If you have a large backyard, you might be wondering what kinds of animals you can raise in it. While you might be limited by zoning laws or other factors (like owning a farm), there are still plenty of options for anyone with a little space to spare. Here are 10 animals that can be raised in the backyard:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Raising backyard farm animals has many benefits, including access to fresh meat and eggs |
| Chickens are one of the easiest and most popular farm animals to raise in your backyard |
| Before starting your backyard farm, research local regulations and restrictions |
| Providing adequate animal care, including food, water, and veterinary care, is crucial |
| Backyard farming can provide educational opportunities for children |
| Different farm animals require different amounts of space and maintenance |
| Larger animals like goats and cows require more space compared to smaller animals like chickens and rabbits |
| In addition to meat and eggs, animal manure can also be used for fertilizing gardens |
Bantams
Bantams are a variety of chickens that have been bred to be smaller than their full-size counterparts. Because they’re smaller, they require much less space to live in. Additionally, because bantam chickens do not lay as many eggs as the larger breeds and are generally more expensive to feed and care for, raising bantams is also more economical.
Bantams are also good for people who want to raise chickens but live in urban areas where zoning laws prohibit keeping regular chickens outside (or if you just don’t have room). A lot of cities consider backyard poultry raising a nuisance because it causes odors from poop and feathers, as well as noise pollution from crowing roosters at dawn every morning!
However, since bantam hens don’t take up much space or produce much waste compared with larger breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Barred Rocks (which can grow up to 20 pounds!), there’s less chance of complaints being filed against your property development project by neighbors who aren’t interested in having their quality of life ruined by loud noises emanating from an obnoxious animal living next door!
If you’re raising chickens in your backyard, it’s essential to ensure that the eggs you consume are safe for consumption. Learn more about how to keep your family safe by reading our vet’s guide on backyard chicken egg safety
Chickens
Chickens are a great option for those looking to raise animals in the backyard. They’re easy to care for, so you don’t need as much space as some other types of livestock. They also spread their own fertilizer (called chicken manure), which is great for your garden!
Chickens provide several benefits to the environment and your health:
- Chicken manure is full of nutrients that help plants grow
- Their eggs are high in protein and low in cholesterol, making them good for you
- They eat pests that damage crops – especially slugs!
If you have a large backyard or live on a farm, raising chickens can be profitable as well! Chickens lay eggs at different times depending on their breed; some will only lay one every other week while others may produce up to three per day! Selling these fresh farm goods is an easy way to make money without having any startup costs except buying chicks or eggs (or keeping old hens who’ve stopped laying).
Pigeons
Pigeons are easy to raise and can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be eaten, but they’re not exactly the most attractive birds. Pigeons have been used as racing animals, homing pigeons (that return home), and even for pest control.
Pigeons are generally good foragers and will find their own food. A small flock will only need supplemental grains or pellets if you want to keep them healthy and happy throughout the year. They do require some cage space (a lot depends on how many there are), but they don’t need extra heating in cooler climates since they’re comfortable near humans with body heat alone!
Did you know that eggs from your backyard chickens can be healthier than store-bought eggs? Find out why and how you can ensure that the eggs you collect are as nutritious as possible with our guide to raising backyard chickens.
Guineas
Guineas are small, noisy birds that can be raised for their meat and eggs. They’re not a good option if you have children or pets because they can fly into a tailspin of shrieking when startled—and then they poo everywhere. But if you don’t mind the guinea noise, these little critters are easy to raise and will produce plenty of food in return for your labor.
Guineas are also good for pest control; they eat ticks, grubs, worms, and other creepy-crawlies that might otherwise munch on your flowers or vegetables (or children).
Just be aware that guineas are not really made for confinement: being isolated from their flock is bad news for them; it’s been known to cause depression and even death!
Cattle
Cattle, or cows, are an excellent choice for the backyard farmer. These animals are extremely easy to raise in a small space and can produce both food and transportation. Cows are not only useful but also adorable!
Cattle need a lot of space: a minimum of 8 acres for one cow or two mature bulls (bulls have horns), with at least 1 acre per additional animal. You’ll also need plenty of food, water and fencing to keep predators out cows aren’t very good at defending themselves from predators like wolves or bears on their own!
Backyard chickens are not only a great source of eggs but also play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy environment. Discover the environmental benefits and more by checking out our guide to raising happy and healthy backyard chickens.
Rabbits
Rabbits are nocturnal, so they sleep during the day and come out to play at night. They make great pets for small children because they’re very curious and easy to handle but sometimes have a tendency to be aggressive towards other animals.
They are also good sources of protein, which makes them good candidates for your backyard farm.
Rabbits require a minimum of 3 square feet per animal in addition to their water supply, food bowl and nesting box (for pregnant or nursing does).
These critters can be raised in any type of enclosure as long as there is adequate space for them to move around freely without getting tangled up by wire mesh walls/pens; however, outdoor cages tend not provide adequate protection from predators such as raccoons or hawks so it’s important that you check on your rabbits often if you plan on keeping them outdoors.
