How to Tell if a Bird Egg Is Infertile

If you’re a bird owner or just someone who has found a bird egg, you might be wondering how to tell if it’s infertile. In this article, we’ll go through the various ways you can determine whether an egg is fertile or not and what that means for the egg and the future of any potential hatchlings.

What does “infertile” mean?

Before we dive into how to tell if a bird egg is infertile, let’s first define what “infertile” actually means. An infertile egg is one that has not been fertilized by a male bird, meaning there is no embryo growing inside. If an egg is fertile, it means that a sperm from a male bird has entered and fertilized the egg, and there is a chance that it will develop into a chick.

Candling

One of the most common methods for determining if a bird egg is fertile is called “candling.” Candling involves shining a bright light behind the egg in a dark room to illuminate the inside of the egg. This allows you to see if there is a developing embryo inside the egg.

To candle an egg, hold it up to a bright light source, such as a flashlight or a candling lamp (a specialized tool used for candling eggs). Look for a small, dark spot inside the egg. This is the embryo, and it will appear as a black or dark red spot on the yolk. If you can see this spot, the egg is fertile. If you can’t, the egg is likely infertile.

The Float Test

Another method for determining if a bird egg is infertile is the float test. The float test involves placing the egg in a bowl of water and watching to see if it floats or sinks.

To perform the float test, fill a bowl with water and gently place the egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it is likely fertile. If it floats to the top, it is most likely infertile. This method works because a fertilized egg will have a developing air cell inside, which makes it slightly heavier than an infertile egg.

Breaking Open the Egg

If you’re still uncertain whether an egg is infertile, you can break it open to get a closer look. Be aware that this method will destroy the egg, so it’s not recommended if you’re planning on hatching the egg.

To break open the egg, gently tap it against a hard surface or use a small knife to make a small hole in one end. Use your fingers to peel away the shell until you can see the yolk and white inside. If the yolk appears cloudy and doesn’t have a distinct shape, it’s likely infertile. A fertile egg will have a clear, rounded yolk with visible blood vessels.

Time

One of the easiest ways to tell if a bird egg is infertile is simply by waiting. If an egg has been incubated for a certain amount of time (the length of time varies depending on the type of bird), and there is no sign of development, it’s likely infertile.

For example, chicken eggs typically take around 21 days to hatch. If you’ve been incubating a chicken egg for 25 days and there’s still no sign of development, it’s safe to assume that the egg is infertile.

FAQs

Q: Can you eat an infertile bird egg?

A: Yes, you can eat an infertile bird egg. In fact, most of the eggs you buy at the grocery store are infertile. There’s no harm in eating an infertile egg, as it will not develop into a chick.

Q: Can an infertile egg hatch?

A: No, an infertile egg cannot hatch. Without a developing embryo inside, there is no way for the egg to produce a chick.

Q: What causes an egg to be infertile?

A: There are many reasons why an egg may be infertile. It could be due to a lack of a male bird to fertilize the egg or problems with the reproductive system of the female bird.

Q: How long does it take for an egg to become infertile?

A: It varies depending on the type of bird and the conditions in which the egg is kept. In general, an egg will become infertile within a few days to a week if it is not fertilized.

Q: Is it possible to determine if an egg is infertile before it is laid?

A: No, it’s not possible to determine if an egg is infertile before it is laid. You’ll need to wait until the egg is incubated for a certain amount of time before you can determine whether it’s fertile or not.