Hello Reader, This issue covers some of the tougher but most important realities of goat care, from running a rescue to managing health issues during kidding season. I’m sharing an honest conversation about what it really takes to run a goat sanctuary, along with episodes on when to help during birth, understanding miscarriages, and recognizing hypocalcemia. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full...
7 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Before you bring home any goats, it's necessary to do a bit of prep work. Here are the must-have things goats need to thrive on your farm. If you're already experienced in caring for goats, this is a great list to share with your buyers and new goat owners. From Jersey Giants to Japanese Bantams, black chickens come in a variety of sizes, each with different temperaments and tolerances. If you love the look of black chickens but aren't sure which breed may be a good fit for your...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, When people think about animal rescue, they often picture a few animals and a lot of good intentions. But running a goat rescue is far more complex than most people realize. In this week’s episode of For the Love of Goats, Deborah talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in California, about what it truly takes to run a nonprofit sanctuary caring for dozens of goats and more than 150 farm animals. They discuss disease testing and quarantine, caring...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Whether you’re dreaming about adding animals to your homestead or already juggling daily chores, this week’s newsletter has something for you. We’re sharing honest, experience-based advice on raising ducks, goats, and chickens, along with a simple bread recipe to enjoy at home. You’ll also find a podcast episode on pregnancy toxemia and a video that clears up a common genetics myth we see shared often. Raising chickens can be a rewarding step toward greater self-reliance, but it...
18 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Bringing goats into your life is a long-term commitment, much like adding a dog to the family — and understanding their lifespan is an important part of that decision. In this article, we break down how long does, bucks, and wethers typically live, what affects their longevity, and how proper care can help your goats thrive well into their senior years. Whether you’re raising pets or building a breeding herd, these insights will help you plan for a healthy, happy future with...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, In this issue, we’re tackling some of the most common questions in goat care — from misleading fecal results to feeding pregnant does safely. We’re also revisiting two helpful videos on when to stop milking and the myths behind “double pregnancies.” These quick guides offer clear, practical support for your herd. Don't forget to click the 'Subscribe' button below any video to stay updated with our latest releases! ▶ Why Your Goat's Fecal Results May Be Lying to You A negative...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
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...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, This week’s roundup brings you four essential episodes. I share what pregnant does truly need nutritionally, take a fun look at 400 years of goat history with author Tami Parr, and talk with Dr. Jamie Stewart about the most common infectious causes of miscarriages. Plus, if you’re preparing for kidding season, don’t miss the episode on the basic supplies and setup that make birthing smoother and less stressful. You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, We are dealing with some incredibly cold weather in Illinois right now, especially for December. We don't usually see single digits until January, but we saw them last night (and this morning)! The animals have always done fine in those temperatures, but we have on ocassion had a problem with a frozen or busted pipe. So far, so good, and fingers crossed it continues that way! ❄️🐐🏚️ When I first moved to the country, I had no idea how unprepared I was for winter—I froze my way...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
