Americans are going ga-ga for goats, pigs, donkeys, and more—in miniature, that is. Hobby farmers and homesteaders drive the mini-creature craze by procuring small livestock breeds. Plus, these cuties might just cut the grass.
Sales of pint-sized farm animals have skyrocketed since 2020. That’s when more people started raising backyard chickens for fun and ultra-fresh eggs. Like chickens, mini farm animals appeal to beginners who want just a taste of the farm lifestyle without the sunup to sundown chores.
Social media raised the profile of mini farm animals, says Martin Fysh, a vice president for retailer Tractor Supply Co. Fysh thinks the mini-animal trend reflects a natural next step for customers who started out with a backyard coop.
A righteous person regards his animals’ needs. (Proverbs 12:10) So before playing Old MacDonald, would-be farmers should consider all sides of caring for God’s animal creatures.
Brittany Snow purchased four Nigerian dwarf goats intending to milk them to make cheese, soap, and lotion. But that hasn’t worked yet. Goats lactate only after giving birth, and her female just recently had kids.
“The past few years have been a learning curve,” Snow says.
In fact, many folks who take on mini goats tend to sell them after a few years, says Angelia Alden of the Miniature Dairy Goat Association. Rising feed costs can be a headache, as is finding medical care due to a farm veterinarian shortage.
Another consideration is that “mini” may not equal small. Mini cows can weigh 500-600 pounds. Miniature horses usually weigh 175-200 pounds—far less than regular horses but still as much as an adult person.
Lisa Moad keeps mini horses in Ohio. She used to take them to local nursing homes and hospitals. That meant teaching them how to maneuver around wheelchairs and into elevators.
“They’re docile, but they can get frightened easily,” she says. “You just can’t walk into a hospital with a horse.”
Earlier this year, Jamie and Jeff Campion bought two Babydoll Southdown sheep. Biscuit and Buttermilk have become excellent lawn trimmers, Jamie says. Each weighs about 70 pounds and stands 20 inches high.
“They eat the grass, so we don’t even have to buy food [for the sheep] on a weekly basis,” she says.
But animals of any size can be challenging—even dangerous.
One time, Jeff tried to give a sheep medication to treat parasites. It tore his bicep.
Mostly, the sheep bring the Campions joy. Jamie recalls taking them for a neighborhood walk without leashes on a snowy day. “They just followed right behind.”
Why? In His wisdom, God created humans to be drawn to things that need care and protection—like babies and small animals. But jumping aboard trends should be tempered also with His wisdom for responsible care.
