Pigs: An Ideal Livestock for Small Acreages and Homesteads The chickens follow behind the pig, scratching the manure and preventing new growth.ĭepending on your comfort level, renting your goats to neighbors to help clear brush provides extra income. Once the goats have cleared the leaves off of bushes and smaller trees, the pigs move into the spot which was worked to root up what is left behind. Goats, pigs and chickens have a great working relationship when it comes to clearing the land. This benefits the keeper two fold, clearing the land minimizes how much is spent on purchasing dried grass weekly and clears brush as they consume the leaves and younger branches. In addition to milk and meat production, goats are used to clear the land. All breeds of goats can be milked and used for meat purposes, although the production will be much lower than breeds intended for milk and meat. For example, Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf goats are popular for dairy production whereas Boer goats are best known for meat production.
The decision must be made as to whether you will be raising goats for dairy or meat production. This smaller ruminant livestock does not require much space but does need a predator proof structure to rest and good fencing. Goats serve many purposes on the homestead, and much like poultry, each breed serves a specific purpose. Raising Goats on a Homestead or Small Farm Here are the top 5 most prolific chicken breeds: This will determine how many birds you will need to incorporate onto the homestead. Whether you are consuming eggs for private consumption or egg sales it is important to know which poultry breeds lay the highest amount of eggs yearly. Ducks are prolific layers and, depending on the breed, will outlay the most prolific chicken breed by 75 to 100 eggs a year. However, when kept in a run their space can become extremely messy and muddy. Unlike chickens, ducks are cold-weather-hardy and less susceptible to becoming ill. Select the best chicken breed which best meets your family’s requirements: Not only do they provide eggs, they also provide countless hours of entertainment. Starting with this small livestock will give you the confidence to explore other livestock options.Ĭhickens are the quintessential livestock for every farm and homestead. Poultry, without a doubt, are the easiest animals to raise on the homestead. Aside from raising chickens, ducks are a close second for many who enter this life. If you have heard the term, chickens are the gateway to farming then you will understand why poultry are the ideal livestock for small acreage homesteading. Here are the easiest animals to raise on the homestead and the best livestock for small acreage homesteading. Plan which animals to house together, and always plan for additional livestock. Take time and make sure all animal housing is secured from predators and will protect them from the elements. Shortcuts in the homesteading life will hinder your ability to be good stewards to the land and affect your ability to provide good animal husbandry. Incorporating one to two livestock breeds each year will allow you the opportunity to hone your skills on the animals which you’ve recently incorporated onto the property.ĭo not take on more than you can chew, more importantly do not take shortcuts in order to achieve your goals. Homesteading is truly an evolving process and one which many enjoy. Establishing a homestead takes years, and even then modifications are made yearly. The best advice I give to aspiring homesteaders is this, do not rush into anything. These goals will vary for each individual based on the shape of the property. Set goals each year for what you’d like to achieve, and if you’re new to homesteading make sure to set-up necessary homesteading goals for the first year. Much like anything in life, knowing where to start is key to success, for homesteading it begins with the size of your property.Ī lot can be achieved on a small acreage homestead, however, it takes quite a bit of planning. There is no greater reward than the ability to own your food. The decision to homestead allows many to dream big. Deciding What Animals to Raise on Your Homestead
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