ftpagain, thats what is all about----having fun---enjoying what you are doing. I did not mean touching the eggs in my statement above about handling---If I was to candle them I would have to pick the egg up set it on the candle light and then return it. There is lights that I could buy and candle them while they just lay there---not have to pick them up----I just have no desire to do that. Do what makes you happy as long as it does not hurt the eggs!!i think what ever makes you happy is the best way i personally do this for pleasure more than anything. i have to also hand turn them so they end up being touched a lot. we candled ours on day 6 just because I'm new at this too and its too exciting to see whats going on in there. i bet after i do it 10 times ill be doing it "the right way" but I'm learning and having fun. there were a few that didnt look good so we marked them and checked them again on day 10. ill probably end up candling them a couple more times. I'm sure its better for the eggs the less you mess with them but then again i don't have high expectations and i just want to enjoy the process. wash your hands, be gentle but don't take too long and just enjoy. thats my philosophy on handling my eggs.