Herbal Dewormers, Delaware Chickens, and Queso Blanco Recipe


Hello Reader,

Tomorrow we will be going on our first vacation in three years. The last vacation before that was December of 2019. Most people might say I'm overdue, especially since I work seven days a week. But goats are my passion, and I find it very hard to step away from my business and my goats, even for a few days.

Hopefully, everything here and in my barn continues to be business as usual. We have a fantastic friend helping out on the farm, and I have my wonderful team that has been with me for five to six years, so if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out.

🐐 🌱 🐓

Many goat owners are searching for natural alternatives to chemical dewormers, but do herbal dewormers truly work? We share our firsthand experience, the research that does exist, and why management practices and copper oxide wire particles have made the biggest difference in our herd.

Starting a garden does not have to mean buying expensive equipment. Whether you use straw bales, raised beds, plastic to kill grass, or even pigs to prepare the soil, there are creative options that work. Here are five proven methods we’ve used on our own homestead.

Meet the Delaware chicken, a heritage breed prized for both meat and egg production. This comprehensive guide highlights its history, characteristics, and why this dual-purpose bird remains a great choice for homesteaders looking for versatility in their flock.

🎧 Dewormer Resistance: A Goat Owner’s Experience

What happens when everything seems fine… until it suddenly isn’t?

In this episode, Tammy Gallagher shares how moving her goats to a new farm led to devastating losses from dewormer resistance and barber pole worms. Her honest story highlights the critical role of pasture management, selective breeding, and responsible dewormer use.

Not Every Buyer Gets My Goats

Not every goat inquiry is as simple as “I want two pet goats.” After 24 years of raising goats, I’ve learned that asking a few careful questions can reveal whether someone is truly prepared — or heading for heartache (and possibly fines).

In this story, real comments that were made by people who wanted to buy my goats. They highlight why zoning laws, housing, and realistic expectations matter more than good intentions.

📄Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is a traditional Mexican cheese that is perfect for beginning cheesemakers since it doesn't require any special equipment or ingredients. There are many different ways it can be used. Add it to a pasta dish, use it in Indian dishes that call for panir, in place of tofu in recipes, or as an appetizer with French bread and fresh pesto.

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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