Smallholding: Pigs, Goats, Sheep and Alpacas
Guides to keeping farm animals as pets or on a small plot: getting the paperwork right first, then fencing, shelter, water and feeding for pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas and llamas, plus preventive health and the everyday equipment that makes it work.
Smallholding Basics
Each button opens a search in your own country's Amazon store. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Getting Started
Paperwork, land and the rules that surprise new keepers.
Pigs
Pet pigs are farm animals in law in many countries.
Goats
Browsers, climbers and escape artists, always in pairs.
Sheep, Alpacas and Llamas
Fleece animals that need yearly shearing and company.
Cattle
Small breeds still mean big paperwork.
Health Basics
Prevention, a farm vet and good records.
Feeding and Equipment
The everyday kit that keeps the routine running.
Frequently Asked Questions
New smallholders usually ask these first.
Do pet pigs, goats and sheep need paperwork?
In many countries, yes. In England you need a CPH number for the land, a herd or flock mark and ID and movement records, even for pets. In the US, check zoning and your state department of agriculture. See livestock paperwork.
Can farm animals eat kitchen scraps?
Not in the UK or the EU, where it's illegal for farm animals, pets included. Other countries restrict it too, especially for pigs. See kitchen scraps and farm animals.
Can I keep just one goat, sheep or pig?
No. Goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas and llamas are herd or social animals and need company of their own kind. Plan on at least two, and three for sheep and camelids.
Which animal should a beginner start with?
One species you've researched well, in a small group, once the fencing, shelter, water, paperwork and a farm vet are in place. Smallholding setup walks through the order.
Related Reading
- Poultry: chickens, ducks, geese and more.
- Horses and ponies: including donkeys.
- Poultry and the law: registering birds and bird flu rules.