Chick rearing in Switzerland: the basis for healthy growth

Chick rearing in Switzerland combines a love of animals with practical knowledge and a good deal of responsibility. Anyone raising chicks for the first time quickly realizes that, in addition to the heat source and feed, the legal situation, barn hygiene, barn climate and the harsh Swiss weather are decisive for success and well-being. With solid preparation, well thought-out routines and an eye for detail, you can get off to a successful start: from the right brooder and safe heat lamps to the right chick starter, from registering the hen house to low-stress integration into the parent group. This guide brings together tried and tested tips from Swiss hobby farms: You will learn about the requirements of animal welfare legislation, how to adjust the temperature and humidity week by week, which breeds prove themselves in the CH climate and how to avoid typical rookie mistakes. In this way, you can create a healthy environment, save effort and costs - and accompany your animals professionally through the most sensitive weeks of their lives.

Whether you already keep chickens or are just starting out: The following sections take you step by step through planning, equipment, feeding, safety and group management. The aim is stable, animal welfare-compliant chick rearing in Switzerland, which is fun and produces robust, well-balanced animals in the long term.

Background information on chick rearing in Switzerland

Keeping chickens in the garden is gaining momentum in many places, and chick rearing in Switzerland fits in with this: it allows the flock to be rejuvenated in a natural way and consciously influences health and socialization. It also strengthens the relationship with animals and nature, teaches children and makes them less dependent on commercial providers.

If you raise chicks yourself, you actively help to shape their feeding, environment and choice of breed, thereby promoting resilience and behavior. This approach is enriching, but requires consistent hygiene, clear daily routines and an understanding of the needs of young animals - especially in the sensitive first phase of life.

Legal framework conditions in Switzerland

Legally compliant chick rearing in Switzerland is governed by the Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Ordinance with minimum requirements for space, care, climate and protection from pain, harm and fear. Private holdings must be registered; the cantonal veterinary services provide support and information on obligations and disease prevention.

Anyone ordering hatching eggs or importing animals must comply with epidemiological regulations and any protective measures. For larger flocks, training and, if necessary, permits are required; in hobby farming, the focus is on hygiene, daylight, sufficient space and regular animal inspections. More detailed information can be found in the Animal Welfare Ordinance (as of 01.02.2025, PDF) on admin.ch, the FSVO dossier on keeping chickens on blv.admin.ch and current import and protective measures for poultry and hatching eggs at the FSVO.

Typical challenges for beginners

Many keepers underestimate temperature control, humidity, barn hygiene and feed selection - all key factors in chick rearing in Switzerland. Especially in spring, cold nights can quickly become a risk if the heat supply, draught protection and dry litter are not right.

The choice of breed also needs to be considered: Some breeds are sensitive to the cold or require more space and activity. If you inform yourself early on and plan a realistic time and cost budget, you can avoid stress, losses and behavioral problems later on.

Preparing for chick rearing

The right breed for Swiss hobby farmers

Robust, cold-resistant dual-purpose breeds are ideal for stable chick rearing in Switzerland. In addition to personal goals (eggs, meat, ornamental chicken), climate adaptation, space requirements and temperament are also important. Calm, social animals make later integration and everyday life easier.

Popular options are Sussex, Appenzeller Spitzhaube and Bresse: They are considered hardy, frugal and suitable for families. Mediterranean breeds such as Leghorn or Andalusian are more heat-loving; choose breeds that are similar to the Swiss climate and look for reputable breeders with healthy parent stock.

Necessary equipment for chick rearing

Reliable basic equipment makes it possible to plan chick rearing in Switzerland. Automatic incubators with temperature, humidity and turning control as well as alarm functions are suitable for artificial incubation. In addition, you need a controlled heat source, a safe rearing enclosure and easy-to-clean feed and water points.

• Incubator: Automatic models with stable temperature and humidity control, turning device and alarm are ideal for reproducible hatching results.
• Heat source: Infrared lamp with thermostat or warming plate, depending on group size and room climate; outdoor use only well protected and IPX-certified.
• Chick house or rearing enclosure: escape-proof, draught-free and well ventilated; dry litter (e.g. wood shavings) and non-slip floor are mandatory.
• Feeders and drinkers: Tilt-proof and splash-proof models keep feed and water clean; low edges make it easier for chicks to access.

In addition, disinfectants, thermometers, bedding reserves and mineral supplements should be included in the supplies. Proven sources of supply in Switzerland include Landi, Lehner Landtechnik and Heiniger AG; specialist retailers offer a wide selection of incubation and rearing equipment online.

Creating the right environment

Temperature and humidity in the chick house

Temperature control determines vitality and feed intake - and therefore the success of every chick rearing in Switzerland. Start directly under the heat source at 35-37 °C, lower the temperature by around 3 °C every week and aim for an environment of around 20 °C from week 5. Pay attention to behavior: Crowding signals cold, panting and fleeing signals heat.

• 35-37 °C for newly hatched chicks
• Reduce by approx. 3 °C every week
• From week 5, ambient temperature is sufficient (approx. 20 °C)

For artificial incubation, the ideal humidity is 45-55 %, for hatching (day 19-21) around 65 %. During the rearing phase, good ventilation, dry litter and regular cleaning prevent moisture build-up and ammonia contamination.

Adaptations in winter and summer

In spring and fall, the climate in Switzerland often cools down considerably at night. Place the rearing box in a draught-free, insulated room, use thermostat control and check with a second thermometer. In this way, chick rearing in Switzerland remains stable even during cold spells.

