Starting a homestead is a rewarding journey that brings you closer to self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a connection with nature. One of the most crucial decisions in this journey is selecting the right livestock. The animals you choose will play a vital role in your homestead, providing milk, meat, eggs, fiber, and companionship.

Below, we discuss the best livestock to choose, the required care level, and how to start adding them to your homestead.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Livestock

Consider the following when selecting livestock for homesteading:

Your Goals

Before deciding on the livestock to keep, first assess your goals. Are you looking for livestock that can produce eggs, wool, milk, and meat? Or do you want animals that can aid in pest control and waste management? Understanding your needs will help make an informed decision.

Resources

All animals need the basics, like shelter, food, and water. Assess what you have in your homestead and what you can afford to get before deciding on the livestock to keep.

Space

A chicken doesn’t need the same space as a goat or cow, but 50 meat chickens need more space than five laying hens. Deciding on the livestock to keep comes down to the type of livestock, the number, and the space available. Overall, the amount of space you have will determine what will work best for your livestock options.

Experience Level

Most livestock are low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, some require a hands-on approach and intensive care. If you’re a beginner, opt for easy-to-manage animals before progressing to more demanding livestock.

Choosing the Right Livestock

Selecting livestock for your homestead depends on various factors. This includes the available space, personal preferences, and the region’s climate. Below are a few popular livestock options:

Chicken

Chickens are among the most popular low-maintenance animals that can be a great addition to any homestead or backyard. They can provide a steady supply of eggs, meat, and manure, which is excellent for composting. Chickens also feed on pests and weeds, which makes them excellent for pest and weed control.

When choosing a chicken breed, consider what you’re looking to get. Some breeds are better for egg production, while others are better for meat. Some breeds are also more low-maintenance and easier to handle.

Caring for chickens is simple. Feed them a balanced diet comprising forage, commercial feed, or kitchen scrap to ensure they stay healthy. Always provide clean water for your chickens.

Chickens need a coop and enclosed run to protect them from predators. Each chicken should have 4 square feet of coop space and 4 square feet of space in the outside run.

Schedule regular visits with the veterinarian to ensure your chickens are healthy.

Rabbits

Rabbits are relatively easy to care for, which makes them ideal for beginners. They are a great source of lean meat and provide hair and fertilizer.

Housing rabbits doesn’t require much. A simple wire cage or outdoor hutch can be used with wood, hay, or straw shavings as the bedding. Ensure the housing is well-ventilated and free from predators.

Being herbivores, rabbits can be fed on hay, pellets, or kitchen scraps. Ensure the rabbits have access to clean water, and regularly clean their hutches to maintain hygiene.

Pigs

Pigs are a great addition to your homestead. They are intelligent, friendly, and provide quality meat.

Pigs are low-maintenance and can consume anything from kitchen scraps to grains and garden waste. However, they can easily be overfed, so ensure they get the proper, balanced food amounts.

Pigs may be big, but they don't need large spaces to thrive — just a spacious pen sturdily fenced to avoid escapes. Ensure it’s well-ventilated and has space for your pigs to move around.

Cattle

Cattle are low-maintenance farm animals, especially if you have enough land and space. If you're looking to produce meat, opt for beef cattle and dairy cows for milk.

Most cattle breeds are sturdy and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Cattle are grazers and, hence, need plenty of pasture and hay. However, they still require a consistent supply of fresh water.

Livestock Care Levels

Understanding the level of care required for different livestock is essential for ensuring the animals are well attended to. Here’s a general overview:

Daily Care

Animals require daily care, like feeding, watering, and health checks, and your livestock is no exception. Establish a routine to ensure your livestock happy and healthy. A routine helps keep track of production and detects health issues early.

Seasonal Care

Some livestock may need special care, depending on the season. Sheep require shearing in the spring, while chickens require extra warmth during winter. Understanding your livestock’s seasonal needs ensures your animals are healthy and well-catered.

Long-term Management

Planning for the long-term care of your livestock includes breeding, culling, and managing health concerns. Develop a sustainable plan to keep your homestead running and animals healthy.

Starting With Livestock

When you’re ready to start adding animals to your homestead, follow these steps:

Preparing Your Homestead

Before bringing new livestock to your homestead, ensure you have the proper infrastructure to accommodate them. Build shelters and fences, create a reliable watering system, and acquire additional supplies the animals might need. Having the right essentials guarantees a smoother transition for you and the livestock.

Choosing the Livestock

Select healthy animals from a reputable breeder or farm. Healthy animals often have clear eyes, healthy coats, and good body stamina. Look out for signs of poor health or illnesses. Seek professional help if you don’t know what to check for.

Introducing the Livestock

Quarantine new livestock for a period before introducing them into your homestead. This allows you to check for illnesses and diseases. If you have existing livestock, introduce the new animals gradually to reduce stress and create a harmonious environment among them.

Embrace the Homesteading Lifestyle

The decision to add livestock to your homestead can be an exciting journey for you and your family. But before you bring home your animals, consider every aspect and do your homework. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to what animals are best for homesteading. Your decisions should be based on your area, infrastructure, and resources.

Grange Co-op is committed to supporting your homesteading journey. From livestock feeds and feeders to watering systems and knowledgeable advice, we have everything you need to ensure your homestead animals thrive. Visit us today and discover how we can help you build the homestead of your dreams.