Farm & Livestock

Hobby farming has come home: miniature and heritage livestock now share suburban paddocks and even large gardens, kept as much for companionship as for milk, fibre or eggs. Goats are agile, curious herd animals that need a companion goat and sturdy fencing; pigs are startlingly intelligent and food-motivated; alpacas and llamas graze gently on a few animals' worth of pasture; and a Dexter or miniature Highland brings a working-farm feel at a fraction of the space. Every animal here is a herd or flock species — none should live alone — and all share three essentials: room to move and graze, dry draught-free shelter, and species-correct forage (good grass hay is the backbone of ruminant health). Budget for hoof trimming, annual vaccination and worming, and line up a farm or large-animal vet before you buy. Get space, company and forage right, and these are hardy, long-lived, deeply engaging companions.