Exotic Animals

In addition to typical farm animals like horses, cattle, and swine, there are number of exotic animals you can keep on a hobby farm. These animals can be simply for pleasure or for work purposes.

Some people like to keep alpacas on a hobby farm thanks to their wool production and guarding abilities. They like to be in groups with a typical alpha male, females, and young. They can be particularly aggressive towards dogs, coyotes, and foxes if they are used to guard sheep. One of their signature traits is their “spitting”. They mostly reserve their spitting to other alpacas but will occasionally target a human. The spitting is a result of their acidic stomach contents.

Llamas are often used on hobby farms as well. Llamas are great for both wool and meat as well as for guarding livestock. Llamas will typically protect against coyotes or feral dogs. Generally, just one male is used as a guard as multiple males tend to bond with each other and ignore the flock. Llamas are very social and smart animals – they learn commands rather quickly and love to be around other llamas.

Other farmers like to keep elk, bison and buffalo on their farms for meat. Though they appear similar, the bison is native to North America whereas the buffalo is native to Africa and Asia. Bison and buffalo are also different in appearance. Bison horns look like typical corn horns whereas buffalo horns are larger and more arc-like.

Camels and zebroids can be a popular addition to a hobby farm for entertainment or tourism purposes. Zebroids are a cross between a zebra and any other equine (like horses). Zebroids normally resemble their non-zebra parent but are also striped. Zebroids are preferred over regular zebras due to their practical uses. Zebroids are much easier to ride and have a better temperament than zebras. Camels are most often for entertainment purposes on a farm, but sometimes are used for milk or meat.

Hobby farmers can also keep emus on their farm. Emus are the second-largest living bird height-wise, behind the ostrich. Emus can be used for both their eggs and their meat. Ostriches can also be part of a hobby farm. They can be used for meat and eggs. Ostriches can also be used for their feathers or skin. Some use their feathers for decorative purposes or as feather dusters. Their skin can be used for leather purposes.

Guinea fowl are also of interest to some hobby farmers for their eggs and for pest control. Guinea fowl are wonderful for controlling ticks and fleas.

If you are looking for a different kind of pig for your hobby farm, you can consider the pot belly pig. Pot-bellied pigs are used for their meat as well as for their companionship. They grow to be very large and are often not fully grown until age six.

If you’re looking for a special addition to any hobby farm, don’t rule out adding an exotic animal!

Picture:Breed:
alpaca-pictureAlpaca:
Origin: Unknown
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Wool Production
Breed Note: There are different types of Alpacas
bison-pictureBison:
Origin: The Americas
Coloring: Shades Of Brown
Production: Meat
Breed Note: There are different types of Bison
buffalo-pictureBuffalo:
Origin: The Americas
Coloring: Shades Of Brown
Production: Meat
Breed Note: There are different types of Buffalo
camel-pictureCamel:
Origin: Africa And The Middle East
Coloring: Yellow And White
Production: Entertainment, Tourism
Breed Note: There are different types of Camel
elk-pictureElk:
Origin: North America
Coloring: Brown
Production: Meal
Breed Note: There are different types of Elk
emu-pictureEmu:
Origin: Australia
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Eggs, Meat
Breed Note: Second largest living bird
guinea-fowl-pictureGuinea Fowl:
Origin: Africa
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Eggs, Pets, Pest Control
Breed Note: Can lay 25 to 30 eggs each time
llama-pictureLlama:
Origin: North America
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Meat
Breed Note: The typically mate laying down
ostrich-pictureOstrich:
Origin: Africa
Coloring: White And Grey
Production: Eggs And Meat
Breed Note: Multiple Ostrich breeds
peacock-picturePeacock:
Origin: South Asia
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Ornamental
Breed Note: Distinct feathers frow from the back, not the tail, contrary to popular belief
pot-belly-pigs-picturePot belly pigs:
Origin: Vietnam
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Usually weigh 100 to 300 pounds
rhea-pictureRhea:
Origin: South America
Coloring: Gray, Brown
Production: Feathers, Meat
Breed Note: Related to the Ostrich and Emu
zebroid-pictureZebroid:
Origin: Unknown
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Tourism, Pets
Breed Note: Cross between a Zebra and a Horse

3 thoughts on “Exotic Animals

  1. I am looking for a raccoon breeder within driving distance of Oklahoma City.

  2. michael mcelroy

    YES SIRS. i AM IN SEARCH OF FERTILE RHEA EGGS. i HAVE RAISED THEM BEFORE AND NOW AM RETIRED AD WANT A FEW OR PETS
    MIKE McElroy

  3. Hello-
    I am looking to acquire four yearling male dromedary camels- prefer a kind demeanor with a socialized foundation that will ease into training for public encounters- but are open to our options. Will NOT be doing rides. Prefer West of Texas for easier hauling.

    Thank you,
    Heather

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*