If you're thinking about getting Nigerian Dwarf goats, then it's a good idea to identify your purpose for getting goats first. New goat owners sometimes jump in and buy too many goats of the wrong type or breed when getting started. Then, they become overwhelmed or disappointed and end up selling their goats rather than enjoying them. A better approach is to carefully identify your main purpose for owning goats. Then, purchase a couple of high-quality goats that satisfy that purpose. This ... continue reading...
Nigerian Dwarf Goats – Registered or Unregistered?
Why Consider Registered Goats? Nigerian Dwarf (ND) goats can be purchased from either registered purebred or unregistered lines, so when getting started with goats, another decision concerns registration. If you are only interested in a couple of wethers as pets, then registration doesn’t make much difference, but if you intend to keep goats for milk, show, or breeding, then registration is important. Unregistered goats are much less expensive, but registered goats have more potential for ... continue reading...
Choosing Nigerian Dwarf Does – Hand or Machine Milking?
When choosing Nigerian Dwarf does (or other goat breeds) for milk, one consideration should be whether you plan to hand or machine milk them. When first investigating dairy goat breeds for Bramblestone Farm, my initial assumption was that Nigerian Dwarf goats were too small to machine milk. Because my partner and I were both working full-time, I was hesitant about considering the breed. Although they appeared to be ideal from many other aspects, I was concerned about our ability to milk ... continue reading...
Fall Decorations Make Healthy Chicken Treats
As cooler fall weather arrives and we start decorating, it's fun to realize that many natural fall decorations make healthy chicken treats. So plan accordingly and decorate for fall knowing that after the fall holidays have passed, you shouldn't throw out all those Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. The Fall Decorations That Make Healthy Chicken Treats: Pumpkins, decorative gourds, squash or dried corn cobs all make healthy chicken treats. So, don't throw them out ... continue reading...
Easy Homemade Bath Salts Recipe
This is an easy homemade bath salts recipe that can be made from common ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It's great to make for yourself, but it's also great for gifting. Tied up with an appropriately colored ribbon and tag, it can be a thoughtful gift any time of year. It's part of our blogger's collaboration on Gifts From The Homestead. Scroll down to find links to many more recipes for gifts from your homestead! Bath Salts Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup Epsom Salt ... continue reading...
Making Herbal Vinegar
Herbal vinegar is an easy project that can be done at any time of year that fresh herbs are available. It's good to have these kinds of vinegar on hand to boost the flavor of our favorite dishes, and they can be particularly nice to use during the colder months when there are no fresh herbs coming from the garden. Like homemade vanilla extract, they are simple to make and will add a wonderful shot of summertime flavor to salad dressings, marinades, gravies, and ... continue reading...
Nigerian Dwarf Goats 201: Getting Started
Nigerian Dwarf Goats 201: Getting Started (How To Choose, Prepare & Care For Your First Goats) is now For Sale! ($6.99). The book is available from this site as a pdf download, or it is available for ebook readers from Amazon. This is the second ebook in a series of four on Nigerian Dwarf goats and it tells you what you need to know to get started with the breed. My history with these little goats began in 2005 when my partner and I finally left suburbia and moved onto ... continue reading...
Homesteading Blogs Listed By State
Taylor-Made Homestead decided to take on the BRILLIANT reader-suggested task of compiling a list of homesteading / Simple Living blogs based on where the blogger resides. The reader suggested that since cooking directions can change based on altitude and gardening plans can differ based on planting zone, such a listing would be beneficial for blog readers. Below you’ll find that updated list (updated to remove blogs that no longer appeared to be posting and add some terrific new ... continue reading...