Raising animals on your small-scale or hobby farm can be very rewarding. When choosing the best animals to have on your hobby farm, consider your experience level in raising livestock. Some animals will need more care, space, or expensive resources than others. We’ve chosen five animals that are great for beginners who want to start raising livestock on their hobby farm.

Chickens

Chickens are quintessential creatures to raise on a hobby farm. Many hobby farmers begin their journey raising livestock with chickens because they are relatively low-maintenance and need little space. Chickens are useful for hobby farmers because they provide eggs and meat and eat pests in your garden when they are free-range. Be sure to routinely clean their coop to prevent disease and offer them protection from predators.

Rabbits

Rabbits are self-sufficient pets that also require little land, making them great for beginner hobby farmers who don’t have a large property. Hobby farmers can easily spread their manure as an organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops because it doesn’t require composting. Rabbits, like chickens, should have access to a protective shelter with good ventilation, shade, and protection from predators.

Ducks

Ducks are self-sufficient animals that you can raise alongside chickens. It’s best to raise ducks on a farm that has a permanent body of water, such as a pond, for them to swim and bathe themselves in. Their need for water means they won’t be the best fit for every hobby farmer. That said, many hobby farmers enjoy ducks for their eggs, meat, and their foraging abilities.

Goats

If you’re interested in larger livestock, goats are one of the best animals to have on your hobby farm. They are playful animals that graze on grass and weeds as well as climb to reach shrubs and low-hanging tree branches. Goats provide meat and milk that you can make into butter, cheese, or soap. They will need to live in a secure, enclosed space, however, and can be quite destructive.

Pigs

Pigs are the best choice for a hobby farmer looking to produce their own meat. Although pigs typically need to eat a lot of food, they are omnivores who will eat virtually anything. They are smart creatures and may try to escape if their fencing is not secure enough. Keep in mind that because pigs grow larger, they will need more space than other animals on this list.

There are many things to know before starting a hobby farm, but above all, you should set goals for what you want to accomplish and carefully plan how to allocate your land. Raising livestock is a fulfilling yet labor-intensive commitment. Choosing manageable animals to raise is the best way to begin your hobby-farming journey.