If you own property and would like to have farm animals, where do you start? Do you need to check if they’re allowed on your property? Are there any bylaws in your town that might prevent you from having them? If you think that keeping farm animals might be right for you, the first thing you should do is check with your local zoning department to make sure that livestock is permitted within your municipality. Many cities and towns have zoning laws that dictate what types of properties are permitted within their borders, so it’s a good idea to double-check before moving forward. Even once you’ve confirmed that it’s legal for you to keep farm animals, there are other factors to consider before taking on this responsibility. For example, depending on the type of property that you own, some farm animals may not be permitted. In addition, various zoning laws may restrict the size or number of animals that can live in a particular area.
Can I Have Farm Animals On My Property?
It all depends on your local laws. In the United States, there are two main laws that regulate private farm animals. zoning laws and health ordinances. Zoning laws determine what type of property is allowed in a specific area and may include restrictions on the number of animals allowed and the types of animals that are allowed. Note that the policies may vary if you have done ESA registration for your farm animal.
What Types Of Farm Animals Are Allowed?
1. Horses
Horses are allowed in most areas, but there are some restrictions. For example, your town may have a limit on the number of horses that you can own or how many acres of land you can have. In addition, some towns require that you have property that is at least two acres to be able to keep horses.
2. Cattle
Cattle are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions based on the number of cattle and the size of your property. For example, some areas allow one cow per acre of land and others allow two cows per acre.
3. Pigs
Pigs are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on how many pigs you can own and how large your property must be to keep them. For example, some towns allow up to a certain number of pigs per acre while others allow only one pig per acre.
4. Goats
Goats are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on the number of goats you can own. For example, some areas require that you have a minimum number of acres to be able to keep goats.
5. Chickens
Chickens are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on the number of chickens you can own and how large your property must be to keep them. For example, some towns allow up to a certain number of chickens per acre while others allow only one chicken per acre.
6. Ducks and Geese
Ducks and geese are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on the number of ducks and geese that you can own based on how much land you have available for them to live on. For example, some towns allow up to a certain number of ducks or geese per acre while others allow only one duck or goose per acre.
7. Rabbits
Rabbits are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on the number of rabbits you can own based on how much land you have available for them to live on. For example, some towns allow up to a certain number of rabbits per acre while others allow only one rabbit per acre.
8. Chickens, Ducks, and Geese
Chickens, ducks, and geese are allowed in most areas, but there are restrictions on the number of chickens, ducks, or geese that you can own based on how much land you have available for them to live on. For example, some towns allow up to a certain number of chickens, ducks, or geese per acre while others allow only one chicken, duck, or goose per acre.
Which Types Of Farm Animals Are Most Common?
1. Cows
According to the USDA, the most common animals on farms are cows. The average American cow produces about of milk per year, which means that they produce over of milk in their lifetime.
2. Pigs
According to the USDA, the second most common animals on farms are pigs. The average pig weighs around and eats about of food per day.
3. Sheep
According to the USDA, the third most common animals on farms are sheep. Sheep produce twice as much wool as a cow, but they don’t produce milk or meat like cows do.
4. Chickens
According to the USDA, the fourth most common animals on farms are chickens. The average chicken lays around 1 egg per day, which means that they lay over 300 eggs in their lifetime.
5. Ducks
According to the USDA, the fifth most common animals on farms are ducks. The average duck weighs around and produces about of meat in their lifetime.
6. Geese
According to the USDA, the sixth most common animals on farms are geese. The average goose weighs around and produces about of meat in their lifetime.
7. Rabbits
According to the USDA, the seventh most common animals on farms are rabbits. The average rabbit weighs around and produces about of meat in their lifetime.
Which Farm Animals Are Prohibited?
1. Bears
Bears are prohibited in most areas, but there are exceptions. For example, if you live in a rural area and have no neighbors within your line of sight then you can keep a bear as a pet.
2. Wolves
Wolves are prohibited in most areas, but there are exceptions. For example, if you live in an area where wolves naturally live and the town allows it then you can keep a wolf as a pet.
3. Tigers
Tigers are prohibited in most areas, but there are exceptions. For example, if you live near an accredited zoo or sanctuary that has tigers then you can keep one as a pet with the zoo or sanctuary’s permission.
4. Elephants
Elephants are prohibited in most areas, but there are exceptions. For example, if you live in an accredited zoo or sanctuary that has elephants then you can keep one as a pet with the zoo’s or sanctuary’s permission.
5. Pet Birds
Some cities allow you to have pet birds, but others don’t. Even if a city allows you to have pet birds, some areas may not allow you to keep them. For example, in cities with a large amount of bird traffic (like New York City or Chicago), it may be illegal to keep pet birds.
6. Ferrets
Some cities allow ferrets while others don’t. For example, ferrets are allowed in most states, but they’re prohibited in California and Hawaii. It’s also illegal to own ferrets in New York City and Washington D.C.
7. Reptiles
Reptiles are prohibited in some cities and states because of the risk that they could carry salmonella or other diseases that can be transmitted from reptiles to humans (and vice versa). In addition to this risk, it’s generally believed that reptiles are too difficult for many people to care for properly.
Conclusion
If you live in an urban or suburban area and are interested in keeping farm animals, there are plenty of options available to you. Although the specific types of animals available to you will vary depending on your location, most types of farm animals are allowed in residential areas. Before deciding which types of animals to keep, you should know how much land you’ll need to properly care for them. Most people keep chickens, turkeys, and rabbits in relatively small pens or cages. Cows, goats, and pigs, on the other hand, need much more room and can’t be kept in a small pen.
