Low-Maintenance Farm Animals
Check out our favorite low-maintenance farm animals that make life on the homestead a bit easier. With the right setup, you can enjoy the perks of farming without all the heavy lifting, getting you back on track with your homesteading goals.
Raising self-sufficient livestock with their daily care is a homesteading tip that helps you do what you love without being tied to your setup.
When I first started homesteading, I had the energy and strength to handle everything that came with raising animals. Back then, hard work didn’t faze me. But as the years passed, even though I still felt young, my body reminded me it had other plans.
That’s when I knew it was time to adapt. I began reshaping our homestead, adding tools and systems to make it more self-sufficient—something that could almost run itself. Those changes have made all the difference.
Get tips on How to Vacation When You Have a Farm so you can get time away while ensuring the upkeep stays consistent.
Easier Ways to Homestead
Homesteading doesn’t have to be all hard work and aching muscles. There are plenty of ways to make it more manageable without sacrificing productivity—or feeling like you’re cutting corners. Think of it as working smarter, not harder.
For example, gardening in raised beds or containers not only saves space but also reduces the need to bend over endlessly. Pair that with drip irrigation, and you’ll spend far less time and energy on daily watering. Little changes like these can make a big difference, giving you more time to enjoy the rewards of your efforts.
You can do the same with the livestock you raise, choosing animals that can take care of themselves most of the time, reducing the need for your attention all of the time.
Low-Maintenance Farm Animals
Though some livestock require daily hands-on care, there are quite a few that do not. Not only are they easy to care for, but they are perfect for a low-maintenance homestead setup.
#1. Chickens
Chickens are a homestead favorite for good reason. They require minimal daily care, just regular feeding, access to water, and a coop for safety at night.
Low Care Tips: Use a continuous feeder and waterer that will give the flock what they need for several days. Install a solar-powered coop door that opens at daylight and closes at dusk to keep everyone inside at night where it is safe.
What They Give: Chickens provide a steady supply of eggs, work as natural pest control by eating bugs in your garden, and can also supply your household with meat if you choose.
#2. Ducks
Ducks are hardy birds that thrive in various climates. They need a water source to splash around in but are otherwise low-maintenance.
Low Care Tips: Ducks crave water and they will need access to a natural pond, or you can make one near their coop using a plastic setup or even a kiddie pool. Install a solar door and use auto feeders to cut down on daily care.
What They Give: Ducks lay eggs like chickens but also provide entertainment and are great for pest control in your garden.
Automatic Chicken Coop Door Solar Powered, LCD Screen, Anti-Pinch Design, Battery Powered Auto Chicken Door with Timer & Light Sensor, Aluminum Alloy, Large Solar Coop Door with Remote
Tgeyd Chicken Feeder Box 30 lbs Galvanized Metal, 6 Feeding Ports, Comes with Metal Feeder Box Stands for Chickens, Ducks, GeesePAUQRWIE Automatic Chicken Waterer with Float Valve, 3.2 Gallon Hanging Poultry Waterer with 6 Water Cups, Large Duck Quail Turkey Goose Chicken Coop Water Dispenser
#3. Goats
Goats are a great addition to any homestead, offering so much in return. They will need a shelter for protection from the weather and a fenced area for grazing during the day. Once set up, they can go for days with little attention, making them an ideal low-maintenance choice.
Low Care Tips: Goats are natural browsers, handling most of their own foraging needs without much help. They instinctively consume minerals or supplements only when their bodies signal a need, making them surprisingly self-sufficient.
To make things even easier, consider setting up a self-feeder for minerals and an automatic watering system or a large trough that needs refilling just every few days.
What They Give: Goats provide milk that can be used for making cheese, butter, even soaps, and lotions. They also provide meat and fiber depending on the breed you raise. If you have brush or overgrown areas, goats are great for keeping things under control.
#4. Rabbits
If you’re short on space, rabbits are a fantastic option. They’re quiet, easy to house in small enclosures, and can give a lot to a homestead. You can also make use of a multi-level hutch to save space and provide a more natural living environment.
