Not much action here.

I guess I'll bump this down.

From what I've learned, you should cut the jugs at the middle point so that you have enough room for at least four inches of soil and then lots of space above the soil for the seedlings to get lots of warmth from the greenhousing. I don't think you need worry too much about precision on this. It's likely easiest to cut below the handle, though some people leave the handle bit in tact and don't sever the two parts.

I've left the lids on and will take them off when I begin the hardening off of my plants. As long as there are air holes in your jugs, you needn't worry about it.

I've got lots of bunnies in my yard, and none of them seems interested in my jugs and flats.

Good luck!