The invention provides a hatching egg embryo vital sign automatic identification device and method. The device comprises a hatching egg conveyer line used for automatically conveying hatching eggs and a candling identification device, wherein the candling identification device comprises a shell, an X-ray imaging module and an image processing module, the shell is fixed to the conveyer line, an inlet is formed in one end of the shell, and an outlet is formed in the other end of the shell; the X-ray imaging module comprises an X-ray generator and a digital imaging panel which are arranged in the shell oppositely, and a detection channel is formed between the X-ray generator and the digital imaging panel; the image processing module comprises an image acquiring and storing device and an image processing module body which are connected, and the image acquiring and storing device is electrically connected with the digital imaging panel. Automatic identification of live hatching egg embryos and nonlive hatching egg embryos is achieved through the hatching egg embryo vital sign automatic identification device, and then the identification precision of hatching egg survival condition is improved.