Farm animals provide an engaging and educational topic for preschool students. By learning about the different creatures found on farms and ranches, children can build language skills, understand biology concepts, practice counting and sorting, and much more. Scroll down for more farm theme preschool activity ideas.

This blog post will introduce some of the most common farm animals, including cows, pigs, chickens, horses, and sheep. Find fascinating facts along with links to hands-on preschool activities involving songs, crafts, movement, and other engaging lessons.
Studying farm animals allows preschoolers to explore the natural world in a relatable way. These creatures help demonstrate life cycles, food sources, and the responsibility of caring for living things. Even students from urban areas can benefit greatly from farm animal lessons.
Table of Contents
- Poultry
- Livestock
- Equines
- Other Animals
- Farm Theme Activities for Preschool
- More About Farm Animals
- Related Products
Poultry
Chickens
Chickens are one of the most common birds you’ll find on a farm. They have a fun way of walking and are known for laying eggs. Chickens can be very colorful, and they love to peck at the ground to find food. A cool fact about chickens is that they can remember over 100 different faces of people or other animals!
Learn about the chicken life cycle and download our free printable!

- Male/Female: Male chickens are called roosters, and female chickens are called hens.
- Young: A baby chicken is called a chick.
- Collective Noun: A group of chickens is known as a flock.
- Size: Chickens weigh about 2-4 kg (4.4-8.8 lbs) and stand 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Chickens usually live for 5 to 10 years.
- Diet: Chickens eat grains, seeds, insects, and sometimes small fruits.
- Products: Chickens give us eggs and meat.
- Shelter: Chickens live in a Chicken Coop – A chicken coop is a small shelter where chickens are kept safe from predators and protected from the elements. It usually includes nesting boxes for laying eggs and perches for roosting at night.
- Common Breeds: Popular chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Sussex, and Leghorn.
Ducks
Ducks are fun birds you can find on many farms. They love to swim and have special feathers that stay dry even in water. When they quack, it can echo! Ducks are great at finding food in water because they can use their beaks to dig in the mud. They come in many beautiful colors and sizes.

- Male/Female: Male ducks are called drakes, and female ducks are called ducks or hens.
- Young: A baby duck is called a duckling.
- Collective Noun: A group of ducks is known as a raft, team, or paddling.
- Size: Ducks weigh about 0.7 to 1.6 kg (1.5-3.5 lbs) and stand roughly 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Ducks usually live for about 5 to 10 years.
- Diet: Ducks eat plants, seeds, and small creatures like fish and insects.
- Products: From ducks, we get eggs, meat, and feathers.
- Shelter: Ducks live in a Duck House or Duck Coop – A duck house is a shelter specifically designed for ducks, providing protection from predators and a safe place to roost. It often includes a small pool or water source for the ducks to swim and splash in.
- Common Breeds: Some common duck breeds include the Pekin, Mallard, and Khaki Campbell.
Geese
Geese are large birds commonly found on farms, known for their protective nature and loud honking. They have long necks and beautiful feathers, which can range from white to grey and brown. Geese are very social birds and prefer to stay in groups. A fun fact about geese is that they are excellent at guarding property because they are territorial and will alert you with loud honking if strangers come close!

- Male/Female: Male geese are called ganders, and female geese are called geese.
- Young: A baby goose is called a gosling.
- Collective Noun: A group of geese is known as a gaggle when on the ground and a skein or wedge in flight.
- Size: Geese typically weigh between 3 to 10 kg (6.6-22 lbs) and can stand about 75 to 110 cm (30-43 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Geese usually live for about 10 to 24 years.
- Diet: Geese primarily eat grass, and they can graze like cows. They also eat aquatic plants and small insects.
- Products: Geese provide meat, eggs, and feathers, which are often used in bedding.
- Shelter: Geese live in a Goose Shed or Goose House – A goose shed is a simple shelter where geese can seek refuge from harsh weather and predators. It typically consists of a covered area with bedding or straw for nesting.
Turkeys
Turkeys are large birds that are often found on farms. They are famous for their gobble-gobble sound and their beautiful feathers that can spread out in a big fan. Turkeys are curious animals and like to peck around their space to explore. An interesting fact about turkeys is that only male turkeys, called toms, can gobble!

