Thinking about keeping your first laying hens in the garden? Good news: with the right breed and a little suitable equipment, backyard chicken keeping is within everyone's reach, even in town or on the edge of it. This guide helps you choose a breed that suits beginners and the Swiss climate.
What makes a good laying hen for beginners?
Not all breeds are equal when it comes to regular laying and easy care. For a first family flock, choose a breed that ticks these boxes:
- Lays regularly all year round, including in winter
- Calm, sociable temperament that suits children
- Copes well with the Swiss climate (cool winters, sometimes damp summers)
- Needs little daily care
Three popular breeds to consider
The Sussex: a safe choice for beginners, laying 200 to 250 eggs a year – including in winter – with a temperament known as one of the most docile in the backyard. Read our complete guide to Sussex chickens.
The Silkie: less productive (100 to 150 eggs a year), but much loved as a pet hen thanks to its affectionate nature and unique fluffy plumage. Ideal if you want a companion as much as a layer. Discover the Silkie in detail.
Commercial hybrid hens (such as brown hybrids): the most productive (up to 300 eggs a year), but not a traditional breed and sometimes less hardy over the long term.
Essential equipment to get started
Whichever breed you choose, a well-equipped coop makes all the difference from the first weeks:
- A comfortable, clean nesting box that is easy to clean, to encourage regular laying in the right place.
- A drinker that keeps water clean at all times – hens drink a lot, especially when laying.
- A feeder that limits waste and protects feed from damp and pests.
The easiest way to start is one of our starter kits, which combine a 15 L drinker and a 15 kg feeder for 2 to 8 hens:
You can also buy each item separately: feeders, drinkers and nesting boxes designed for small family flocks of 2 to 12 hens.
In summary
Whether you choose a productive Sussex, an affectionate Silkie or another breed, what matters most is healthy housing and the right equipment. Need help equipping your coop? Browse our full range of chicken accessories.