Chicken keeping for beginners - The complete Swiss guide 2025

The smell of fresh eggs for Sunday breakfast, the soothing clucking in the garden and the certainty of knowing where your food comes from - more and more Swiss families are discovering the fascination of keeping their own chickens. What just a few years ago was mainly found on farms is now conquering suburban gardens from Zurich to Basel. Keeping chickens for beginners is now easier than ever, but there are still important basics to consider.

Switzerland offers ideal conditions for hobby chicken keeping: strict animal welfare laws ensure high standards, a natural environment enables species-appropriate husbandry and proximity to experienced farmers provides valuable support. But before the first hens move into your garden, there are a few important steps to consider - from legal registration and the right choice of hen house to species-appropriate feeding.

This complete guide takes you step by step through all aspects of keeping chickens for beginners and prepares you for a successful start in the wonderful world of feathered garden dwellers.

Legal basics: registering to keep chickens in Switzerland

Before you start keeping chickens for beginners, you need to know the legal framework. In Switzerland, all poultry farming - even private hobby farming with just two chickens - is subject to registration. This regulation serves to prevent animal diseases and enables rapid action to be taken in the event of an emergency.

Registration with the cantonal coordination office: Registration takes place with the cantonal coordination office, usually the veterinary office or the agricultural authority of your canton of residence. You will receive a TVD number (animal movement database) that uniquely identifies your farm. This registration is free of charge and must take place before the first chickens move in.

Notification obligation and flock register: You are obliged to keep a flock register in which all entries and exits of chickens are documented. For hobby keepers, a simple list with the date, number and origin of the animals is usually sufficient.

Commune-specific regulations: In addition to the cantonal regulations, municipalities may have their own regulations. Ask your local authority about this:

• Minimum distances to neighboring properties
• Maximum number of chickens permitted in residential areas
• Special requirements for cockerels (noise protection)
• Possible licensing requirements

Important note: Registration must take place before the first chickens are purchased. Retroactive registrations can lead to fines.

Chicken breeds for beginners: making the right choice

Choosing the right chicken breed is crucial for success when keeping chickens for beginners. Different breeds have different needs, character traits and laying performance. Robust, easy-care breeds with an even temperament are particularly suitable for beginners.

Ideal breeds for beginners:

Swiss chickens:

• Appenzeller Spitzhauben: Hardy, lively, good layers (180-200 eggs/year)
• Swiss hen: Robust, calm, medium laying performance (160-180 eggs/year)

Proven international breeds:

• New Hampshire: Very robust, good beginner breed, trusting (200-220 eggs/year)
• Orpington: Calm, child-friendly, also lays in winter (180-200 eggs/year)
• Wyandottes: Hardy, beautiful plumage, good laying performance (180-200 eggs/year)
• Araucana: Special feature: greenish-blue eggs, robust (160-180 eggs/year)

Hybrid chickens for beginners: Hybrid chickens are also an option for absolute beginners. They are particularly robust, have high laying performance (280-320 eggs/year) and are less susceptible to disease. The disadvantage is that they cannot be used for breeding.

Group size for beginners: Start with 3-4 hens. This group size is manageable, fulfills the hens' social needs and provides around 15-20 eggs per week - perfect for a small family.

Chicken breeds in detail:

Various breeds that differ in laying performance, character and robustness are particularly recommended for beginners. New Hampshire hens are very productive with 200-220 eggs per year, have a calm and trusting character, are very hardy and are therefore ideal for beginners. Orpington hens lay 180-200 eggs a year, are characterized by their very calm nature, are also very hardy and are considered the ideal breed for beginners. Wyandottes lay 180-200 eggs per year, have a balanced character, are very hardy and well suited to beginners. Appenzeller Spitzhauben also lay 180-200 eggs a year, are more lively in character, very hardy and good for beginners. Hybrid hens stand out with their high laying performance of 280-320 eggs per year, are calm in temperament, have good winter hardiness and are very suitable for beginners due to their robustness.

Basic equipment: what you need to keep chickens

The right basic equipment is essential for successful chicken keeping for beginners. Well thought-out initial equipment saves you having to buy more later on and ensures optimum conditions right from the start.

