Small livestock

Raising Livestock & Poultry

Plain-language starter guides for raising animals on a small US farm or homestead, covering housing, feeding, space, and what to weigh before you begin. These are general husbandry guides, not veterinary advice. 13 guides.

Poultry

Chickens Chickens are one of the most popular animals for small US farms and homesteads because the... Ducks Ducks are a popular choice on small US farms and homesteads because they are hardy, forage... Geese Geese are hardy, long-lived waterfowl that many Americans raise for meat, eggs, feathers,... Quail Quail are small, fast-maturing birds that many people in the United States raise for eggs,... Turkeys People across the US raise turkeys for home-grown holiday meat, for selling to local custo...

Cattle

Beef Cattle Beef cattle are raised across the United States to produce meat for a family, direct-to-co... Dairy Cattle People across the US raise dairy cattle to produce fresh milk for their household, for che...

Small Ruminants

Goats Goats are one of the most popular small livestock animals in the United States because the... Sheep People across the US raise sheep for wool, meat, milk, and to help manage pasture and brus...

Other Livestock

Alpacas Alpacas are small, gentle camelids raised across the United States mainly for their soft f... Honeybees Honeybees are kept across the United States by homesteaders, small farmers, and hobbyists... Pigs People across the US raise pigs on small farms and homesteads mainly for meat for their ow... Rabbits Rabbits are one of the most approachable animals for new small-farm and homestead owners b...

For animal health, disease, and medication questions, and for local zoning and regulations, work with a licensed veterinarian and your state's Cooperative Extension service.