When you’re planning to breed birds or just curious about the eggs you find, it’s important to know how to tell if a bird egg is not . Fertilized eggs contain an embryo that can develop into a chick, while unfertilized eggs will not. Though it might seem difficult to tell the difference, there are a few easy ways to distinguish between the two.

Observe the Eggshell

The eggshell can give you clues about whether or not an egg is fertilized” title=”How to tell if an egg has been fertilized”>fertilized. When you first find a bird egg, it’s important to inspect the shell. A fertilized egg should be opaque, while an unfertilized egg will be transparent, allowing you to see the yolk or the albumen (the egg white) inside the shell. If an egg is opaque, then it likely contains an embryo.

Check the Egg Yolk

One of the most obvious signs that an egg isn’t fertilized is that the yolk will be small and uniform in shape. In fertilized eggs, the yolk should be larger, more irregular in shape, and should contain a small white spot, which is the embryo or blastoderm. If the yolk is entirely yellow identify-a-fertilized-egg” title=”How to identify a fertilized egg”>without any white spot, the egg is not fertilized.

Observe the Albumen

The albumen or egg white of fertilized eggs will have a cloudy or irregular texture. You may also see a white ring around the yolk, which is the chalaza, distict connective tissue strands that stabilize the yolk in the egg. If the albumen is clear and the chalaza is absent, the egg is not fertilized.

Inspect the Eggshell Membrane

If you are looking for more subtle signs that an egg is not fertilized, inspect the eggshell membrane. This thin layer covers the egg beneath the shell and is typically glossy in fertilized eggs. An unfertilized egg membrane will be dull and matte in appearance.

A Good Torch and Candling Technique

Finally, one of the most effective methods of determining whether an egg is fertilized or not is through candling. Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg while in a dark room. A strong torch can help you see the details of the embryo within the egg. The embryo looks like a dark spot or line spreading slightly from the center, and you’ll see blood vessels running through the egg. If you don’t see any of these features, then the egg is not fertilized.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an aviculturist or just a curious bird enthusiast, knowing how to tell if a bird egg is not fertilized is an important skill to have. With a keen eye and some basic knowledge, you can quickly fertilized and unfertilized eggs. The next time you find a bird’s egg, take a close look at the shell, the yolk, the albumen, and the membrane or consider candling it. With these tips, you’ll be able to determine whether or not a new life is about to hatch.

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