Welcome to My Happy Hen, your beginner guide to European and Swiss chicken-keeping. Whether you're starting with your first flock or expanding your knowledge, we're here to help you create the perfect environment for happy, healthy hens.
Before bringing your hens home, make sure that you have a secure coop, enough outdoor space, protection from predators, clean bedding, suitable feed and reliable access to fresh water. Chickens need a calm, dry place to sleep, a safe area to scratch and forage, and a routine that keeps their food and water clean.
Your basic setup should include:
In Switzerland, keeping poultry comes with specific legal requirements. Most cantons require registration of your flock, especially if you have more than a few birds. Check with your local Canton agricultural office (Landwirtschaftsamt) for specific regulations in your area. Some Cantons have restrictions on rooster ownership due to noise concerns. Understanding these requirements upfront ensures you stay compliant and avoid potential fines.
Registration helps the veterinary services contact keepers quickly if there is a disease outbreak. For official information, visit the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office:
Feeding:
Good feed can be wasted quickly if hens scratch it onto the ground or if rain or pests get into it. A proper feeder helps reduce waste, keeps the feed drier and makes it easier to monitor how much your flock is eating. For small backyard flocks, choose a feeder that is easy to fill, easy to clean and suitable for the number of birds you keep.
Clean Water
Hens need access to fresh water every day. Open bowls are easy to tip over and quickly fill with dirt, bedding and droppings. A dedicated chicken water drinker helps keep the water cleaner, reduces spills and makes your daily routine easier. Choose a drinker based on your flock size, your hen's age and how much cleaning you want to do.
Most coop problems start small: damp bedding, dirty drinkers, spilled feed or hidden red mite. A simple routine helps keep your hens healthier and your coop more pleasant.
Use this rhythm as a starting point:
Starting your chicken journey doesn't have to be complicated. Our Starter Essentials collection brings together everything you need to create a safe, comfortable home for your flock. From secure coops to reliable feeders and drinkers, we've curated products that work together to support healthy, happy hens. Whether you're in the Swiss Alps or the lowlands, our selection is designed for European chicken keepers who want quality and reliability.
If you are not sure where to start, begin with the essentials: one reliable feeder, one clean-water system, nesting materials and basic hygiene products. You can add extras later as you learn what your flock needs.
Your starter essentials: