They grow up far too quickly. This saying also applies to young poultry. It feels as though they only hatched yesterday, yet the small chicks have already grown and will soon become young birds. At this stage, it is time to switch to a special feed for young hens or young cockerels. Hens and cocks have different nutritional and feeding requirements that breeders should keep in mind. This is especially important if the birds are intended for exhibitions later on or if the poultry keeper values consistent and plentiful egg production.
For hens, for example, slow and steady maturity is important, whereas cocks benefit from an energy and protein rich diet that promotes growth and the development of breed specific characteristics. We will explain what you should pay attention to during the feed transition and what makes a good young poultry feed.
1. Separating Young Hens and Cocks
From the ninth week of life onwards, it is time to switch to a species appropriate feed for young hens and young cocks, such as Junghennen Premium Mehl or Pellet and accordingly Junghähne Premium Pellet. Male and female poultry have different nutritional requirements. For this reason, the young birds should first be separated into groups of hens and cocks so they can be fed accordingly.
2. Avoid Changing the Feed Form
Young poultry are already accustomed to a certain feed structure from their chick feed, either mash or pellets. To avoid irritation such as feed refusal and, in the worst case, malnutrition, the keeper should definitely continue with the same feed form when switching to the next feed. That is why Mifuma Junghennen Premium and Junghähne Premium are available both as grain/pellet feed and as mash.
Mix the chick feed and the follow on feed gradually over a period of about two weeks so that your birds can adapt well to the change.
3. Feed for Young Hens: What Should You Pay Attention To?
Growing hens receive a special young hen feed between the chick stage and laying maturity, such as Mifuma Junghennen Premium Mehl or Pellet. This feed contains all nutrients required for the young hens to mature into healthy and productive laying hens.
Laying eggs is a major physical achievement for hens and places considerable demands on their bodies. Young hens therefore need sufficient minerals and vitamins to support moderate growth and proper body development without stimulating egg laying too early. If a hen matures too quickly, laying maturity may begin prematurely.
The poultry feeds from Mifuma additionally contain a herbal complex that supports healthy growth and the immune system of the poultry.
4. Feed for Young Cocks: What Makes It Special?
Young cocks have high nutritional demands. From the ninth week of life onwards, they require a protein and energy rich feed that lays the foundation for strong muscle development and solid bone structure. This is additionally supported by a high mineral content.
A good balance of amino acids and fatty acids promotes broad feathering as well as shiny and robust plumage, which can make the difference of an extra point or two in exhibition birds. Based on these requirements, we developed Junghähne Premium Pellet.
For breeders who prefer feeding a mash feed to their young cocks, we recommend Mifuma Kükenstarter Premium as an alternative to Junghähne Premium Mehl, which is no longer part of our range. Kükenstarter Premium contains high levels of energy, amino acids, and proteins, providing optimal support for robust growth and the development of strong plumage.
5. Coccidiosis Management, Naturally!
For breeders who prefer a natural coccidiosis management concept, we recommend our Küken- und Junghennen-Aufzucht. This crumble feed can already be fed from the first week of life and can continue to be used for young hens until they reach laying maturity.
It is important to switch to feed for adult laying hens at the appropriate time. The protection complex has both prebiotic and antibacterial effects, promotes gut health, and strengthens your poultry’s immune system.
You can find an overview of all poultry feeds in our product overview or in our poultry programme.
