Poultry farming in Switzerland is a well-established sector that feeds the Swiss market with high-quality chicken, turkey, and duck meat. Because of increased consumer demand for chicken products, the poultry business has grown significantly. Switzerland has around 1,200 poultry farms, producing approximately 1.3 million tonnes of chicken meat each year.

Starting a Poultry Farm in Switzerland

What is poultry farming in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, poultry farming is a highly mechanized operation that involves growing chickens, ducks, geese, or turkeys for meat or eggs. Large-scale Swiss poultry farms often employ advanced housing and husbandry technologies.
The majority of Swiss poultry farms are located in the canton of Zurich, which accounts for more than 80% of the country’s chicken output. The cantons of Bern and Basel-Land are also prominent poultry producing regions.
Swiss poultry producers raise a diverse range of chicken, duck, goose, and turkey products, including entire birds, meat pieces, eggs, and feathers. Poultry farming is an important aspect of the Swiss agricultural industry.

Steps to start a poultry business in Switzerland

1.Do your homework: Doing your research is the first step in launching any business. This is especially crucial for a poultry farming business because there are several aspects to consider before getting started. For example, each species of bird has distinct housing and feeding requirements, so choosing the proper breed for your farm is critical.

2. Create a business plan: Once you’ve decided on the sort of poultry you want to raise, you should create a business strategy. This will assist you in determining your farm’s startup expenses as well as how much money you’ll need to reinvest each year to keep your business functioning.

3. Find the perfect location: One of the most important factors in starting a successful poultry farm is finding the perfect location. You’ll need enough land for the housing and pasture space required for your chosen type of poultry. The land should also have access to water and electricity.

4. Build or buy chicken coops: Chicken coops (or houses) are where your birds will live. They need to be big enough for the birds to move around comfortably, with enough ventilation to keep them healthy. You can either build your chicken coops or buy prefabricated ones. Build or purchase the necessary infrastructure for your poultry farms, such as chicken coops, feeders, and waterers.

5. Obtain the appropriate permits and licenses: Apply to the Swiss government for the relevant permits and licenses. To run a chicken farm in Switzerland, you must receive a permission from the cantonal agricultural office. Before applying for a permit, be sure you are aware with all of the restrictions and procedures.

6. Purchase your flock of birds from a reliable breeder or hatchery and raise them in accordance with your business plan. Purchase healthy birds that are well-suited to the Swiss environment. Raise your birds in accordance with best methods, providing them with high-quality food and care. Check them on a regular basis for symptoms of disease and parasites, and treat them as soon as possible if necessary.

7. Marketing: Market your poultry products to customers in your area.

The cost of establishing a poultry farm in Switzerland

The cost of establishing a poultry farm in Switzerland varies according on the size and scope of the enterprise. However, certain general start-up costs are shared by the majority of Swiss poultry farms. In Switzerland, the average cost of establishing a chicken farm ranges between 10,000 and 12,000 CHF. This figure covers the cost of chicks, housing, equipment, and supplies. The cost of establishing a chicken farm will vary based on its size and kind.

Poultry production methods in Switzerland

Poultry farming in Switzerland is a significant agricultural sector, with over 1.2 million chickens being kept for egg and meat production. Most of these are kept in intensive systems, with around 70% laying hens and 40% broilers being raised this way. There are several reasons for the popularity of intensive poultry farming in Switzerland.

The main reason is that it is a very efficient way to produce eggs and meat, with a high output per bird. This is especially important in a country like Switzerland, where land is at a premium. Another reason for the popularity of intensive poultry farming is that it allows farmers to keep their costs down. This is because large numbers of birds can be kept in relatively small spaces, so fewer staff are needed to care for them.

Is poultry farming profitable in Switzerland

• In Switzerland, poultry farming may be a very lucrative industry. To decide if poultry farming is the correct choice for you, you’ll need to take into account a variety of aspects, such as the sort of chicken you want to produce, the market for your product, and the cost of production. However, you may create a prosperous company that offers nutritious food to Swiss customers and brings in a nice income for you and your family with careful planning and execution.

 

• Regarding the housing and maintenance of their birds, Swiss poultry producers are subject to stringent rules. The necessities for food and drink, as well as physical activity and medical care, are all covered by these rules. To stop disease from spreading among their birds, poultry growers must also follow stringent biosecurity guidelines.