How to Tell If a Goose Egg Is Fertilized

Goose eggs mature to hatching in about 30 days. You can determine whether a goose egg is fertilized by using a technique called candling. You can either construct a device built specifically for that purpose or use a high-powered flashlight to determine how the gosling is coming along inside the egg.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

High powered or LED flashlight
High powered or LED flashlight

Step 1

Wait seven days after the egg has been incubated. You will not be able to determine fertilization until a week has passed.

Step 2

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the egg.

Step 3

Use a darkened space for viewing. The darker the space, the easier it will be to see the inside of the egg with the flashlight.

Step 4

Shine the flashlight on the largest part of the egg. You can hold the egg between your fingertips or place it in a holder such as an egg carton.

Step 5

Examine the egg under the bright light. If you see veins streaking the inside of the egg and a small dark spot, this tells you that the egg has been fertilized. The streaks indicate blood vessels and the spot is the beginning of the embryo.

Tips & Warnings

In the U.S., it is illegal to remove Canadian geese eggs from their nest if you find them in the wild.

Article Written By Nikki Jardin

Nikki Jardin began freelance writing in 2009 and focuses on food and travel articles. She has been a professional cook and caterer for more than 20 years. She holds a degree in environmental science from Humboldt State University.

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