[Jo57]

Minnie and chick are doing well. (I'm no expert so still not sure if  girl or boy but is very cute) They live in a small coop, with small run under where they scratch, which is in the main area of garden dedicated to my hens and free range under strict supervision so I can keep an eye on our cats although they are scared of Minnie so ok for now. My question is once Minnie decides her mothering duties are over would it be best to keep chick on its own in coop as will not be big enough to scare cats on its own or will Minnie and Bess keep cats at bay as they do usually. I suppose I am worried she will be lonely on her own watching the other 2 out to play but want her to be safe too. Mo has just hatched 5/6 (so far) so that crew will be 4 weeks behind. They are in a rabbit arkwith run. I'm loving this but always something new to worry about. Glad you guys are out there to help!

[marygall]

I think that they will fend off the cats from the chicks - mine do.
I kept the chicks in a run for about three weeks till mum got so sick of being restricted, she made escape attempts - they are all fine and the cat didn't do any damage to the chicks.

[Jo57]

Thanks. I have just been out watching. One of the cats came to be near me and tried to settle into a dust bath and was warned off by Bess. So far Minnie and chick have only been out while I am nearby but it is getting harder to get them back when I need to be somewhere else. I am being a bit anxious...

[ANHBUC]

I coax mine with food or if I can corner mum I get her in the coop run and leave just enough gap for the chicks to squeeze through as she calls to them.  They are getting more independant now so sometimes it is a case of sheep/hen herding and making an area near the coop run to corral them back.  I just hope the neighbours don't video it!    

[Jo57]

  I think Minnie's chick is not the brightest (even if the cutest) as it races all over the place anyway except coop entrance. Think food is the best option. I also hope neighbours aren't watching especially when I am out there in pyjamas.

[ANHBUC]

You're not a proper chicken keeper until you have been out in your pj's to let them out.     It is part of the dress code!

[cheekychick22]

Im in pjs every time lol and sometimes at night letting them in