What to look for on day 18 candling?

[stitch81]

Just curious what I should be looking for on day 18 candling. I'm on day 12, and already, the chick is starting to take up enough room that it is difficult to see movement. What do you check for on day 18 before lockdown?

 

[weimarmama]

Here's the candling pics thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=261876 Lots of very helpful pictures.

At day 18 the eggs will be pretty much dark except for the air sac on the large end. When I candle at day 18 I usually look for any movement & for internal pipping. Also I sometimes put the eggs to my ear, if they've internally pipped then you can usually hear them tapping on the inside of the egg. I had two duck eggs Sunday night that internally pipped almost a week early & the only way I caught it was by candling them & listening for the tapping. Good luck & hope you have a great hatch

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I agree... It is very hard to see movement at day 18. I too listen to hear the tapping.

 

[Ceinwyn]

I check to make sure they've lost enough weight and moisture to be able to internally pip.
Then I check to see if they have started drawdown to place them in the hatcher and then I try really hard to forget they exist for a while. (which never works)