The fact that only healthy, fast growing chicks can later develop into successful breeding and show animals is not only logical, but can also be actively influenced by the poultry breeder, among other things through the choice of the right chicken feed.
Fundamentals of Modern Poultry Breeding
In modern pedigree poultry breeding, it has become common practice to hatch offspring in an incubator. As a result, the young birds lack the protection, warmth, and guidance normally provided by a broody hen. This makes the role of the breeder even more important, as the chicks must be provided with the right environment to ensure healthy growth. This includes the correct temperature, avoiding overcrowding in the chick housing, suitable bedding material, appropriate drinkers and feeders, and of course the right chick feed for rearing.
As a rule, young birds are referred to as chicks up to the eighth week of life. After that, a distinction is made between pullets and young cockerels. During these first eight weeks, chicks have enormous growth potential, which naturally requires appropriate nutrition. For many medium sized and heavy breeds, intensive rearing with maximum healthy growth and full use of this potential is highly desirable. A great deal can be achieved here through the choice of the right feed.
From Chick Starter to Rearing Feed
During the first three weeks of life, a chick starter mash with a high energy and protein content, such as Mifuma Kükenstarter Premium, is recommended for intensive rearing. The fine texture of the feed is readily accepted by chicks in their first days and is particularly suitable for larger breeds. If feed intake is to be stimulated even further, the mixture can additionally be combined with crushed Mifuma Spezialmischung Premium.
After the third week of life, chicks should gradually be switched to a chick rearing feed. In the Mifuma poultry range, breeders can choose between Kükenaufzucht Premium in mash form or as pellets. During the first days of the feed transition, we recommend mixing the starter feed with the chick rearing feed so that the birds can adapt to the change as smoothly as possible and stress is avoided. Excessive stress increases susceptibility to disease.
For small to medium sized poultry breeds, Kükenaufzucht Premium Mehl is the ideal feed. It provides an excellent supply of all essential nutrients while also being particularly palatable.
However, breeders who wish to continue intensive rearing should feed Kükenaufzucht Premium as pellets. This results in higher feed intake, prevents selective feeding, and ultimately leads to greater weight gain. At the same time, it contains all essential nutrients, minerals, and trace elements required for healthy growth.
Chick Rearing Feed with Natural Coccidiosis Management
For breeders seeking additional natural coccidiosis protection, we offer Küken- und Junghennen-Aufzucht in our range. This crumble feed combines the advantages of mash and pellet feeds, ensuring good feed intake, healthy growth, and optimal nutrient supply. In addition, it provides a protective concept against disease. The protection complex has both prebiotic and antibacterial effects, promotes gut health, and strengthens your poultry’s immune system.
We wish all poultry breeders continued success and “Gut Zucht” at all times!
You can find further information about the poultry feeds from Mifuma for breeding, as well as chicken feeds for self sufficiency farmers and home farmers, here!
