The first weeks of life are crucial for the development of healthy and resilient poultry stocks. A needs-based feeding lays the foundation for rapid growth and high vitality. This article presents proven feeding concepts for chicks, tailored by the experts at Mifuma to meet the different requirements of the animals.
First Life Phase – Feeding in the First Days
Newly hatched chicks need a feed in the first days of life that optimally prepares the digestive tract and supports them in learning to take in food. The special mix Premium grits has proven itself here, a specially prepared chick grit that facilitates food intake due to its fine structure. This special feed is particularly suitable for the first two to three days after hatching or as a treat in between.
From the First Week – Differentiation by Breed Size
From the first week, breed size plays a crucial role in choosing the right feed:
- Small and medium-sized breeds: Due to the lower energy and protein requirements, chicks of small and medium breeds can start with Mifuma Chick Rearing Premium directly from the first week. This is available as meal and 2 mm pellet and is fed until the 8th/9th week of life. For dwarf breeds, feed the food until laying maturity.
- Medium and large breeds: In the first three weeks of life, chicks of larger breeds receive Chick Starter Premium in meal form. This protein-rich feed contains all essential nutrients for healthy growth and intensive rearing. Subsequently, switch to Chick Rearing Premium in meal or pellet form here as well.
After the 9th week of life, switch to Young Hen Premium Meal or Pellet or Young Rooster Premium Pellet, depending on the orientation of the animals. This distinction allows for a targeted feeding program - adapted to the needs. The young hen should progress slowly in development and be individually supported by the feed for breeding or exhibition. Young roosters, on the other hand, require a more strongly dosed feed for growth, which meets the development of muscles, skeleton, and plumage. If you want to feed your young roosters a feed in meal form, you can fall back on our Chick Starter Premium.
Alternative Feeding with Natural Coccidiosis Management
Especially in breeding stocks where coccidiosis problems have already occurred or vaccination is omitted, our crumbled feed Chick and Young Hen Rearing is a sensible choice.
- The use starts from the first day of life until reaching laying maturity.
- The included natural additive for effective coccidiosis management supports the animals regarding coccidia, cryptosporidia, and other pathogenic protozoa.
- The crumb structure combines the advantages of meal and pellet and is ideally eaten by the animals due to its homogeneous appearance – without selecting.
- If animals are vaccinated against coccidiosis, Chick and Young Hen Rearing must not be fed for a period of 10 days. After the break, it can be used again as usual.
After reaching laying maturity, switch to a high-quality laying hen feed. In our range, you will find various options, such as Laying Meal Premium or Eco, Full Power Meal or -pellet or products from our Nature Line in Mifuma organic quality – entirely to your taste.
Conclusion – Successful Chick Rearing Begins with the Right Feeding
Choosing the right chick feed is a crucial factor for rearing vital, robust poultry stocks. The Mifuma feeding concepts offer individually tailored solutions for breeders to ensure needs-based supply. Whether with the special mix grits, the chick starter, or through targeted coccidiosis management with our Chick and Young Hen Rearing – with the right strategy, performance, vitality, and rearing success can be sustainably optimized.
