Usually the first two leaves are not true leaves (I do not know about the chives and how that would work). Don't be in too big of a hurry to move them.

One thing that I used to have problems with in a situation like yours is too much moisture building up inside. Now that you have the cotyledons (first leaves), make sure to open it to fresh air occasionally or you will have damping-off, which is a healthy looking little seedling rotting at the soil line and dropping over. They need circulation.

i took the top off during the day, cover them at night

that's the kind of info i needed

You can move them when roots are showing at the bottom or when you move the second herb you feel is ready for transplanting. They smell great when you move them. Plus it won't be long before you can start cutting the greens to add to whatever you are making.

i tried it with really old seeds, only the thyme sprouted. i bought new basil and it sprouted like crazy!

i am now taking the top off the container and setting them in the windowsill for direct sun as soon as the glass warms up during the day, then moving them back into the warmer room and covering them at night

keeping my fingers crossed

The first two leaves are not true leaves. The second set of two leaves is the first real set of leaves.

Actually, I don't like the tiny little jiffy pots because all too often the roots have gone through the bottom of the pot before the second set of leaves set on. I like to use taller pots to begin with -- not too tall, but taller than the jiffy pots.

the pot instructions say to plant them when the roots come out the bottom so i guess that's what i'll do

and we'll see how these jiffy pots work out :/

... so just figure on doing it at the same time as the basil. Now CHIVES are another matter. When they hit about 3" (regardless of diameter), put them in a 4" pot. That should be sufficient to establish the colony. You'll need to divide them every two or three years and give away most of the plugs. Our colony is 25 years old and has been in four different residents, including a two month hibernation under a car seat. It's hard to kill them. They do like to be divided and fill in any area so keep them in containers at all times!!! The flower heads are wonderful in a stir fry.