Low Care Tips: Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they can mainly sustain themselves on hay. This means you won’t need to spend much time feeding them. You will need to install an automatic waterer to ensure they stay hydrated.
What They Give: Rabbit meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy option for homesteaders. Their soft fur can also be harvested and used for crafting or sold for profit. Additionally, rabbits reproduce quickly, making them a sustainable source of meat for the homestead.
CO-Z Outdoor Cat House Weatherproof Rabbit Hutch Hideout Indoor Bunny Cage, Wooden Outside Shelter for Feral Cats, Rabbits, Chicken, Small Animal, Ideal for Guinea Pigs Pigeons Ducks Tortoises, WhiteLITTLE GIANT Steel Small Animal Feeder with Lid – Pet Lodge – Small Animal Feed Box, Hold Several Days Worth of Feed, Great for Rabbits, Ferrets and Other Small Animals (7 Inch) (Item No. AF7ML)Rabbit Hutch Bunny Cage, Guinea Pig Cage Bunny Hutch Indoor, Wood Pet Cage with 4 Casters -2 Story & 2 Trays
#5. Sheep
Sheep are gentle grazers who don’t require much hands-on care if they have access to pasture and clean water. Certain hardy breeds are particularly suited for minimal maintenance, making them a versatile and manageable choice.
Low Care Tips: Sheep can largely fend for themselves, as they are hardy and adaptable animals. They primarily rely on grazing, so ensure you have enough pasture for them to graze on. You will also need to provide shelter for them during extreme weather conditions and protect them from predators.
What They Give: Sheep provide wool, milk, and meat, all valuable resources for homesteaders. Their wool can be used for crafting or sold as a source of income. Additionally, sheep manure is an excellent natural fertilizer that can benefit your garden and crops.
#6. Quail
For a small-scale farm, quail are an excellent choice. They require limited space, are faster to mature than chickens, and thrive in inexpensive enclosures.
Low Care Tips: Quail are relatively self-sufficient and require minimal care. They need a clean, dry living space with access to food and water.
What They Give: Quail eggs are a sought-after delicacy that can fetch high prices, adding extra value to your setup. They also produce lean meat that is high in protein and can be a profitable source of income.
#7. Honeybees
While not your typical low-maintenance farm animal, honeybees are incredibly low-maintenance after their initial setup. They are essential for pollination, and their honey is a valuable commodity.
Low Care Tips: Honeybees require minimal maintenance once they are set up in their hive. Regularly check on them to ensure a healthy and productive colony, but otherwise, they will largely take care of themselves.
What They Give: Honeybees pollinate your plants and produce honey and beeswax. These can be used for personal consumption or sold as additional sources of income.
Blisstime 12pcs Bee Hives Starter Kit Beekeeping Supplies, Bee Keeping Supplies-All, Bee Supplies and Equipment with Bee Smoker, Honey Bee Hive Tools for Beginners and Bee KeeperLONGADS Professional Bee Suit for Men Women, Beekeeping Suit Beekeeper Suit with Glove &Ventilated Hood, Multi-Size Bee Outfit for Backyard and Bee Keeper for Bee Keeper Catcher Christmas CostumeBlythewood Bee Company Swarm Commander Premium Swarm Lure – Crush Vials 5 Pack
#8. Pigs
While some think of pigs as high maintenance, certain breeds can be surprisingly easy to care for. They forage for much of their food and require only basic shelter and water.
Low Care Tips: Pigs need a dry, sturdy shelter to get them out of the weather, with an open area where they can root and explore. Use a continuous feeder for grain and a large watering barrel for water, and pigs can fend for themselves for several days.
What They Give: Pigs produce lean, high-quality meat that can be sold for income or consumed on the homestead.
Taking care of farm animals doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. There are plenty of low-maintenance options out there that can pull their weight without wearing you out.
Pick the right breeds, give them a sturdy and secure shelter, toss in some good food and water, and they’ll pretty much look after themselves.
Adding a few of these low-maintenance farm animals might just be the perfect way to make your setup more sustainable and, honestly, a lot more enjoyable.
