Hello Reader,

This week’s roundup brings you four essential episodes. I share what pregnant does truly need nutritionally, take a fun look at 400 years of goat history with author Tami Parr, and talk with Dr. Jamie Stewart about the most common infectious causes of miscarriages. Plus, if you’re preparing for kidding season, don’t miss the episode on the basic supplies and setup that make birthing smoother and less stressful.

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

In this quick Goat Notes episode, I break down a so-called “study” that convinced a lot of goat owners they must feed grain during pregnancy — and why that conclusion doesn’t make sense once you look at the "study."

Instead, I explain what truly keeps does healthy and supports strong kids: balanced minerals, good body condition, and plenty of calcium-rich legumes like alfalfa. If you’ve ever worried about feeding too little, too much, or causing oversized kids or hypocalcemia, this episode gives you simple, evidence-based guidance you can trust.

​Goats in America

If you’ve ever wondered how goats went from being banned in early American colonies to starring in goat yoga classes and artisan cheese shops, this episode is a fascinating deep dive.

I sit down with author and historian Tami Parr to explore 400 years of goat history — from their misunderstood reputation, to the tuberculosis-era shift that made goat milk a prized “health food,” to their starring role in today’s homesteading revival. Packed with surprising stories, cultural twists, and goat-inspired laughs, this episode offers a whole new way to understand the animals we love.

​​Miscarriages in Goats Caused by Infections

When a kid is born dead, the first question every goat owner asks is “why?” — but the real answer can be surprisingly complex.

In this episode, Dr. Jamie Stewart breaks down the most common infectious causes of abortions and stillbirths, including chlamydia, Q fever, campylobacter, toxoplasmosis, Cache Valley virus, mycoplasma, and more. You’ll learn what symptoms to watch for, how these diseases spread, what’s zoonotic, and why getting a proper diagnosis is essential — especially if more than one doe aborts. A must-listen for anyone heading into kidding season.

​Getting Ready for Goat Birthing

Whether your does kid in winter or spring, being prepared makes all the difference. In this episode, I break down the essential supplies and setup you need before labor starts — along with practical, hard-earned tips for keeping newborns warm, preventing hypothermia, and avoiding common mistakes. From choosing the right towels to using baby monitors and kid coats safely, this episode helps you head into kidding season with confidence and less stress.

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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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