Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am 12 years old and I found a small white egg in my yard. I have been
reading all kinds of  websites about eggs. It says that you should "candle" it. I tried this and all there was was a largish darker spot. Near the top. We put it
under a large desk light. It is about 60-65 degrees under the light. Please
help us out. We really want it to hatch. Email me as soon as as possible.
Thank you.
Natalie

ANSWER: If it fell out of a nest it will probably not hatch. Candling it just shows if it is fertile or not - I can't tell if it is from your description. It is VERY difficult to get a bird egg to hatch and even more difficult to raise the young bird. You need to call your local wildlife rehabilitation center for help and advice. The egg needs to be about 100 degrees to hatch and in a humid environment. Thanks for your concern, but don't be disappointed if it does not hatch.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, that's helpful, how do you know if it is fertile? All I can see is a dark
spot on the egg. Should I be touching it or no? I have to go to my dad's office
today, should I bring it with me to keep it warm? How humid? If my hands are a
little sweaty and very warm, should i just hold it? please let me know, thanks.
Natalie (hopeful)

Answer
You need to be experienced in candling an egg to tell and I can't tell you by e-mail. You can touch it, but it needs too be 100 to 101 degrees, consistently. Holding it will not keep it warm enough. If it is alive and it cools down after you warm it up, it will die. Again, call a wildlife rehabilitation center - it is TOO difficult to try to hatch it yourself with no experience.