12 Breeds
Livestock Breed Guide
Find the perfect breeds for your homestead - from prolific egg layers to efficient meat producers and dairy champions.
Showing 12 of 12 breeds
Chicken
BeginnerRhode Island Red
Dual Purpose
Primary Purpose
Eggs
Production
250-300 eggs/year
Size
Large
Temperament
Hardy
Moderate 8 yrs
Details Chicken
BeginnerBuff Orpington
Dual Purpose
Primary Purpose
Eggs
Production
200-280 eggs/year
Size
Large
Temperament
Calm
Quiet 8 yrs
Details Chicken
Leghorn
Layer
Primary Purpose
Eggs
Production
280-320 eggs/year
Size
Medium
Temperament
Active
High 7 yrs
Details Goat
BeginnerNigerian Dwarf
Dairy
Primary Purpose
Milk
Production
1-2 quarts milk/day
Size
Small
Temperament
Friendly
Moderate 15 yrs
Details Goat
Nubian
Dairy
Primary Purpose
Milk
Production
1-2 gallons milk/day
Size
Large
Temperament
Vocal
Very High 15 yrs
Details Goat
BeginnerBoer
Meat
Primary Purpose
Meat
Production
Market weight at 3-6 months
Size
Large
Temperament
Docile
Low 12 yrs
Details Duck
BeginnerKhaki Campbell
Layer
Primary Purpose
Eggs
Production
280-340 eggs/year
Size
Medium
Temperament
Active
Moderate 10 yrs
Details Duck
BeginnerPekin
Meat
Primary Purpose
Meat
Production
Market weight at 7-8 weeks
Size
Large
Temperament
Calm
Moderate 10 yrs
Details Rabbit
BeginnerNew Zealand White
Meat
Primary Purpose
Meat
Production
8-12 kits per litter, 4-5 litters/year
Size
Large
Temperament
Calm
Silent 8 yrs
Details Rabbit
BeginnerCalifornian
Meat
Primary Purpose
Meat
Production
6-10 kits per litter, 4-5 litters/year
Size
Large
Temperament
Calm
Silent 8 yrs
Details Sheep
BeginnerKatahdin
Hair/Meat
Primary Purpose
Meat
Production
1-3 lambs per year
Size
Medium
Temperament
Calm
Low 12 yrs
Details Sheep
Icelandic
Dual Purpose
Primary Purpose
Fiber
Production
4-7 lbs fleece/year, 1-3 lambs
Size
Medium
Temperament
Alert
Moderate 14 yrs
Details Browse by Species
Getting Started with Livestock
Start with Chickens
Chickens are the gateway livestock for homesteaders. Low maintenance, fresh eggs daily, and great for pest control.
Housing First
Build or buy appropriate housing before bringing animals home. Predator-proof enclosures are essential.
Social Animals
Most livestock are social and need companions. Plan to keep at least two or three of each species.