If you’ve ever disbudded a goat kid and later noticed what looks like a tiny horn or a hard, twisted lump growing where the horn bud was, you’ve encountered one of the most frustrating side effects of the disbudding process: … Read More
Disbudding is one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of raising goats, especially if you want a safer herd and fewer management headaches. Whether you’re a first-time goat owner or a seasoned breeder frustrated by persistent … Read More
Episode 159For the Love of Goats As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What do you get when two city guys buy a goat farm during the Great Recession? A global skincare brand built on goat milk—and timeless … Read More
If you’ve ever spotted a soft, squishy lump under the throat of a baby goat, you may have been alarmed — especially if you’ve heard the word “goiter” thrown around in goat circles. But in most cases, this lump is … Read More
Goats are the ultimate snackers—they’ll nibble on just about anything! But when it comes to nutrition, not all treats are created equal. One popular supplement among goat owners is black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS). They’re often touted for improving milk … Read More
By Daniel Quindemil Why Mold Is a Big Deal Mold isn’t just unsightly—it’s a living organism that spreads quickly, especially in areas with moisture, poor ventilation, and organic materials like wood and drywall. While minor surface mold can sometimes be … Read More
Episode 158For the Love of Goats Most goat owners have faced a moment of uncertainty—staring at a sick goat and wondering, “Should I call the vet?” In this solo episode, Deborah Niemann lays out the answer with clarity and urgency. … Read More
Tetanus is one of the most feared diseases among goat owners—and for good reason. Caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Clostridium tetani, tetanus is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. But the good news is that tetanus is highly preventable—if you … Read More
Episode 24Sustainability Book Chat As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In this episode Deborah Niemann is joined by Brian Reisinger, journalist and author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, to talk about a subject close to both their … Read More
Chorioptes mites are a common but frustrating parasite that can affect goats, causing irritation, hair loss, and discomfort. Although they don’t burrow like some other mites, their presence on the surface of the skin can still create significant problems for … Read More
Thrifty Homesteader was created in 2012 after the publication of my second book, Ecothrifty. The name was coined by one of my followers because I said that I didn’t want anyone to think that they had to be rich to homestead or live a greener life....
