If you’re incubating eggs or simply curious about whether an unhatched egg holds life inside, you’re not alone. Knowing if an egg is alive can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper, a bird enthusiast, or just stumbled upon an egg, this guide will walk you through the best ways to tell if an unhatched egg is alive — using simple, friendly methods anyone can try.
What Does It Mean for an Egg to Be “Alive”?
An egg is considered alive when it contains a developing embryo that has been fertilized and is growing inside the shell. This embryo is the early stage of a chick or bird, slowly forming over the incubation period until it hatches. If the egg is infertile or the embryo has died, the egg is no longer alive.
The Most Reliable Way: Candling
Candling is the go-to method for checking if an egg is alive without cracking it open. It involves shining a bright light through the egg in a dark room to see what’s inside.
How to Candle an Egg
– Find a dark room: This helps you see inside the egg more clearly.
– Use a bright light source: A specialized egg candler is ideal, but a strong flashlight works too.
– Hold the egg gently: Place the light at the larger end of the egg and tilt it slightly.
– Look for signs of life:
What You’ll See When Candling
– Alive and developing embryo: You’ll notice a network of red blood vessels spreading from a dark spot, which is the embryo. As days pass, the embryo grows larger and may even move, casting shadows inside the egg.
– Air cell: Near the larger end, a small air pocket becomes visible as the embryo develops.
– Dead embryo or infertile egg: If the egg is infertile, it will look clear with just the yolk visible, no blood vessels. If the embryo died, you might see a blood ring—a dark circle of blood inside the egg—or the egg will appear uniformly dark with no movement.
Candling is usually done around days 7-10 and again at days 14-18 of incubation to monitor progress.
The Float Test: Use With Caution
Another popular method is the float test, but it’s not the most reliable for determining if an egg is alive.
How to Do the Float Test
– Fill a bowl with water.
– Gently place the egg in the water.
– Observe how it behaves:
– Sinks and lies flat: Likely fresh and possibly alive.
– Sinks but stands upright: Older but might still be viable.
– Floats: Usually old and likely not viable.
The float test mainly indicates the age of the egg rather than its viability. Eggs develop an air pocket as they age, making them more buoyant, but this doesn’t guarantee whether the embryo is alive or dead.
What to Look for Outside the Egg
– Shell condition: A smooth, uncracked shell is a good sign. Cracks or hairline fractures can mean the egg is damaged and likely dead inside.
– Warmth: A live egg will often feel warm to the touch, especially if it’s being incubated properly. However, warmth alone isn’t a sure sign of life.
Signs of Life Close to Hatching
As the hatching day approaches (around day 21 for chickens), you might notice:
– The egg becoming mostly opaque when candled.
– Visible movement inside the egg.
– The chick filling most of the egg with only a small air cell left.
– Slight wobbles if you gently tap or move the egg, indicating the chick inside is active.
When to Consider an Egg Dead
– No blood vessels visible after candling on day 7-10.
– Presence of a blood ring inside the egg.
– No movement or change in the egg’s appearance as incubation progresses.
– Floating in the float test combined with other signs like cracks or foul smell (if cracked open).
– No hatching after 21 days plus a few extra days to allow for delayed hatching.
What If You Crack the Egg Open?
Breaking the egg is the most definitive way to see if it’s alive, but it ends any chance of hatching.
– A viable egg typically has a firm, rounded yolk and thick, clear egg white.
– A non-viable egg may have watery whites, a thin yolk, discoloration, or a foul odor.
External Factors Affecting Egg Viability
Even if an egg is fertilized, several factors can influence whether it stays alive:
– Temperature: Eggs need consistent warmth (usually around 99-102°F for chickens). Too hot or too cold can kill the embryo.
– Humidity: Proper humidity prevents the egg from drying out or flooding.
– Turning: Eggs must be turned regularly during incubation to keep the embryo from sticking to the shell.
– Egg age: Fresher eggs have higher chances of hatching.
– Hen’s health: The mother’s diet and health affect egg fertility and embryo development.
Final Tips for Checking Egg Viability
– Always candle eggs in a dark room with a bright light.
– Be gentle when handling eggs to avoid damage.
– Keep track of incubation days to know when to expect development signs.
– If unsure, consult a vet or poultry expert for advice.
– Remember, patience is key—sometimes eggs take a little longer to hatch.
An unhatched egg can hold the promise of new life, and with these simple methods, you can confidently tell if that promise is alive and well inside the shell.
Life inside an egg is a delicate miracle, and with a little care and observation, you can witness it unfold.