How would you react if you found that a bird egg is in your backyard? Would it live or not? How can you determine whether a bird egg is alive or not? Most people can not tell the difference between an alive egg that has been laid and one that has died, but there are some things to look for when trying to identify a living egg. In this article, we will discuss how do you know if a bird egg is alive.
How do you know if a bird egg is alive?
1. Egg should be smooth and shiny:
The first thing to check is the shell of the egg. If the shell is cracked, then the egg is dead. The reason why eggs crack is that they have a thin layer of air inside them. When the egg cracks, the air escapes out through the cracks. This causes the egg to lose its shape and become flat.
2. Egg should move around:
If the egg does not move around, then it is most likely dead. Eggs usually move around because they contain a small amount of gas inside them. As long as the gas remains in the egg, it will continue to move around. However, once the gas leaves the egg, it stops moving.
3. Eggshell looks dull and rough:
Another way to find out if a bird egg is dead or alive is by looking at the eggshell itself. When you look at a live egg, you notice that it is white and glossy. It also has a soft texture. On the other hand, a dead egg is brownish-yellow in colour or dull and has a hard texture.
4. Flashlight check:
It is the most effective and easy test for determining whether a bird egg is dead or alive. You need to shine a flashlight on the egg in a dark room. If you see a tiny dot moving inside the egg, then it means that the egg is still alive. If you don’t see any movement, then the egg is definitely dead.
5. Check for movement:
When you hold an egg up to your ear, you can hear the sound of the heartbeat. If you cannot hear anything, then the egg is most likely dead. To make sure that the egg is really alive, try shaking it gently. If the egg starts to make sound, then it is most probably alive.
6. Check the embryo:
A live egg has a very active embryo inside it. An embryo moves around and makes sounds while it is developing inside the egg. A dead egg does not have any activity inside it. Therefore, you can use this method to determine whether the egg is alive or not.
7. Try to hatch the egg:
If you want to know if a bird egg contains a chick or not, then you can try hatching the egg. Hatching an egg involves cracking open the shell so that the chick can get out. If the chick comes out, then the egg is alive. If the chick does not come out, then the egg was already dead before you hatched it.
8. Put the egg underwater:
You can put a live egg into water to see if it floats or sinks. If the egg floats, then it is most certainly alive. If the egg sinks, then it is most definitely dead.
9. Check the yolk:
Yolks are yellow in colour and have a thick consistency. They are made from protein. Yolks are used to feed chicks during their early stages of development. If the egg has a clear yolk, then it is most possibly alive. If the yolk is cloudy, then it is most surely dead.
10. Check the albumen:
Albumen is the liquid part of the egg. It is mostly transparent and is used to help the chick develop properly. If the albumen is clear, then the egg is almost certainly alive. If the albumen becomes cloudy, then the egg is more than likely dead.
How long a bird egg will alive?
After the mother bird had laid an egg the egg will stay alive for about 7 – 10 days. After that time period, the egg will start to die off.
Is there a way to tell if a bird egg is fresh?
Yes, there is a way to tell if an egg is fresh or not. The best way to tell if an egg is fresh is to touch it with your finger. If the egg feels warm, then it is most likely fresh. If the egg feels cold, then it is most definitely old.
What should I do if my eggs are rotten?
If you suspect that your eggs are rotten, then you should throw them away immediately. Do not eat them because they may be contaminated with bacteria.
How long can eggs survive without warmth?
Eggs can last for several weeks if kept in a cool place. However, if left in a hot place, the eggs will only last for 2-3 days. The ideal survival temperature of an egg is between 40°F (4°C) and 98F (37°C).
Final thought
There are many ways to check if a bird egg is still alive or not. You just need to find one that works for you. In this article, we have discussed some methods that you can use to check if a bird’s egg is alive or not, including checking its heartbeat, trying to hatch it, putting it under water, checking the yolk, and checking the albumen. Hope this article will helpful for you.
