Are you feeling drawn to start a hobby farm? This can be a great way to spend your golden years productively, but you might feel lost when you’re just beginning. There’s so much to learn about agriculture and animal care that getting overwhelmed is easy. We’re here to help! Below, we reveal three farm animals that almost anyone with a bit of time and willingness can take care of.
Chickens: Your Gateway to Farm Life
Chickens top the list. These feathered friends require minimal daily care—just food, water, and a secure coop. They’ll reward you with fresh eggs and plenty of entertainment as they scratch around your yard. While protecting chickens from predators requires some planning, a well-built coop and run are all you need to keep your flock safe.
Most chicken keepers spend just 15–20 minutes daily on care tasks. Clean their coop weekly, provide layer feed, and ensure they have access to fresh water. That’s really all there is to it! Plus, chickens are living garbage disposals. They’re omnivores and can safely consume pretty much whatever food scraps you produce in your kitchen.
Goats: Friendly and Low-Maintenance
Don’t let their mischievous reputation fool you. Goats are actually excellent choices for beginner hobby farmers. They’re social animals that form strong bonds with their owners, making them incredibly rewarding to raise.
Goats need basic shelter, good fencing, and access to pasture or hay. They’re browsers rather than grazers, so they’ll actually help to clear unwanted brush from your property. Two goats are better than one since they’re herd animals, but caring for a pair isn’t much more work than caring for one.
Sheep: Gentle and Self-Sufficient
Sheep might be the most low-maintenance option of all. These quiet, gentle animals spend most of their time grazing peacefully. They need minimal intervention beyond basic care, making them perfect for folks who want livestock without constant demands on their time.
Hair sheep breeds like Katahdin or Barbados Blackbelly don’t even require shearing, eliminating one major task. Provide them with pasture, shelter, and fresh water, and they’ll largely take care of themselves.
Starting Small and Smart
If you want animals on your hobby farm, we recommend starting with chickens, goats, or sheep, as anyone can take care of them. Their needs are basic and not super time consuming, so you’ll get to ease into the waters of raising livestock. Best of luck!
