🐐 Goat yoga, brown chickens, and stuffed spaghetti squash


Hello Reader,

I'm getting ready for my flight to Boston tomorrow, where I'll be attending the American Dairy Goat Association conference. I'll be doing a talk on caring for senior goats, but more importantly, I'll be attending sessions presented by vet professors, researchers, and knowledgeable breeders. The conference starts on Saturday with the vet sessions, which are organized by the American Association of Small Ruminant Professionals. My goal is to do a livestream every night of the conference to tell you what I learned that day! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

✈️🐐💬🌿

Skin problems in goats are fairly common and can be quite confusing. Mites cause mange, which is just one of the reasons that a goat can suffer from hair loss, dry skin, thickening of skin, scabs, and pustules. Learn about the four main types of mites in goats as well as their symptoms, and treatment protocols.

If you're captivated by brown chickens, a variety of breed choices can fit any homestead. Whether you’re looking for an excellent egg layer or a meat producer, there is a brown chicken breed right for you. Check out our blog post and explore 15 brown chicken breeds from rare to common.

For several years, every animal on our farm had a practical purpose for being here. So, many people are surprised we have peafowl. Years ago, I bought a trio of peafowl - a peacock and two peahens. But they are not an entirely frivolous addition. Here are some of the reasons why we like them as well as info about getting started, breeding, and raising peafowl.

🎧 Goat Yoga

Have you ever wondered how goat yoga got started?

In this fun and inspiring episode, Deborah chats with Lainey Morse, the founder of the original Goat Yoga, about how a simple idea born out of tough times turned into a worldwide sensation. Learn how her goats brought joy, healing, and connection — and what it really takes to run a goat yoga business the right way.

▶ How Many Times Should a Buck Breed a Doe?

Ever wondered how many times a buck should breed a doe before you can be confident she’s actually pregnant? In this livestream, I discuss what counts as a successful breeding, why once might not be enough, and how you can increase your chances of a successful kidding season.

📄Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

I’ve been eating spaghetti squash ever since I was a child, but until the last decade or so, it was simply buttered with salt and pepper — lots of black pepper! The idea of pretending it was pasta seemed just plain weird to me. However, I eventually decided to try it with a “spaghetti” sauce — and I loved it! This stuffed spaghetti squash recipe is quick and delicious for those days when you really do not have time to cook. If you don't have any in your garden, see if you can find some at the farmers' market.

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

Hello Reader, What began as a simple idea to share a little “goat happiness” became an international sensation. In this episode, I’m joined by Lainey Morse, founder of the original Goat Yoga, for an inspiring conversation about how goats can bring laughter, peace, and connection to people everywhere. Lainey shares how Goat Yoga started on her small Oregon farm during one of the hardest times in her life—and how it unexpectedly went viral across the world. We also talk about what really...

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Hello Reader, If you missed any of this week's livestreams on making soap — or want to watch again — you can watch them here! 🎥 Is there lye in homemade soap? Why won't my soap harden? Can I Add Anything I Want to My Soap? Why Temperature Matters in Soapmaking And just a quick reminder — the special Coming Clean discount is still available, but only through Sunday night. If you’ve enjoyed this week’s livestreams, you’ll love what’s inside the course: ✅ Step-by-step video lessons ✅ Printable...