Candlers- what type do you use?

[nccatnip]

I have rigged a high power flash light with a cover that allows me to candle but I think I can do better. I think the egg is sitting too close to the light. What does everyone else use? Should I just buy a commercial one or can I make one that will be just as good?

 

[jackiedon]

DH built a candling box and it works great. I googled candling box and printed out the plans.

jackie

 

[silkiechicken]

I use a surefire 6p flaslight and am very happy with it.

Here is some pics
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=13610

And here is the thread with info bout the light at the bottom.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=11593

 

[speckledhen]

Slide projector turned on end with a "donut" made from a twisted washcloth for the egg to sit on over the lens. Also, I have a maglite flashlight as a backup.

 

[nccatnip]

Quote:
Urrggghhhhhhhh. Had I only know. Last week when taking my trash to the compactor, there was a slide projector someone was throwing away. The attendant kept it and was trying to give it away because it still worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Think I see if I still have an old brinkman around somewhere.

 

[bantymum]

I have a large empty can which I took both top and bottom lids off, I then cut a round piece of cardboard for the top and cut a small hole in the centre which is big enough to sit the egg on but not large enough for it to fall through.
I taped this to can to secure it.
I then place this on top of my 60watt lamp which has a saucer like bottom with upcurved edges. The can sits there and I place the egg on top and I can see very well.
here it is!

 

[ukchickengirl]

I bought one of these off ebay (item number 190156694785) and its seems to work really well. never saw movement but certainly air sacs and maybe a couple of veins!

H x

 

[speckledhen]

With a slide projector, I can read veins in a blue egg at 14 days most of the time. After that, it's just too dark for the Ameraucana eggs, but I love mine. DH happened to have two in the bsmt, old and ancient. Ancient's bulb died and we went to Old, which is great. What I'll do when it goes, I don't know.

 

[Davaroo]

I made one much like bantymums for just a few dollars in junk parts. The advantage is that the egg sits in place so you can reduce handling. I never liked fooling with flashlights while juggling eggs and all that. What is wanted is a stable, cushioned mount for the egg, which you can move close to the bator. How you achieve that is up to you.

In fact, if I can inject this next bit, I would feel better. Here it is:

You should minimize the amount of candling that you do. None would be best.

That flies in the face of all we hold dear here, I know. It is fun to candle and you feel like something is happening when you do, since incubation itself is pretty boring stuff. But, a watched pot never boils.

Once you set eggs there is little you need to do for them except maintain conditions. If they're viable they'll hatch. The only good reason to candle is to look for dead embryos and bacterial eggs.
Even the much touted removing of clears, or "duds," is just window dressing - I suspect it came about so, again, people would feel "needed" during incubation. Clears will do no harm staying in the bator until the hatch is complete.

The fine tracery of veins we so long to see in the early stages are the very reason for my caution. The embryo is at it's most fragile in the first week and undue handling equals undue risk of harm to them. I rarely candle before day ten and then usually just the once.

Of course, you are free to do as you wish. I only wanted to add that little tidbit.

 

[Davaroo]

What I'll do when it goes, I don't know.

Im certain you can find new bulbs, Cyn. It may take some sleuthing, but theyre likely commom.

In fact, if you can tell me the type by reading the numbers on the bulb, I can probably get you some at work and send them to you. A pic or two wouldn't hurt, either, but I'll bet they are fairly common projector bulbs.​