[Goat News] Heat signs, baking soda, and pumpkin chévre cheesecake


Hello Reader,

A week ago, I was in Paige, Texas, doing a hands-on workshop for Goats 365 members. From 9 am to 4 pm, they learned how to draw blood, test the quality of colostrum, check body condition, and FAMACHA scores, and more. We even got PCVs on three goats to see how everyone's FAMACHA score compared!

All the attendees agreed it was an incredibly valuable day, so I started thinking that maybe we should do a workshop in the spring and open it to everyone on my email list. Click here if you'd be interested in attending a live workshop in Paige next spring.

🐐🐐🐐

Do Goats Need Baking Soda?

Do goats need baking soda -- or not? It depends! Years ago, everyone provided free choice baking soda for their goats, but in recent years, the practice has become controversial. Learn why your goats may or may not need free-choice baking soda.

6 Signs Your Goat is in Heat

Breeding season has arrived so it is essential that you be able to recognize one thing—when your doe is in heat. In this article, I detail the six signs of heat you should watch out for. These will help alert you to the fact that it's time to find your doe a beau.

Is My Goat Pregnant?

Once your doe has had her date, the waiting game begins. Is your goat pregnant or has she simply lost her girlish figure? In this article, I cover the most common ways goat owners try to guess if their doe is expecting. From the pooch test to belly movement, I reveal the traits that can trick you and how you can know for sure whether or not you can expect little ones when kidding season rolls around.

📄Pumpkin Chévre Cheesecake

This creamy cheesecake recipe highlights the classic fall flavor of pumpkin. It is a wonderful way to use chèvre which creates a dessert that is lower in fat than its traditional cream cheese counterpart. With around half as many calories and less sugar, this recipe is an all-around winner.

Happy Goatherding,

Deborah
& the Thrifty Homesteader Team

📚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.
  • 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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Deborah Niemann @ Thrifty Homesteader

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