Hello Reader,

In this week’s videos, we’re tackling some of the most common—and often misunderstood—goat care topics. Discover the best food choices for pet goats, why copper blood tests can give misleading results, and how the caregiver placebo effect can trip us up. Plus, get practical advice on paddock setup, fencing options, and grazing schedules tailored for Nigerian Dwarfs.

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▶ What's the BEST Food for Your Pet Goats? Are you wondering what to feed your pet goats to keep them healthy and thriving? Or maybe you raise goats, and you want to be sure buyers know what to feed their new pet goats after they leave your farm. In this video, we dive into the best food options for pet goats, which is very different from what you should feed breeding goats. Whether you're just starting out or need a good resource for people who buy your goats, you'll want to watch this video to learn how to provide pet goats with a balanced and nutritious diet. Watch Video

▶ Curious about your goat's copper status? Here's why a blood test won't help! People often ask me if they can get a blood test to see what their goat's copper status is, and the answer is no. Learn the truth about copper testing in goats. This lesson explains why blood tests can be misleading, why liver tests are the gold standard, and how to keep your herd safe from copper problems. In this video, I'm showing you a study that included both serum and liver levels, and you can see there is no correlation at all between the blood and liver levels. Watch video

▶ It Worked for My Goat… Or Did It? How the Placebo Effect Misleads Us As animal caregivers, it’s easy to believe a treatment works just because our goat, sheep, or cow seems better afterward. But what if that improvement is only in our minds? In this video, we uncover the caregiver placebo effect, how it shows up in livestock care, and why the right dose—or proven treatment—matters. Watch video

▶ Setting Up Goat Paddocks with Electronet: What Works Best for 6 Nigerian Dwarfs Designing paddocks for your goats can feel overwhelming, but the right setup makes all the difference. In this video, I answer a Goats 365 member’s questions about rotational grazing with Nigerian Dwarf goats, including fencing options, paddock sizes, and how often to move goats. Watch video

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Happy goatherding!

​
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team

📚Want to Learn Even More?

• Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 300 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.
• Join Goats 365 this September and get a special bonus: a FREE 1-hour private consultation with Deborah (a $150 value) when you choose the annual membership — or a 7-day free trial when you join monthly.

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