Uterine tears in goats, Faverolles, and caramel apple butter


Hello Reader,

On Saturday, we'll be taking our border collies to the herding instructor's farm to see how they do with the sheep. Did I tell you that we got a second Border Collie, a 5-year-old named Sprocket? Meadow is now 6-months-old and loves having a big brother.

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Breeding season has arrived so it is essential that you be able to recognize one thing—when your doe is in heat. In this article, I detail the six signs of heat you should watch out for. These will help alert you to the fact that it's time to find your doe a beau.

Faverolles are beautiful French chickens with a calm temperament and ability to lay during the cold winter. They make great additions to your flock as production birds or as ornamental pets. Find out even more reasons to fall in love with Faverolles.

If you've been looking into composting but haven't yet started, jump in with your own DIY composting bin. They're customizable and buildable from a variety of easy-to-source materials. In this article, Tammy Churchill covers all the basics and points of consideration of constructing your own composting bin. You'll be enjoying that nutrient-rich soil amendment before you know it!

šŸŽ§ Uterine Tears in Goats

Uterine tears are a rare but serious complication during goat kidding—and often misunderstood. In this episode of For the Love of Goats, Dr. Daniela Luethy shares findings from a multi-university study on uterine tears, risk factors, warning signs, and survival rates. Learn how to balance helping your does with knowing when it’s time to call the vet.

ā–¶ The Truth About Closed Goat Herds (Johne’s, CL, CAE)

When it comes to goat health, the idea of a ā€œclosed herdā€ isn’t always as clear-cut as it sounds. Many assume that annual testing ensures a disease-free herd, but the reality is more complex. In this livestream, we’ll unpack what ā€œclosed herdā€ really means and what you can do to better protect your goats.

šŸ“„Caramel Apple Butter

Here is the perfect recipe to welcome the fall season. This warmly spiced caramel apple butter is a classic complement to toast and is a tasty way to liven up a bowl of oatmeal. With its easy homemade caramel stirred in, this apple butter is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Happy homesteading!

​
Deborah
and the ThriftyHomesteader Team

šŸ“šWant to Learn Even More?

  • Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 300 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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Hello Reader, In this issue, we highlight our latest episode on uterine tears in goats, an often misunderstood but serious kidding complication. And since breeding season is a time when reproductive health matters most, it’s also a good moment to revisit older but important episodes on cystic ovaries, buck health, and the risks of buck service. Together, these insights offer timely reminders and practical guidance to keep your herd healthy and your kidding season on track. You can download...