Obesity in goats is far more common than most people realize. In fact, one of the biggest challenges with overweight goats is that many owners don’t recognize it. A goat with a thick winter coat or a naturally round barrel … Read More
One of the most common concerns goat owners have is whether their goat is eating the right amount. Goats often act hungry, even when they’ve been eating all day. Others seem to eat very little, which can make owners worry … Read More
One of the most common questions I hear during kidding season is: “How much grain does a doe need when she’s nursing her kids?” The quick answer is, “1 pound of 16% goat feed for every 3 pounds of milk … Read More
Episode 169For the Love of Goats Proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential for keeping both does and kids healthy — but more isn’t always better! In this short, science-based episode, Deborah Niemann explains how to balance feed, minerals, and body … Read More
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
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....
