are for chickens, but its pretty much all the same with eggs)

Answer 2

well, you can never check if it is going to hatch because it is all up to the parents. They have to sit on it, so i wouldn't disturb them as much.

i think you are doing it right!

i hope this helps!!!

-smiley gal

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Answer 3

Smarty pants is right after the eg has been incubated for a weeek or so take a bright flashlight and hold the egg between your thumb and index finger make sure to not stir it up too much or you could kill the fetus inside hope this help feel free to contact me for more info at [e-mail]