When we think of adopting or buying pets, our minds usually go straight to cats and dogs. But farm animals like chickens, ducks, quails, and geese can also make great pets—they’re friendly and easy to maintain.
If you have enough yard space or live in the countryside, these animals not only offer companionship but can also provide fresh eggs or milk, help trim the grass, and control pests. Just remember, they need time, space, attention, and most importantly, love. Now, let’s explore farm animals that make good pets.
1. Chickens Offer Many Benefits to Owners
Chickens make great pets, and you can keep them in your backyard because they don’t need a lot of space. They love to eat bugs, so they will keep your garden pest–free.
Chickens also love to scratch around and explore, and they will reward you with fresh eggs almost every day.
2. Ducks Are Social and Easy to Maintain
These social birds enjoy being around people and other ducks. Just make sure you feed your ducks properly, and they will reward your household with eggs just like chickens!
Ducks have playful personalities and love spending time in the water. You can provide them with a kiddie pool or a pond where they can splash around and enjoy themselves.
3. Quails Don’t Require Much Space
These small birds don’t require much space. You can keep them in your backyard, in a small cage, or aviary. They’re quiet, shy, and peaceful and you can easily make them your pets if you’re around them regularly giving them love and affection.
Quails like to dust bathe in sand or soil and eat insects which will help you to manage the pests in your yard naturally. They will also provide small but nutrient-rich eggs for your household.
4. Geese Will Protect Your Yard
These loyal and protective farm animals can also be good pets (and emotional support animals) if you commit to caring for them. Geese usually honk loudly and can scare off potential predators and alert you to visitors, much like a watchdog would because they have sharp senses. They’re also affectionate and can be good farm pets that will also keep the grass in your yard trimmed.
5. Rabbits Can Learn Tricks (and Their Name!)
Rabbits make great pets (especially the friendly breeds) because they’re easy to care for and don’t require a lot of space. You can even train them to use a litter box, respond to their names, and perform easy tricks. Additionally, you can use rabbit manure as a natural fertilizer in your garden because it’s rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
6. Pygmy Goats Will Mow Your Grass
Goats make good pets, especially pygmy goats with their friendly nature. They can even learn to walk on a leash. They’re ideal for smaller backyards and farms because they’re smaller than regular goats. These goats love climbing, jumping, and playing around while keeping the weeds in your yard under control.
7. Sheep Offer Wool and Milk
These traditional farm animals can also be good pets if you have enough space and time to care for them. They’re peaceful, friendly, and easy-going animals, which makes them safe companions for your children.
Furthermore, sheep’s milk is rich, and you can use it as it is or make delicious cheese from it. Sheep also have soft wool that you can use for making yarn or you can sell it.
However, keep in mind that sheep like being in groups, so it’s best to have more than one sheep if you can. The best part? They eat grass so you don’t have to worry about trimming your lawn.
8. Pot-Bellied Pigs Are Smaller Than Regular Hogs
Pot-bellied pigs come from Southeast Asia and they’re smaller than regular pigs which makes them suitable for smaller farms and yards. They’re intelligent animals that can be trained just like dogs. Additionally, like all pigs, they’re very clean, and while they can be a bit stubborn, with patience, they make great pets.
9. Alpacas Have Plush Fur
Alpacas, one of the most popular therapy animals, have a gentle nature. They’re also easy to care for and can be kept in a small herd. Their wool is very soft and can be used to make clothing and blankets. You can also use their manure as a natural fertilizer to enrich the soil in your garden.
10. Horses Have Been Loyal Pets for Centuries
Horses and humans have been friends for centuries. They’re strong, sensitive, and easy to train. What’s more, these loyal animals form strong connections with their owners. However, they need a lot of space and proper care to be healthy and happy.
If you’re considering keeping a horse as a pet, it is best to have at least two because horses enjoy interacting with other horses (but they also like other farm animals, too). Explore some of the most popular horse breeds and make your pick.
Final Tips for Keeping Farm Animals as Pets
Keeping farm animals as pets can be rewarding, but some need special care, which can cost a lot of time and money. For instance, cows make good pets, but they need a lot of grassy land to eat, regular visits from a vet, and strong fences to keep them safe.
Farm animals can spread diseases. To stay safe, always wash your hands after touching them, keep their living areas clean, and supervise young kids around them.
