In the UK, we have a wide and varied farm and agriculture field. In recent years, keeping animals such as chickens, geese and ducks have become hugely popular.
But people are now also keeping animals such as goats, pigs and sheep in outdoor areas. These animals aren’t necessarily on a farm, but in a more domesticated setting that would be usually seen as homing a dog or cat.
Keeping farm animals has grown in popularity as more people have moved out to the countryside after coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions. But is it actually possible (and legal) to recreate The Good Life in your own backyard? What are the restrictions?
Which farm animals can be kept as pets in the UK?
Here at Petz, we would actually recommend that all animals which are naturally found on a farm are probably best avoided unless you have the space, knowledge and finances to care for them. It is safe to say that cows are probably a no-go, then.
All animals must be cared for under the Animal Welfare Act. The Act states that anyone responsible for an animal has a legal responsibility to meet the five basic welfare needs of the animal.
These are:
- A proper diet
- Somewhere suitable to live
- Any need to be housed with or apart from other animals
- Being allowed to express normal behaviour
- Protection from and treatment of, illness and injury
A domesticated setting rules out quite a few of these points already. For instance, an ordinary garden won’t give a farm animal suitable housing or allow ordinary behaviour. For many people, the diet of a farm animal may also be difficult to access.
So despite Instagram accounts of cute baby goats and teacup pigs, owning farm animals shouldn’t be normalised. But it is still possible to keep goats and pigs as pets if they are given the appropriate care.
Keeping chickens as pets
Chickens are commonly kept as pets in the UK. However, they aren’t as easy to care for as some may think.
They need space to exercise and stretch their wings during the day, and security overnight. They are a target of predators such as foxes, cats and wild animals. So, their wire fence needs to be dig-proof.
Unlike with some other farm animals, you don’t necessarily have to register that you’re a chicken owner. Only if you’re planning to keep 50 or more chickens do you need to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register. This is so the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency can get in touch if there’s a disease outbreak.
However, you should register no matter how many birds you have, so you can stay updated on news and alerts.
- It is recommended that you keep at least 3 hens who all get on well together
- Cockerels shouldn’t be kept together
- Mixing chickens who haven’t grown up together can be tricky
- They need to be fed suitable chicken feed for their age. Extras, such as grit and water, are also essential
- Chickens need a secure run large enough to allow them to get some space
- They also need a chicken coop house for overnight, which is secure and sheltered
Keeping goats as pets
Potentially the most common farm animal to be kept as pets. However, contrary to belief, they should not be used as lawnmowers. Goats need a proper balanced diet and care, and can’t just be used to keep grass and hedgerows short.
Any premises which goats are kept on are classed as agricultural holdings and must be registered with Defra. You need licenses, paperwork, records and identification paperwork. Therefore, you cannot keep goats on a whim.
We’d recommend all goat owners join a group such as the British Goat Society. They can give advice and support all year round. You can acquire goats from registered breeders who the BGS recommends, or sometimes through rescue charities such as the RSPCA.
- Goats are social herd animals. They should be at least kept in pairs and need to all get on well
- Uncastrated male goats can display unwanted behaviours
- They need 24/7 access to suitable housing and shelter
- Goats are very difficult to confine, so they need suitable tall fencing and security
- They are destructive, so can break down fencing and destroy gardens
- They need regular vet treatment, including vaccination, worming and foot care, which can be expensive
- Goats can be loud, so if you have neighbours, it may be cause for concern
- Dairy goats need a lot of milking and care, so this is not to be undertaken by anyone unprepared
- Twins, triplets and even quads are common results of goat pregnancy
Pygmy goats are the most common breed kept as domestic goats. They are small, easy to handle and friendly.
Keeping pigs as pets
Pet pigs are challenging to look after. Like farmed pigs, there are strict laws regarding their welfare and care.
Even the transportation of pigs can be harder than simply putting them in a suitable vehicle. Therefore, they are only recommended for dedicated and experienced pig owners.
- Pigs need to be fed on commercially made pig food suitable for their age. It is illegal to feed waste to pigs
- They need a minimum space of 6x6m per pig, with safe strong fencing
- Pigs can’t control their body temperature, so can be hard to look after in extreme weather
- They need somewhere to root constantly, or they can become frustrated and destructive
- Miniature breeds can weigh as much as 70kg once grown. Others can reach 300kg
- Some pigs have a good temperament, but others can be dangerous and need to be handled with care
- Pigs are social animals, so you need at least two pigs that get on well together
- They need regular exercise to prevent obesity and constipation
- Pet pigs are prone to dry skin, arthritis and lameness, and inverted eyelids, so need regular vet care
- They also need regular vaccinations, which can all be expensive
- It is illegal to transport pigs in a vehicle not designed to carry them. All vehicles must be disinfected after transportation to prevent passing on disease
Vietnamese Pot-Bellied, Kune Kune, Gloucester Old Spot, and Tamworth pigs are the most common breeds kept as pets. The former is advertised as a miniature breed but can reach up to 70kg.