I did it and the water didn't go in through pores. I watched a video on YouTube to learn how. I never had good luck with light candling. Not sure why. I love the hatching you are doing! Keep up the great work!
I have learned the females feathers are more rounded on edges and the feathers by wings grow more towards back. Males feathers are sharper on ends and by wings grows straight down. I found it might be 3 months or so when you can see this.
Beneduck14,
Instead of using light candle, have you ever done water candling?
I find this to be more accurate,safer, and shows you how strong the chick is.