I wouldn't do that. When you're a beginner it's all right to do for a bit, but over time (as you said) the reed gets overly soft. Do it on the first day you use the reed for about a minute, and after that, just work on your embouchure.

I don't play bagpipes, but I play oboe, and at eighteen bucks a reed you want to keep them in shape. It works for me, so if bagpipe ones are anything alike to a double reed it ought to work. In fact, don't they use a double reed or something similar?

Owait there's a video. Never mind, try that.

Thanks, I'll try that!