I also heard that they could live for 3 days, but then I saw that you shouldn't leave them for more than 24 hours. So, if he is all dry, I would swoop in and grab him. I opened mine several times to get chicks and no harm done. The ones that have pipped are A-Okay as far as being "shrink-wrapped" cause their little beak is getting air through the pip hole. Do it fast and you'll be fine.