Which Farm Animals Can be Kept as Pets

Chickens

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Today the farm animal most in demand as a pet is the humble chicken. Hens, specifically, are sought after as providers of eggs while offering some some companionship to their owner. Certain breeds are noted for being friendly and some are specifically bred because of their unusual, beautiful, or cute, appearance, just as many cats and dogs are. The fluffy silkie chicken is most noted for its fluffy appearance and friendly nature, but other breeds make equally good pets. Hens lay eggs even without a rooster present and are quick to bond with anyone who feeds them. They might live over ten years but slow down in egg production after the first few years.

Hens make sounds that are quieter than a barking dog, or a screaming parrot. They are cheap to feed and can be kept outside as long as they have a shelter at night, water, and fence to keep predators out. Many cities are starting to recognize that there are people who want to keep these birds as pets. Slowly laws are changing to allow these typical farm animals to be allowed as pets by urbanites.

Miniature Horses

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Nearly every girl at some time or another wants a horse. Some boys grew up wanting one too. Keeping a regular size horse as a city pet is fairly impossible and it would be considered cruel to contain a horse in even a large urban backyard. Miniature horses are the answer. These cute little horses still need the same things their larger cousins need, shelter, fencing, feed, water, and regular hoof care. They also need a large enough yard that they can get exercise, and ideally should not be kept alone.

Although some people keep miniature horses in apartments, and they have been used as service animals, they really thrive best with at least a half acre yard per animal, especially if they are not to be exercised daily.
Geldings make the best pets, stallions can be mean and unpredictable especially in the spring when mares are around. Miniature horses have long lifespans, over 20 years. One should be careful to avoid the teeny tiny animals as they often have health problems and physical deformities.

Pigs

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Like horses most people who want pet pigs opt for the miniature version. Small pigs are pot bellied pigs and care should be taken to only buy them from reputable breeders and sellers. Unfortunately some people breed them unethically so their outsides stop growing long before their insides do, resulting in an unhealthy animal who will have a short, painful, lifespan. Regular pot bellied pigs can live up to 15 years.

Pigs are as smart as dogs, one reason why they make good pets. They can be house trained and will go for walks on a harness and leash. Pigs like companionship and do well when kept as pets provided their basic needs are met, which may include skin care and protection from the sun or cold weather.

Goats or Sheep

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Goats and sheep are cheap lawn mowers, but normally not allowed in city limits. Being herd animals they should never be kept singularly, but are happy in at least pairs or ideally small groups of three or four. Wethers are neutered goats or sheep and are best for pets, but ewes are good too, although they will cost more unless older. Goats and sheep are friendliest when purchased as young orphans. Farmers often want to sell them early because feeding orphans is costly and a lot of work, but for people who want pets, they are ideal. The average lifespan can be ten years.

There are many different breeds of sheep and goats but the ones usually kept as pets are the smaller breeds, such as the babydoll sheep or pygmy goats. Hair sheep are also gaining popularity as pets because they require less maintenance (no shearing or tail docking). The problem is that many cities do not recognize the value of keeping goats or sheep as pets and most will not allow them.

Other

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It should be noted that many companion animals started as farm animals at some time or another. Rabbits are commonly accepted as house pets but have been kept for meat for generations. Even horses were beasts of burden at one time. People are wanting more and more unusual pets, often pushing the limits in their desire for something different. As such we are seeing miniature cattle, miniature donkeys, llamas, and alpacas, being kept as pets on small acreages. With proper handling and respect many farm animals can be kept as pets. People are advised that on the whole male animals of most species tend to be more dangerous and can do serious injury to people so should be kept with extra caution and never teased or mishandled.

Related Links

Dangerous Farm Animals

Rescuing Farm Animals

Best Pets to have if you live on an Acreage

Funky Farm Animals