Now, I say survival homestead because survival in a self-reliance scenario is what we’re preparing for. Starting a survival homestead can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing livestock. I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first started planning my own homestead, even though I’d grown up living on my family’s farm. But I still had to figure out which animals would be the best fit for my current situation and long-term plan. Through experience and trial and error, I’ve discovered some fantastic beginner-friendly options that provide food, materials, and even companionship. Whether you’re working with a small backyard or acres of land, these 12 livestock choices can help jumpstart your journey to self-sufficiency.
Chickens
Chickens are the gateway livestock for many homesteaders, and for good reason. These feathered friends are easy to care for, don’t require much space, and provide both eggs and meat. A single hen can lay up to 300 eggs a year, depending on the breed. I’ve found that a flock of 5-10 chickens is perfect for a family of four, providing plenty of eggs with some to spare for bartering or selling.
Rabbits
Rabbits are incredibly efficient meat producers. They’re quiet, take up little space, and reproduce quickly – a doe can have up to 8 litters a year! I’ve raised rabbits in stackable cages in a small shed, making them ideal for urban or suburban homesteads. Their manure is also a fantastic “cold” fertilizer that can be applied directly to your garden without composting.
Goats
Goats are versatile animals that provide milk, meat, and can even be used as pack animals. They’re excellent for clearing brush and can thrive on marginal land. I started with Nigerian Dwarf goats, which are perfect for beginners due to their small size and friendly temperament. Two does can provide about 2 quarts of milk per day, enough for drinking and making cheese or soap.
Ducks
Often overlooked in favor of chickens, ducks are hardy, great foragers, and their eggs are fantastic for baking. They’re also more cold-hardy and disease-resistant than chickens. I’ve found that ducks are particularly useful for pest control in the garden, eagerly gobbling up slugs and snails. A trio of ducks (1 drake and 2 hens) can provide about 300-350 eggs per year.
Quail
Quail are perfect for homesteaders with limited space. These tiny birds mature quickly, reaching butchering age in just 6-8 weeks. They’re quiet, making them suitable for areas with strict noise regulations. I’ve raised quail in stacked cages in my garage, producing both meat and eggs year-round. A single quail hen can lay up to 300 eggs annually.
Pigs
While larger than some other options, pigs are excellent for beginners due to their intelligence and feed efficiency. They can convert kitchen scraps and garden waste into delicious pork. I started with two feeder pigs, raising them from spring to fall. One pig can provide up to 100 pounds of meat, making them a great investment for your freezer.
Honeybees
Bees aren’t traditional livestock, but they’re invaluable on a homestead. Beyond providing honey and beeswax, they’re crucial pollinators for your garden. A single hive can produce 30-60 pounds of honey per year. I started with two hives and found beekeeping to be a fascinating and rewarding hobby that greatly enhanced my garden’s productivity.
Muscovy Ducks
Muscovy ducks are a unique poultry option that’s worth considering. They’re quieter than other ducks, excellent foragers, and produce lean, flavorful meat. Unlike other ducks, Muscovies are good flyers, so you’ll need to clip their wings or provide a covered run. I’ve found them to be excellent mothers, often hatching and raising their own ducklings with little human intervention.
Guineas
Guinea fowl are the watchdogs of the poultry world. Their loud calls alert you to predators or intruders, making them great for homestead security. They’re also fantastic for pest control, eagerly devouring ticks and other insects. I keep a small flock of 5-7 guineas, which helps keep the tick population down and provides occasional meat and eggs.
Turkeys
While often associated with Thanksgiving, turkeys can be a great addition to your homestead year-round. They’re surprisingly friendly and can be raised on pasture, resulting in flavorful, lean meat. I like Bourbon Red turkeys, a heritage breed that’s good at foraging and can even reproduce naturally. A mature turkey can provide 10-30 pounds of meat, depending on the breed.
Sheep
Sheep are dual-purpose animals, providing both wool and meat. They’re generally easier to handle than cattle, making them good for beginners. If you don’t want the hassle of shearing, a small flock of Katahdin hair sheep are a good option. They’re excellent at converting grass into meat, with a single lamb providing 35-60 pounds of meat in about 6-8 months. However, we like the fleece that comes from our sheep. We clean, prep, dye, and spin it into yarn for weaving, felting, and other crafts, and it sells really well locally and online.
Llamas
Llamas might seem unusual, but they’re incredibly useful on a homestead. They’re excellent guardians for other livestock, protecting against predators like coyotes. Their wool is prized for its softness and warmth, and they can even be used as pack animals. I added two llamas to my homestead primarily as guardians, but I’ve come to appreciate their gentle nature and the annual wool harvest. Just like the sheep fleeces, llama fleeces are pretty easy to turn into yarn and sellable products.
