how long should i keep them separate?

[alice]

my hen has three little chicks which she hatched they are separated from teh rest of the group 5 other hens and 1 rooster, how long should they be keep apart also i have three cats which i want to lern to love the chicks any hints? they get on fine with the full grown hens but have been sitting outside the chicks encloser watching them like hawks!!!???

 

[peepkeeper]

Keep the little guys away from the big guys for 4-5 weeks, till they have their feathers and are big enough to fend for themselves. I'd keep the cats away, too! If they're used to chickens the novelty of new chicks will wear off.