domesticated animals

When you start as an animal farmer, it’s evident one of the major decisions you’ll make is the type of animals to rear on your farm. This decision is shaped by many other factors, such as climatic conditions, farm size, and the care you can offer the animals.

Besides the commonly domesticated animals everyone goes for, you can make unique choices for hobby farming. Here are five uncommon hobby farm animals you should consider domesticating soon.

Bashkir Curly Horses

It’s no surprise that this mysterious horse breed is making it to the top of the list. With several theories surrounding its origin, it’s no wonder it has become a favorite for hobby farmers. If you’re looking for a unique horse to attract agricultural tourists to your space, then a Baskir Curly horse will do the job.

However, like any other horse, rearing a Curly comes with its fair share of challenges, including horse diseases and mental or training challenges. A common challenge you must be wary of is pasture laminitis, which can be life-threatening if not handled early. You should maintain a close relationship with qualified vets for effective care.

The Naked Neck Chicken

The naked neck chicken is a beauty to behold, and its lack of feathers on the neck and sometimes chest makes it a rare beauty only a chicken lover can appreciate. It’s a good consideration for small farm businesses looking for a unique way to enter the market. While you can keep it for hobby and attraction, it’s still a chicken that lays eggs and offers meat for business purposes.

Miniature Cattle

If you’re tired of seeing the large, heavily built cattle mooing all over the place and keeping you on your toes with unending care demands, the miniature cattle is a great alternative. The few breeds that exist (the miniature Jerseys, Dexters, Herefords, and Lowlines) produce high-quality beef and rich, creamy milk that will satisfy your needs anytime. They’re also the perfect choice for a compact-sized farm accommodating many other animals.

Pygmy Goats

If you thought goats couldn’t get any smaller, think again. The pygmy goats aren’t just smaller-sized goats but cheerful, attractive goat species that perfectly fit into your hobby farm. Let not their small size fool you, though. They might be small, but they love plenty of space to play and jump over things to give them enough exercise and keep them entertained. They are also excellent breeders, giving birth every 12 to 18 months and blessing you with up to four babies with each birth.

Honey Bees

When taken care of, honey bees can be a reliable source of income and double up as your crop pollinators for successful all-around farming. Apart from the occasional stings that might come in the line of duty, there’s no major downside to keeping honey bees. It’s no wonder they are among India’s most profitable farming ideas.

While these unique hobby farm animals might not be the most popular domesticated animals, they often carry numerous benefits that will boost your farming endeavors. Whether you want to surprise your neighbors with a Bashkir Curly horse or keep some off with the revered honey bees, the power is in your hands. Choose what works best for you and take your farming to the next level.

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