Animals for Beginning Small Farmers

Deciding to bring animals onto your small farm can be exciting. It can also be overwhelming. Here are some things to think about while deciding what animals you will raise.

First, Do Your Research

Several species work well for beginning farmers. Think about your lifestyle. Try to be realistic about how much time, space, and help you will have with your new animals. Think about the time and cost you will put into your animals and what you will get from them, personally and money-wise.
If you don’t already have a vet who works with livestock, contact one with expertise in the species you are considering.
Become an expert in animal husbandry – learn what your species needs in terms of feed, water, shelter, and enrichment.
Learn about the disease prevention steps (biosecurity) you will need to use to protect the animals on your farm.

Animals to Consider

Chickens

Pros: Raising chickens can be a great introduction to keeping animals. They are relatively easy to care for. A small flock can keep a family in eggs or meat. Remember that gg layers aren’t very good for eating, and meat breeds don’t do much egg laying, so you would need two different breeds if you want meat and eggs. Meat breeds are ready to harvest in 2 months or less. Egg breeds start laying about 5 months.

Cons: Predators can be a big problem. You will have to provide good housing to keep them safe.

Rabbits

Pros: Rabbits can be raised in a small space and quickly breed. Rabbit is uncommon in the American diet, but some find it tasty. Some rabbit breeds produce a very soft wool that can be harvested regularly and used for fiber arts. Rabbits are easy to care for, eat some table scraps, and their fecal pellets make great garden fertilizer.

Cons: They need good housing and protection from predators.

Goats

Pros: Goats are hardy animals and easy to care for. They can work well in small spaces and have fun personalities. Goat meat is a popular meal choice for some people. Goat milk may be pasteurized for human consumption. Others may use the milk to make items such as soaps and lotions.

Cons: They can have some obnoxious behaviors that get them into trouble, like head-butting, climbing on things they shouldn’t, and escaping. Male goats (bucks) have a pronounced odor when they reach puberty. Protection from predators is often required.

Honeybees

Pros: They provide versatile products, and don’t take much tending once set up. Beekeeping helps pollinators and supports sustainability in your own backyard.

Cons: There is a lot to learn before you start beekeeping. It can be expensive to get started in bees.

Sheep

Pros: Sheep are low maintenance and versatile – depending on the breed, they can produce wool, meat, and milk.

Cons: parasites are a major concern. Shearing can be an added cost. Predator protection is often required.

Ducks

Pros: Like chickens, Ducks produce meat and eggs. The eggs are bigger and taste a little different than chicken eggs. Ducks can be a nice add-on if you already have chickens.

Cons: While they are similar to chickens, ducks have different needs, including more space and, very importantly, a water source such as a pond or pool. Ducks love water, and the water source’s size depends on the flock’s breed and size. Compared to chicken, duck keeping may be a little more time-intensive. Predator protection is often required.