Questions about hatching chicks

[My peeps]

I'm a first timer using a homemade incubator. Humidity has been steady throughout (until today) but had a few temperature issues (dropped to 92 overnight one night. Not sure how long it was like that). I'm also using shipped eggs and a few of my own.

On day 20 one chick hatched at 7am with no problems. I was surprised how clean the incubator was and the chick was very active. The second chick hatched around 10 pm and had some of the yolk sac still hanging on. At some point in the middle of the night the third chick hatched. There is blood all over the incubator and a large sac hanging on to the chick. It has been at least 6 hrs since it hatched. The chick seems more active but the sac is still there and is dried onto the chicks butt and legs. The humidity did drop to 52. I had to open it this morning (day 21) to add water. There are still 5 eggs left that haven't pipped. I'm praying I didn't kill them by opening the lid. So here are my questions:

How long can I keep the chicks in the incubator since the hatch seems staggered?

Is it normal for there to be blood when a chick hatches?

Should I wash the chick that is covered in dried blood and remove the dried up sac?

Thanks so much. I am already thinking of changes I am going to make to the incubator for future hatches....like adding a straw feature to add water without opening the lid. This experience has been wonderful but stressful at the same time!!!

 

[DraigAthar]

I doubt you killed the eggs by briefly removing the lid to add water. I do that all the time and have no problems. I just try to do it as infrequently as possible.

Normally, you keep the chicks in the incubator until they are fully dry, then move them to a brooder. But there's nothing wrong with keeping them in there a little longer. They'll start needing food and water in 48-72 hours, though, so you have to move them out by then.

It's normal for there to be a small amount of blood when a chick hatches. Sometimes the vessels lining the eggshell haven't all closed off completely by the time it hatches. But it's usually a very small amount and would not be enough to cover the incubator.

Regarding the yolk sac, that's a tough one. I've never had a chick with an unabsorbed yolk sac survive. If the sac has broken, it's a direct route of entry for bacteria and the chicks usually die of infection quickly. I don't know what to recommend for washing the chick. Getting the chick wet could chill it too much, and that would stress it hugely if it is already a little weak.