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LaTigresse -> RE: Urban homesteading. (6/21/2011 12:41:50 PM)
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On the whole, I am against it. It has been my experience that most people that have not spent a great deal of time in a farm environment do not have a concept of what raising most of these animals entails. Just the waste is problematic. I would never want a hog, or chickens, near my house. Certainly not goats or sheep. Cattle and horses require room to move about if they are to be kept humanely. 2-3 acres per animal I believe is the standard. I have 12 acres total.
Also, depending on what type of animal, special fencing and housing. With the costs of building material skyrocketing the last couple of years, I am VERY glad I am not building a new fence or shed for my guys.
I have only two horses and I still need to purchase hay and grain. Usually, I get a great deal on the hay I buy because I have the ability to purchase and haul large amounts. Most people do not. I live in an area where hay is high quality and low cost. I still spent over $ 400.00 JUST ON HAY, last year. And that was a good year, a year I only had to feed it about 6 month of the year. Grain has jumped dramatically in price the last few years. 50# lasts me about a week, with two healthy horses. That is a medium priced, general feed. It usually is about $9 for 50#. Most people do not realize the cost of feeding most of these animals when you are buying that feed in smaller quantities.
All of these animals require far different care than the animals most people are used to caring for. I cannot keep my horses in a pasture the neighbour kept his cattle for safety reasons. Most people do not know what common plants are indeed quite poisonous. Most people do not have a clue about the regular vet care these animals require, nor often have access to a vet that knows farm animal vet care. Most people do not realize that many of these animals require additional care, especially if they are confined in a smaller area for any length of time. Hooves need trimmed. My farrier comes every 6 weeks and only trims, no shoes, and it is $ 50.00. That is with zero corrective issues.
Then you have the noise. Not many people want to listen to a rooster crowing off and on all day, a donkey braying, or a pig grunting and squealing.
During lunch, I was reading an article about the ecological and monetary costs of various proteins. Plant proteins are by far, the best way to go if a person wishes to produce their own.
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