Black chickens, deworming goats, and African goat stew


Hello Reader,

We got a second border collie two weeks ago, and he's fitting into the family beautifully! His name is Sprocket, and he's five years old. He has competed in agility and had to be rehomed because his brother started picking on him so much that he spent the whole day hiding in his crate. The first weekend in October, we'll be taking him and Meadow to the herding instructor's farm to see how they do with sheep.

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Worms are one of the biggest health challenges for goats—and growing dewormer resistance makes them even harder to control. In this article, I break down the three classes of goat dewormers, how to use them wisely, and why good management matters more than new drugs. Don’t forget to grab the free Goat Dewormer Cheat Sheet to guide your decisions for a healthier herd.

Looking for a striking addition to your flock? With more than 40 recognized black chicken breeds—some with black feathers, others with black skin, bones, and even meat—there’s no shortage of options. In this article, you’ll discover which solid black breeds are best for eggs, pets, or simply adding beauty to your backyard.

I used to say ā€œnever pigsā€ on my homestead—until I discovered how valuable they really are. From soil health to food recycling, here are 4 reasons to add pigs to your farm.

šŸŽ§ ADGA Genetics: Your Guide to Dairy Goat Information and More

Pedigrees and performance data don’t have to be confusing. In this episode, I sit down with Gene Dershewitz, creator of ADGA Genetics, to explore how this free tool can help you plan breedings and make better decisions for your herd.

ā–¶ AI Goat Care Advice: What You Need to Know Before You Trust It

AI is okay for answering quick questions, but when it comes to raising goats, it can’t replace having a discussion with a human who has scientific knowledge combined with real world goat experience. In this new video, I'm explaining why AI-generated answers often fall short in goat care and how relying on them could put your animals at risk. Here's how to make better decisions using peer-reviewed research and proven management practices.

šŸ“„African Goat Stew

When we butchered goats for the first time, we really had no idea what to do with the meat. After trying to simply substitute goat meat for beef in some recipes and not enjoying it, I decided to start looking for specific goat meat recipes, and this African Goat Stew quickly became one of my favorites.

Happy homesteading!

​
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team

šŸ“šWant to Learn Even More?

  • Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with almost 700 videos? From goat care to soapmaking, cheesemaking, and more—you’ll find practical, real-life tips to support your homesteading journey.
  • Looking to dive deeper? Visit the Goat Academy—your go-to resource for online courses on everything from goat health and nutrition to soapmaking, gardening, composting, and starting a homestead business. Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your skills, there’s a course for you.
  • Need ongoing guidance and community support? Goats 365 is our membership program that gives you full access to six comprehensive courses, live Q&A sessions, and an engaged group of goat owners who are learning and growing together—365 days a year.

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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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