Keeping chickens for beginners - The complete Swiss guide
Keeping chickens for beginners is attractive in Switzerland: fresh eggs, live animals in the garden and a step towards self-sufficiency. Anyone starting out in a Swiss canton should consider the legal framework (TSchG/TSchV), neighborhood and location right from the start. This guide brings together practical tips on housing, exercise, feed, health, breed selection, costs and seasonal tasks - with orientation values that have proven their worth for most municipalities. This ensures a safe, animal-friendly and sustainable start - from the first coop plan to the first egg shell in your own nest.
- Before starting to keep poultry, register (mandatory) and check additional licensing/building regulations depending on the canton/commune; observe TSchG/TSchV.
- Stable dry, draught-free, predator-proof; outdoor run all year round and partially covered.
- Proven guidelines are at least around 2 m² of well-structured house space for small hobby groups and a maximum stocking density of around 4 hens per m² in the house. For the run, around 10 m² per hen or more has proven to be a good guideline - depending on ground conditions, weather and the possibility of rotating areas.
- Feed: Complete feed for laying hens, daily fresh water, grit and sand bath; hygiene prevents parasites.
- Rough costs: Start approx. CHF 600-2,000, ongoing approx. CHF 10-25 per hen/month (feed, bedding, animal health).
- Choose breeds according to climate and purpose: robust landraces are usually ideal for beginners.
- Plan seasonal tasks: summer heat/sun protection, winter frost protection and drinking water care.
- Involve neighbors, use roosters only with consideration for noise.
Keeping chickens for beginners: how do you plan the right start in Switzerland?
A successful start begins with a clear plan. In Switzerland, the TSchG and TSchV form the basis, supplemented by cantonal and communal regulations. Since 2010, registration has been mandatory for every poultry farm - including hobby farms. Registration is carried out via the cantonal coordination office or via the animal traffic database/Agate. In addition, depending on the canton, building permits for stables or other requirements may apply. Contacting the municipal administration and the cantonal veterinarian at an early stage saves time and avoids later adjustments.
What neighborhood issues need to be clarified?
Chickens are comparatively quiet, but roosters crow. In densely built-up areas, a rooster can lead to conflicts. Distances to neighboring properties, odor (litter management) and allergen issues (dust) should be addressed openly. Clear positioning of the coop, regulated turnout times and clean areas are the best way to keep neighbors happy.
Hen house and run: What dimensions, equipment and safety standards are sensible?
How big should the coop and run be?
As a tried and tested guideline, a minimum of around 2 m² of well-structured henhouse space for small hobby groups and a maximum stocking density of around 4 chickens per m² in the henhouse apply. These are recommendations - the TSchV does not define any fixed area values for hobby farms. In practice, larger sheds are more comfortable for small hobby groups (3-6 hens). For hobby farms, around 10 m² of run per hen has established itself as a good practical value. However, this value is not prescribed by law. More space reduces stress, feather pecking and disease pressure.
What equipment is mandatory - what is nice-to-have?
Safe perches (approx. 4-5 cm wide, rounded), laying nests (approx. 1 nest per 3-4 chickens), food and water points, a separate sand bath and a predator-proof run with a net or roof are mandatory. Frost protection drinkers, automatic flaps, cameras or wind protection blinds are optional - often practical in Swiss winters.
How does the run become predator-proof?
Protection from foxes, martens and hawks is essential. Close-meshed fences close to the ground (mesh size approx. 19 mm), buried 30-40 cm deep or angled outwards, and a net or roof on top are tried and tested. Doors should be secured with bolts and consistently closed at night. In mountainous areas, apron plates also help to prevent digging. Bush islands provide cover from birds of prey.
- Daily eggs and valuable compost from litter and manure
- Living garden care: reduction of snails and insects
- Education for children and connection to agriculture
- Regular barn hygiene and protection against parasites
- Seasonal extreme weather (heat, frost, snow)
- Legal requirements and neighborhood management
Feeding, water and health: What do laying hens need every day?
Feed and water quantities (orientation values)
Laying hens need a complete feed with a balanced protein and mineral content. As a guide, adult animals consume approx. 110-130 g of feed per day, plus free access to grit (mussel shells/stones) for calcium and digestion. Water is the most important "feed": approx. 200-300 ml/day per chicken, more in hot weather. Kitchen scraps only in small, unseasoned quantities and never spoiled.
