"Home farming" can be described as a part of urban agriculture, where specific animal and plant species are kept or cultivated, usually in urban outskirts or directly in the cities themselves, to be used for personal consumption. In most cases, there is no economic interest; rather, "home farming" is mainly understood as a concept for self-sufficiency for individuals or families who have come to appreciate the value of self-produced products and use them. The animals involved are the classic types known from small animal breeding, primarily poultry and rabbits, but beekeeping and aquaculture are also included, provided the conditions are met. With increasing urbanization, the desire for personal, nature-oriented livestock farming and food production in these regions is growing, almost as "mini-agriculture" in a confined space. Thus, "home farming" is gaining more and more enthusiasts, and especially in the poultry sector, overlapping structures with traditional small animal breeding are often recognized. Not infrequently, the simple desire to produce one's own fresh breakfast eggs ends in membership in a club with corresponding breeding in the club facility!
For the poultry sector, we want to look at suitable feeding concepts that can be used. First, the question arises as to which poultry species we encounter in "home farming" concepts in practice. Since it mainly involves small structured plots, front gardens, or even just balcony keeping, large and waterfowl species like turkeys, geese, and ducks are less common, as animal welfare-compliant and species-appropriate keeping is not possible in too tight a space. Among the suitable types of breed poultry, we mainly find various chicken and bantam breeds, mostly so-called dual-purpose breeds, to meet the egg and meat demand. But also fattening pigeon breeds and, in recent years, the Japanese quails, which have significantly increased in proportion due to their low space requirements, have made a strong entry into this area.
In the production of one's own products, priority is given to as natural feeding as possible, without the use of genetically modified ingredients. Additionally, there is a desire to use components from regional cultivation in the form of grains and fodder plants, as well as feeding leftovers from one's own meals. Since the available space in urban areas is often very limited, the appropriate feeding concept must be used for personal egg and meat production. In principle, there are 3 types of feeding available:
- Complete self-mixing with own components and production of the feed mixture, such as crushing, mixing, and appropriate storage.
- Use of regionally harvested grain varieties and an additional protein-rich supplement product containing vitamins and minerals.
- Feeding a complete feed that contains all necessary nutrients and active ingredients.
The choice of the appropriate feeding type is crucially determined by the availability of components, but also the time and cost factor play a role. If the small stocks are still self-bred, different feed types for chicks, young animals, and later adult animals, i.e., for each life and performance phase, are necessary.
Since "home farming" usually involves smaller animal stocks, common complete feed mixtures or supplement products are often used, which are already offered by retailers in 5 kg packages. This ensures species-appropriate and yet simple and quick feeding of the animals. In our Mifuma range, for example, there are the varieties Ornamental Poultry Breeding and Keeping ZZH or the Wellness Laying Mix, available in large 25 kg packages for larger poultry families or in smaller 5 kg packages for the small chicken team.
Of course, each of these required feed types can also be adapted as a self-mix to the respective needs of the animals with the appropriate know-how. An important reason for this is the use of self-grown grain types or legumes that are then available. Those who grow fodder plants in their own garden and want to use them in feeding their animals must acquire knowledge about protein, energy content, and also the maximum amounts of each plant type that can be used. This is very important to achieve a balanced diet for the animals without causing under- or over-supply. The plants from self-cultivation can then be fertilized with the resulting manure. This creates a certain circular economy that corresponds to the self-sufficiency idea of "home farmers."
As plants suitable for poultry feeding, the well-known grain types wheat, corn, barley, oats, and rye, but also old varieties like emmer, spelt, kamut, or green spelt can be considered. Furthermore, from non-native cultivation but occurring in the kitchen, rice and millet can be considered. As protein-rich fodder plants, the family of native legumes can be mentioned, i.e., peas, field beans, lentils, or lupins. In principle, these grains should be offered in dried or crushed form in the overall mixture. Although poultry is capable of grinding whole grains through the gizzard, grains with awns or very large grains like barley, oats, or corn are often rejected as whole grains.
As already mentioned, increasing importance is placed on ensuring that purchased feed types meet the certifications "without genetic engineering" or "organic" as complete feed or supplementary feed. With the appropriate certificates, the self-supplier can be sure that these feed types meet strict guidelines and are constantly monitored. Additionally, it is ensured that the necessary ingredients are contained in the correct ratio to produce one's own eggs or self-produced meat with healthy animals. Therefore, a large part of Mifuma products for poultry also carries the "Without Genetic Engineering" logo. Home farmers who like to use organic quality feed will also find what they are looking for with us, e.g., with Organic Full Power Flour or Grain A.
Due to simple keeping and feeding, breed poultry is a suitable animal species for "home farming," which is also ideal for newcomers in this area."
An overview of the suitable Mifuma feed can be found in our product overview.
