I live out in the country and I love cows. I was thinking about getting a cow to keep in my large back yard and it would be only a pet. I know that there has to be at least an acre per cow, but I am only going to keep it as a pet, so can I just feed it hay instead of letting it graze on grass all day? Also, just like they make minuture horses, do they make miniature cows? If so, what is the breed? Around how much does the average dairy cow cost? How much does a cow eat each day? Remember, I love cows and it will be a pet, not a livestock animal that will graze all day. Please send any information to me by giving me your email address and I will email you with more questions. Thank You!

I've never heard of miniature cows! You have to be careful about keeping livestock in the city, most cities will not allow it and if you are caught you would have to move the cow somewhere else - which would be awful if you have formed an attachment to the cow. You can keep a cow in a small area, but the larger the better.

Something you have to remember - they produce alot of manure, alot. I've raised them…trust me, it's alot! Soooo, what are you going to do with all of the manure? Your neighbors will complain about the smell and the flies!

You can certainly feed the cow hay, they eat quite alot. I'd really recommend talking to a local farmer or rancher and speak to them. Also, it may be a good idea for you to speak with a local large animal veterinarian to get more information on what your cow may need as far a routine medical exams and shots, etc.

Keeping livestock in any situation takes more than a yard will allow. But, you maybe able to make it work, just do some homework before you buy!