vessels in the kiln

I have been firing since last week. This is the last bit of the kindergartens' fairy tale characters (peeking out from under the 1/2 shelf), and the first of the grade 6 vessels. They are an akward size to fire. Often I place them on their sides, but without any pressure on the handle. When the kiln is loaded, the pieces are in their most fragile (green) state. And the handles are extemely vulnerable to damage. The bisque fire at cone 04, leaves them a rich terra cotta earthenware.