Hello Reader,

Last Tuesday, I had cataract surgery and it has taken a lot more time for my vision to recover than I expected. I was unable to check my email at all for several days and I have not been able to catch up with everything I’ve missed in the past week. If you have sent me an email in the last seven or eight days and not heard back just reply to this email to let the team know and they will make sure I see your message. The second surgery will be June 16 and in the meantime, I have a conference in Idaho the prior week. Hopefully, I can prepare better and recover quicker next time.

🐐 🌻 🧀

If you’re bringing home new goats this season, dealing with itchy skin problems, or wondering whether that lump under a baby goat’s throat is normal, this week’s newsletter covers several common questions goat owners face. We’re also talking about feeding sunflower seeds safely, plus an easy homemade chèvre recipe that’s simple enough for beginners to make at home.

Bringing Home Your Goats

Tis the season for buying goats! Since most goats give birth in spring, and because dam-raised kids can’t be sold until they’re two or three months old, now is the time when new goat owners are bringing home their babies. Here are answers to the ​most common questions I receive from customers, including transporting goats and things you need to have ready before bringing home your goats.

Chorioptes Mites in Goats: What You Need to Know

Seeing your goats scratch nonstop or chew their legs? Chorioptes mites might be the hidden culprit. Learn how these non-burrowing mites cause discomfort and what you can do to treat and prevent reinfestation.

Milk Goiter in Goats: What It Is, What Causes It, and When to Worry

Have you ever noticed a soft lump under a baby goat’s throat and wondered if something was wrong? Don’t panic—it might just be a harmless milk goiter. In this post, we break down what milk goiters are, why they happen, and how to tell when it’s something to worry about.

The Pros and Cons of Feeding Sunflower Seeds to Goats

Thinking about adding sunflower seeds to your goats’ diet? While black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) can improve milk production and coat quality, they aren’t the right choice for every goat—especially males. Learn the pros and cons of feeding sunflower seeds to goats and how to use them safely to support a healthy herd.

📄Chévre Recipe Chèvre is that soft goat cheese that most people generically call “goat cheese.” It is a delicious snack or appetizer spread on crackers or bread, and it makes a scrumptious sandwich when paired with grilled mushrooms and peppers. This recipe uses a direct set starter, making the process so simple that a 5-year-old could do it. Try this recipe!

Happy Goatherding,

Deborah
& the Thrifty Homesteader Team

📚Want to Learn Even More?

• Did you know we have a Youtube Channel with over 300 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.
• Need ongoing guidance and community support? Goats 365 is our membership program that gives you full access to six comprehensive courses, live Q&A sessions, and an engaged group of goat owners who are learning and growing together—365 days a year.

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