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The importance of egg candling can’t be understated or overstated as it is one of the processes required to ascertain eggs’ viability or hatchability rate. It is also noteworthy that not all eggs are fit to be hatched. That is to say, if an egg is not fertile, there is no way it can hatch into a chick. Besides, it would be a waste of time to incubate eggs that no embryonic development occurring inside it or eggs that their embryos have died.
Candling helps in knowing fertile and infertile eggs and it helps in determining the stage or level of embryonic development. Additionally, it aids in evaluating the condition of the embryos inside the eggs.
Modern technology has made egg candling an easy and simple task. There are now devices built specifically for candling eggs and they come in as battery and electronic-powered egg candlers. Some even come in small sizes, making them very portable.
While we have small-sized egg candlers, other candlers are big or large. Like egg incubators, egg candlers come in different shapes, sizes, features and prices. As someone looking for the best egg candler, choosing the right egg candler to buy could be an overwhelming task or cause you decision fatigue.
This article will guide you on the best egg candlers, thus helping you save time and ease your buying decision.
Best Egg Candlers for Poultry Eggs
1. Brinsea Ova View Egg Candler
The Brinsea Ova View Egg Candler has specific features you would definitely like. The first features are its distinct shape and size, which allow it to sit comfortably on flat surfaces and it could be hand-held. Of course, this will allow you to carry out candling easily.
This egg candler is also powered by four AA batteries. Hence, it can be used anywhere without relying on electricity – no fear of electric shock. There is also a flexible black ring on the device. The egg can be set on this soft, flexible ring without rolling off or dangling.
The Brinsea Ova View Egg Candler comes with an LED light which is very bright and highly efficient. Since the light is made of LED, users don’t need to worry about replacing bulbs and the egg is safe from overheating.
Pros
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Battery-powered and energy-efficient
- Suitable for chicken, turkey, duck and goose eggs
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use
- Light in weight and ensures egg safety
- Comes with four AA batteries
Cons
- Can’t be used for darker and mottled eggs
- It is quite overpriced
2. Magicfly LED Light Egg Candler
The Magicfly LED Light Egg Candler is the best egg candler for the money. It is one of the best when it comes to affordability, durability, versatility and effectiveness. Its flashlight-like design is great, and it possesses the basic features and provides the functionality of a standard egg candler. The switch is located at the top area of the device and pressing it won’t shake the device or allow the egg to fall.
This device is powered by an internal rechargeable lithium-polymer battery and can be used for 6 hours straight before the need to charge the candler again. All thanks to the LED light it uses. Yes, the egg candler comes with a long electric cable for charging the battery and two rubber candler covers (big and small). The big cover is for candling chicken and turkey eggs, while the small cover is for candling quail and parrot eggs.
Since the Magicfly LED Light Egg Candler uses an LED light, the egg and embryo are safe from heat damage and the illumination is perfect. The LED light saves energy and allows long hours of usage of the device per full battery charge. The built-in battery level indicator is also a great advantage to users.
Pros
- Suitable for all kinds of eggs
- A powerful LED light
- Superb brightness
- Convenient and easy to carry
- Safe for eggs
- Easy to use
Cons
- Too lightweight
3. Titan LED Light Egg Candler
Just like the Brinsea and Magicfly egg candlers, the Titan LED Light Egg Candler is a high-quality, battery-powered egg candler. As a cylindrical-shaped candler that sits well on any flat surface, using it is very convenient.
The device is also easy to use. All you need to do is set the egg on the black ring shoulder on the candler and switch on the light to illuminate the egg to be examined. It is vital to mention that the illuminating light is made with LED. The incubator does not emit heat that could damage the eggs and the light it outputs is of high intensity.
It uses four AA batteries, so it is used and operated anywhere without depending on electricity. Replacing a bad AC cable or looking for where to charge the device is no stress. Just insert the batteries and you’re good to go.
The egg candler is built with durable materials and suits almost all types and kinds of eggs. It can be used to candle quail, chicken, turkey, duck, thin-shelled, thick-shelled, dark and light eggs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- High value for money
- Bright and cold LED illumination
- Harmless to the eggs
- Works with most egg sizes
Cons
- No inbuilt or rechargeable batteries
4. Incu-Bright Ultra Bright LED Egg Candler
Have you ever seen or used an egg candler made with a durable aluminium case? The Incu-Bright Ultra Bright LED Egg Candler has an aluminium body. Additionally, the candler provides its users with an effective and easy way to candle eggs.
One conspicuous and unique feature of this Incu-Bright candler model is the ultra-bright CREE bulb that comes with it. This bulb provides 250 Lumens of penetrating power, making it easy for you to observe the embryo’s progress or development. It works by illuminating very bright light on the eggs to reveal their internal condition of the egg. It emits a very low temperature and won’t harm or damage the eggs.
