How to Check for Fertile Duck Eggs

You can check the fertility of a duck's egg using an ancient method called candling. The name comes from the time when farmers would use a candle to look through their eggs. But today, most people use a flashlight or special candling light, sold by farm supply stores. This light allows you to identify the good eggs from the bad ones.

Things You'll Need

  • Small flashlight or candling light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Darken the room by turning off any overhead lights and closing shades or blinds.

    • 2

      Hold the egg up, using your thumb and forefinger.

    • 3

      Shine a flashlight or candling light behind the egg. Hold the flashlight up to the surface of the egg and use your hand to block any light coming out around the edges.

    • 4

      Look for veins or dark spots within the egg. Distinct veins should appear by the 7th day. As the egg gets older, it becomes darker and more opaque as the embryo fills the space inside.