Regarding picking the chicks up and stressing them out, it all depends on how the kids are handling them.
If the kids are diving in abruptly from above the chicks, scattering them to the four corners of the brooder in distress, then yes, it's stressful for the chicks.
However, if the kids are instructed to approach the chicks slowly from the side on level with the chicks so the chicks aren't reacting as if a predator is attacking, then it's actually good for the chicks, and the chicks will enjoy the interaction.
Regarding when to move the chicks to the coop, that can be done any time. In fact, many of us have done away with indoor brooding all together, brooding in a safe pen right in the coop or run in proximity to adult chickens. If it's very cold where you live, it would be good to slowing decrease the ambient temperature in the room where you have the chicks so they can acclimatize to cooler temps before moving outdoors.
There are so many advantages to outdoor brooding, you may want to consider it for future chick brooding. But go ahead and move the chicks out any time. It will be even easier for the kids to interact with the chicks on their level.
See my articles linked below this post. There's one on outdoor brooding and how it works.
If the kids are diving in abruptly from above the chicks, scattering them to the four corners of the brooder in distress, then yes, it's stressful for the chicks.
However, if the kids are instructed to approach the chicks slowly from the side on level with the chicks so the chicks aren't reacting as if a predator is attacking, then it's actually good for the chicks, and the chicks will enjoy the interaction.
Regarding when to move the chicks to the coop, that can be done any time. In fact, many of us have done away with indoor brooding all together, brooding in a safe pen right in the coop or run in proximity to adult chickens. If it's very cold where you live, it would be good to slowing decrease the ambient temperature in the room where you have the chicks so they can acclimatize to cooler temps before moving outdoors.
There are so many advantages to outdoor brooding, you may want to consider it for future chick brooding. But go ahead and move the chicks out any time. It will be even easier for the kids to interact with the chicks on their level.
See my articles linked below this post. There's one on outdoor brooding and how it works.