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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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Featured Post

Feeding nursing goats, guinea fowl, and Chinese spice slow-cooked pork

Hello Reader, This week, I’m excited to share something a little different. I was recently featured on NPR’s All Things Considered in their Word of the Week series, talking about the word “kid” — how it started as the term for a young goat and eventually became a word we use for children, too. If you’ve ever wondered why goat people sometimes have to clarify what kind of “kids” they’re talking about, you’ll enjoy this short, fun dive into language, history, and a few very goaty behaviors. The...

cover of book, "Goats Giving Birth"

Hi Reader, One of the hardest parts of kidding season isn’t the physical work. It’s the moment you’re standing in the barn thinking,“This looks strange… is this normal, or am I about to lose a kid?” The truth is: most goat births are normal — even when they look weird.But if you don’t know what normal looks like, it’s easy to panic… and panic often leads to unnecessary вмеш interference. That’s exactly why I wrote Goats Giving Birth. This isn’t a how-to manual with rigid rules.It’s a guided...

Hello Reader, Whether you’re just starting out with goats or getting ready for kids to arrive, this week’s articles cover the basics every goat owner should know. From buying goats wisely and preparing your setup to raising baby goats and handling bottle babies when needed, these guides will help you feel more confident at every stage. And to round things out, there’s a simple, egg-free muffin recipe that’s perfect when your hens decide to take a break. Tips on Buying Goats Buying goats for...

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...