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 written article has a lot more fun facts than the audio version.

🐐🌱🥗

“How much grain does a nursing doe really need?” Instead of guessing or trying to measure milk production, this article shows how to feed a lactating doe based on her kids’ weight and growth using a simple, proven method that supports healthy kids and a thriving mom.

​Guinea fowl are noisy, quirky, and surprisingly useful on the homestead. This guide covers what they are like to live with, from pest control and egg production to their noise level and care needs, so you can decide whether these chatty birds are a good fit for your property.

Buying livestock is a lot more than bringing animals home and enjoying fresh eggs or milk. This article walks through the practical, emotional, and long-term questions every future livestock owner needs to consider so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes later.

🎧 Sharing Milk with Baby Goats When should you start milking a doe after she kids? The answer isn’t as simple as two weeks or two months—it depends on several key factors. In this episode, I share practical tips for sharing milk with baby goats, keeping both kids and does healthy, and maintaining a strong milk supply. Listen in

▶ Why won't Mama let the baby goat nurse? In this video, I’m talking about a common challenge during kidding season—when a mama goat won’t let her baby nurse. There are lots of myths about why this happens, but the real reasons are often simpler than you’d think. If you’ve ever faced this issue, I’m sharing what to look for and how to help your baby goat nurse successfully without causing discomfort for the mom. Watch video

📄Chinese Spice Slow-Cooked Pork I incorrectly thought that pork shoulder meat was a total fail as a roast. For several years, I told the locker to just grind up the shoulder roasts. Somehow I eventually learned that shoulder roasts should be used for pulled pork type treatments. That opened up a whole new world of dishes! And now pork shoulder roast is one of my favorites! This Chinese Spice Slow-Cooked Pork recipe is quick to prepare and cooks while you're busy doing something else. Try this recipe!

Happy homesteading!
​
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team

🚨 Flash Sale Alert!

My book 📘 Goats Giving Birth is 20% off right now—written to help you recognize what’s normal, avoid panic, and know when to step in. Sale ends Friday at midnight.

📚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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