What Small Livestock Are Best For Backyard Farms?

“Hi, I’ve recently moved to a suburban area and have a decent-sized backyard. I’d love to start a small livestock operation to complement my vegetable garden. Ideally, I’d like to raise animals that don’t require tons of space and are relatively easy for beginners. Could you suggest which small livestock would be best for my backyard farm in this environment? I’m particularly interested in animals that provide eggs, milk, or meat. Any tips would be appreciated!” thanks, Linda, Auckland, New Zealand.

What Small Livestock Are Best For Backyard Farms?

So, Linda, you’re thinking about enhancing your backyard garden with some small livestock—what a brilliant idea! Adding a few animals to your setup can take your backyard farm to the next level, especially when you’re looking for fresh eggs, milk, or even meat. The key is to choose the right livestock that fits your available space, your lifestyle, and your goals. Let’s walk through some options that would be ideal for your suburban environment in Auckland.

1. Chickens: The Versatile Egg Layers

Chickens are probably the go-to choice for most backyard farmers, and for good reason. They’re relatively low maintenance, can fit into small spaces, and give you fresh eggs every day. Chickens are also a good starting point for anyone new to raising livestock because they don’t need a ton of specialized care.

Here’s why chickens might be perfect for your backyard farm:

• Space Requirements: Chickens don’t need much room. A single chicken requires about 2-3 square feet of coop space and approximately 8-10 square feet in a run or outdoor area.
• Egg Production: Most hens can produce an egg almost every day under the right conditions. That’s about six eggs per week per hen! You can start with just a few chickens if your focus is on egg production.
• Feed and Care: Chickens can eat a variety of foods, including grains, vegetable scraps, and bugs they find in your yard. Plus, they can help control pests in your garden by pecking away at insects.
• Social Animals: Chickens enjoy being in groups, so plan to have at least three to four chickens together. They’re quite friendly and can even become quite tame with regular interaction.

Keep in mind that you may need to check with your local council regarding any regulations or restrictions on keeping chickens in your backyard.

2. Ducks: The Quirky, Productive Alternative

If you’re looking for a slight twist on the chicken idea, consider ducks. They are hardy, fun to watch, and can also provide you with eggs. Ducks are less prone to certain diseases that chickens get, and they are excellent for wet climates like Auckland’s.

Let’s look at some reasons you might want to keep ducks:

• Eggs: Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs and are often considered richer in flavor, making them a favorite for bakers.
• Space: Ducks do require a bit more space than chickens, especially if you want to provide them with a small pond or water feature to splash around in. However, they can make do with a simple kiddie pool if space is tight.
• Pest Control: Ducks are great at eating slugs and other pests, which can be particularly useful if you’ve noticed any of these critters in your garden.

One thing to note is that ducks are often bigger and can be a bit messier than chickens, especially when it comes to water, so be prepared for some extra cleanup.

3. Quail: The Compact Egg Producers

If you’re really short on space, or perhaps you live in a community where chickens or ducks might be too noisy, quails are an excellent alternative. Quails are tiny birds that can be housed in small cages, taking up much less space than chickens or ducks, and they are prolific layers of small but flavorful eggs.

Here’s why quail might be your best bet for your backyard farm:

• Size: Quails are very small, usually no bigger than a pigeon. This means they can be kept in a domestic setting without requiring a lot of space.
• Egg Production: Quails are incredibly productive given their size; one quail can lay around 200-300 eggs per year.
• Quiet: Quails are much quieter than chickens or ducks, making them ideal for more suburban or even urban environments.

However, be aware that quail eggs are smaller, so you might need more quails if eggs are your main focus. Also, handling quail can be a bit more intricate due to their size and fragility.

4. Rabbits: The Meat Producer for Small Spaces

Linda, if you’re considering raising animals for meat but don’t have the space for larger livestock, rabbits might be the answer. They’re quiet, can thrive in suburban settings, and don’t require much space.

Here’s why rabbits could be a great choice:

• Space: Rabbits require only about 6-8 square feet each, which can easily be set up in a hutch or an outdoor rabbit run.
• Meat Production: Rabbits are known for their efficient meat production. A single rabbit can produce around 3-4 litters per year, with each litter containing up to 8 kits (baby rabbits). It’s a sustainable way to produce meat at home.
• Feed: Rabbits are herbivores and can be fed on a diet of hay, leafy greens, and commercial rabbit pellets. You can even create a small fodder system using kitchen scraps and garden greens.

Rabbits can also be used for fur, though this might be a secondary consideration for a backyard farmer. However, they do require regular care and attention to ensure they’re well-kept and healthy.

5. Goats: The Dairy Producers

If you’re interested in producing your own dairy products but don’t have the acres required for a cow, goats might be your best option. Smaller breeds of goats, like Nigerian Dwarf goats, are particularly well-suited to backyard farms.

