Hello Reader,

We had planned to build a loafing shed on the south side of our barn so that we could put a big round bale in there for the does to eat over the winter, making chores a little easier, but guess what?! It didn't happen.

It's hard to be forgiving about not getting that done, but it's not like we were sitting around all summer watching TV and eating ice cream. So, if you're beating yourself up about things you didn't get done outside when the weather was nicer, you should know you're not the only one who can't finish your to-do list.

But thanks to my team, things like this newsletter stay on time! Aimey is the person who curates the articles, podcasts, and videos we send out every week, and this month, I'm celebrating six great years of working with her! (And this is just a tiny portion of what she does!)

🌞📋🐐🐓🐑🌿

It can be difficult to understand why goats can be so mean to each other -- and it's scary to watch! If you've faced this issue and worried about your goats getting hurt, check out my post about goats fighting.

Looking for the perfect gift for the home cooks and real-food lovers in your life? This curated list of cookbooks highlights some of our favorite titles on fermenting, preserving, baking, and creating wholesome meals from scratch. They’re packed with inspiration — and you just might find a new favorite for your own kitchen too.

Small chickens can bring big joy to a backyard flock, especially if you’re working with limited space or simply love pint-sized poultry. From the tiny Serama to the fluffy Silkie and the beautifully patterned Sebright, these breeds offer personality, beauty, and plenty of entertainment. Explore 12 popular little chicken breeds to help you choose the right fit for your homestead.

If you’re dreaming of adding sheep to your homestead, the Shetland breed might be exactly what you’re looking for. These small, hardy, and remarkably versatile sheep offer everything from exquisite natural-colored wool to gentle temperaments and easy care. Learn why so many homesteaders are choosing Shetlands—and how this ancient breed continues to thrive today.

🎧 Pneumonia in Goats A coughing goat doesn’t always mean pneumonia! In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michael Pesato about the real signs of pneumonia, why it’s often overdiagnosed, and which antibiotics actually work when it is the cause. Learn how to tell the difference between a simple cough and a serious illness—and why good air quality is your best defense. Listen in

▶ When Is My Goat Milk Safe to Drink After Deworming? As goat owners who sometimes need to treat for parasites, we know there are specific milk withdrawal times for each dewormer. However, confusion often occurs when combining dewormers to get the most effective treatment. What is the appropriate withdrawal time then? Do you add the withdrawal times of the two medications together? Take an average? Go with the shortest or longest time? Find out in this video! Watch video

📄Making Turkey Bone Broth Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, glutamine, calcium, and other minerals. So, after you finish your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to put the turkey bones to good use by making turkey bone broth. Try this recipe!

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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