The chicken coop - the centerpiece: A good chicken coop offers protection from the weather and predators, sufficient space and all the necessary facilities. For 3-4 chickens you need at least 2-3 m² of coop space at a height of 1.8 m. Important equipment features:

• Perches at different heights
• At least one nest per 3-4 chickens
• Good ventilation without draughts
• Secure closures against predators

Run and fencing: Each hen should have at least 10 m² of run space. The run must be securely fenced (at least 1.8 m high) and ideally partially covered to provide protection from birds of prey. Ready-made run enclosures are available from CHF 129 for smaller areas to CHF 799 for large areas. Models with integrated sun protection (e.g. Hans run, Blaze) are particularly practical.

Feeding and watering systems:

• Automatic feeders or troughs (elevated)
• Drinking troughs with fresh water (change daily)
• Grit containers for digestion
• Possibly separate containers for additional feed

Care and cleaning:

• Manure scoop and broom
• Disinfectant for regular stable cleaning
• Bedding (wood shavings, straw or hemp bedding)
• Dust bath material (sand, wood ash)

Cost of basic equipment:

• Budget chicken coop: CHF 389-999 (e.g. Nelson coop)
• Mid-range chicken coop: CHF 1,400-2,500 (e.g. Henrietta coop, Eggy series)
• Premium chicken coop: CHF 3,500-5,000+ (e.g. Stall Lucky, Bern)
• Run/enclosure: CHF 129-799 (depending on size and quality)
• Feeding and watering systems: CHF 100-200
• Care and accessories: CHF 150-300
• Total budget entry: CHF 800-1,500
• Total comfort entry: CHF 2,000-3,500

Tip for beginners: Models between CHF 1,400-2,500 are best suited for the first chicken coop. They offer solid quality without breaking the bank. Very cheap coops under CHF 1,000 are often too small or not very durable.

Correct feeding: Healthy chickens through species-appropriate nutrition

Proper feeding is a key element in keeping chickens for beginners. Chickens are omnivores, but their diet should be balanced and adapted to their needs.

Complete feed as a basis: High-quality complete feed for laying hens should make up 70-80% of the diet. It contains all the important nutrients in an optimal composition. You can expect around 120-140 grams of feed per hen per day.

Supplementary feed and treats:

• Green feed: grass, lettuce, vegetable scraps (uncooked)
• Grains: Wheat, barley, corn for variety
• Protein sources: Worms, snails (natural foraging)
• Kitchen scraps: vegetable peelings, fruit scraps (in bulk)

Forbidden foods:

• Chocolate and confectionery
• Raw beans and potatoes
• Onions and garlic
• Moldy or rotten food
• Salty or spicy food

Feeding times and quantities: Feed twice a day: about 60% of the daily ration in the morning and the rest in the evening. Chickens are permanent feeders and should always have access to food. Fresh water should be kept available around the clock.

Grit and shell limestone: Chickens need grit (small stones) for digestion and shell limestone for stable eggshells. Both should be available in separate containers at all times.

Feeding schedule for beginners:

• In the morning (7-8 am): Main feeding with complete food
• During the day: Free foraging in the run
• Afternoon: Possibly green food or treats
• Evening (5-6 pm): Remaining daily ration
• Always available: Water, grit, shell lime

Health and care: looking after chickens properly

Healthy chickens are the basis for successful chicken keeping for beginners. With the right care and attention to signs of illness, you can recognize and treat most problems at an early stage.

Daily health check: Observe your chickens daily for behavioral changes. Healthy chickens are active, have clear eyes, smooth feathers and normal appetite. Warning signs are apathy, loss of appetite, diarrhea or sticky eyes.

Common problems and solutions:

• Mites: Red bird mites are the most common problem. Prevention through regular barn cleaning and dust baths
• Worms: Regular fecal samples at the vet, targeted treatment in case of infestation
• Colds: In the event of draughts or stress. Warm, dry stables and rest usually help
• Laying distress: In overweight hens. Veterinary treatment required

Vaccinations and prophylaxis: In Switzerland, no vaccinations are required for hobby hens. Vaccinations may be advisable for flock sizes over 25 animals. Seek advice from a veterinarian with poultry experience.

Clean the coop regularly:

• Daily: remove droppings, refresh litter
• Weekly: Clean nests, clean drinkers thoroughly
• Monthly: Complete hutch cleaning with disinfection
• Half-yearly: Basic cleaning with liming of the walls

Emergency tip: Make a note of the telephone number of a vet with poultry experience. In an emergency, every minute counts.

