The Best Beginner Animals for Your New Hobby Farm.

Raising animals, especially as a beginner, can be intimidating, especially if you are new to homesteading. If you are nervous about adding livestock to your hobby farm, this list of the best farm animals for beginners will help calm your fears.

Homesteading tips that will get you back on track in setting up a viable homestead for you and your family.

Unless you were born into a farm family, starting a homestead from scratch can seem like an overwhelming task. What should you grow, what should you raise, how much room do you need, how hard will it all be? Today, my goal is to help you answer two of those questions – what you can raise, and what you need to know to raise them.

What is a hobby farm?

A hobby farm is small-scale farming that has a sampling of many different areas. Hobby farms are great for families who want to enjoy farming without it being their main source of income. Hobby farms are great for living a self-sufficient lifestyle and creating a wonderful learning experience for families.

What you have on your hobby farm is all up to you. Here are a few ideas:

Livestock
Gardening
Fruit growing
Energy sources
Composting
Pastures

Let’s explore a list of options you can consider of livestock that is on the easier level of farming.

Best Farm Animals to Raise for Beginners

Raising farm animals has many benefits. Not only do they provide a source of food, eggs, milk, and fiber, but they also can bring in a source of income, helping to offset some of the setup and care costs.

Our list is split up to include easy care options and medium care options. Start out with the easy, and as your confidence grows, you can add a few of the medium options rounding out the animals you have.

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Easy to raise animals

First are the animals that are easy to prepare for as well as easy to care for. These animals require the least amount of space, making them a good option for small setups.

#1. Chickens

Chickens are often the go-to choice for beginner homesteaders. They are relatively easy to raise, require minimal space, and provide a steady supply of eggs. Not many chickens are needed to supply a family with eggs. Smaller families may only need a couple of chickens and that means a much smaller and compact coop is needed.

Housing: Chickens need a coop and enclosed run to protect them from predators. You will want 4 square feet of coop space for each chicken and square feet of space in the outside run.

a chicken coop and run with a blooming apple tree in front copy

Breeds to Consider: Some popular choices for beginners include Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, and Leghorns.

More Chicken Raising Resources:

Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, 3rd Edition Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, 4th Edition: Breed Selection, Facilities, Feeding, Health Care, Managing Layers & Meat Birds Raising Backyard Chickens: 30-Day Guide to Raising Happy Chickens for Eggs and Meat, Providing Complete Information on Breeds, Housing, Feeding, Health Care and More!Building Chicken Coops: The Comprehensive Guide On How To Build The Perfect Chicken Coops.

#2. Ducks

Ducks are another great option for beginners. They are hardy, easy to care for, and provide a variety of benefits. Not only do they lay eggs, but their manure is excellent for fertilizing your garden!

Housing: If you plan to raise chickens, you can house your ducks in the coop with your flock. You will want to include a water source since ducks need to be in the water daily. However, a kiddie pool will work just fine if you do not have a pond.

ducks and chickens outside in the winter drinking from a water bowl copy

Breeds to Consider: If you plan to raise ducks primarily for egg production, consider getting Khaki Campbells or Indian Runners. If you want them for meat, Pekin ducks are a popular choice.

#3. Bees

Raising bees can be a rewarding experience for beginners and a great addition to a hobby farm. Not only do they provide honey, but they also help pollinate your garden and increase harvest yields. Honey is always in high demand meaning you can sell excess honey for a profit.

Housing: Bees need to have shelter to keep them protected from the weather, room to build a comb, and to raise their young.

To get started with beekeeping, it is essential to do your research and learn about the necessary equipment and maintenance. You can also join local beekeeping clubs or take courses to gain more knowledge and support.

#4. Rabbits

Rabbits are an excellent option for beginners because they require minimal space, are relatively easy to care for, and provide a great source of protein. They also reproduce quickly, making them an efficient option for meat production.

Housing: Rabbits need an individual hutch if you are not breeding or an open pen if you are.

a group of rabbits in a pen with a hay feeder in the middle

Breeds to Consider: Popular breeds for beginners include New Zealand Whites, Californians, and Mini Lops. Keep in mind that rabbits need a steady supply of fresh hay and vegetables to stay healthy

Animals that need moderate care

Now, let’s look at a few options to consider if you are ready to add to your livestock. The following animals are still relatively easy but do require more care than the easier animals. These animals also require more space and may not be a good fit if you have a smaller setup.

#1. Goats

Goats may seem intimidating to beginners, but they can be an excellent addition to your homestead. They provide milk and cheese, help with brush control, and are great for clearing land. Plus, they have charming personalities and are fun to interact with.

Housing: Goats will need a shelter to keep them out of the weather as well as room to graze and roam outside.

2 white and brown goats walking out from a barn into a pasture. Great beginner animals

Breeds to Consider: Some popular breeds for beginners include Nubians, LaManchas, and Boers. Make sure to provide adequate space and proper fencing for your goats to thrive.

#2. Sheep

Sheep may require a little more space and specialized care, but they are excellent for wool production, meat, and even milk. They are also great at grazing and helping maintain pastures.

Housing: Just like goats, you will need a shelter as well as room for grazing.

Breeds to Consider: Some popular beginner-friendly sheep breeds include Dorset, Suffolk, and Hampshire. Make sure to do your research on proper nutrition and shelter for these animals.

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#3. Pigs

Pigs are a popular choice for homesteaders, as they provide meat and can also be raised for their lard. They also make great pasture cleaners and can help with tilling the soil.

Housing: Pigs need a sturdy shelter to get them out of the sun. You will also need an open area for them to root and explore. Be sure to have secure fencing to keep pigs inside.

Breeds to Consider: When choosing a breed, consider Berkshire or Tamworth pigs for quality pork production. Just be sure to provide them with adequate space to roam and proper fencing to contain them..

Raising livestock on your homestead can be a fulfilling and practical way to produce food for yourself and your family. Carefully consider which types of animals are best suited for your area, and research what you need to have for food, shelter, and overall care.

By incorporating animals from this list of best farm animals for beginners, you can start your new homestead with confidence knowing you are raising livestock that is self-sufficient on their own.

Best Farm Animals for Beginners