Small Scale Livestock Options for Homesteaders – What Chickens & Rabbits Taught Us
Want to scale up your homesteading journey with some animals but don’t know where to begin? Then this is the read for you.
In this meeting, we’re going to cover some viable livestock options, how you can use them to your advantage, and how to care for them through the seasons—all while sharing what we’ve personally learned along the way.
1. Viable Small-Scale Livestock Options for New Homesteaders
Options, options, options are always available. Exploring your options before scooping up a bunch of animals and bringing them home with no concrete plans is always a wise move.
One thing we learned early on: starting small is the only option.
If you’re new to farm animals, starting with four hens is a perfect way to get your feet wet without being overwhelmed. You can always add more later. A family of four typically needs 4–6 chickens to meet their weekly egg needs, which usually comes to about a dozen eggs per week.
A Quick Note About Roosters
Do yourself a favor and skip the rooster addition the first time around. Yes, roosters are protective, and yes, they can fertilize eggs—but they also come with some rough edges.
Some roosters get a chip on their shoulder… and if yours does, look out. They can charge, attack, and even go after kids. And that classic morning wake-up call? It’s not always limited to the morning. We once had a rooster that crowed every 30 seconds on the dot—all day long. So while roosters play an important role in flock protection, their downsides are absolutely worth noting.
2. How to Use Chickens & Rabbits to Your Advantage on the Homestead
Why Chickens Are the Ultimate Homestead Starter Animal
Chickens were our first love and first addition to the farm. They provide:
- Nutritional eggs
- Meat
- Excellent pest control
- Fantastic compost
- Endless entertainment
- And best of all… they are GREAT little farm workers
With the right systems, you can utilize their work ethic better than some humans these days.
Chickens as Compost Workers
All that straw and chicken poop turns into black gold for your garden. When you watch bedding flood with manure and transform into amazing compost, you may never want to buy compost again.
Chickens as Pest Management
They’ll prepare garden beds, manage pests, and if you live where ticks are present, they’ll hunt down those little bastards and make them disappear.
Keep It Simple
There is no need for a fancy Instagram coop. Chickens need:
- A simple shelter for protection
- Nest boxes and bedding (we love straw)
- Feed (we prefer New Country Organics no-corn/no-soy)
- Fresh water—add a few ACV squirts for health benefits
- Predator protection, depending on your area
- Shade in summer, wind protection in winter
Electric poultry netting can work great if you’re dealing with diggers. We use Premier 1 electric netting and have had great success. Cover the top if flying predators are an issue.
If you want an animal to get things rolling, get chickens—and start small. You can always add more once you get your feet wet.
Why Rabbits Are a Powerful (and Underestimated) Homestead Asset
Next up: the beloved rabbits.
Not only are they adorable and easy to keep, but they deliver a powerful punch with their manure and their nutritious meat.
Rabbit Manure: The Good Stuff
If there was ever a manure worth getting excited about, it’s bunny nuggets. Rabbit manure is a cold manure, which means:
- You can use it fresh
- It won’t burn plants
- It won’t transfer pathogens
- It improves soil structure, drainage, and moisture retention
- It naturally contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
Rabbit Manure Tea
A simple fertilizer your garden will LOVE:
- Add rabbit dung to a bucket
- Cover with water
- Put a lid on
- Let ferment for a week
- Stir daily
- Strain, then dilute 1 cup tea : 1 gallon water
Use about 1 pint per small plant.
Or make a “tea bag” with a paint strainer and avoid straining altogether.
Keeping Rabbits Simple & Stress-Free
Bunnies only need:
- A safe, comfortable enclosure
- Water (NOT frozen chunks in winter!)
- Quality food
- A consistent routine
In winter, throw a tarp over the hutch and add straw for warmth.
Get a buck and a doe to start, but keep them separate unless you’re ready for things to escalate quickly… because they will “breed like rabbits.”
Rabbit meat is incredibly healthy, clean, and raised exactly how you choose. If you plan to process, we recommend not naming your food animals. It makes things much easier.
3. How to Care for Chickens & Rabbits Through the Seasons
Both animals are incredibly low-maintenance when you follow two rules:
Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your setup. Give them what they need for survival, safety, and comfort—and skip the fancy Pinterest-perfect systems unless you truly want them.
Water Is Non-Negotiable
Frozen water is useless.
Check it often in winter and provide shade and airflow during summer heat.
Seasonal Care at a Glance
Summer:
- Offer shade and cool resting spots
- Ensure constant access to clean water
- Ventilate coops/hutches
Winter:
- Block wind and drafts
- Add straw for warmth
- Prevent water from freezing
- Keep bedding clean and dry
With these basics, both chickens and rabbits thrive year-round with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts: Start Small & Keep It Simple
And there you have it, folks—two animals that make amazing additions to any homestead of any size, at any stage of your journey.
They offer tremendous benefits, require simple systems, and don’t demand too much of your time or energy (depending on your goals).
Start with these two additions—one at a time—and don’t forget to keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate the process and you’ll experience more joy, productivity, and success than frustration and failure. If you are wanting to get started with chickens but don't know what breed to start with read this post here.
As always, keep growing in every direction possible.
