Yes, soaked feed is safe at any age - it is, in fact, often better digested as it is water soluble - plus it gives them a great hydration boost, both of which can hep lower the incidence of pasty butt. I just take a handful of feed, put it in a dish and cover it with water, let it set a minute...
Yes, it is like the different cries a human infant might make -- as you listen you start to hear different cries and understand the difference in what each cry is "saying".
An easy way to get a good view of their hineys without causing a disturbance is to put down a nice dish of soaked feed once or twice a day -- it is a big treat for them and they will quickly gather around the dish and start gobbling it up which allows you a great view of the end you need to...