Parasites in Goats

"When I retired my first order of business was to purchase goats to raise as pets. I knew absolutely nothing about goats and the internet offered 10,000 different answers to the same query. I stumbled upon thriftyhomesteader.com and began listening to Deborah’s podcasts and signed up for her various informative emails. The parasites course she offers, which includes FAMACHA training, is a brilliant and succinct way to understand the damage parasites can cause and how to look for, and if necessary treat these wonderful friends when in need. Thank you Deborah for this course!!"

John

Jelly Bean Ranch

"Been following advice of my local vet and goat group friends since getting goats 5 years ago. I lost an expensive buckling to parasites and most of my herd was sick and anemic and in horrible body condition. I started this course along with a Goat 365 year membership and have turned my herd around. Both my bucks gained over 50 pounds this past year and my girls have successfully kidded beautiful babies and been able to maintain health and body condition and milk. I seriously would have given up and sold all my goats before this course. Thanks Deborah!"

Abby

Nebraska

➤ Steve Hart, Ph.D. -- Dr. Hart recently retired from Langston University, which has its own goat research center. He was kind enough to read and review the parasite chapter of my book, Raising Goats Naturally, and provide technical feedback so that I could be sure it contained the latest research-based information. A couple of years ago, when we were both speaking at a conference, I asked him during a break if he knew how many fecals he'd done in his life, and he said that he had done 3,000 in the previous summer alone!

In 2002, Deborah and her family moved to 32 acres on a creek in the middle of nowhere to grow their own food organically. With the help of goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry, they produce 100% of their meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as a large percentage of their vegetables, fruit, and herbs. They sold chickens and turkeys for more than 10 years, and are currently a licensed egg producer in Illinois and sell eggs to a grocery store and through a CSA.

Deborah is the author of six books, including Homegrown and Handmade, Ecothrifty, and Raising Goats Naturally, as well as her latest book, Goats Giving Birth. She also teaches sustainable agriculture courses online for the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. She has been teaching Raising Dairy Goats Sustainably since 2013 and Pastured Poultry since 2015. In 2022, Deborah got certified as a FAMACHA instructor so that she and her students could feel confident that she was providing the most up-to-date information on parasite research and management.

Episode 153: Dewormer Resistance: A Goat Owner's Experience

Episode 136: Pasture Grasses and Browse

Episode 135: Four Good Pasture Principles

Episode 120: The Scoop on Poop

Episode 114: Goat Worm Myths and Misunderstandings

Episode 113: Pasture Management for Parasite Control

Episode 102: External Parasites in Goats

Episode 98: Bioworma for Goats

Episode 95: 5-Point Check for Parasites

Episode 68: New Goat Dewormer Guidelines

Episode 48: Common But Unimportant Worms in Goats

Episode 47: Genetic Resistance to Worms in Goats

Episode 40: Worms During Kidding Season

Episode 36: Basics of Goat Research

Episode 34: Deer Worm in Goats

Episode 30: Copper Oxide as a Dewormer

Episode 24: Using Dewormers Correctly

Episode 15: Roundworms in Goats

Episode 6: Natural Parasite Control with Lespedeza

Who is this course for?
Anyone who is new to goats, as well as those who have ongoing parasite problems. If you use dewormers on more than 10 percent of your goats every year, there are things you can do to reduce your reliance on dewormers. With only three classes of dewormers in North America, it's easy to wind up with dewormer resistance to all of them, which is why it's important to have a multi-pronged approach to dealing with parasites. This course is also for those who simply want to hear about the latest research on parasites to keep themselves up to date.
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! All of the videos listed in the curriculum above are already uploaded and waiting for you. It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own, including all future updates.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If something isn't working right, we hope you'll let us know. But if you decide the course is not for you, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.