There is a risk of overheating in summer. A location in partial shade, sufficient fresh air without draughts and temperature control are crucial. Always assess the group picture: even distribution and calm pecking indicate well-being.

Safety and hygiene

Young animals are susceptible to germs and stressors; structured hygiene protects chick rearing in Switzerland from losses. Change the litter every one to two days, clean the feeding and watering places daily with hot water and use tested disinfectants according to the instructions.

Predator protection includes double-walled fencing, lockable windows, motion detectors and protection against burrowing in the outdoor enclosure. Small-mesh fences keep out martens and cats; covered aviaries offer protection from birds of prey and the weather.

Feeding and caring for the chicks

Get the diet right from the start

Balanced feed is the basis of all chick rearing in Switzerland. From day one, use chick starter with 18-20% crude protein and all essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Swiss suppliers such as UFA, Qualipet or Lehner Landtechnik offer suitable starter and follow-on feed.

From week 4, many keepers switch to pullet feed. In addition, oregano preparations for defense or feed lime for bone development can be useful. Kitchen waste, bread and pure grain mixtures are unsuitable for chicks and disturb the nutrient balance.

Water access and hygiene

Fresh, clean water must be available around the clock - this applies to all chick rearing in Switzerland. Low plastic drinkers with a drip edge prevent drowning and keep the environment dry; the location should be shaded and away from the heat source.

Clean drinkers daily with a brush and hot water and change several times in hot weather. Flat pebbles in the drinker reduce the risk of immersion and cooling in very young chicks.

The most common mistakes and how to avoid them

Lack of space and overcrowding ("overcrowding")

Too little space causes stress, injuries and disease pressure and slows down every chick rearing in Switzerland. Plan at least 300-400 cm² per chick, significantly more from week 4, and create zones for food, rest and warmth.

Cramped conditions encourage feather pecking and cannibalism. Occupational material, raised perches and privacy screens reduce conflicts; regular observation helps to take early countermeasures and restructure groups.

Incorrect light and heat control

Unbalanced heat is indicated by clumping or panting and fleeing. Position heat sources so that there is a temperature gradient and read the animals' behavior - this keeps chick rearing in Switzerland stable and stress-free.

Bright, flicker-free light with gentle dimming supports food intake and orientation. 12-16 hours of brightness is considered practical; avoid harsh, punctual light without retreat zones.

Long-term planning and integration

Timing, health status and group management

Between weeks 6 and 8, chicks can join the adult group if they are healthy, symptom-free and sufficiently large. Planned steps ensure chick rearing in Switzerland until the flock is stable: first visual contact through fences, then short joint feedings and finally careful reunification.

• Health check of all animals before reuniting
• Retreat areas and several feeding places to prevent food envy
• Integration in the early morning when the group is calm

Keep a close eye on them for the first few days and separate them if aggression persists. Peace, space and structure are the best conflict resolvers.

Is chick rearing economically viable?

A realistic calculation will help you decide. Costs for incubators, heat sources, feed, bedding and accessories are incurred for around ten chicks in the initial phase; reusable technology pays for itself after repeated use. This means that rearing chicks in Switzerland is not only a project close to your heart, but can also be planned.

• Incubator: 150-300 CHF
• Heat lamp/heating plate: 30-120 CHF
• Feed and bedding (3 months): 60-100 CHF
• Other equipment: approx. 50 CHF

On the other hand, there are robust, self-selected animals, less dependence on the market and more transparency about origin and rearing - a plus for animal welfare and quality.

Community and resources in Switzerland

Networks, groups and forums

Practical experience is worth its weight in gold - especially for chick rearing in Switzerland. Regional associations, exchange groups and forums make it easier to get started, help with breed selection, barn construction and health issues and occasionally provide hatching eggs from trustworthy sources.

Sources of supply and specialist advice

Use the services of the cantonal veterinary services, expert vets and Swiss specialist retailers. Husbandry information, checklists and leaflets provide a solid basis; many retailers also offer courses or advice on hatching, rearing and housing technology.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about rearing chicks in Switzerland:

• Do I have to register my chicken rearing operation?

  Yes, every poultry farm is registered with the cantonal authorities so that information can be provided quickly in the event of an epidemic. Check the information provided by your canton and the FSVO information.

• When are the chicks allowed outdoors?

  After a complete change of feathers and stable weather conditions. Start with short, warm periods of the day and provide access to a dry, draught-free retreat zone at all times.

• What temperatures are right for the first few weeks?

  Start at 35-37 °C under the heat source, then lower by around 3 °C every week until the ambient temperature is sufficient from week 5 - always check the animals' behavior.

• Which feed is suitable for chicks?

  Chick starter with 18-20% crude protein from day one, fresh water around the clock and a gradual switch to pullet feed from week 4.

• How do I integrate young birds into the older group?

  Gradually: first visual contact, then feeding together, integration in the morning and several feeding places. If aggression persists, separate them temporarily.

Conclusion: Success with knowledge and patience

If you internalize planning, hygiene and animal observation, you can master chick rearing in Switzerland, even in a changeable climate. With robust breeds, reliable technology and clear routines, you can guide your animals safely through the first few weeks and lay the foundations for a healthy flock.

Build on local networks, official resources and consistent housing practice - then small chicks will grow into strong chickens. Do you have any questions or would you like to start rearing your chickens? Contact an expert advisor in your region or plan your next rearing cycle with our team - step by step, practical and suitable for CH.