Step-by-step guide: The first month with chickens

The first month is crucial for successful chicken keeping for beginners. This step-by-step guide will help you through the critical acclimatization phase.

Week 1 - Arrival and acclimatization:

1. Day 1: Carefully place chickens in coop, observe first few hours
2. Day 2-3: Leave the chickens in the coop so that they accept it as their "home"
3. Day 4: First controlled run under supervision
4. Day 5-7: Establish a normal routine, check several times a day

Week 2 - Develop routine:

• Maintain fixed feeding times
• Daily health check
• Expect first eggs (depending on the age of the hens)
• Start cleaning the coop

Week 3 - Build confidence:

• Getting hens used to your voice
• Hand feeding for confidence building
• Use treats as a reward
• Regular observation of group dynamics

Week 4 - Optimization:

• Possible adjustments to the coop or run
• Adjust feeding as required
• Document initial successes
• Long-term planning (winter preparation, etc.)

Checklist for the first month:

• Chickens have settled in
• Feeding routine established
• First eggs laid
• No signs of illness
• Coop hygiene is working
• Trusting relationship established

Summarized: The most important points for beginners

• Observe the obligation to register: All chicken keeping in Switzerland is subject to registration - even with just two chickens
• Choose the right breed: Start with robust, beginner-friendly breeds such as New Hampshire or Orpington
• Appropriate group size: 3-4 hens are ideal for beginners and a small family
• Quality basic equipment: Invest in a good coop and secure fencing
• Species-appropriate feeding: High-quality complete feed as a basis, supplemented with natural treats
• Daily care: Health checks and coop hygiene are essential for healthy chickens
• Patience during the acclimatization phase: The first month is crucial for long-term success

Frequently asked questions about keeping chickens for beginners

How many chickens should I buy as a beginner? Start with 3-4 hens. This group size is manageable, fulfills the chickens' social needs and provides about 15-20 eggs per week for a small family.

Do I really have to register my chickens? Yes, in Switzerland every poultry farm must be registered, even if there are only two chickens. Registration is free of charge and is carried out at the cantonal coordination office.

Which chicken breed is best for beginners? New Hampshire, Orpington and Wyandotte are ideal breeds for beginners. They are robust, have an even temperament and are forgiving of beginners' mistakes.

How much does it cost to keep chickens for beginners? The initial equipment costs CHF 800-3,500, depending on the quality level. A solid mid-range coop (CHF 1,400-2,500) plus run (CHF 200-400) is ideal for most beginners. Running costs are around CHF 200-400 per year for 4 chickens (feed, bedding, vet).

Do I need a rooster to keep chickens? No, hens lay eggs even without a rooster. A rooster is only necessary for breeding and protecting the flock, but can cause noise problems with neighbors.

When will my hens lay their first eggs? Pullets start laying at the age of 18-22 weeks. If you buy hens that are "ready to lay", you will usually receive eggs within the first week.

How often do I have to clean the henhouse? Remove droppings daily, clean nests and drinkers weekly, clean the entire coop monthly. A clean coop = healthy chickens.

What happens to my chickens on vacation? Organize vacation care in good time. Neighbors, friends or professional animal sitters can take over daily feeding and inspection.

Can I sell my own eggs? As a hobby farmer with a few hens, you can sell surplus eggs to friends and neighbors. Commercial sales require permits and hygiene regulations.

What do I do if a hen gets sick? Separate sick chickens, keep them warm and quiet. If the symptoms are serious, contact a veterinarian experienced in poultry immediately. Early treatment is crucial.

Conclusion: Your successful start to keeping chickens

Keeping chickens for beginners is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that can be a complete success with the right preparation. With its strict animal welfare laws and natural environment, Switzerland offers ideal conditions for species-appropriate chicken keeping. With this guide, you have laid the foundations for a successful start.

Remember: every experienced chicken keeper was once a beginner. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn from the experiences of others. Local small animal clubs, online forums and experienced neighbors are valuable sources of knowledge.

Start with solid basic equipment, choose beginner-friendly chicken breeds and take the first steps carefully. With patience, attention and the right attitude, you will soon be enjoying happy chickens and fresh eggs from your own garden. The path from beginner to experienced chicken keeper begins with the first courageous step - and this guide will accompany you on this journey.