Yes, backyard chickens are permitted in Switzerland, but compliance with federal and cantonal regulations is mandatory. The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) sets baseline standards, while cantons and municipalities impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban areas. Recent 2026 amendments to the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV) tighten biosecurity and flock size limits to mitigate avian influenza risks.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Switzerland
- Flock Registration: All chicken owners must register their flock with the cantonal veterinary authority (e.g., Veterinärdienst des Kantons Zürich) within 30 days of acquisition. Failure to register risks fines under the Tierseuchenverordnung (Animal Epidemic Ordinance).
- Biosecurity Measures: Mandatory coop disinfection protocols and visitor restrictions apply, especially in high-risk zones (e.g., cantons bordering France or Germany). The 2026 TSchV revisions require physical barriers to prevent wild bird contact.
- Urban Zoning Restrictions: Municipalities like Geneva and Basel enforce strict limits on flock sizes (typically ≤10 hens) and prohibit roosters in residential zones. Cantonal building codes may also dictate coop construction materials (e.g., non-flammable roofing).
Additional local permits may be required for feed storage or waste disposal. Violations of biosecurity or welfare standards (e.g., inadequate coop ventilation) can trigger inspections by cantonal animal welfare officers. Consult the Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (BLV) for updated cantonal directives.