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Deciding when, how, and which livestock to add to your farm or homestead is a personal preference. Regardless of how big or small they are, all livestock come with chores, feeding, and shelter needs. Considering the needs of the animal, and what you hope to gain from having them can help you make choose livestock that will be the right fit for your family farm or homestead.
Kinder goats were our family’s first entry into the world of homestead livestock. (Read more about why we love our Kinders here!) They seemed like a good place to start. We didn’t have space for large animals like horses or cattle, and at the time I was terrified of chickens. I did eventually get over that fear, (the things we do for our children!) and we added a few hens the year after getting our goats. Now that we’re on a bigger property we’ve added cattle and hogs to the farm.
How Do You Know Which Livestock to Choose?
Choosing to add livestock to your farm or homestead is a big commitment! There are many things to consider as you decide which animals may be the right fit for your family.
How Much Space Should You Have For Animals?
There is no definitive answer! While it is easier to keep livestock on a rural property, it can also be done in town – as long as your local zoning and ordinances permit them. Chickens, rabbits, and even goats may be good options for urban homesteads. A growing number of towns and cities have passed laws allowing homeowners to keep small numbers of these livestock in their backyards. If you are considering this option, please check your local codes for information.
As a general rule, the larger the animal, the more space it needs. For instance, chickens and rabbits are quite content in small coops or hutches with limited outdoor space. Horses and cattle, however, need more space and larger shelters. They are big animals and are happiest with pasture access for grazing; though they can be penned if you intend to feed them hay. A good source of feed for your livestock is a key consideration, whether you plan to feed seasonally or year-round.
Although it’s not directly related to space requirements, waste management is another important factor to consider. Animals confined to smaller spaces will need their pens cleaned more frequently to prevent smells and help keep them healthy. You should also keep in mind that some types of animals produce more waste than others, (Cornish Cross chickens are notoriously stinky!)
What Do You Hope to Gain From Getting Livestock?
Are you looking for a companion animal or a source of meat, milk, or eggs for your family? Your answer to this question will help you narrow down the type of animal(s) you want. Some livestock can serve one or more of these needs. Chickens, for example, can provide eggs and meat for your family and are considered pets by some people.
Deciding what you hope to gain from raising livestock will also help you decide between breeds of livestock. Various breeds have been selected through the years for their production characteristics. Some excel at meat production, while others have been bred for their dairy, fiber, ornamental, or temperament characteristics. Many livestock species also have breeds that are considered dual-purpose, meaning they have been selected and bred from more than one use.
How Much Time Do You Want To Commit?
There are a couple of different ways to look at the time commitment for keeping livestock. First, you need to consider their daily care. Every time you add another species of livestock you’re adding daily chores to your schedule. Some livestock only requires you to check feed and water once daily and can be left for a day or two if you plan ahead. Others require twice daily (or more) care. How much room does your schedule have for extra chores?
The second consideration is your long-term commitment. How long will you have this livestock? Are these short-term or long-term projects? Meat animals are a shorter project – you will have them for a few months. Dairy, fiber, or breeding animals, however, are a years-long commitment. The length of time you will be committing to these animals is and important factor for your decision.
Livestock is a wonderful addition to a farm or homestead. We love ours and have enjoyed adding to the farm over the years. If you take the time to consider the space requirements, time commitment, and purpose for the livestock, it will help you make in choosing livestock that are right for your family!
- How to Choose the Right Livestock For Your Family
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