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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

Hi! Are you ready to learn more about goats, chickens, and gardening? Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!

Featured Post

🐐 Goat chores + podcasts = a surprisingly good combo

Hello Reader, My favorite time to listen to podcasts is when I am milking goats or cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. Most people don’t listen to podcasts while sitting still. They listen while: Milking goats Mucking out the barn Feeding, watering, trimming, hauling hay Doing chores that keep your hands busy but your brain free That’s actually the perfect time to listen. 🎧 For the Love of Goats was created for moments exactly like that — when you want calm, science-based information...

Hello Reader, Thinking about bottle-feeding your goat kids? Whether you're raising orphans, supplementing a dam, or just want to be hands-on, this guide covers everything from what to feed, how often, and tips to ensure healthy, thriving kids. Meet the Sebright bantam chicken—a stunning breed with intricate feather patterns that look hand-drawn. While they may not be prolific egg layers or meat producers, their charm and beauty make them delightful “pasture ornaments.” Learn about their...

Hello Reader, Last week I was at Podfest in Orlando, where I was the only person with a goat podcast. 🐐 There were horse podcasts, dog podcasts, and then… goats. What I loved most was the culture: zero age discrimination and a shared assumption that if you’re in the room, you’re curious, capable, and still growing—whether you’re 10 or 80. It felt a lot like raising goats and building this business: always learning, always adapting, and proof that reinvention doesn’t come with an expiration...

Hello Reader, Kidding season raises a lot of questions—and sometimes worry. These videos cover common concerns like overdue does, the 30-30-30 rule, stillbirths, and feeding newborn kids, helping you know what’s normal and when to step in with confidence. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ Why Stillbirth Happens in Baby Goats Losing a newborn kid is heartbreaking, and I know how easy it is to blame yourself. I once thought...

Hello Reader, I am in Orlando this week for PodFest so that I can learn more about professional podcasting. I attended last year and learned a ton! Mike is on the farm taking care of all the animals, which is what he always does. For the last few years I’ve been spending 40 to 60 hours a week on the computer while he’s been doing almost all of the farm chores. I always want to be totally transparent and let people know that I am not doing it all myself! In addition to the great team I have...

Hello Reader, This issue covers some of the tougher but most important realities of goat care, from running a rescue to managing health issues during kidding season. I’m sharing an honest conversation about what it really takes to run a goat sanctuary, along with episodes on when to help during birth, understanding miscarriages, and recognizing hypocalcemia. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full...

Hello Reader, Before you bring home any goats, it's necessary to do a bit of prep work. Here are the must-have things goats need to thrive on your farm. If you're already experienced in caring for goats, this is a great list to share with your buyers and new goat owners. From Jersey Giants to Japanese Bantams, black chickens come in a variety of sizes, each with different temperaments and tolerances. If you love the look of black chickens but aren't sure which breed may be a good fit for your...

Hello Reader, When people think about animal rescue, they often picture a few animals and a lot of good intentions. But running a goat rescue is far more complex than most people realize. In this week’s episode of For the Love of Goats, Deborah talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in California, about what it truly takes to run a nonprofit sanctuary caring for dozens of goats and more than 150 farm animals. They discuss disease testing and quarantine, caring...

Hello Reader, Whether you’re dreaming about adding animals to your homestead or already juggling daily chores, this week’s newsletter has something for you. We’re sharing honest, experience-based advice on raising ducks, goats, and chickens, along with a simple bread recipe to enjoy at home. You’ll also find a podcast episode on pregnancy toxemia and a video that clears up a common genetics myth we see shared often. Raising chickens can be a rewarding step toward greater self-reliance, but it...

Hello Reader, Bringing goats into your life is a long-term commitment, much like adding a dog to the family — and understanding their lifespan is an important part of that decision. In this article, we break down how long does, bucks, and wethers typically live, what affects their longevity, and how proper care can help your goats thrive well into their senior years. Whether you’re raising pets or building a breeding herd, these insights will help you plan for a healthy, happy future with...