Starting a homestead often comes with dreams of fresh eggs, goat milk, or maybe even raising your own meat. But here’s the truth—buying animals too soon (or without the right preparation) can turn that dream into stress fast.
When I bought my first animals, I thought I was ready. What I didn’t realize was how much work, money, and planning it really takes. So today, I want to share the biggest lessons I wish I knew before buying my first animals—so you can avoid the mistakes I made.
Animals Cost More Than You Think
It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of bringing home new animals — a $5 chick, a “free” goat from a neighbor, or a couple of ducks from the feed store. But here’s the truth: the purchase price is just the beginning of what you’ll spend.
Feed & supplements:
Even small animals eat more than you’d expect. A laying hen, for example, goes through roughly ¼ pound of feed per day. Multiply that by a dozen hens, and suddenly you’re buying 50-pound bags. Add in grit, oyster shell, minerals, and the occasional treat or supplement, and those “cheap chickens” start to add up fast.
Housing & bedding:
Animals need safe, weatherproof shelter — and that means coops, barns, or hutches that are not only built but also maintained. Repairs, predator-proofing, and fresh bedding like straw or shavings are ongoing expenses. Even the best-built coop needs regular upkeep to stay clean and dry.
Health care:
Whether you handle it yourself or call in a vet, animal health care isn’t optional. Vaccines, dewormers, hoof trims, and the occasional emergency visit can hit your wallet when you least expect it. And trust me — it’s never at a convenient time.
💡 Tip: Before bringing any new animal home, set aside 3–6 months of feed, bedding, and health care costs in your budget. That cushion gives you peace of mind and keeps your homestead running smoothly when unexpected expenses pop up — because they will.
Homestead Animals Are a Full-Time Commitment
Animals don’t take days off — and once they’re part of your homestead, neither do you (at least not completely). They don’t care if you’re tired, working late, or dreaming of a weekend getaway. They depend on you for food, water, safety, and care every single day — rain, shine, or snow.
Daily care:
Feeding, watering, and cleaning pens or coops quickly become part of your daily rhythm. Chickens still need food and unfrozen water in the snow. Goats still expect breakfast and a secure fence after a windstorm. Cows still need milking — even on holidays or when you’d rather sleep in.
No “pause” button:
It’s one of the biggest adjustments for new homesteaders. You can’t simply skip a morning or leave town without a plan. Animals notice when routines are broken — and their health and safety depend on consistency.
💡 Tip:
Before bringing animals home, line up a reliable backup plan for the days you can’t be there. Neighbors, friends, or local farm sitters can be absolute lifesavers. It’s worth building those relationships early — because even the most dedicated homesteader needs a break sometimes.
Build First, Buy Later
One of the biggest lessons I learned the hard way was this: don’t bring animals home before you’re fully ready for them. I know how tempting it is — you see those adorable baby goats or chicks at the feed store and think, “I’ll finish the pen this weekend.” But animals don’t wait patiently while you finish your to-do list.
Proper housing matters:
Chickens need secure, predator-proof coops that lock up tight at night. A single weak spot is an open invitation to raccoons or foxes.
Goats are escape artists:
Whatever fencing you think will work — double it. Goats love to climb, lean, and test boundaries (literally). Even a small gap can turn into an impromptu jailbreak.
Rabbits need protection too:
Their hutches should have shade in summer, shelter from wind and rain, and wire bottoms sturdy enough to keep out predators.
💡 Tip:
Finish the fencing, build the coop, and test everything before you bring your animals home. It might take more time upfront, but it’ll save you endless stress, late-night chases, and potential injuries later. Your animals deserve a safe start — and you deserve peace of mind.
Not All Breeds Are Created Equal
It’s easy to fall in love with cute animals online — those floppy-eared goats on Instagram or the fluffy chickens at the feed store. But not every breed is right for every homestead. The animals that fit your goals, climate, and lifestyle will serve you much better than the ones that just look adorable.
Chickens:
Before buying, ask yourself — are you after eggs, meat, or both? Laying breeds like Leghorns or Australorps are great for daily eggs, while Cornish Cross are raised for meat. Dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons or Plymouth Rocks can give you a bit of both but require more feed and patience.
Goats:
Goats come with very different skill sets. Dairy breeds like Nubians or Alpines give rich milk for cheese and soap making. Meat breeds like Boers are bulkier and better for freezer camp. There are even smaller breeds like Nigerian Dwarfs(that’s what I have) that make great family milk goats for small spaces.
Cows:
A Jersey cow might be perfect for a small homestead if you want rich, creamy milk — but an Angus steer is bred for beef, not daily milking. Each type has different space, feed, and care requirements.
💡 Tip:
Choose animals that match your homestead goals, not just your heart. The right breed will make your life easier, your projects more successful, and your animals happier in the long run. Take time to research before buying — your future self (and your feed bill) will thank you.
Start Small & Grow Slowly
One of the quickest ways to burn out on the homestead is by diving in too deep, too fast. When you’re just starting out, everything sounds exciting — chickens, goats, cows, rabbits, ducks! But each new species adds a layer of chores, learning, and expenses.
Start simple:
Begin with one type of animal and learn their needs inside and out. Master chickens before adding goats. Get comfortable with goats before moving up to cows. Each step builds your confidence and teaches valuable lessons about feed, fencing, and daily routines.
Grow at your own pace:
Homesteading isn’t a race — it’s a lifestyle. Expanding slowly allows you to enjoy the process instead of constantly playing catch-up. When you build solid systems first, adding new animals later feels natural instead of chaotic.
💡 Tip:
Think of your homestead like a garden — plant a few things, see what thrives, then add more next season. With patience and planning, you’ll grow something that truly lasts.
Final Thoughts
Bringing home your first animals is thrilling — there’s nothing quite like hearing that first morning cluck or watching a goat hop through the pasture. But it’s also a big commitment. If I could go back, I’d slow down, prepare more, and start smaller.
Homesteading is about creating a life that’s sustainable, not stressful. The slower you go, the stronger your foundation will be. Take your time, do your research, and give yourself grace to learn as you grow.
🐓 Your turn:
What’s the first animal you dream of bringing to your homestead — and why? Share in the comments below! I love hearing everyone’s stories and seeing how each homestead journey begins.