Sheep
Sheep are a great choice for first-time farmers, as they’re easy to raise, can be raised in a small space, and will eat just about anything you give them. They are very social animals and can be trained to follow you around like a dog.
Sheep also produce milk, wool, and meat all of which can be sold at the market for extra income. If you have children who want to help out on your farm, sheep require less attention than other livestock such as cows or horses. You’ll need a small pen where the ewes (the females) can give birth safely; otherwise, they may wander off into danger while giving birth!
Wondering if chickens are right for your backyard? Take a look at our vet’s advice on the benefits of backyard chickens to learn more about what you can expect and how to care for these feathered friends.
Goats
Goats are easy to raise and can be trained easily. They’re also very good for the environment as they eat weeds and brush. Goats are also good for meat or milk, so you can sell them to make money! They’re also great companions, especially if you have children!
Benefits of Raising Goats
| Benefits |
|---|
| Goats are easy to raise and require less maintenance compared to cows |
| They provide a source of fresh milk and meat |
| Goat manure makes excellent fertilizer for gardens |
| Goats can help manage weed and brush overgrowth on your property |
| They are social animals and can be friendly companions |
| Goats can be trained to pull carts and do other work on the farm |
| They are adaptable animals that can thrive in a variety of climates |
| Raising goats can provide an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge about animal care |
Ducks
Ducks are one of the easiest animals to raise in the backyard. They don’t take up much space, they eat household scraps and vegetables from your garden, and they provide eggs and meat for your family.
Ducks have also been shown to be great for mosquito control if you live near water; their constant splashing keeps them busy and away from biting at people who are outside.
Ducks can be kept in a large pond or in a kiddie pool with an automatic waterer attached to it so that you never need to worry about refilling it yourself!
If you live in an area with no land available, however, ducks can still be easy pets—just make sure that whatever container you put them in has enough room for their feathers (which grow very quickly) before deciding whether or not this farm animal is right for your family!
Grass may be the standard for most backyards, but it’s not the only option! Check out our guide to alternatives to grass for tips on landscaping without it.
Turkeys
Turkeys are hardy animals that can be raised in the backyard. They’re also good foragers, making them a great choice for those who want to raise their own meat without needing to use costly feed.
Turkeys have a reputation for being difficult to keep alive, but with proper care and planning, it’s possible to raise healthy turkeys in the garden or on an urban homestead.
Although turkeys are large birds, they don’t require much space at all! Even if you live in an apartment or small house, you can still raise your own flock of turkeys! All it takes is some creativity and careful planning and that’s exactly what we’re going over today!
Benefits of Raising Backyard Turkeys
| Benefits |
|---|
| Turkeys are hardy animals that are adaptable to a variety of climates |
| They can be raised for meat, eggs, and feathers |
| Backyard turkeys require minimal maintenance and can be raised with other poultry |
| Turkey manure makes excellent fertilizer for gardens |
| Backyard turkeys are generally quiet and can be friendly with their owners |
| They can help control unwanted insects and pests in your backyard |
| Raising turkeys provides an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge about animal care |
| Turkey meat is lean and rich in nutrients, making it a healthy source of protein |
Conclusion
Raising animals in the backyard is a great way to get your kids involved in the process of creating food. It can also be a great learning experience for them as well as an opportunity for them to try new things like cooking.
There are many different types of animals that can be raised in your backyard, so make sure you do some research about each one before deciding which one fits best for what you want out of it!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on raising backyard animals:
Smaller Farm Animals You Can Keep in Your Yard: This blog post provides a list of small farm animals that can be raised in your backyard.
Backyard Farm Animals 101: This comprehensive guide from Martha Stewart covers everything you need to know about keeping farm animals in your backyard – from chicken coops to goat pens.
The 10 Best Farm Animals: This blog post highlights the top ten farm animals that are easy to raise and manage.
FAQs
What are the easiest farm animals to raise in your backyard?
Some of the easiest farm animals to raise in your backyard include chickens, ducks, and rabbits. They all require minimal space and maintenance, and can provide useful products like eggs and meat.
Do backyard farm animals require a lot of space?
The amount of space required for backyard farm animals depends on the type and number of animals you have. Generally, chickens and rabbits require less space compared to larger animals like goats and cows.
Is it legal to raise farm animals in your backyard?
The legality of backyard farming differs per location, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations in your area before starting your backyard farm.
What are some benefits of raising backyard farm animals?
Raising backyard farm animals can provide a variety of benefits, including access to fresh eggs and meat, using the animal manure for fertilizing gardens, and providing educational opportunities for children.
What do I need to consider before starting a backyard farm?
Before starting a backyard farm, you need to consider the logistics of animal care, including feeding and watering schedules, veterinary care, and providing adequate living environments. It’s also important to check local regulations and restrictions on backyard farming.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.