When some people get started with goats, they may overlook a very important aspect of their care by failing to provide free-choice, loose goat minerals. Even if they know goats need minerals, they may think that a block is okay or … Read More
What do goats eat? The main food of goats is browse, which is bushes and trees, but that’s just the beginning. Many new or aspiring goat owners ask what goats eat and expect a short, simple answer. Some expect you … Read More
Episode 57For the Love of Goats As I’ve received more messages from people with kids born hairless or with goiters, I’ve become more interested in the topic of iodine and goats because those symptoms occur in kids that are … Read More
Episode 51For the Love of Goats Zinc deficiency is often suspected when a goat is losing hair, but there are other reasons for hair loss, and that is not the only symptom of zinc deficiency. In this episode, … Read More
Episode 41For the Love of Goats If you’re confused by everything you’ve heard about copper needs in goats, then hopefully this episode will clear things up. We are joined again by Dr. Robert VanSaun who teaches veterinary science at Pennsylvania … Read More
Episode 37For The Love Of Goats Selenium is a very important mineral in a goat’s diet. However, since most soil in the U.S. is deficient in selenium, and the U.S. government limits the amount of selenium that can be … Read More
Purina and Sweetlix, two of the most popular goat mineral companies, have both changed their formulas. This may be a good thing in the long run, but they did nothing to alert consumers to these changes, which could have negative … Read More
We’d had Nigerians for three years when I purchased Muse, my first LaMancha, a yearling in milk. At six months fresh, she dried up, which was disappointing, but I was eagerly looking forward to her kidding the next spring. We … Read More
Opinions on kelp for livestock vary about as much as they do on politics and religion. While one person says it’s a savior, others say it’s dangerous. The truth is somewhere in the middle. And as always, keep in mind … Read More
When I got started with goats in 2002 it was common practice for goat owners to have baking soda available free choice. The logic is that baking soda is a rumen buffer. If a goat’s rumen pH gets a little … 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....
