[CrunchyKat]

I hatched some chicks 8 weeks ago and up until now I've kept them with mum in a broody coop and run. All my other hens free range all day. I have been a bit afraid to let the mum and chicks out because I have 2 cats who are brilliant at rodent control but would just love a chick if they had a chance. Am I right to keep the chicks in the run until they are bigger or would mum protect them anyway if I let them out?? 
  Also mum's not thriving, she has lost a fair bit of weight and has  a very pale comb, if the chicks can't leave the run can they now be separated from mum?

[northfifeduckling]

She might think they are old enough to fend for themselves but sparrowhawks still find them easy dinner at this age....I would keep them all in until she is better, can you treat her with porridge, poultryspice, and fresh veg, maybe give her some worms you find? Then see if she want to go off with the other adults but keep the chicks in until they are of a decent size.

[sabrina]

I always keep chicks and hen in until hen decides she has had enough and then joins the other chickens. Then the youngsters stay in a run. Our cats have never shown any sign of trying to take a chick but then mum scares them.