Let’s explore why goats might fit into your farm:

• Milk Production: Nigerian Dwarf goats can produce up to 2 quarts of high-quality milk per day. This milk is rich and can be used for drinking, cheese-making, or even soap-making.
• Space: Goats do need a bit more room than rabbits or chickens. You should plan for at least 25 square feet of outdoor space per goat, plus a sturdy shelter.
• Friendly: Goats are social animals and enjoy the company of other goats or even humans. They can be a delightful addition to your backyard, providing both milk and companionship.

It’s essential that your goat area is well-fenced, as goats are known for their ability to escape. Also, noise might be a consideration, as goats can be vocal, especially when they’re hungry.

6. Bees: The Pollinators With a Sweet Side

One often-overlooked option for backyard farms is bees. Not only do they produce honey, but they also pollinate your garden, helping your fruits and vegetables thrive. Beekeeping does require a bit of knowledge and care, but once you’re set up, it can be highly rewarding.

Here’s what makes bees unique:

• Space: A bee colony doesn’t take up much room. A single hive can be placed in a corner of your garden and won’t interfere with your other activities.
• Honey Production: A healthy hive can produce 20-60 pounds of honey each year. That’s a lot of natural sweetener right from your backyard!
• Pollination: One of the best benefits of beekeeping is how much your plants will love it. Bees are natural pollinators and will help boost your garden’s productivity.

Beekeeping does come with specific challenges, such as ensuring your bees are safe from pesticides and other environmental threats, but it’s worth it for the benefits they provide.

7. Pigeons or Doves: A Surprising Source of Meat and Fertilizer

Another less common small livestock option is pigeons or doves. These birds are quite space-efficient and can offer both meat and high-quality fertilizer for your garden. They are particularly valued for “squab,” which is the term for young pigeon meat.

Here’s why pigeons or doves could work for you:

• Space: A small loft or coop—about 5-7 square feet per bird—is often sufficient. Pigeons are surprisingly easy to house, even in suburban backyards.
• Meat: Pigeons can breed throughout the year, providing a consistent source of meat. Squab is tender and considered a delicacy in many cultures.
• Fertilizer: Pigeon droppings are highly nutritious and can be used to fertilize your vegetable garden, enriching the soil and boosting plant health.

While pigeons might not be the first animal you think of, they can be a practical addition to a small backyard farm, especially if you’re looking for a dual-purpose animal.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Now that we’ve talked about your options, it’s important to consider some common challenges that you might face. This way, you’re fully prepared to handle them when starting your livestock journey.

Space Limitations

One of the most significant constraints in suburban settings is space. Each type of livestock has different space requirements, but the good news is that most of the options we’ve discussed—whether chickens, quails, or rabbits—are quite adaptable to smaller areas.

Here are a few tips to maximize your available space:

• Vertical Space: Consider constructing tiered cages or multi-level coops for animals like quails and rabbits.
• Rotational Grazing: If you decide to raise goats or chickens, consider using moveable pens that allow them to graze different parts of the yard while keeping them contained.
• Integration: Think about integrating your animals with your garden. For example, chickens can be allowed in the garden during off-seasons to help fertilize the soil while they scratch for bugs and seeds.

Noise Considerations

Another challenge you might face in a suburban environment is noise. Some neighbors might not appreciate the occasional clucking of hens or bleating of goats.

Here’s how you can mitigate noise issues:

• Choose Quiet Breeds: For example, consider quails or even female ducks, which tend to be quieter than chickens.
• Noise Barrier: Plant hedges or install a solid fence to help dampen the noise.
• Strategic Positioning: Place your animal enclosures as far from your neighbor’s property line as possible.

Local Regulations

Before you bring any animals into your backyard, make sure to check your local council regulations to ensure you comply with the rules in Auckland. Different neighborhoods can have varying restrictions on the number and types of livestock you can keep.

For example, some areas may require permits for certain types of animals or may have limits on the number of birds you can keep. It’s always best to stay informed and avoid any complications.

Caring for Multiple Types of Livestock

If you’re considering keeping more than one type of animal, think about how their care routines will overlap. For example, both chickens and rabbits need regular feeding and cleaning, but they require different types of feed and housing.

Here are some tips for managing multiple animals:

• Create a Routine: Develop a daily and weekly care schedule that covers feeding, watering, cleaning, and any other necessary tasks.
• Organize Your Space: Plan where each type of animal will be housed in a way that minimizes cross-contamination and makes daily care more efficient.
• Shared Infrastructure: Consider if certain infrastructure—like fencing or sheds—can serve multiple purposes.

There’s no denying that starting a backyard farm takes some planning and effort, but the rewards—fresh eggs, milk, meat, honey, and the joy of watching your animals thrive—make it all worthwhile. Each type of livestock has its own set of benefits and challenges, and which one you choose will depend on your specific situation and goals.

Final Thoughts…

Linda, it’s great that you’re considering introducing small livestock to your backyard farm. By thinking carefully about your space, lifestyle, and what you want to achieve, you can make a well-informed choice that benefits your farm and your family. Whether you end up with chickens, ducks, rabbits, or even a hive of bees, the experience will undoubtedly enrich your life and your suburban oasis. Thanks for reaching out with your question, and happy farming!