You have some land and want to learn about raising livestock. Is it for you? There’s much to learn, including the best animals for larger acreage or more compact farms and backyards.
Livestock
With firsthand experience raising animals, we discuss the importance of choosing the right animals for your space, property, time, and goals. We provide extensive information on miniature cattle, goats, pigs, and other livestock.
Some Factors to Consider
Before bringing animals to your hobby farm, consider:
Shelter – You will need to consider protection from cold or hot weather, rain, and more. Animals also need protection from predators and somewhere safe to sleep.
Feeding – How much do they eat and how often to feed them.
Guarding – This includes information on livestock guardian animals and guardian dogs; fencing; and their overall area to live and roam.
Overall health and wellness
Many homesteaders choose to raise animals for milk or meat. They may want them for a more off-the-grid lifestyle or to earn money. Others keep animals as part of a larger survival or prepping plan.
Whatever your reasons for considering them, learn what you need so you can make an informed decision.
When researching livestock and farm animals, you might come across wethered goats. They’re known for their specific advantages, which is why diversifying with wethered goats might be a great next step for your herd. This … Read more
The gestation period of some animals is longer than others. Hence, if you’re keeping goats and planning on breeding them, it’s useful to know how long are goats pregnant. Below, we share some important information … Read more
If you’re keeping bulls or thinking about it, you may wonder, “What do bulls eat?” However, knowing what a bull eats is one thing and how much to feed it is quite another. You should … Read more
There are many pig breeds to consider raising. Whether you have a small hobby farm or are new to the world of homesteading, raising pigs is a satisfying and worthwhile pursuit. When you think about … Read more
Bison vs Buffalo – Are you confused about the difference between buffalo and bison? It’s common to confuse them. Learn about the difference between these grass-eating mammals. What sets them apart? Is there really a … Read more
Animals with horns and antlers can be found around the world, whether at the peak of mountaintops or backyard family-owned farms. If there’s one thing to be said about these fascinating beings, they are likely … Read more
Alpaca vs Llama – There are different types of livestock that one can raise. You will never run out of options, but we personally have a sweet spot for alpacas and llamas. They are such … Read more
Are Nigerian dwarf goats friendly? Let’s talk about why these little powerhouses are increasingly being welcomed onto hobby farms and hearts! Here’s what to know about owning Nigerian dwarf goats. These dwarf goats are proof … Read more
Many hobby farm animals could be classified as the best farm animals. It really depends on your space, the condition of your property, how much room you have, the vegetation that is growing, how much … Read more
Mini milking cows have boomed in popularity thanks to their adaptability to smaller urban farms and their significant output of delicious milk. For farmers who have less space for housing their cattle or who might … Read more