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Which Animal Fits Your Backyard?

Five quick questions, one directional recommendation. It’s a starting point for your own research, not a guarantee — and it can’t tell you whether an animal is actually allowed where you live (check our guides for that).

1. How much outdoor space do you have?

A small yard (under ~50m² / 500 sq ft)A medium garden (50–200m² / 500–2,000 sq ft)A large garden or small paddock (up to ~0.5 acre)More than half an acre

2. How much daily hands-on time can you give?

Under 15 minutes15–30 minutes30–60 minutesAn hour or more

3. How close are your nearest neighbours?

Very close — noise matters a lotSomewhat closeNot really a concern

4. How experienced are you with keeping animals?

First time keeping any livestockSome experience with pets or animalsExperienced keeper already

5. What do you mainly want from them?

EggsMilkMeatWool / fibreJust companionship — low-maintenance pets

Want to see what keeping a backyard animal is actually like?

Try My Backyard — a simple interactive simulation. Adopt one, feed it, play with it, keep its bedding clean, and see how it gets on.

Play My Backyard →

Built from published welfare standards. Last checked September 2026. See Sources & methodology for the detail behind every figure.

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