- Male/Female: Male turkeys are called toms, and female turkeys are called hens.
- Young: A baby turkey is called a poult.
- Collective Noun: A group of turkeys is known as a rafter or flock.
- Size: Turkeys are big birds, weighing between 5 to 11 kg (11-24 lbs) and standing 100-125 cm (39-49 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Turkeys usually live for 3 to 5 years.
- Diet: Turkeys eat seeds, nuts, insects, and sometimes small reptiles and amphibians.
- Products: Turkeys provide meat and feathers.
- Shelter: Turkeys live in a Turkey Pen or Turkey House – A turkey pen is an enclosed area where turkeys are kept safe and secure. It may include roosts, nesting areas, and feeders to provide for the needs of the turkeys.
- Common Breeds: Some well-known turkey breeds include the Broad Breasted White, which is popular for farming, and the Heritage breeds like Bourbon Red.
Livestock
Cattle (Cows)
Cattle, also known as cows, are big farm animals that you might see grazing in pastures. They are known for their gentle eyes and come in many colors, like black, brown, and white. Cows are very important on farms because they provide us with milk and meat. A fun fact about cattle is that they have four stomachs, which help them digest tough grass!

- Male/Female: Male cattle are called bulls, and female cattle are called cows.
- Young: A baby cow is called a calf.
- Collective Noun: A group of cattle is known as a herd.
- Size: Cows can weigh anywhere from 450 to 1,360 kg (1,000-3,000 lbs), and they stand about 135-155 cm (54-61 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Cattle usually live for about 15 to 20 years.
- Diet: Cattle mainly eat grass, but they can also be fed grains like corn and barley.
- Products: Cattle give us milk, meat (beef), and leather.
- Shelter: Cows need a large pasture for grazing and a barn for protection against bad weather. A barn is a large shelter where cattle are housed, especially during inclement weather or overnight. It provides protection from the elements and ample space for the cattle to move around comfortably.
- Common Breeds: Popular cattle breeds include Holstein and Jersey for milk, and Angus and Hereford for beef.
Sheep
Sheep are fluffy farm animals known for their woolly coats. They are smaller than cows but larger than chickens and come in shades like white, black, and brown. Sheep are very social and like to stay close to their friends in the herd. A neat fact about sheep is that they can recognize up to 50 other sheep faces, and sometimes human faces too!

- Male/Female: Male sheep are called rams, and female sheep are called ewes.
- Young: A baby sheep is called a lamb.
- Collective Noun: A group of sheep is known as a flock.
- Size: Sheep typically weigh between 45 to 160 kg (100-350 lbs) and stand about 60 to 90 cm (24-35 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Sheep usually live for about 6 to 12 years.
- Diet: Sheep mostly eat grass, but they also like to munch on herbs and other leafy plants.
- Products: Sheep provide us with wool, meat (lamb and mutton), and milk.
- Shelter: Sheep need a pasture to graze in and a shed to protect them from extreme weather. A sheep shed is a shelter specifically designed for sheep, providing protection from the weather and predators. It may include individual stalls for lambing or communal areas for grazing.
- Common Breeds: Some common sheep breeds include Merino, known for its wool, and Suffolk, famous for its meat.
Goats
Goats are playful and curious animals often found on farms. They have beards and are known for their ability to climb and jump on various surfaces, making them fun to watch. Goats come in many colors, including white, brown, black, and mixed patterns. An interesting fact about goats is that they have rectangular pupils, which allow them to see well in the dark!

- Male/Female: Male goats are called bucks or billies, and female goats are called does or nannies.
- Young: A baby goat is called a kid.
- Collective Noun: A group of goats is known as a herd or tribe.
- Size: Goats typically weigh between 45 to 70 kg (100-154 lbs) and stand about 50 to 70 cm (20-28 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Goats usually live for about 10 to 12 years.
- Diet: Goats eat a wide variety of food including grass, leaves, twigs, and vines.
- Products: Goats provide milk, meat, and sometimes wool.
- Shelter: Goats need a sturdy pen to keep them safe and a shelter to protect them from the weather. A goat shed may include separate areas for feeding, sleeping, and kidding (giving birth).
- Common Breeds: Popular goat breeds include the Nubian, known for milk, and the Boer, known for meat.
Pigs
Pigs are intelligent and social animals that you can find on many farms. They have a keen sense of smell and love to root around in the mud, which helps keep them cool. Pigs come in different colors, including pink, black, and spotted. A fun fact about pigs is that they are smarter than dogs and are very good at solving puzzles!

- Male/Female: Male pigs are called boars, and female pigs are called sows.
- Young: A baby pig is called a piglet.
- Collective Noun: A group of pigs is known as a herd or drove.
- Size: Pigs typically weigh between 50 to 350 kg (110-770 lbs) and can be about 50 to 120 cm (20-47 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Pigs usually live for about 6 to 10 years.
- Diet: Pigs eat a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and they can also be fed leftovers.
- Products: Pigs provide meat such as pork, bacon, and ham, and their bristles can be used for brushes.
- Shelter: Pigs need a sturdy pen with plenty of space to roam and a shelter to protect them from extreme temperatures. A pigpen is an enclosed area that typically includes shelter from the sun and rain, as well as a feeding area and a place for rooting and wallowing in mud.
- Common Breeds: Popular pig breeds include the Yorkshire, known for its meat, and the Berkshire, which is prized for its flavorful pork.
Llamas and Alpacas

