So something you said about the carton thing kind of concerns me. You mentioned that once they start hatching and playing football with the eggs that hatch rate drops fast. Does the rubber mat help at all with that? I am tempted to put them back in the carton, but I won't risk opening it at this point.
The quail carton held the eggs so tight there just wasn't much room. When I do the chicken eggs I will do the carton thing.
Edited to add. They had a 3 pack of 240 lumen led flashlights for about $25. I am going to try them and see how they do. Costco is my favorite.
I wouldn't worry about it now. Just leave them closed up tight. The carton works out well because they pop the top off like they are in an egg cup. I don't think I've had an upside down quail. Or if I did, I just thought it was a late quitter.
I always put the rubbermaid shelf liner down under the cartons too. It gives good traction for the chicks after they hatch and it helps to catch the hatch debris. I suppose it will give you some traction to stop the eggs from rolling a little. Originally I would throw them away, but it is a little pricey unless you can find it at the dollar store. But I've discovered it washes really well. Just throw them in your washer with a towel, they can even go in the dryer. I've been using the same ones continuously for a year now.