Hello Reader,

If you've ever wondered why I talk about nutrition so much, it's because if you get nutrition wrong, nothing else matters. I know because we got it wrong when we got started 24 years ago. I wasted a lot of money on the wrong supplements while my goats continued to suffer and vet bills climbed. In this issue, I’m sharing practical guidance on nutrition, hay testing, and the basic equipment and housing goats need.

You can download the episode to listen offline—perfect if you’re out in the field with no signal. Here's how! Prefer reading? A full transcript is available too!

​What to Feed a Pregnant Goat

What should you feed a pregnant goat? I explain why grain isn’t automatically necessary, why more feed can lead to oversized kids, and why I feed alfalfa during the last two months of pregnancy. I also share what happened when my own does received an overly high-protein feed.

​Selenium Deficiency and Toxicity in Goats

Selenium can be a challenging mineral to get right, so I invited veterinary and ruminant nutritionist Dr. Robert Van Saun to help explain it. We discuss signs of deficiency, the risks of giving too much, and why some selenium supplements may not provide enough to help a deficient goat.

​​Hay Testing: Labs, Equipment, and Results

I’ve always been curious about forage testing, even though I haven’t had my own hay tested because my goats have been doing well. I invited Cassy Streeter to explain how to collect a good hay sample, choose a test, and understand the results, plus ways to access a hay probe without buying one.

​Equipment and Housing for Goats

When I first got goats, I learned that a big stock tank wasn’t the best choice for watering my herd. In this episode, I walk through the basic equipment goats need—from hay and mineral feeders to water buckets and hoof trimmers—and I discuss their housing.

Goat Nutrition: Hay, Mineral... Goat Notes: What to Feed a P... PREVIEW   ​

Want to learn more about feeding your goats? In this playlist, I cover topics ranging from hay, pasture, and browse to minerals, nutrient deficiencies, and common feeding mistakes. Listen to Goat Nutrition: Hay, Minerals & Feeding Mistakes on Spotify.
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Happy Goatherding!
​
Deborah
and the Thrifty Homesteader Team

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📚Want to Learn Even More?

• Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 700 videos? From goat care to soapmaking, cheesemaking, and more—you’ll find practical, real-life tips to support your homesteading journey.
• Looking to dive deeper? Visit the Goat Academy—your go-to resource for online courses on everything from goat health and nutrition to soapmaking, gardening, composting, and starting a homestead business. Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your skills, there’s a course for you.
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