15 | Which Animal Should You Start With on Your Homestead?

SHOW NOTES

Are you ready to add animals to your homestead? Whether you’re looking to produce your own food or just love the idea of having livestock, choosing the right first animal is an important decision. Today, we’re breaking down different homestead animals, their pros and cons, and what you need to consider when starting out.

A common question in the homesteading community is: Which animal is the best to start with? The truth is, no animal is inherently easy—each comes with its own requirements, rewards, and challenges. Instead of looking for the “easiest” option, think about the level of care, space, and time commitment each animal requires. In today’s episode, we’ll walk through beginner-friendly animals, intermediate livestock, and milk-producing animals so you can make an informed decision for your homestead.

 

Main Topics Covered:

Beginner Animals (Low Cost, Low Input, Small Space):

Chickens – Easy care, egg and meat production, but require predator-proofing.

Ducks – Hardy birds that lay in winter, but need a water source and can be messy.

Rabbits – Small space, great meat source, and produce amazing manure for the garden.

 

Intermediate Animals (More Space, Fencing, Higher Input):

Pigs – Fast growers and land clearers, but require strong fencing.

Goats – Great for brush clearing, but known escape artists!

Sheep – Gentle and pasture-based, but need rotational grazing to avoid parasites.

Beef Cows – Provide a large meat yield but require more land and feed.

Bees – Small space, honey production, and pollination benefits, but high startup costs.

 

Milking Animals (High Commitment, Equipment, and Space):

Dairy Goats – Smaller and easier to manage than cows but require daily milking and parasite management.

Dairy Cows – Large milk supply for butter, cheese, and yogurt, but need a lot of space and feed.

Fiber Sheep (Optional) – Produce wool for fiber arts but require shearing and pest control.

 

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