1. Examine the color of the egg. A fresh egg will be a uniform color, while a dead egg will often have a pale or discolored area.
2. Check the texture of the egg. A fresh egg will have a smooth, hard shell, while a dead egg will often have a soft or cracked shell.
3. Candling the egg. This involves holding a bright light up to the egg to see if it is opaque. A fresh egg will be opaque, while a dead egg will often be transparent.
If you are unsure whether or not an egg is dead, you can always consult with a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.