You have 2 or 3 that are what I like to see for day 18. A good share of them are smaller than what I would be comfortable with, but- here's the thing, they do grow more between now and hatch, plus the air cell is drawn down to hatch. Our charts and what we aim for is what we consider "optimal" for hatching. That does not neccessarily mean that they will not hatch if those standards are not right on. Just keep an eye out when they are pipping for any moisture or bubbles around the pip hole as that could be an indication that there is too much moisture in the egg and the chick is breathing it in. Hopefully all will be well and you'll have no problems.they are in a egg carton and it stays stable because it is plugged in in the car.
here are the pictures....
I, personally would assit and expand the pip hole to try to let any out I could and wipe away any liquid from the beak/nose area. There isn't a whole lot you can do because chances are the vascular system between chick and egg will still be prominent, so you couldn't assist in actually hatching out, but it might be possible to alleviate some of the extra moisture. If it aspirates too much of the moisture it'll drown, but I believe in trying when I can.
I just use cheapo kitchen sponges, usually from the dollar store. They are about 4 1/4" long x 2 1/2"wide and not even 1/2 an inch thick. (Yes, I measured, not the first time the question has been asked...lol) I use 2-3 in the bator. I completely wet mine and lay them on the screen bottom that the eggs sit on that way I can easily pull one out and rewet it if I need to during hatch. Some people will put them in a bowl/cup of water.
If it working for you---Thats Good. I Too am one that believes Every chick is very important to me and I hatch lot----It happen several times in my past that if I open the incubator for a few seconds----not even lift the top off---My hatch percentage goes way down. I do not open for No Reason now and I hatch 95 to 100% every hatch. Guess it has alot to do with where you live---So I Always point not opening to newbies----trying to help them have a better hatch.
