I only live in a small house and I don't want a Steward cluttering the place up, can I buy animals (chickens etc) without one?

No, only the steward can get the home improvements for you. You will get a housecarl when you become thane, make them your steward, certainly you will get a lot less glitches in the game.

Darn, I'll just have him wait somewhere out of my way; back in Morthal probably.