Chickens you can leave up to 48 hours, but I don't. I remove quail as soon as they are dry and fluffy. They are so tiny they need food and water before 48 hours IMO. Actually I remove my chicks as soon as they are fluffy too. Just make sure you have the water channels full so the humidity goes back up.Yes they are alive and thriving! Energetic little boogers! Lol. See this is why I shouldn't Google! Lol I read they can stay in the incubator for up to 48 hours.. while the others are hatching! If I had known to get them out sooner I would have.. ugh. Well now I know. This is all new to me! So grateful for this place!! So once they are dry and fluffy I'm safe to get them out quickly?