Even if you’re inside city limits, you might be surprised at how many animals you can keep legally. Rules vary by location, but some species are commonly allowed because they’re small, quiet, or considered pets rather than livestock. Before bringing any home, always double-check local ordinances — but these animals are often on the approved…
Some animals need constant attention, while others thrive with basic daily care. If you want to keep animals without being tied down to hours of chores, the right species can make life much easier. These animals still need proper food, water, and shelter, but they’re naturally low-maintenance once you’ve got their setup right. Bees Bees…
Some animals are more demanding than others, needing consistent attention, cleaning, and feeding to stay healthy and productive. If your schedule doesn’t allow for this kind of hands-on management, you might want to consider something less time-intensive. But if you’re ready for the work, these animals can be rewarding. Dairy Goats Dairy goats need milking…
Every animal has its own personality, but certain breeds are known for having strong wills and a knack for testing boundaries. If you’re not prepared to be patient, consistent, and firm, these breeds can make you feel like you’re working for them instead of the other way around. Stubborn animals can still be rewarding to…
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…
You don’t need wide-open pastures to raise livestock. Some animals adapt exceptionally well to compact spaces, whether that’s a small suburban lot, an urban backyard, or a tightly managed rural property. These species are productive, hardy, and capable of meeting much of their own food needs without huge amounts of land. With the right housing,…
Starting small with livestock is the smartest way to build your skills without getting overwhelmed. The best beginner animals for small properties are easy to handle, adaptable to different setups, and don’t require large amounts of land. They’ll still give you eggs, milk, meat, fiber, or pest control, but without the heavy feed bills or…
Not all livestock requires daily pampering to stay healthy. Some species are naturally resilient, handling a wide range of weather conditions and adapting to less-than-perfect pasture or housing. For busy homesteaders or those in unpredictable climates, hardy animals can provide food, fiber, or other benefits without constant intervention. Here are some of the toughest animals…
The first year on land feels exciting—until it wears you down a little. There’s a steep learning curve, and no matter how ready you think you are, something will catch you off guard. If you’re new to rural living, these are the things that’ll test your patience most. Grass Grows Like It’s Mad at You…
Letting a dog roam might feel like the norm in the country, but it comes with a lot more risk than most folks expect. Freedom is great until something goes wrong—and when it does, it happens fast. If you’re new to land life or considering letting your dog off-leash regularly, these are the things worth…