Llamas and alpacas are close relatives and are often seen on farms where they are raised for their soft, luxurious wool. Llamas are larger and can be used as pack animals because of their strength. Alpacas are smaller with finer wool, highly valued for making clothing and blankets. A fun fact about these animals is that they communicate with each other through soft humming sounds!
- Male/Female: Males are called machos, and female are called hembras.
- Young: A baby is called a cria.
- Collective Noun: A group of llamas or alpacas is known as a herd.
- Size: Llamas weigh between 130 to 200 kg (290-440 lbs) and stand about 120 to 180 cm (47-71 inches) tall at the shoulder. Alpacas weigh between 48 to 84 kg (106-185 lbs) and stand about 81 to 99 cm (32-39 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: They usually live for about 15 to 25 years.
- Diet: They eat grass and other low shrubs.
- Products: Llamas provide wool and are also used for packing and trekking. Alpacas are valued for their soft wool, used in making high-quality textiles.
- Shelter: They need a simple shelter that protects them from extreme weather and a large pasture to graze. Their shed or barn may include separate areas for feeding, resting, and shearing (harvesting fiber)
Equines
Horses
Horses are majestic animals often seen on farms and used for riding or pulling carts. They are known for their speed and strength and have long, flowing manes and tails. Horses come in many beautiful colors, including chestnut, black, gray, and palomino. A fun fact about horses is that they can sleep both lying down and standing up!

- Male/Female: Male horses are called stallions, and female horses are called mares.
- Young: A baby horse is called a foal.
- Collective Noun: A group of horses is known as a herd or team.
- Size: Horses typically weigh between 380 to 1,000 kg (840-2,200 lbs) and stand about 142 to 163 cm (56-64 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Horses usually live for about 25 to 30 years.
- Diet: Horses eat grass, hay, and sometimes grains like oats.
- Products: Horses are used for riding, pulling carts, and in some places, their hair is used for making brushes.
- Shelter: Horses need a spacious stable for protection and a large field or pasture to graze and exercise.
- Common Breeds: Popular horse breeds include the Arabian, known for its endurance, and the Quarter Horse, which is popular for racing and rodeo events.
Donkeys
Donkeys are sturdy and dependable animals often found on farms. They have long ears and a loud, distinctive bray. Donkeys are typically smaller than horses but are incredibly strong for their size and are often used to carry loads or pull carts. A fun fact about donkeys is that they have excellent memory; they can remember places and other donkeys they met years ago!

- Male/Female: Male donkeys are called jacks, and female donkeys are called jennets or jennies.
- Young: A baby donkey is called a foal.
- Collective Noun: A group of donkeys is known as a drove, herd, or pace.
- Size: Donkeys weigh between 250 to 450 kg (550-990 lbs) and stand about 90 to 140 cm (35-55 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Donkeys usually live for about 25 to 30 years.
- Diet: Donkeys eat grass, hay, and some grains, but they need less food than horses because they have more efficient digestion.
- Products: Donkeys are used primarily for transport, carrying loads, and as companions.
- Shelter: Donkeys require a dry, draft-free shelter and a paddock or pasture where they can roam freely.
- Common Breeds: Some well-known donkey breeds include the Nubian Wild Ass, known for its resilience, and the American Miniature, loved for its small size and gentle nature.
Mules
Mules are unique farm animals created by breeding a male donkey with a female horse. They inherit the strength and durability of donkeys and the size and speed of horses. Mules are often used for pulling plows or carrying loads. A fun fact about mules is that they are generally more patient and long-lived than horses.

- Male/Female: Mules do not have specific gender names; males and females are simply called mules.
- Young: A young mule is called a mule foal.
- Collective Noun: A group of mules is known as a pack or team.
- Size: Mules weigh between 370 to 460 kg (815-1015 lbs) and stand about 120 to 150 cm (47-59 inches) tall at the shoulder.
- Lifespan: Mules usually live for about 30 to 40 years.
- Diet: Mules eat grass, hay, and grains, similar to horses and donkeys.
- Products: Mules are primarily used for work such as transportation, farming tasks, and pulling carts.
- Shelter: Mules need a stable or barn to protect them from the elements and a pasture for grazing.
- Common Breeds: Since mules are hybrids, they are not classified into breeds but vary based on the breeds of their horse and donkey parents.
Other Animals
Rabbits
Rabbits are small, furry animals that are popular on farms and as pets. They have long ears and powerful hind legs, perfect for quick hopping. Rabbits are known for their gentle nature and come in various colors and patterns. A fun fact about rabbits is that they can see behind them without turning their heads, thanks to their wide field of vision!