Just like most egg candlers, the Incu-Bright egg candler has a protector ring on which the egg sits. However, the material used for this particular candler is silicon rubber. Yes, it works for all egg sizes; small, medium and big.
The candling device makes use of three AAA batteries (included) and it is handheld. Thus, it is portable and can be used anywhere.
Pros
- Easy to use and portable
- Super bright
- Durable and safe for eggs
- Suitable for many egg sizes
- Efficient and very affordable
Cons
- The battery runs down quickly due to the strong light
- Lightweight
5. Brinsea Ovascope Egg Viewer
The Brinsea Ovascope Egg Viewer is the more expensive egg candler than the first four incubators. However, you should expect it to be more sophisticated and with extra functionalities or features.
The candler comes with a magnifier that slightly magnifies the egg to see the embryo better. It also has an LED light that illuminates the egg. The egg scope can also block ambient light, allowing users to have a clear observation as if they are in a dark room. There is also a smooth rotating mechanism to observe the growing embryo from different sides.
There is a small black ring that prevents eggs from falling off easily. The device is also suitable for almost all egg sizes. Additionally, the device is battery-powered and uses four AA batteries.
The Brinsea Ovascope Egg Viewer is the most recommended for education or training purposes, as you can connect a webcam to it. Also, it is suitable for classroom demonstrations.
Pros
- Most suitable for educational purposes
- Easy to use
- Unique and innovative design
- Extra features like magnifying scope
- LED lamp with no heat
- Safe for eggs
Cons
- It is quite expensive
Choosing the Best Egg Candler – The Ultimate Buying Guide
What to Consider When Buying an Egg Candler?
If you are new to choosing and buying the best egg candlers, the following basic features should be considered. They will help you with your buying decision.
Size
There are many egg candlers of different sizes. There are small (handheld) egg candlers, table-top egg candlers and big egg candlers. Your choice of egg candler is determined by the size of the eggs to be examined. Therefore, if you want to candle large or jumbo eggs, it is better to buy medium or large egg candlers.
Size and portability are directly proportional. Hence, if you want an egg candler to carry along with you anywhere you go, choose a smaller or table-top egg candler.
Light
All egg candlers work by illuminating the eggs. However, there are two kinds of light sources. Some bulbs emit too much heat that could damage the eggs and some bulbs emit little or no heat and are safe for eggs. When choosing egg candlers, it is recommended to choose one that comes with LED bulbs that won’t heat your eggs.
Power Source
The source of power is another vital feature that must be considered when buying an egg candler. Based on power sources, there are two types of egg candlers: electric-powered egg candlers and battery-powered egg candlers. The electric-powered candlers use electricity and are connected to a power outlet for them to work. On the other hand, the battery-powered candlers run on batteries to function. Both have their merits and demerits. However, if you want an egg candler that you can use anytime and anywhere, a battery-powered egg candler like the Brinsea Ova View Egg Candler is the best option to opt for.
Price
It is also vital to consider the price before buying any egg candler. Egg candlers come in different price ranges. Some cost less than $20 and some cost over $50. However, the price of an egg candler mostly depends on the features it possesses. Egg candlers with extra or sophisticated features like magnifying scopes or webcam attachments are usually expensive, unlike the ones with only basic features that cost less than $20. Based on these, it is important to consider the prices of different egg candlers to find the right model that fits in with your budget.
The Best Egg Candlers – FAQs
How Much Does an Egg Candler Cost?
An egg candler could cost between $10 and $100. The major factors that determine the price of an egg candler are the usage options, size and features. Egg candlers with extra features cost more than the basic models.
What is an Egg Candler Used for?
An egg candler is a device or instrument used to check the fertility of an egg. It is also used to determine the stage or level of embryonic development.
How Does an Egg Candler Work?
An egg candler works by illuminating an egg with the help of a bulb or lamp, making it possible to see what is inside the eggshell. This light travels through the egg and shows its inner parts clearly.
How Often Should Eggs Be Candled?
It is necessary to candle the eggs before placing them in the incubator, then on Day 7 and on Day 16 of incubation.
How to Know If an Egg is Fertile?
To know if an egg is fertile or not, you will need to illuminate it. If you are unable to see through the egg or cloudier, it is most likely fertilized, but if it appears transparent, it is unfertilized.
Verdict
Selecting the best egg candler that suits your budget and offers value for money is not easy. There are many egg candler brands and models on the market. With this guide, choosing the best egg candler that will meet your needs is made easy.
I recommend the Brinsea Ovascope Egg Viewer from the egg candlers that were reviewed because of its great features, design, performance and best value for money.
I appreciate the article and there was some helpful info. I would suggest, however, adding what I think is inarguably at least one of the Top 3 most important specs for any candler and that is a Lumens Rating.
I’m looking to replace my Brinsea Egg Lume. It was terrific but got so hot that it turned the plastic casing brittle and it crumbled. Held it together with electrical tape as long as I could but it’s burnt toast now.