I've found the best way to grind up flakes is to put about half a teaspoonful, doesn't really matter how much, into a flat bottomed container. I use an empty shallow fish food pot. Use the back of the spoon to grind the flakes almost to powder. If you then damp the tip of the spoon in the water, shake of the excess, then put just the end into the powder, make sure you don't have too much, and then dip this into the tank. The food will slowly sink to the bottom and the fry will eat it on the way down. Better to do this a couple of times with a very small amount. My fish have got the hang of this really quickly, and it stops the food wizzing round on the surface. Mum will eat some of this as well, but you can give her the odd larger flake. If you can get a microworm culture going, they love this and it's really easy.
As to taking her out, where would you put her the next time she has young and the time after that. Just plant up a corner of your tank. Even some stones or marbles piled up a bit will give some protection. and nooks to hide in. She may get stressed if she's moved too much especially after just giving birth. Don't forget, if not many survive this time, get the tank prepared for next time, coz it won't be that far away!
