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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

Cayuga ducks, goat housing, and chicken safety

Published 11 days ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

Few duck breeds are as striking as the Cayuga. Once America's most popular meat duck, it's now prized for its iridescent black plumage, rich eggs, and gentle temperament. Learn what makes Cayuga ducks a great addition to many homesteads.

Can dogs and chickens live together peacefully? They can—but it takes patience, training, and careful introductions to help everyone feel safe. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you can build a positive relationship between your dog and your flock.

🎧 Equipment and Housing for Goats

Thinking about getting goats—or helping others prepare?

In this episode, I break down exactly what equipment and housing goats really need—and what you can skip. From hay feeders and hoof trimmers to why a heated barn could actually do more harm than good, you'll get practical, experience-based tips to keep your goats healthy and comfortable.

▶ Ammonium chloride in goat feed is worthless!

Many goat owners keep feeding goat feed to their male goats because it contains ammonium chloride — but does it actually prevent urinary calculi the way people think it does?

In this video, you’ll learn the science behind ammonium chloride, why daily feeding may not work as expected, and what really matters when it comes to preventing urinary stones.

Happy homesteading!

​
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team

📚Want to Learn Even More?

  • Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 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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Read more from Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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