Sand bath & coop hygiene
A dry sand bath with fine sand/earth and some wood ash helps against external parasites (e.g. red mite). Weekly manure board cleaning and regular litter changes keep ammonia levels low. Rinse drinking bowls daily, avoid algae formation. Prevention is better than treatment.
Vaccinations, epidemics and reporting obligations: What needs to be considered?
There is currently no approved vaccine against Newcastle disease in Switzerland. Switzerland is considered officially free of ND; in the event of an outbreak, official lockdown and culling measures apply. Other vaccinations - such as against Marek's disease, infectious bronchitis or coccidiosis - may be advisable depending on the veterinary practice and type of husbandry, but there is no general vaccination requirement for hobby farms.
Choice of breed: Which chickens suit the climate, purpose and space?
Robust, friendly breeds with good laying performance and cold tolerance are suitable for beginners. Hybrid chickens often lay very reliably, while traditional landraces score points for their longevity and character. At higher altitudes, hardy breeds with dense feathering are ideal. The following overview provides orientation values.
Daily routine, seasons and practical tips: How do you organize your daily routine?
Daily routine
- In the morning: open stable, check feed/water, short health check (gait, comb, appetite).
- During the day: scratching, sand bathing, shady areas; additional water points in summer heat.
- In the evening: collect eggs, close hutch, exclude predators.
Seasonal priorities
- Winter: Frost-free water, dry litter, avoid draughts; light energy boost in feed (orientation value).
- Summer: Shade, ventilation, wet cloth over drinking trough to prevent overheating; electrolyte water during hot spells (orientation value).
- Spring/autumn: Intensify parasite control, update vaccination/deworming schedule (after veterinary advice).
Five quick starter tips
- 1 Start small and gain experience before the flock grows.
- 2 Plan the hutch for cleanability: smooth surfaces, removable manure boards, good accessibility.
- 3 Divide the run into zones and rotate so that grass can grow back.
- 4 Biosecurity: shoes/gloves for the coop, no foreign birds without quarantine.
- 5 Keep documentation: Feeding, health events, laying performance - recognize patterns.
Costs and budget: What should you realistically expect?
The total costs depend on the size of the coop, equipment and region. For beginners (approx. 3-6 hens), a one-off cost of around CHF 600-2,000 is realistic (coop, fence, basic equipment, animals). Ongoing costs include feed, bedding, animal health, electricity/water and occasional maintenance. The following calculation serves as a guide.
- Feed: approx. CHF 0.50-0.90 per chicken/day (quality, organic content, region)
- Bedding/disinfection: approx. CHF 8-20/month in total for a small flock
- Animal health (vaccinations/consultations): approx. CHF 50-150/year (fluctuating)
- Electricity/water/maintenance: approx. CHF 5-15/month
Avoid mistakes: What beginner's traps are there - and how do you avoid them?
- Too little space: leads to stress and feather pecking - better plan generously.
- Moist litter: favors respiratory problems - pay attention to ventilation and roof overhangs.
- Wrong feed: kitchen waste is no substitute for complete feed - avoid deficiency symptoms.
- Inadequate protection against predators: weak lock, large wire mesh - prefer small, sturdy wire.
- Late detection of disease: establish short daily checks.
Sustainability in the chicken garden: How do you close cycles?
Chickens turn leftover feed into eggs and fertilizer. A compost cycle (litter + manure + green waste) creates nutrient-rich substrates for the vegetable garden. Mulch paths in the run and rotational areas protect the soil. Surplus eggs can be seasonally exchanged with neighbors - this strengthens the local community.
Conclusion and next steps
Keeping chickens for beginners is successful when planning, animal welfare and practice go hand in hand: legal clarifications, a predator-proof coop, a spacious run, balanced feeding and clean routines. If you start small, you learn quickly and can expand your flock later on. Next steps: Enquire with the municipality/canton, draw up a sketch of the coop, check the budget, select breeds and compile a list of materials. This way, there is little standing in the way of your first breakfast egg from your own garden - sustainable, animal-friendly and typically Swiss.
