Hello Reader,

Goat keeping doesn’t always go as planned, and some situations can leave you with more questions than answers. In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing practical insights on stillbirths, castration, buck management, and tattooing to help you better understand what’s happening and what to do next.

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▶ Did My Goat’s Baby Die Because I Was Too Slow? (The Truth About Stillborn Kids) Many goat owners blame themselves when a kid is stillborn, thinking they didn’t act fast enough. In this video, I explain why that’s often not the case and how birth actually works. I also walk you through how to tell when a kid died and why understanding this can help both your herd and your peace of mind. Watch Video

▶ Troubleshooting the Burdizzo Method Castration doesn’t always go as planned, especially when you’re still learning techniques like using a Burdizzo. In this video, I talk through a real-life situation where a castration appeared to fail, what might have gone wrong, and how to tell if it worked. I also share practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes and decide when it’s time to call your vet. Watch video

▶ Shelter for Bucks: What Works and What Doesn’t Keeping bucks contained isn’t always as simple as a fence and a three-sided shelter, especially during breeding season. In this episode, I share real-life challenges with determined bucks that kept escaping and what finally worked to keep them separated. If you’ve ever struggled with fencing or housing, this will give you a more realistic look at what to expect. Watch video

▶ What I Wish I Knew Before Tattooing Goats Tattooing goats can be more challenging than it looks, especially if you’re using the wrong tools. In this episode, I share why an auto-release tattoo plier makes all the difference, along with practical tips to avoid common mistakes. I also talk about when tattooing is really necessary and why some goat owners are choosing microchipping instead. Watch video

Happy goatherding!
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader 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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