Some questions about weaning and socializing

Yoshi's kittens are now two weeks and a couple days old. I have been handling them a little bit every day since they were born, just to check to see if they looked healthy and were gaining weight. I've read that once they reach two weeks of age, you can start handling them more and socializing them, so they grow up to be friendly kitties. I was hoping to get some advice on how to properly socialize kittens. Also...how much is too much handling?

One more thing that I'm curious about, is opinions on what age are they ready to go to new homes away from mama. I keep hearing eight weeks and twelve weeks.

You can never handle them too much! Handle them right away if mom will let you. As much as possible too so that they are comfortable with people and being held. IMO 12 weeks is best. They will be using the litterbox and eating kitten food by then but they still have a lot of important things to learn from momma.

Also, when they are around 5-6 weeks old, they can start their kitten vaccine series. They need a booster every 3 weeks until 12 weeks of age. They can also be dewormed at the same time they get their vaccines. Then when they are 8-12 weeks, you can have them all neutered! I assume you will be adopting some of the babies out? Charge a small fee to recoup the spay/neuter cost.

Good luck! And don't forget to keep mom away from any and all intact male cats and don't let her outside because she can get pregnant right away!