Best candler for dark eggs

[pbjmaker]

Clay - I candled using a led maglite and although I couldn't see much of anything but the air cells - by the last week I could tell which had developing chicks as they were even darker.

 

[lostsoulhelpmejebus]

I purchased an old slide projector that, thank goodness, came with 4 extra lamps. The lamps are 300 watt bulbs...very bright. Hubby built a stand so when I candle the tube at the end of projector is pointed upwards towards the ceiling. I recently candled 20 dark Cuckoo Maran eggs...was able to see them really well for as dark as the eggs are. I can either just sit the egg inside the projector end or what I did was make a cushion out of foam to slip inside the projector end to sit the egg upon. Beats the heck out of anything I have tried before. Just MHO

 

[mothergoose1963]

Hi Clay,

I have never had fresh eggs explode in 21 days. I dont think you have to worry.

 

[dbcooper02]

I use a slide projector as well, but just use mine in the original horizontal position. I fitted a piece of black foam pipe insulation to the front of the lens to cushion the egg and block stray light. Works great, intense light and no heat.
db

 

[lostsoulhelpmejebus]

Quote:
Don't you love the way it works? I am spoiled now since I have started using mine. No more flashlights for moi...hehehe

 

[LuannKeller]

Projector works great. Dark eggs are not as clear as the one shown here, but you can see well enough to make a call. I just got Cuckoo Marans so I will be facing that challenge in a few days.

 

[lostsoulhelpmejebus]

Quote:
I think you be able to accurately candle the Cuckoo Marans without a problem. What day do you usually candle on? I usually wait until 10-14...I have tried earlier but it seems if I wait that I am much more accurate in the results.

 

[Spinners End]

Great info guys! This forum rocks. I'm gonna watch craigslist and buy a beat up old projector, as long as the light still works.

 

[geareduplyn]

I use a Lyons High Intensity Zoo Model. I used to custom hatch Ratite eggs and this was necessary tool.

 

[speckledhen]

I use an old slide projector. I candled Welsummer eggs with very little problem. Someone you know may have an old one in the bsmt.