How Many Homestead Animals Should I Have?

The number of animals you should have on a homestead is determined by the needs of your family, and the space available for animals. Here we break down each animal and the quantity you may need for you family. However, each family consumes varying amounts of dairy and meat products. Take into consideration what your family will consume before investing in certain animals. 

How Many Sheep Should I Have on a Homestead?

Sheep are herd animals. Therefore, at least 2 ewes will be necessary if purchasing sheep for a homestead. One acre of pastureland can sustain up to 5 sheep. For a natural flocking instinct to be performed by sheep, at least 5 in a herd is needed.

How many sheep do I need for wool?

A single adult sheep will produce anywhere from 2 to 30lbs of wool depending on breed. Genetics, nutrition, and shearing interval will also change the yield that is available. Sheep are shorn annually, and the wool is then cleaned and processed. For every one pound of wool, 10 miles of yarn can be strung.  

How much milk does a sheep produce?

Female sheep in milk will produce 1 to 2 quarts of milk a day. Sheep are typically in milk for about 100 days. Compared to cow’s milk, sheep milk has more nutrients per 8-ounce glass. In addition, sheep milk has a higher fat content. Due to its fatty content, drinking sheep milk with be very rich and may be unappealing to the pallet.  

How much meat will one sheep give?

An adult sheep will yield about 50% of its hanging weight in meat. This means the hide, inedible organs, and bones will have been removed. Therefore, a 120lb animal will give around 60lbs of meat. 

How Many Goats Should I Have on a Homestead?

Goats are herd animals, therefore requiring at least 2 does, nannies, or wethers. Two goats are great for small homesteads, to manage lawns, give milk, and provide meat if needed.

How much milk does a goat produce?

A goat in milk will produce 2 to 3 quarts of milk a day. Goats will stay in milk for roughly 9 months. The USDA recommends 3 cups of dairy daily for the average adult, and 2 cups for children. Therefore, one goat in milk will meet the requirements for dairy consumption for a family of four. However, if your family consumes more dairy, a second, or third goat in milk will be needed. 

How much meat will one goat give?

An adult goat will yield about 60% of hanging weight. This means a goat weighing in at 170lbs will provide about 102lbs of meat. This can feed two people for roughly a year. If your family are heavy meat eaters, multiple goats may need to be slaughtered. 

How much fiber can I get from one goat?

Fiber is the “fiber” that comes from hair or other parts of the animal. Common fibers produced from goats are Mohair, and Cashmere. Goats are sheared biannually and produce about 5lbs of fiber a year. 

How many goats do I need to clear land?

If using goats on your homestead to clear land, 6 to 8 goats per one acre of land is sufficient to clear the underbrush. Goats are foragers and will eat grass, weeds, bark, and even small trees. 

How Many Chickens Should I Have on a Homestead?

On a homestead, 3 to 6 chickens will be sufficient. However, more chickens may be kept for more eggs or more meat, based on family needs. Chickens are social animals and like to be in a flock, multiple chickens will behave in a flock-like behavior. If raising chickens for chicks, one rooster will work with 6 hens. Though, a rooster is not necessary for egg production.

How many eggs does one chicken give?

An egg laying hen will lay about 2 eggs every 3 days according to the almanac, but some chickens will produce one egg a day. Our family will eat half a dozen eggs a day, therefore at least 6 chickens will be needed. 

How much meat can I get from one chicken?

One hen will yield about 65% of hanging weight. For instance, a 3lb chicken will yield roughly 2lbs of meat. For a flock of meat chickens, a rooster will be needed to fertilize eggs for chicks.

How Many Ducks Should I Have on a Homestead?

On a homestead, 3 to 6 ducks will produce a similar number of eggs to chickens. Ducks are social birds and will do well if they have a buddy. Males are not needed unless wanting to produce ducklings. One male will work with 4 to 5 females.

How many eggs does one duck give?

An egg laying female duck will produce one egg per day per bird. Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs and richer in flavor. However, in recipes, one duck egg can be substituted for one chicken egg.

How much meat can I get from one duck?

An adult duck will yield about 60% of hanging weight. However, ducks have a high fat content, so the cooked meat will shrink much more than other poultry. A 5lb duck will give about 3lbs of meat once feathers and bones are removed. 

How Many Turkeys Should I Have on a Homestead?

Like other poultry, turkeys are social and do well in groups of 3 to 6. However, 2 birds are sufficient if other poultry is around. Since these are large birds, these birds need more space than ducks or chickens.

How many eggs does one turkey give?

A female turkey will lay 2 eggs every week. Turkey eggs are larger and have thicker shells than chicken eggs. One turkey egg will account for 2 medium chicken eggs. These eggs taste very similar to chicken eggs.

How much meat can I get from one turkey?

Turkeys have the highest yield of meat out of homestead poultry. These large birds yield 70% of their dress weight. Therefore, a 25lb bird will give about 18lbs of meat. One large bird is enough to feed a large family at traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

How Many Guinea Fowl Should I Have on a Homestead?

Guinea Fowl are similar to chickens with more usable meat. A minimum of 3 birds is sufficient for small homestead. Up to 30 guinea fowl per 1 acre of open pasture is sustainable. For small spaces, or confined spaces, 6 to 8 birds and one male will provide offspring. 

