Hello Reader,

This week’s newsletter covers some of the most common goat keeping challenges, from does rejecting kids and figuring out when to wean baby goats to dealing with mites and understanding why a dewormer may not seem to work. Plus, there’s a simple ricotta recipe that came from an unexpected kitchen surprise.

When a Doe Rejects Her Kid: How to Encourage Re-Bonding

Goat rejection can feel heartbreaking—but it’s not always the end of the story. Whether it’s caused by disbudding, separation, or scent confusion, most bonding issues can be resolved with a little patience and hands-on support.

Learn what to watch for and how to gently help a doe accept her kid again.

Mites in Goats

Think your goat has lice? It might actually be mites. Learn how to tell the difference, what symptoms to watch for, and how to treat and prevent mite infestations.

Dewormer Failure: Why did the goat NOT improve after deworming?

Many goat owners assume a dewormer has failed when the real problem is something else entirely.

In this article, I explain the most common reasons a goat doesn’t improve after deworming, from incorrect dosing and severe anemia to poor nutrition, expired products, and putting the goat right back onto a wormy pasture. Understanding why treatment failed can help you make better decisions and protect your herd long term.

When to Wean Baby Goats

During the spring, I get a lot of questions about when to wean baby goats. And, as usual, the answer is…it depends. Still, I have a few guidelines that help me determine when it’s the best time to wean baby goats, and I share them with you in this post.

📄Cheese Recipe: Ricotta One day when I had just added the vinegar to a batch of queso blanco, I got called out to the barn because one of my goats had gone into labor. When I came back into the kitchen, I was disappointed that the curds and whey had already cooled to room temperature. Luckily, when I tried draining it in cheesecloth and it crumbled, I discovered it had turned into a delicious ricotta. Try 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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