When I bought my farm, I knew I would not be able to raise larger hoofstock profitably on such a small place (7.5 acres.) So, I started with ornamental poultry and rabbits. I liked it because at the time I bought our place, my son was very small and he was very attached to the animals, so raising meat animals was out. Instead I focused on breeds that are primarily egg layers, pets or ornamentals, like Leghorns, Polish and Cochins, and Netherland Dwarf bunnies. I got into some of the fancy breeds by hanging out with other breeders, and the Polish and Lakenvelders were my absolute favorites in the chickens.I also had call ducks and a few Mandarins. We managed to carve out a pretty decent side income until I got sidelined by injury, but now that my son is grown he wants to start up the farm again, and has started his new venture with dual purpose breeds this time. So now we have Astralorps and Brahmas, with a few Production Reds to make eggs for the table. This week, I just hatched out my new tiny flock of Golden Lakenvelders, which my son has graciously agreed to help me keep track of. I didn't realize how much I had missed this until the peeps started hatching, boy this is great how did I do without this for five years now LOL!
