I have been surrounded by animals my entire life. I honestly don’t remember a time when I didn’t at least have a dog.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that time in college when I lived in the dorms. When I got an apartment, I snuck my dog in. That was until I got caught.
Growing up we had horses, dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and the occasional wild animal that my sisters and I might drag home thinking we could save. Horses were my life and I spent countless hours in the barn. I am proud to say that I am a 10 year 4-H member.
I can’t imagine life without animals and I really don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have to wake up at 5 am to take care of the farm.
I guess there is sleep, but that is highly over-rated.
Part of the reason we started this farm was so that my kids could the experience the joys I had with animals (my two girls are constantly asking for a horse and someday I hope that I can provide that). It has also become really important to me that my kids not only learn responsibility, but they have an appreciation for life and understand where their food comes from.
What better way to do that than with farm animals.
Now I realize that many of you will not be able to have your own farm, or maybe that is not your cup of tea.
Cool
But, if your kids want some farm pets, there are a few animals that would make great pets right in your back yard.
Small chickens like a serama
Rabbits
Small goats
Ducks
Sererma Chicken-This breed is the smallest breed of chicken in the world. Believe it or not chickens love people, and if you get them when they are chicks, they will imprint on you. Some people have even trained their chickens to do tricks. Zeus, our rooster, used to love to come in and watch football with us (Sorry to say he is a cowboys fan). These days he is out with his ladies, but still loves to be held by kids. Most people are like, “how did you get him to be so tame?” He is just like that!
What something that will eat almost anything you give them? Chickens are like tiny dinosaurs that are always ready to eat.
Although, they are small, you can still eat the eggs, so there is that.
Zeus the serama rooster
Ducks-Ducks are smart and cuddly; and the ducklings…..OH, MY, GOSH! Can we say cuteness overload?
Downside….they poop….like, A LOT. So be prepared for that. They are highly social and will need a buddy. If you watch a group of ducks you will notice that they move as a group together. They will bond to humans and even chickens. They stick together, sleeping at the same time and eating at the same time.
Welsh Harlequin hen
Ducks are also good layers. If you haven’t eaten a duck egg, you’re in for a treat!
Rabbits- Rabbits are at the top for best farm animal pets. They are cute, cuddly, easy to care for and they have a variety of useful purposes.
They can be fed store bought feed, fodder, extra veggies from the garden, weeds and grass clippings, and hay.
Rabbits are also great for your garden because they produce some of the most amazing fertilizer.
Rabbits will breed, well….like rabbits, so make sure that if you have more than one you either get two of the same gender or have them spayed and/or neutered (yes, you can have this done).
Small goats-pygmy and Nigerian dwarfs are small goat breeds that don’t require a lot of space. Goats are friendly and social. My girls have even put them on leashes and taken them for walks. However, they are herd animals and need a buddy to really thrive, so make sure you have enough room for at least two. They are kind of like pringles, though. Once you start you can’t stop!
I have to tell ya though, they can be trouble. They are smart and will try to figure out ways to escape, so make darn sure your fencing is good cause they can climb.
Doesn’t everyone walk their goats?
But the babies are so darn cute, you sometimes forget that they can be pains in the a$$es
We have two pgymies that are brothers. And boy do they act like it. They will play fight with each other and tag team each other to get their way.
But don’t expect them to mow your lawn. Goats are browsers and would rather eat weeds and vines that grow up trees and along fences.
These are just a few ideas to get your juices flowing. However, it goes without saying, please do your research before choosing ANY animal for your family. If you have questions you can drop a comment below, email us at thechosenweeds@gmail.com, or call/text.
Not ready to make a commitment to one of these animals?
The next best way to get the full farm experience is to have a local farm tour.
Well, lucky for you, you and your family can come visit and get the full effect, including the possibility of milking a goat!
Here is what Brittinee from Beaumont said about her family’s tour:
“Chosen Weeds Farm has the sweetest goats, ducks, and chickens you will ever encounter! We had a great tour of the property, got to help with some farm chores and had a great time feeding the animals. Stephanie has a passion for her business and you can surely tell! Take a trip to Chosen Weeds Farm, you won’t be disappointed!“
For more information on farm tours, please contact Stephanie at 409-749-0184 or visit our Facebook page
