Alright, so this is sort of weird question, but here it goes:
As a recent joiner of my school’s FFA club, I’m realy interesed in doing an animal project. My only problem? I’ve never really worked seriously with livestock before. I’ve ridden western horseback before, but other than that the biggest animal I’ve ever kept is a cat. So, my question for those of you who’ve been in the FFA, 4-H, or just generally raised livestock: out of pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and cattle, which would be the best bet for a beginner to raise? Or am I doomed to be trampled no matter which I choose?
Chickens, I’d say. They’re small, they’re fairly stupid, you only have to feed them and they basically just amuse themselves the rest of the time. The “small” thing is why I suggest it. Finding out you can’t handle a 400lb. pig is different from finding out a 4lb. chicken has an attitude.
Another vote for chickens. There’s a lot of variety in breeds, they won’t drag you all over the show ring (like one of my Nubians did) and there are some wonderful chicks out there. I loved my little Dickie the Chickie (gimme a break on the silly name, I was seven or so) because he was so smart, and just like a dog. He’d come running when I called. He would sit on my shoulder like a parrot, he would hang out with me, he loved me and I loved him devotedly.
Then one day, Buttercup ate him. I hate pigs; the only nice thing I can think to say about them is that they taste good.
Chickens will also produce eggs, and farm fresh grainfed chicken eggs are wonderful.
My sister-in-law had dairy goats–what a pain in the ass!
When I did 4-H, I had Nubians and they were like hooved dogs, very charming, but also very demanding of your time because they love attention and will let the whole valley know if they feel like they’re not getting it: “MMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!MMMMMMMAAAAAAAA-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
I loved them very much, but you should probably start small and work up when you feel ready.
I’d speak to your FFA advisor for advice, too. That’s what s/he’s there for, right? Handling horses isn’t hard, and you don’t have to worry about slaughter after the show season.
I’d like to have the option of horses or rabbits, but I haven’t heard any mention of them. I’ll ask our teacher/FFA organizer, but I don’t think they’re on the list of raisable animals.
Another factor is cost. Horses are expensive, to feed, to house, to have their hooves trimmed, to have the vet give shots to, not to mention the expense of a horse trailer and a truck to pull it.
Whereas a chicken you can stick in a cardboard box and put in the back seat of the car.
I think the basic idea behind FFA is for kids to learn about the production of commercially viable meat animals, which lets out horses and rabbits, since they aren’t really a big-ticket item at the Kroger meat counter. I think you’re supposed to be learning potentially marketable skills, “Oh, yes, I know how to raise pigs for profit…” And yeah, Americans don’t eat much mutton, but other people in the world do.
Yea, my dad had goats for a long while (don’t ask) and they tend to be very social and friendly, which is good, but can be a total pain for a first-time animal. Whereas chickens provide hours of amusement for a handful of feed.
