profile

Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

Hi! Are you ready to learn more about goats, chickens, and gardening? Check out the resources I offer below and sign up for my newsletter!

Featured Post

Feeding Goats, Shetland Sheep, and Szechwan Turkey and Peanuts

Hello Reader, The best thing about the end of February on our farm is that it always seems like somebody just flipped a switch and the hens are no longer on holiday. The number of eggs has doubled in the last week, which is good news for the customers at the grocery store where we sell our eggs. Hopefully we’ll be back up to 20 dozen a week by mid-March. 🐔🥚🐐🐑🌱 Are your goats always acting hungry or barely touching their hay and leaving you wondering if something is wrong? In this article, we...

Hello Reader, Kidding season comes with a lot of questions and uncertainty. In these videos, I talk about preparing for labor, why the 30-30-30 rule can be misleading, how to interpret common signs of kidding, and what factors affect milk safety. These are topics that often cause confusion, and I address them here. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ The Most Important Thing You Need for Kidding Season! Kidding season often...

Hello Reader, I’ve officially reached the point in winter where seed catalogs start calling my name. Most of our seeds are three years old or more, so I’m planning to start fresh this year and order new ones. It’s a small thing, but flipping through seed catalogs always feels like a promise that spring really will come again. 🐐🌱🌼 Goats are adorable, curious, and incredibly easy to fall in love with, which makes the idea of a “house goat” tempting. But while there are times when bringing a...

Hello Reader, This week, I’m excited to share something a little different. I was recently featured on NPR’s All Things Considered in their Word of the Week series, talking about the word “kid” — how it started as the term for a young goat and eventually became a word we use for children, too. If you’ve ever wondered why goat people sometimes have to clarify what kind of “kids” they’re talking about, you’ll enjoy this short, fun dive into language, history, and a few very goaty behaviors. The...

cover of book, "Goats Giving Birth"

Hi Reader, One of the hardest parts of kidding season isn’t the physical work. It’s the moment you’re standing in the barn thinking,“This looks strange… is this normal, or am I about to lose a kid?” The truth is: most goat births are normal — even when they look weird.But if you don’t know what normal looks like, it’s easy to panic… and panic often leads to unnecessary вмеш interference. That’s exactly why I wrote Goats Giving Birth. This isn’t a how-to manual with rigid rules.It’s a guided...

Hello Reader, Whether you’re just starting out with goats or getting ready for kids to arrive, this week’s articles cover the basics every goat owner should know. From buying goats wisely and preparing your setup to raising baby goats and handling bottle babies when needed, these guides will help you feel more confident at every stage. And to round things out, there’s a simple, egg-free muffin recipe that’s perfect when your hens decide to take a break. Tips on Buying Goats Buying goats for...

Hello Reader, My favorite time to listen to podcasts is when I am milking goats or cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. Most people don’t listen to podcasts while sitting still. They listen while: Milking goats Mucking out the barn Feeding, watering, trimming, hauling hay Doing chores that keep your hands busy but your brain free That’s actually the perfect time to listen. 🎧 For the Love of Goats was created for moments exactly like that — when you want calm, science-based information...

Hello Reader, Thinking about bottle-feeding your goat kids? Whether you're raising orphans, supplementing a dam, or just want to be hands-on, this guide covers everything from what to feed, how often, and tips to ensure healthy, thriving kids. Meet the Sebright bantam chicken—a stunning breed with intricate feather patterns that look hand-drawn. While they may not be prolific egg layers or meat producers, their charm and beauty make them delightful “pasture ornaments.” Learn about their...

Hello Reader, Last week I was at Podfest in Orlando, where I was the only person with a goat podcast. 🐐 There were horse podcasts, dog podcasts, and then… goats. What I loved most was the culture: zero age discrimination and a shared assumption that if you’re in the room, you’re curious, capable, and still growing—whether you’re 10 or 80. It felt a lot like raising goats and building this business: always learning, always adapting, and proof that reinvention doesn’t come with an expiration...

Hello Reader, Kidding season raises a lot of questions—and sometimes worry. These videos cover common concerns like overdue does, the 30-30-30 rule, stillbirths, and feeding newborn kids, helping you know what’s normal and when to step in with confidence. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ Why Stillbirth Happens in Baby Goats Losing a newborn kid is heartbreaking, and I know how easy it is to blame yourself. I once thought...