Which farm animal has the longest gestation?

Among common farm animals, camels top the list at about 390 days, followed by donkeys (~365), llamas (~350), alpacas (~345), and horses (~340). Cattle sit near 283 days.

Which animal has the shortest gestation?

Syrian hamsters, at just 16 days — among the shortest of any mammal. Mice (20), rats (22), and gerbils (25) are close behind. In the barnyard, rabbits are quickest at about 31 days.

Are these dates exact?

No — they are published averages. Every table row includes the normal range, and breed, litter size, age, and the individual animal all shift the real date. Use the range for planning and watch the animal as the window opens.

FarmsFlo › Gestation Calculators › Full Chart

Gestation Periods of All Farm Animals & Pets

Every gestation period on one printable page: 27 mammals and 16 birds, each with the published average, the normal range, and the heat cycle where one exists. Need an exact due date? Each linked species has a full calculator with a management timeline, or use the free HerdFlo app — every species below is in it, working offline.

Livestock & large animals

Animal	Average	Normal range	Heat cycle
Cattle calculator →	283 days	279–292 days	~21 days
Horses calculator →	340 days	320–370 days	~21 days
Donkeys calculator →	365 days	340–390 days	~23 days
Goats calculator →	150 days	145–155 days	~21 days
Sheep calculator →	147 days	142–152 days	~17 days
Pigs calculator →	114 days	111–120 days	~21 days
Alpacas calculator →	345 days	335–355 days	—
Llamas calculator →	350 days	340–360 days	—
Bison	285 days	270–300 days	~21 days
Water Buffalo	315 days	300–330 days	~21 days
Yaks	258 days	250–270 days	~20 days
Elk (farmed)	245 days	240–255 days	~21 days
Red Deer (farmed)	234 days	228–240 days	~18 days
Whitetail Deer (farmed)	200 days	190–210 days	~28 days
Reindeer	222 days	210–230 days	—
Camels	390 days	360–420 days	—

Small animals & pets

Animal	Average	Normal range	Heat cycle
Rabbits calculator →	31 days	28–33 days	—
Dogs calculator →	63 days	58–68 days	—
Cats calculator →	64 days	58–70 days	—
Ferrets	42 days	40–44 days	—
Guinea Pigs	68 days	59–72 days	~16 days
Chinchillas	111 days	105–115 days	~38 days
Gerbils	25 days	24–26 days	~4 days
Rats	22 days	21–23 days	~5 days
Mice	20 days	19–21 days	~4 days
Hamsters (Syrian)	16 days	15–18 days	~4 days
Hedgehogs	35 days	30–40 days	—

Poultry & bird egg incubation

Species	Incubation
Coturnix quail	17 days
Pigeon	18 days
Chicken calculator →	21 days
Bobwhite quail	23 days
Chukar partridge	23 days
Pheasant	24 days
Duck (most)	28 days
Turkey	28 days
Guinea fowl	28 days
Peafowl	28 days
Goose	30 days
Swan	35 days
Muscovy duck	35 days
Rhea	38 days
Ostrich	42 days
Emu	50 days

Published averages from standard livestock and veterinary references; individual animals vary. Health decisions belong with your veterinarian.

Every species above, in your pocket, offline

The free HerdFlo app calculates exact due dates with management timelines and calendar reminders for all 28 species — including breed-adjusted cattle dates.

Open HerdFlo free →