8 hardest animals to raise without experience

Some animals are better left to people who’ve already had their hands in the dirt a while. They might require specialized diets, constant health monitoring, or handling skills that take years to develop. Jumping into these without the right background can leave you frustrated — and worse, can put the animals at risk.

If you’re new to raising livestock, you’re better off building up your skills before bringing home these more demanding species.

Dairy Cows

Keeping dairy cows isn’t just about milking twice a day. You need to manage feed quality, breeding cycles, and strict sanitation to keep them healthy and productive. They’re prone to issues like mastitis if milking procedures aren’t perfect. Add in the cost and storage needs for feed, plus year-round care regardless of weather, and they quickly become overwhelming for beginners.

Turkeys

Turkeys can be fragile when young, and even as adults they require more space and stronger fencing than chickens. They’re also prone to disease and need careful monitoring of their diet to grow well. Without experience in preventing health issues and predator losses, it’s easy to lose an entire flock in one season.

Horses

Horses demand daily care, regular hoof trimming, veterinary checks, and quality feed. They’re large, strong animals that can injure you if you don’t know how to handle them. Their health can decline quickly without proper management, and keeping them well-trained requires a lot of time and skill.

Pigs

Pigs are intelligent and strong, which can make them challenging for beginners. They can escape poorly built pens, destroy pasture quickly, and become aggressive if handled improperly. Managing their diet, preventing health problems, and keeping them contained takes a lot of know-how.

Goats

Goats are notorious escape artists and require strong, well-maintained fencing. They’re prone to parasites and need regular hoof trimming. Without experience, it’s easy to overlook early signs of illness, which can turn into bigger problems fast. They also need specific diets to avoid digestive issues.

Sheep

Sheep may look low-maintenance, but they’re susceptible to parasites, foot rot, and other health problems. They can also be skittish and hard to handle without training. Shearing, hoof trimming, and lambing all take skill, and mistakes can cost you both time and livestock.

Llamas

Llamas require regular grooming, vaccinations, and parasite control. They can be territorial, and handling them safely takes practice. They’re also sensitive to extreme weather and need proper shelter to stay healthy. Without experience, managing their needs can be more work than expected.

Bees

Beekeeping is more than setting up a hive and waiting for honey. You have to manage pests, monitor hive health, and prevent swarming. It requires seasonal inspections, proper protective gear, and a good understanding of bee behavior. Mistakes can wipe out an entire colony.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.