Incubator Parts & Accessories

Incubator Parts & Accessories

There’s more to hatching poultry eggs than placing them in an incubator and waiting. Success requires careful observation and the right hatching supplies.

One of the most essential tools for monitoring embryo development is an egg candler. By allowing you to see inside the egg during the incubation process, candlers help you to identify fertility, track growth and spot problems before they affect your hatch, leading to better results. Find poultry egg candlers For Life Out Here at Tractor Supply.

The Smart Way to Observe Your Chicks Before They Hatch

For anyone incubating poultry eggs, whether a first-time hobbyist or an experienced keeper, a candler is a must-have. Our candlers use a concentrated beam of light, so you can examine the inside of an egg during incubation. The bright light source shines through the eggshell, revealing details about the embryo and the egg's internal components, providing you with a window into the development of the embryo.

When shopping our selection of candlers, you will find options that allow you to accomplish the following:

Confirm Fertility

Within the first few days of the incubation period, using a candler can help you determine whether an egg is fertile, which is crucial to know because infertile eggs will not hatch. The removal of these eggs prevents you from wasting resources and space in the incubator on eggs that were never going to develop, improving the overall efficiency of the hatching process.

Monitor Development

As the incubation timeline progresses, regular use of an egg candler allows you to assess and track the growth of the embryo, check for proper development and identify any issues early, including death or abnormalities. This is especially vital because embryos that stop developing can rot over time, posing a risk of contamination to healthy eggs.

Improve Hatch Rates

No matter what your reasoning is for dabbling in the world of poultry keeping, success starts with healthy eggs. By staying informed throughout the incubation process, you will be able to make decisions confidently that will impact your hatch success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poultry Egg Candlers

When should I use an egg candler?

While there’s no designated answer, most experienced handlers candle their eggs at least twice. They usually use a candler around days five through seven to check for fertility and early development, and then again around day 14 to monitor progress and remove failed eggs. While frequency is ultimately a personal preference, candling too much can disrupt incubation.

Can I use a flashlight instead?

While it may be tempting to look for alternative solutions to candling, such as a flashlight, these light sources usually aren’t bright or focused enough to provide a clear view inside an egg. A dedicated egg candler is designed to work better and safer.

Shop Poultry Egg Candlers at Tractor Supply

Compared to other poultry must-haves, such as a secure coop, feeders and waterers, nesting boxes and feed, a candling device might seem insignificant. However, by giving you a clear view of what’s happening inside each egg, a candler plays a big role in ensuring a successful hatch. Shop our section of candlers at your local Tractor Supply store or here on our website.