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When most people think of farm animals, they picture hard-working creatures that provide milk, eggs, wool, or meat. But for many homesteaders, livestock can also become pets.
A farm menagerie can consist of faithful companions, quirky characters, and beloved members of the family. From a goat that follows you around like a dog to a chicken that hops into your lap for a cuddle, these delightful animals bring joy and comfort to your life.
Of course, keeping a farm animal as a pet isn’t quite the same as keeping a cat on the couch. Their needs can be very different from typical house pets in terms of living conditions, companionship, food, and stimulation. But if you’ve got the time and space, these farm animals that make great pets can be some of the most rewarding and entertaining companions around.
1. Goats
Goats are intelligent, affectionate, and endlessly curious – more like mischievous toddlers than livestock! You’ll find yourself laughing daily at their playful antics, as they climb, explore, and try to ‘help’ with the chores. Breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmies are especially popular as pets because of their compact size and gentle nature.
2. Chickens
Chickens have unique personalities, social hierarchies, and funny quirks that make them surprisingly charming as pets. They learn to recognize faces and will come when called, particularly for a tasty treat.
If you want chickens that will become your best friends, opt for a flock of friendly, docile breeds like Orpingtons, Brahmas, or Silkies.
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3. Sheep
Sheep have an undeserved reputation for being low in intelligence, but their introverted and gentle nature makes them wonderfully calming to be around. A pet sheep will follow you like a puppy and relish being brushed or scratched behind the ears.
Smaller sheep breeds like Babydoll Southdowns or Shetlands are particularly well-suited to life as a pet, but remember they should always be kept as a small flock, never alone.
4. Turkeys
Turkeys might not seem an obvious choice as a pet, but they are intelligent, friendly, and often develop strong bonds with their keepers. If handled gently from a young age, heritage turkey breeds like Narragansetts and Bourbon Reds will become very sociable and hang out with you as you go about your daily chores.
5. Pigs
Pigs are famous for their intelligence, but they are also affectionate and endlessly entertaining. They can be trained to sit, walk on a leash, and even use a litter box. Miniature breeds like Juliana or Kunekune pigs are popular choices, but remember that ‘mini’ pigs often grow much larger than you might expect.
6. Ducks
It’s hard not to smile at the sight of a duck bathing itself – a truly joyful sight! Ducks are quirky companions who will chatter at you and waddle after their favorite humans in search of snacks. Breeds like Pekins, Runners, and Welsh Harlequins are known for their calm temperaments and make especially good backyard pets.
7. Rabbits
Rabbits are soft, quiet, and wonderfully expressive pets. Once they trust you, they’ll hop right over for attention, flop down beside you, and even nudge you with their nose when they want something. They’re also a great source of nutrient-rich manure for the garden, something that should make every homesteader happy!
8. Donkeys
Once bonded with their humans, donkeys often act more like big, gentle dogs; following you around, braying greetings, and enjoying long grooming sessions.
Miniature donkeys have gained popularity as pets thanks to their manageable size, but remember that all donkeys need the companionship of other donkeys to feel secure and content.
9. Cows
Cows can be incredibly affectionate, calm, and people-focused, especially if raised with gentle handling from a young age. Smaller breeds like Dexters or miniature Jerseys are easier to manage and are often chosen by homesteaders who want a friendly milk cow.
Like many herd animals, cows need plenty of space to graze and at least one other cow to keep them company.
10. Cats
Yes, I know that cats are pets, but they’re farm animals too! Most farms and homesteads have at least one barn cat keeping the rodent population in check, but these outdoor cats still enjoy regular cuddles and human company.
If you’re thinking of adding a barn cat to your setup, consider adopting from a shelter – many have semi-feral or outdoor-savvy felines who aren’t suited to life indoors.
11. Dogs
Often used for guarding, herding, and deterring wildlife, dogs bring friendship, play, and interaction into our lives. A farm dog is the heart and soul of a homestead, giving you loyalty and love every day of their lives.
Again, many unwanted shelter dogs would leap at the chance of a happily-ever-after life on your farm or homestead.
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12. Horses
For many centuries, horses were farm animals, used for hauling heavy loads and working the land. Now normally kept as leisure animals, horses are rewarding companions who form powerful bonds with the people they trust.
And even the smallest horse or pony can contribute to life on the farm by producing nutrient-rich manure for your garden!
13. Geese
Get ready for a giggle every day with a gaggle of geese! These fiercely loyal birds will act as your homestead security team, alerting you to strangers with a chorus of hilarious honks. Geese can also become very tame and will eat from your hand or follow you around like a dog.
14. Alpacas
With their teddy-bear faces and snuggly soft wool, it’s hard not to fall in love with alpacas. These wonderful animals have a calming energy and will contentedly hum when hanging out with their favorite people.
Alpacas are often kept for their soft, hypoallergenic wool, which is sheared annually and prized for its warmth and luxurious feel.
15. Pigeons
Pet pigeons will coo contentedly when happy and even perch on your shoulders like tiny feathery friends. They’re gentle, intelligent, and enjoy being handled and talked to. Whether you’re keeping a single bonded pair or a whole loft of pigeons, their calm nature and sweet personalities make them a joy to be around.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
