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?