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Hello Reader,
Many goats that look “well fed” may actually be overweight. In this article, we explain what obesity in goats really means, what causes it, and why it matters for long-term health. We also share practical steps you can take to safely help an overweight goat return to a healthier body condition.
After trying surgical castration and banding, we ultimately chose the Burdizzo for one simple reason: faster recovery and less prolonged stress. In this article, we share our firsthand experience with all three common methods, address pain management concerns, and explain why we prefer this bloodless technique.
Thinking about getting chickens this year but unsure where to buy chicks? From commercial hatcheries and farm stores to breeders and classified ads, this guide breaks down eight common sources and the pros and cons of each. You’ll also find practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes and bring home healthy birds.
Composting without a bin can be a thrifty and practical way to manage manure, kitchen scraps, and yard waste. From simple in-ground pits to aerated windrows, this guide explains which methods work best depending on your climate and how much material you need to compost.
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🎧 Colostrum for Baby Goats
Colostrum really is “liquid gold,” and in this episode, Dr. Robert VanSaun explains why it’s the single most important thing a newborn kid needs in the first hours of life.
You’ll learn how much to feed, how timing affects absorption, and what can ruin colostrum quality (including milking a doe before she kids). He also shares practical ways to evaluate colostrum quality and store it so you’re ready when kidding season hits.
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▶ Do nursing goats have more mastitis?
Can dam-raising kids while milking actually cause more mastitis? One student heard that claim and asked if it was true — and the real answer might surprise you. In this episode, we break down what really increases mastitis risk, why milking machines can create hidden problems, and how nutrition may be the biggest factor of all.
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📄Ricotta Cheese
One day when I had just added the vinegar to a batch of queso blanco, I got called out to the barn because one of my goats had gone into labor. When I came back into the kitchen, I was disappointed that the curds and whey had already cooled to room temperature. Luckily, when I tried draining it in cheesecloth and it crumbled, I discovered it had turned into a delicious ricotta.
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Happy homesteading!
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team
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📚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.
💛 Appreciate what we share?
Support our work through the tip jar—every little bit helps us keep creating helpful content for you and fellow homesteaders.
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