The fact that only healthy and vigorous chicks can later become successful breeding and exhibition animals not only sounds logical but can also be actively influenced by the poultry breeder – among other things, through the choice of the right chicken feed.
Basics of Modern Poultry Breeding
In modern purebred poultry breeding, it is now common to hatch the offspring in an incubator. Thus, the young animals lack the protection, warmth, and guidance of the hen. Therefore, the role of the breeder becomes all the more important, as they must create the appropriate environment for the chicks to enable healthy growth. This includes the right temperature, not too high stocking density in the chick home, chick-friendly bedding, suitable drinking and feeding containers, and of course, the right chick feed for rearing.
Generally, young animals are referred to as chicks until the 8th week of life. After that, they are distinguished between pullets and cockerels. In the first eight weeks of life, chicks have enormous growth potential, which naturally requires appropriate feeding. For many medium and heavy breeds, as intensive rearing as possible is often desirable, with full utilization of this potential for maximum, healthy gains. Much can be achieved here through the choice of the right feed.
From Chick Starter to Rearing Feed
In the first three weeks of life, an intensive rearing is recommended with a chick starter in meal form with a high energy and protein content, such as the Mifuma Chick Starter Premium. The feed with the fine structure is gladly eaten by the chicks in the first days and is particularly suitable for larger breeds. If the feed intake of the young animals is to be further stimulated, the mixture can additionally be combined with Mifuma Special Mix Premium Crushed.
After the 3rd week of life, the chicks should slowly be switched to a chick rearing feed. In the Mifuma poultry program, breeders will find the Chick Rearing Premium in Meal Form and as Pellet. In the first days of the feed change, we recommend mixing the starter feed with the chick rearing feed so that the animals can best cope with the change and no stress arises. Too much excitement increases susceptibility to diseases.
For small to medium poultry breeds, the Chick Rearing Premium Meal is the optimal feed, which is excellently equipped with all important nutrients and is also particularly well absorbed.
However, those who wish to continue intensive rearing feed the Chick Rearing Premium as Pellet. This achieves higher feed intake, excludes selection, and overall more weight is achieved. At the same time, all important nutrients, minerals, and trace elements for healthy growth are included.
Chick Rearing Feed with Natural Coccidiosis Management
Breeders who want additional natural coccidiosis protection will find the Chick and Pullet Rearing in our range. The chick feed in crumb structure combines the advantages of meal and pellet feeds, ensuring good feed intake, healthy growth, and optimal supply. Additionally, it offers a safety concept as protection against diseases. The protection complex has a prebiotic and simultaneously antibacterial effect, promotes gut health, and strengthens the immune system of your poultry.
We wish all poultry breeders always good breeding!
Further information on Mifuma's poultry feeds for breeding as well as on chicken feeds for self-suppliers and home farmers can be found here!
