Starting a hobby farm or homestead is exciting—but deciding which animals to raise first can be a little overwhelming. With so many adorable options out there, it’s tempting to go all-in on every creature that catches your eye. But not all animals are beginner-friendly, and choosing the right ones can make your first year of farming a lot smoother.
At Andersen Acres, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) which animals are easy keepers and which ones might need a bit more experience, infrastructure, or patience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best—and trickiest—livestock to start with when you’re just beginning your backyard farm adventure.
🥇 The Best Backyard Livestock for Beginners
🐔 Chickens
Chickens are the classic starter animal for good reason. They’re low-maintenance, space-efficient, and incredibly rewarding. They provide fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a steady supply of compostable manure. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids involved in animal care.
Pros:
- Easy to house
- Simple diet (commercial feed + kitchen scraps)
- Egg production!
- Friendly and fun to watch
Cons:
- Need predator-proof housing
- Can be noisy or messy if unmanaged
- Broody hens might stop laying for a while
🦆 Ducks
Ducks are another excellent option, especially if you have wet areas or a small pond. They’re generally hardier than chickens when it comes to cold and wet conditions, and their eggs are prized by bakers.
Pros:
- Very cold-hardy
- Pest eaters (especially slugs!)
- Gentle personalities
- Strong egg layers (some breeds lay more than chickens)
Cons:
- Need access to water for bathing
- Can be messier than chickens (wet bedding!)
- Loud quacking, especially from females
🐐 Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy Goats
Small goats are curious, social, and full of personality. They’re great for small-acreage farms, as long as you have secure fencing. Goats can be used for milk, brush clearing, or simply as beloved companions.
Pros:
- Entertaining and friendly
- Provide milk (if bred)
- Eat brush and weeds
Cons:
- Expert escape artists
- Require secure fencing and shelter
- Need regular hoof trimming and parasite management
🐇 Rabbits
Quiet, compact, and relatively easy to manage, rabbits are a wonderful option for smaller homesteads. Whether you’re interested in raising them for meat, fiber, or just as pets, they’re a low-noise, low-smell addition to your backyard setup.
Pros:
- Quiet and calm
- Space-saving (great for urban setups)
- Good for meat or manure
- Breed and grow quickly
Cons:
- Sensitive to heat
- Can have specific dietary needs
- Need protection from predators and drafts
⚠️ Livestock That Might Not Be Ideal for Total Beginners
These animals are wonderful, but they may require more infrastructure, knowledge, or long-term planning than most first-timers are ready for. That doesn’t mean you can’t raise them—but do your homework and be prepared!
🐄 Cows
They need a lot of space, feed, and strong fencing. Milking cows require daily commitment and knowledge about udder health, breeding, and feed quality.
🐖 Pigs
While pigs are smart and lovable, they’re also powerful diggers and can be destructive. Their care needs—especially housing and handling—can be intense for a first-time farmer.
🐎 Horses and Donkeys
Equines aren’t typically considered “livestock” in the traditional sense, but many new hobby farmers want them. They require specialized knowledge, regular hoof and dental care, and more space than many other animals.
🐑 Sheep
Sheep are sweet and productive, but they are prone to parasites, foot problems, and specific dietary issues. If you’re new to animal care, they can be a bit tricky to manage at first.
🧭 A Few Tips Before You Get Started
- Start small. You don’t need every animal all at once. Begin with one or two species and learn the ropes before expanding.
- Focus on infrastructure. Good fencing, dry shelter, and secure feed storage are more important than fancy feeders or decor.
- Connect with others. Find local homesteading groups, co-ops, or online communities for advice and moral support.
- Do your homework. Read, ask questions, and watch videos. Each species comes with its own set of quirks and challenges.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Starting your own backyard farm is incredibly rewarding—but it’s also a learning curve. By choosing beginner-friendly animals like chickens, ducks, rabbits, or small goats, you give yourself a solid foundation to build on. Over time, as your skills grow, you can expand your animal family with confidence.
