Goats in Nepal, Phoenix Chicken, and Cooking with Beans


Hello Reader,

I’ve officially reached the point in winter where seed catalogs start calling my name. Most of our seeds are three years old or more, so I’m planning to start fresh this year and order new ones. It’s a small thing, but flipping through seed catalogs always feels like a promise that spring really will come again.

🐐🌱🌼

Goats are adorable, curious, and incredibly easy to fall in love with, which makes the idea of a “house goat” tempting. But while there are times when bringing a goat indoors makes sense, keeping one inside long-term can create serious problems for both the goat and your household. This article explains when it’s appropriate to bring goats inside and why they’re almost always happier living outdoors.

If you’re drawn to chickens with serious flair, the Phoenix chicken is hard to miss. Known for their long, flowing tail feathers and ornamental beauty, these birds have a fascinating history and specific care needs that make them better suited for some flocks than others. This article covers their origins, temperament, and what it really takes to keep those stunning tails in good shape.

If you’re looking for a small, calm rabbit with an incredibly soft coat, the Mini Rex is a popular choice. Known for their velvet-like fur, wide range of colors, and generally friendly temperament, this breed is especially well suited for families and first-time rabbit owners. This guide covers care, temperament, health concerns, and the pros and cons of owning a Mini Rex.

🎧 Goats in Nepal

What started as a childhood dream turned into a global goat mission.

In this episode, Deborah catches up with Daniel Laney to hear how his work in Nepal has evolved over the past decade, improving goat genetics, food security, and the lives of entire communities.

▶ The Surprising Math Behind Pregnant Goat Weight Gain

Curious about how much weight your goat should gain during pregnancy? This video answers that question with real-life examples and shows how tracking weight can help confirm pregnancy. You’ll also discover what to expect from early weight gain to the final weeks before kidding—plus a few surprises!

📄Cooking Dried Beans

Cooking beans from scratch is easier than you think! Learn the secrets to perfect beans, common mistakes to avoid, and delicious recipes to try. Skip the canned beans and discover how easy homemade can be!

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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