Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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CHONG188

Blood vessels developing embryos and soon to hatch animals.

Candling is not really necessary as dead eggs will let you know they are, soon enough. Freshly laid eggs have no blood vessels, anyway. However, I admit that I have candled monitor eggs out of curiousity.

After trying several methods, the least intrusive technique (except for that really bright light shining into their unprotected eye spots!) is to darken the room, take a small flashlight (like a mini maglite) and hold it against the egg. A good seal between the front of the flashlight and the eggshell surface is important. There is no need to lift the egg or have the egg between you and the light, as the light will diffuse within the egg and cause the whole egg to glow. Blood vessels will be visible running along the shell membranes (unless the embryo is at an early stage, in which case it will glow an orange/pink colour, or at a later stage, in which case a large dark shadow will block most of what you see). Don't hold the flashlight there for too long and if the hatchling emerges blind, don't blame me