For the farmer who marches to the beat of their own drum, alternative livestock is the perfect addition to their unconventional and happy farm. Ready to welcome an out-of-the-ordinary animal to your humble abode?
We cover the main factors to consider when caring for these remarkable creatures so they can have a long and happy life!
What Are Alternative Livestock?
Alternative, exotic, or specialty livestock are livestock that are uncommon than the traditional farm animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs.
Alternative livestock can be found in the wild and be domesticated for breeding and the production of meat, eggs, feathers, manure, and fiber. Some exotic animals can be domesticated as pets.
Alternative Livestock Species
If you want to add personality and a unique quality to your farm, you have a wide range of alternative livestock species to choose from:
- Antelope
- Elk
- Buffalo
- Alpacas
- Llamas
- Miniature horses
- Donkeys
- Zebras
- Camels
- Game birds
- Wallabies
- Ducks
- Ratites
- Honey bees
- Fish
How to Care for Alternative Livestock
If you are interested in raising non-traditional livestock, there are many factors to consider before moving forward with this unorthodox business.
Ask yourself:
- Are there any unique animal zoning regulations, permits, or licenses for your particular livestock?
- Does your land have the proper resources for raising alternative livestock including feed and water supply?
- Do the economic and psychophysiological benefits outweigh the costs of raising your livestock?
The difficulty of raising alternative livestock depends on a variety of factors including the livestock type, the resources of the facilities, your farm size, and your experience raising the animals.
Facility Considerations for Alternative Livestock
Property consideration varies by the type of livestock you will be caring for. Specialty needs may include livestock-specific fencing and handling facilities. For instance, bison require a robust fencing system like 5-strand barbed or high-tensile wire that is at least 5 feet tall. Bison are able to jump higher than cattle.
For ostriches, farmers will need special waterers that allow them to scoop up the water without splashing onto the soil. If the soil becomes wet, the ostriches may peck at it and ingest too much sand and dirt, increasing the risk of an impaction.
Specialty livestock can also require certain equipment with tall sides, a covered roof, and other transportation considerations.
Feeding and Nutrition
Llamas and Alpacas
As natural herbivores, llamas and alpacas love to feast on grass, hay, and leaves from plants and shrubs. Their digestive system is particularly able to handle a high-fiber diet.
In the summer, llamas and alpacas can feed on grassy pastures and supplement with hay, grains, pellets, and mineral blocks in the winter.
Mazuri, Alpaca & Llama Maintenance Diet, 50 lb
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Emus, Ostriches, and Rheas
Ostriches, emus, and rheas are flightless birds that consume low-quality roughage in the wild which undergo a fermentation process in the digestive tract. In their natural habitat, they can eat small animals, insects, plants, and seeds.
Ostriches and emus are omnivores that consume animals and plants. As livestock, ostriches consume commercially available feed designed with the perfect nutrition levels for different stages of life. They can eat about 80% feed and 20% fruits and vegetables.
Bees
In the wild, honey bees eat pollen and nectar from flowers. On your homestead, honey bees can be fed honey, dry sugar, sugar syrup, and pollen substitutes during times when natural resources are scarce.
HARVEST LANE HONEY FEEDLQ-103 Liquid Bee Feed with Essential Oil, 1 gal Capacity
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Mini Horse and Pony
Miniature horses and ponies eat high-quality hay and pasture. They need about 1 to 1.5 pounds of hay or pasture per 100 pounds of body weight per day. Commercial feeds can supplement additional protein, vitamins, and minerals not available in forage.
Purina, Mini Horse & Pony, 50 lb
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Waterfowl
In the wild, ducks and geese feed on grains, grasses, invertebrates, and plants.
Mazuri, Waterfowl Maintenance Diet
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Veterinary Care for Alternative Livestock
One of the most pressing concerns about caring for alternative livestock is the availability of exotic animal care near you, not only for regular check-ups but also emergency care. Veterinarians may only specialize in the most common animal medicine.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to properly research and prepare for keeping specialty livestock on your farm. Due to the sheer variety of exotic species, veterinarians may not be experienced in treating your particular animal.
Understanding the Industry
Due to the unique needs of alternative livestock species, owners should educate themselves on their particular species.
- Read journals, magazines, and other publications relating to your farm animals.
- Become a member of a breed association to stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry and gain access to important resources and guides for caring for your animals.
- Attend shows and sales for education, competition, and entertainment.
- Network with current livestock owners online and in-person to beat the learning curve when caring for your animals.
Land Management
Can your land provide the necessary environment for your animals? Contact your local soil conservation office to ensure that your land can meet the needs of your llamas, deer, elk, bison, or other unconventional animals.
Certain animal breeds may not be suitable for rough terrains such as steep hills, rocky environments, and boggy ground.
All animals need proper shelter to protect themselves from the sun, rain, wind, and other environmental hazards. Consider whether your livestock will have appropriate shade, water, and grazing land.
Contact your local zoning authority to identify applicable stocking rates. Consider the noise pollution, feed requirements, manure management, and other property considerations relating to the wellbeing of your unique breeds.
Purina, AntlerMax Deer 16 Climate Guard, 50 lb
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Marketing
Develop a marketing plan to identify costs, create price points, manage production and operational risks, and consider the outlook of the industry. A marketing plan will be determined by the product you plan to sell, whether it be meat, eggs, fabric, and other specialty products. Research your target buyer and find where you can promote and advertise your product online and in person.
Unconventional Farming Made Easy at Wilco Farm Stores
Caring for unusual breeds is easier than ever.
Shop Wilco farm stores for all your basic alternative care needs.
