Frizzle cochin, goats' life span, and eggnog cake


Hello Reader,

Bringing goats into your life is a long-term commitment, much like adding a dog to the family — and understanding their lifespan is an important part of that decision. In this article, we break down how long does, bucks, and wethers typically live, what affects their longevity, and how proper care can help your goats thrive well into their senior years. Whether you’re raising pets or building a breeding herd, these insights will help you plan for a healthy, happy future with your goats.

If you’re looking to add personality and charm to your backyard flock, the Frizzle Cochin is a show-stopping choice. With their curled, fluffy feathers and gentle disposition, these chickens stand out not just for their looks but also for their friendly, easygoing nature. In this article, you’ll learn what makes Frizzle Cochins unique, how to care for them, and what to know before bringing these delightful birds home.

Winter can be tough on turkeys, but with the right setup, they handle freezing temperatures far better than many people expect. In this article, Victoria Redhed Miller shares practical, experience-tested tips from her off-grid homestead—from choosing the right roosts to boosting nighttime warmth and keeping coops clean and well-ventilated. These simple adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your turkeys healthy and comfortable all season long.

🎧 Understanding Goat Conformation

Good conformation isn’t just for show goats — it’s the foundation of a healthy, long-lived, productive herd. In this episode, ADGA judge Emily Thompson explains how structural traits, mammary attachments, and even subtle defects impact a goat’s ability to walk, milk, kid, and thrive over time. Whether you breed, buy, or simply love goats, this conversation will help you make more informed decisions and recognize what truly matters beneath the surface.

▶ When to stop milking during pregnancy?

It can seem complicated to know when you should stop milking your doe during pregnancy. Should you stop milking before she is even bred? In this video, I clarify when you should stop milking and why. I also talk about how long some dairy goats can stay in milk without the need to breed them every year.

📄Eggnog Cake

Looking for a delicious cake for the upcoming holidays? Try eggnog cake! Cakes are so easy to mix up if you have a stand mixer since it mixes while you’re measuring and dumping ingredients. And it takes less than a penny of electricity to mix up a cake.

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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