Hello Reader, We got quite a surprise eight days ago when a yearling doe gave birth on day 141 to quintuplets. Although this is our ninth set of quintuplets, it's the first time we had a yearling do it, and it's the first time they've been premature. I'm going to be creating a podcast episode about this and also adding a premie module to the kidding course. This is the first time we've had premature kids since 2009. đđđ Taking care of goats often means learning to notice the small details...
11 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, We got quite a surprise Sunday morning when a yearling doe gave birth on day 141 to quintuplets. Although this is our ninth set of quintuplets, it's the first time we had a yearling do it, and it's the first time they've been premature. I'm going to be creating a podcast episode about this and also adding a premie module to the kidding course. This is the first time we've had premature kids since 2009. đ đą đ Miniature cows may be smaller than traditional cattle, but they are not...
14 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Bringing home your first goats is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. A little preparation ahead of time can prevent a lot of problems later. In this article, I walk you through what you need to know before your goats arrive. If you are thinking about adding ducks to your homestead, Muscovy ducks are worth a closer look. They are quiet, hardy, and quite different from most other duck breeds. This article will help you decide if they are the right fit for your farm The...
17 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
Hello Reader, Whether youâre just getting started or refining your setup, raising chickens starts with a solid foundation and smart breed choices. These resources walk you through everything from housing to selecting eye-catching layers â and keeping them healthy along the way. Before choosing breeds, make sure your housing is ready. This guide covers the essentials of building or improving a chicken coop so your flock stays safe, comfortable, and productive. Once your coop is set up, you can...
29 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Buying goats. Milking goats. Housing goats. Bedding goats. It all sounds simpleâuntil real life steps in. This weekâs stories and discussions dive into the practical side of goat ownership: why not every buyer is ready, what truly increases mastitis risk, and what happens when deep bedding starts piling up higher than expected. If youâre raising goats (or thinking about it), these insights could save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary stress. Don't forget to click the...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Many goats that look âwell fedâ may actually be overweight. In this article, we explain what obesity in goats really means, what causes it, and why it matters for long-term health. We also share practical steps you can take to safely help an overweight goat return to a healthier body condition. After trying surgical castration and banding, we ultimately chose the Burdizzo for one simple reason: faster recovery and less prolonged stress. In this article, we share our firsthand...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Kidding season brings a mix of excitement and stress, and this weekâs lineup is here to help you feel more prepared and less alone. Weâre talking through clear decision points for tough births and C-sections, sharing a heartbreaking but important lesson from Cocoâs story about internal bleeding, and breaking down the practical realities of sharing milk with baby goats. Plus, for a dose of inspiration, youâll hear how goats are changing lives in rural Nepal through an incredible...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 3 min read
Hello Reader, Tomorrow we will be going on our first vacation in three years. The last vacation before that was December of 2019. Most people might say I'm overdue, especially since I work seven days a week. But goats are my passion, and I find it very hard to step away from my business and my goats, even for a few days. Hopefully, everything here and in my barn continues to be business as usual. We have a fantastic friend helping out on the farm, and I have my wonderful team that has been...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 2 min read
Hello Reader, Feeding goats does not have to feel confusing when you understand the basics. In this issue, we cover what goats should eat, how much they really need each day, how to feed nursing does, and how many kids a doe can support. Plus, we included an easy mozzarella recipe so you can put that fresh goat milk to good use. What to Feed a Nursing Doe Feeding a lactating doe can feel overwhelming, especially when she is supporting growing kids. This article explains how to balance forage,...
about 2 months ago â˘Â 2 min read
