Hello Reader,

Fall is here 🍂 and with it comes plenty of goat questions! Should you really be giving your goats baking soda? Can you use lye as a dewormer, or is it an old myth that won’t die? With breeding season in full swing, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on the signs of heat and how to tell if your doe is really pregnant (or just looking a little round). And since no season is complete without something sweet, we’ve even included a cozy fall recipe, Pumpkin Chèvre Cheesecake, that puts your goat milk to delicious use.

Lye Is Not A Dewormer

More than a century ago, lye was promoted as a livestock dewormer—but science has shown it’s neither safe nor effective. From advertising gimmicks 100+ years ago to misinterpreted in vitro studies today, the idea has resurfaced without real evidence. In this article, we explore the history, the facts, and the proven practices that truly protect your goats from parasites.

Do Goats Need Baking Soda?

Do goats need baking soda -- or not? 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. 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 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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