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Hello Reader,
I’m in Ft Worth right now with my daughter and 2-year-old grandson. I watch him during the day when she is in meetings. I’ve been busy singing, dancing, drawing, racing trucks (toys, of course), and teaching yoga to my grandson. Mike is back in the frozen tundra, AKA Illinois, where temps have been single digits and teens for the past two weeks, which is very odd for us in December. The animals are doing great, as usual. They always do better than us wimpy humans. 😉
If you are new to goats, you probably have dozens of questions about kidding, which is when goats give birth to kids. I hope my beginner's guide to birthing goats will help you better understand the process and know what to expect. This guide includes many of my most popular resources about kidding including information about figuring out if your goat is pregnant, feeding grain during pregnancy, kidding in winter, conducting a newborn check, dam raising vs. bottle-feeding goat kids, castration options, and much more!
Winter brings extra challenges for duck owners, but most breeds are tougher than they look. In this guide, Victoria Redhed Miller shares practical tips for keeping ducks healthy through freezing temperatures—covering housing, feed, water, and how to choose breeds that thrive in cold climates. Whether you’re new to ducks or preparing for another chilly season, you’ll learn exactly what they need to stay comfortable all winter long.
If you’ve ever worried about how pigs survive freezing temperatures, you’re not alone—but they’re tougher than they look. With the right shelter, plenty of straw, and a little extra attention to water and mud, pigs handle winter remarkably well. In this article, you’ll learn what they need to stay comfortable, plus important guidelines for keeping piglets safe in cold weather.
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🎧 Goat Birthing: How Much Should You Help?
Bringing kids into the world is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—parts of goat ownership. But how much should you actually step in during a birth?
In this episode, I tackle one of the most debated questions among goat owners: when to help, when to wait, and how to decide what’s right for your herd. You’ll hear real-life stories of tiny kids born weak who went on to become herd superstars, why a “hands-off” approach isn’t always the most natural or humane option, and the difference between supporting a doe and truly interfering. Whether you’re preparing for your first kidding season or refining your birthing philosophy, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and practical guidance drawn from years of experience.
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▶ Your Sick Goat Could Die From Dehydration
When a goat is sick, it's not unusual for the owner to forget about the most basic need of every goat -- water. If a goat is too weak to stand or walk, they won't be able to get to the water bucket and can easily become dehydrated, which can kill them. There is a simple solution to ensure your sick goat is getting the hydration it needs.
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📄Chocolate Chip Muffins
Do you have a craving for muffins but are short on eggs as your hens go on laying holiday? This recipe for my Antiquity Oaks Chocolate Chip Muffins is a great one to try since no eggs are required. The batter comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. These are so good, I make them even when we have an abundance of eggs.
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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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