Why turn eggs

Turning eggs prevents the embryo from sticking to the inside of the shell. In nature, a hen turns her eggs many times per day. In an incubator, eggs should be turned at least 3-5 times daily (every 4-8 hours) for the first 18 days of chicken egg incubation.

• Automatic turners: Most cabinet and tabletop incubators include an automatic turning mechanism that rotates the eggs several times per day. This is the most reliable method.
• Manual turning: If turning by hand, mark one side of each egg with an "X" and the other with an "O" so you can track rotation. Turn eggs at least 3 times per day at roughly equal intervals.
• When to stop: Stop turning eggs at day 18 for chickens (lockdown). Turning after this point can injure the chick as it positions itself for hatching.

Candling basics

Candling is the process of shining a bright light through an egg to see what is happening inside. It is the best non-invasive way to check fertility, embryo development, and identify problem eggs early.

When to candle

• Day 7 (chicken eggs): You should see a network of blood vessels radiating from a dark spot (the embryo). This confirms the egg is fertile and developing. Clear eggs are likely infertile or early-dead.
• Day 14: The egg will appear mostly dark with a visible air cell at the large end. Blood vessels should still be visible near the shell.
• Day 18 (before lockdown): The egg is nearly filled by the chick. The air cell should be visibly larger. Remove any eggs that show no development or have blood rings (indicating early death).

How to candle

• Work in a dark room. Hold the egg against the light source with the large end up.
• A red LED candling lamp is ideal — the red light makes veins and details easier to see.
• Handle eggs gently and quickly. Do not leave them out of the incubator for more than a few minutes.
• Record your findings so you can compare progress between candling sessions.

What to look for

• Fertile egg (day 7+): Spider-like network of blood vessels with a dark spot at the center.
• Infertile egg: Clear and translucent — no veins or dark spot visible.
• Blood ring: A dark ring near the shell — indicates early embryo death. Remove these eggs.
• Growing air cell: The air cell at the large end should grow steadily over the incubation period, indicating proper moisture loss.