First Farm Animal Recommendation?

[/pine]

...that was intended to be rude whether you want to believe it or not...

wrong and incorrect...I would have made the same comment to anyone that responded the same...i.e., making decisions (as such stated) based on the opinions of anonymous forum members is over the top foolish IMO...especially when it comes anyone that is naive on the subject of raising farm animals...

other posters like BP are correct in their observations of my intent...

sorry if my realist, non-sugar coated opinions are misunderstood...

 

[HiddenHollow]

Having those pigs destroy that pen was part of the learning curve. I would not give back any of the time I spent taking care of my animals. Each animal has it's own pros and cons. I enjoy raising our beef steers most of all. There is nothing more beautiful than looking out back and seeing them grazing in the pasture. ALL farm animals,including cats and dogs, require some of your time EVERY day. You have to enjoy it. When it feels like work then its time to rethink your situation.

My 2 cents

 

[catskinner]

Having those pigs destroy that pen was part of the learning curve. I would not give back any of the time I spent taking care of my animals. Each animal has it's own pros and cons. I enjoy raising our beef steers most of all. There is nothing more beautiful than looking out back and seeing them grazing in the pasture. ALL farm animals,including cats and dogs, require some of your time EVERY day. You have to enjoy it. When it feels like work then its time to rethink your situation.

My 2 cents

X2:thumbsup:

 

[dave1949]

Having those pigs destroy that pen was part of the learning curve. I would not give back any of the time I spent taking care of my animals. Each animal has it's own pros and cons. I enjoy raising our beef steers most of all. There is nothing more beautiful than looking out back and seeing them grazing in the pasture. ALL farm animals,including cats and dogs, require some of your time EVERY day. You have to enjoy it. When it feels like work then its time to rethink your situation.

My 2 cents

Good, honest thought. That's why I don't keep farm animals anymore. For the small amount of meat or eggs my wife and I eat, it isn't worth it. Plus being tied down. I have no neighbors who could tend animals if I am gone either. The kids are too far away to pitch in if needed.

I am often tempted but then I do a reality check :laughing: It would cost a lot to get set up well enough to make it fun - especially through the winter.

Our dog gets loads of attention everyday and a couple long walks everyday it's decent enough to get outside.
Dave.

 

[Freds]

I thought dogs and cats were companion animals... anyway, any animal is a chore, just like a kid. Although with choosing an animal to care for you get more choice ;^)
And I certainly don't find asking others' opinions foolish. Sometimes it's nice to get another opinion. It might help reinforce what you've already been thinking.

 

[arrabil]

making decisions (as such stated) based on the opinions of anonymous forum members is over the top foolish IMO...especially when it comes anyone that is naive on the subject of raising farm animals...

Am I understanding this right..... Everyone else's opinion is naive and foolish but yours is the one I should listen to above all else?

 

[dcyrilc]

Thats awesome. A number of people said how much trouble the manure is. Mentioned the easiest ways to feed them is by having a large garden. Talked about how they destroy all the land they inhabit. How its hard to wrestle 200lbs beasts. Etc, etc.

And one rude comment (that was intended to be rude whether you want to believe it or not) makes a handful of you think I'm irresponsible and not ready for caring for animals because I decided that I agree chickens or quail are simpler/less trouble/easier for ME to care for. Which was the unanimous consensus if you read all the posts. That is, until I said something about the pigs.

I don't feel that you're irresponsible. I'm just agreeing with others that any animal will make demands on your time at some point. I think the idea of doing chicken and/or quail is a great thing. I love animals and enjoy ours to no end. I honestly wish you the best in whatever endevor you choose to partake in.:thumbsup:

 

[/pine]

...I certainly don't find asking others' opinions foolish...

Neither do I ...that is what makes foums like this one so great...
...BUT making decisions based soley on the opinions/experiences of others (when it involves something that will be effecting an individual's every day life) is not being prudent...

and in my opinion being prudent is (should be) a fundamental when raising livestock of any kind...

 

[/pine]

...Am I understanding this right..... Everyone else's opinion is naive and foolish but yours is the one I should listen to above all else?

NO...you are not

AND you are the one that is naive on animal husbandry

 

[blueriver]

I see a little heat here between a couple posters with strong opinions ... I may have started it with the idea of Pigs.

I have Brangus Cattle ... they require work. I have Hampshire Pigs ...they require work ... I have a flock of hens ... They require work. I have Donkeys ... they require work ... I have mules ... they require work ... I have Quarter Horse's ... they require work ... Dogs, cats ... they require work ... I have a total with rented ground 240 acres it requires work ...

Sorry about that ... the point is I ENJOY every animal, every acre and every hour that I put into the operation and each one supplements the other one ... most importantly its EXCATLY WHAT I DECIDED I WANTED TO DO!!

I listen to opinions, implement plans and learn from mistakes and after awhile I get it together and make things simple.

To the OP ... what ever you decide to do may be right... maybe wrong, your plan may have to get fine tuned ... reorganization may come into play. Keep in mind its your decision ... I have alittle experience with animals and would be glad to share any experiences with you.