How many eggs does one guinea hen give?

Guinea hens are prolific egg layers. However, they only lay eggs from the spring to fall in the northern hemisphere. These birds can lay as many as 100 eggs in this time frame. Keep in mind, guinea fowl eggs are smaller than chicken eggs. Therefore, two guinea eggs are needed for one chicken egg. Guinea hen eggs are also higher in yolk content than chicken eggs. 

How much meat can I get from one guinea fowl?

One adult guinea fowl will provide more meat than a chicken. Like turkey, guinea fowl will yield 70% of their dress weight. A 3lb bird will provide about 2lbs of meat. Guinea fowl also have more meat in general compared to chickens. 

How Many Bees Should I Have on a Homestead

On a homestead, two beehives are recommended to start with. This allows for each hive to be compared in behavior. Both hives should act similarly if they are healthy. One average hive is roughly 30,000 bees.

How much honey can I get from one beehive?

One beehive can produce 10 to 200lbs of honey in one year. The amount of honey produced depends on the concentration of pollinating flowers, rainfall, and other weather conditions. Areas with many wildflowers, and a variety of plants will produce more honey, than barren areas with little variety.

How Many Fish Should I Have on a Homestead?

For homesteads with enclosed water features such as a pond, a variety of fish should be stocked. 

• 50 to 100 bass
• 50 to 200 catfish
• 1000 to 1500 bluegill, perch, or other small fish
• Several hundreds of minnows

On a one-acre pond, allow bluegill, perch, minnows, and small fish to establish before adding bass or catfish. By stocking the small fish first, the larger fish will survive on those that have established. 

How Many Cows Should I Have on a Homestead?

A single cow can sustain itself on one acre of good pastureland. If the land is smaller than one acre, or does not have enough grass, supplemental food will need to be given. Cattle are herd animals and like to be with other cows; however, a single cow for a small homestead is sufficient. If limited on space, only having one cow will still benefit a homestead. If not limited on space, purchasing several cattle will become an investment and calves will be sold for beef. Some cattle herds on large properties can reach in the thousands. 

On a homestead with only one cow, be sure to have other animals for the cow to be around, as they are happiest with another of their kind.

How much milk can I get from one cow?

One cow will produce up to 8 gallons of milk a day, which is enough for a family of 4 with making butter and other dairy products as well. However, for a cow to be in milk, they must produce a calf. This cow will then be in milk for roughly 10 months. 

How much meat can I get from one cow?

Cows have a 60% hanging weight or yield of meat. A single adult cow will produce enough meat for a family of four and then some. A 1000lb animal will give about 600lbs of meat. Storing this amount of meat can be challenging, therefore portions of a butchered cow may be sold to continue profit. For more information about cows, be sure to continue reading our articles on How to Care for Cows. 

How Many Pigs Should I Have on a Homestead?

On a homestead, two pigs are recommended as they are social animals. It is not recommended to have only one pig; however, you can raise one pig on its own. Like most animals, pigs will do better with another of their kind to socialize with. Having only one pig, may cause boredom which can lead to aggression or destruction. 

How much meat can I get from one pig?

A single pig at a market weight of 280lbs will yield approximately 210lbs of meat and usable organs. Pigs have a very high meat to feed ratio averaging 75% of their hanging weight. Compared to other homestead animals, pigs will provide the most meat for the money put in. 

How Many Rabbits Should I Have on a Homestead?

Rabbits on a homestead are used for meat, and fibers. Two female rabbits and one male may produce up to four litters per year per female (approximately 32 babies or kits).

How much meat can I get from one rabbit?

An adult rabbit will yield 50% of their weight in meat, once bones and organs removed. Therefore, a 4lb animal will provide 2lbs of very lean meat. Two rabbits may be processed for a meal for a larger family. 

What can I use rabbit fur for?

Rabbits will give 2 to 3 ounces of fur if shorn. Rabbit fur and hides can be used for boot covers, hats, gloves, blankets, bedspreads, pillow covers, and more. These pelts are exceptionally warm and great for hunting in cold environments. Rabbit fur is also very soft and great for use with children to keep them warm.

How Many Dogs Should I Have on a Homestead?

For every two acres or less, one well trained dog is necessary for a homestead. However, dogs do well with a buddy to play with, therefore, two dogs are recommended. 

Properties that are larger than 5 acres, or that have several pastures of animals may require one dog per herd of animals. 

How Many Horses Should I Have on a Homestead?

Horses are used for labor, travel, and hauling on a homestead property. One acre of land can support one adult horse. If the land is sparse of pasture, 2 acres of land will be necessary. For working and hauling horses, at least four animals will be needed to allow for a rotation of animals. Traveling with horses will vary depending on the household and number of riders. 

How Many Donkeys Should I Have on a Homestead?

One donkey is sufficient if other animals are around to keep it company. A second donkey can be added as a companion. A male and female will produce offspring about once a year. Donkeys are great protectors of farm animals in the absence of dogs. 

 How Many Alpacas or Llamas Should I Have on a Homestead?

Alpacas and llamas are raised for the fiber they produce. Two or three alpacas are sufficient for a small homestead. Up to 8 alpacas or llamas can live on one acre of land. These animals are shorn annually and can produce up to 4lbs of fiber.