- Male/Female: Male rabbits are called bucks, and female rabbits are called does.
- Young: A baby rabbit is called a kit or kitten.
- Collective Noun: A group of rabbits is known as a colony or warren.
- Size: Rabbits typically weigh between 1 to 2.5 kg (2.2-5.5 lbs) and can be about 25 to 50 cm (10-20 inches) long.
- Lifespan: Rabbits usually live for about 5 to 10 years.
- Diet: Rabbits eat a diet mainly consisting of hay, vegetables, and a small amount of pellets.
- Products: Rabbits are raised for meat, fur, and as companion pets.
- Shelter: Rabbits need a safe, enclosed space like a hutch or cage, and they appreciate having a run area where they can hop around.
- Common Breeds: Popular rabbit breeds include the Flemish Giant, known for its large size, and the Lop, famous for its floppy ears.
Bees
Bees are fascinating small insects that play a crucial role on farms, especially because they help pollinate plants. A hive of bees can consist of thousands of bees, all working together. They are known for making delicious honey and for their dance, which they use to communicate the location of food to each other. A fun fact about bees is that the queen bee can lay up to 2,500 eggs in a single day!

- Male/Female: Male bees are called drones, and female bees are workers or a queen.
- Young: Baby bees are called larvae.
- Collective Noun: A group of bees is known as a swarm or colony.
- Size: Bees are about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) long.
- Lifespan: Worker bees live about 6 weeks during busy seasons, but queens can live up to 5 years.
- Diet: Bees eat honey and pollen, which they collect from flowers.
- Products: Bees produce honey, beeswax, and play a significant role in pollinating crops.
- Shelter: Bees live in structures called hives, which can be naturally occurring or provided by beekeepers.
Dogs
Dogs are loyal companions often seen on farms, where they play important roles in helping with various tasks. They come in different shapes, sizes, and breeds, each with its own unique abilities. Dogs are known for their keen sense of smell, which makes them excellent at herding livestock, guarding property, and even hunting pests like rodents. A fun fact about dogs is that they have been domesticated for thousands of years and have formed strong bonds with humans, making them one of our oldest and most trusted animal companions!

- Young: A baby dog is called a puppy.
- Collective Noun: A group of dogs is known as a pack.
- Size: Dogs can vary in size, with small breeds weighing around 4-5 kg (9-11 lbs) and standing about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) tall, while larger breeds can weigh up to 45-50 kg (100-110 lbs) and stand 60-70 cm (24-28 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Dogs usually live for about 10-15 years, depending on their breed and health.
- Diet: Dogs eat dog food, which can be dry kibble or wet food, and they also enjoy treats like biscuits and bones.
- Used for: Dogs on farms are used for herding animals like sheep and cattle, guarding the farm from intruders, and keeping pests away.
- Shelter: Farm dogs need a cozy doghouse or kennel to sleep in, and they also love having a fenced yard to run and play in.
Cats
Cats are clever creatures often found prowling around barns and fields on farms. With their sleek fur and bright eyes, they are expert hunters and keepers of the farm’s balance. Cats come in various colors and patterns, each with its own unique personality. Did you know that a cat’s purr can have a calming effect on both humans and other animals? Here are some cool facts about farm cats:

- Male/Female: Male cats are called toms, and females are called queens.
- Young: A baby cat is called a kitten.
- Collective Noun: A group of cats is known as a clowder or a glaring.
- Size: Cats come in different sizes, with most farm cats weighing between 3 to 6 kg (6.6-13.2 lbs) and standing about 20 to 30 cm (8-12 inches) tall.
- Lifespan: Cats usually live for about 12-15 years, but some can live much longer if they’re well cared for.
- Diet: Cats are carnivores and enjoy eating meat. On farms, they help control pests like mice and rats by hunting them.
- Used for: Farm cats play a vital role in keeping the barns and fields free from rodents, protecting stored grain and livestock feed.
- Shelter: Cats need a warm, dry place to sleep and relax, such as a cozy corner in the barn or a soft bed inside the farmhouse.
Farm Theme Activities for Preschool
A few years ago we offered weekly summer camps at our school. The pace of the day was quite relaxed and the teacher experimented with a few more traditional preschool themes. One week they focused on farms. If you teach in a traditional preschool classroom or just want to add some fun little farm activities to your shelves, you might enjoy these ideas!

Set up a little farm. Children can arrange and play as they desire. You can even sneak in some grammar farm lessons with this! I love using materials like this to play simple “function of word” games. (For example, you can teach positional words with sentences like “the cow is behind the tractor” or “the lamb is in the pen” etc.)




















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Seemi holds a Master's degree in education, and an AMS Early Childhood credential. She has twenty years of experience in Montessori as a teacher, school administrator, and school owner. Seemi is the founder of TrilliumMontessori.org.