Dairy/Milking Goats!

[funnyfarms19]

Hey All! I have a question about milking goats! I have a year old doe, who just had a doeling about a month ago! I’m just starting to get her used to being milked and I’m running into some problems along the way. We have a stand and we are getting some feet holders to keep her feet down. But she eats so quick I can barely even get settled before she’s done. I’ve only had her for about 5ish months and before I got her she wasn’t used to people at all. Since that she isn’t used to being touch back there, but I really want to get her used to it. I feed her sweet grain at night to get her to bed, it’s the only way she will go in. I also just bought alfalfa pellet...but I heard it gets them bloated very easily. What feed do you guys use when you milk, and how can I slow her down and get her used to being milked. Also she no milk will come out when I try, which I THINK means she is kinda stressed out?! Thank you for reading this, and I hope I can get some good info! I will keep you all updated!

 

[Alaskan]

First... do you have a stand that locks her head firmly in place?

Next... put some rocks in the feed bowl, (big enough that she doesn't try to eat them) and put the feed under the rocks... so she has to spend time moving the rocks to get the feed.

Also... try slower to eat feed.

I have a woody weed that they like, and aspen branches, as well as pumpkin rind. Sunflower seeds are also good.

Also... to force her feet still, a regular dog leash works well. The loop handle on the dog leash can be used as a noose for the feet.

I googled videos to watch when I had issues milking. Visuals sure are helpful.

Once you have her still.... a dry gentle rub of her underbelly (to remove dirt and extra hair), then a clean moist towel to massage and clean her udder can help her start to let down.

There are videos on milking that might help.

 

[funnyfarms19]

First... do you have a stand that locks her head firmly in place?

Next... put some rocks in the feed bowl, (big enough that she doesn't try to eat them) and put the feed under the rocks... so she has to spend time moving the rocks to get the feed.

Also... try slower to eat feed.

I have a woody weed that they like, and aspen branches, as well as pumpkin rind. Sunflower seeds are also good.

Also... to force her feet still, a regular dog leash works well. The loop handle on the dog leash can be used as a noose for the feet.

I googled videos to watch when I had issues milking. Visuals sure are helpful.

Once you have her still.... a dry gentle rub of her underbelly (to remove dirt and extra hair), then a clean moist towel to massage and clean her udder can help her start to let down.

There are videos on milking that might help.

Thank you! Yes we have a stand, and a few others on another site said the same as you, I tried kinda standing over her, so my hand could be by her legs, they don’t kick up! I got milk out of her 4 times I think, and then I just give it to my LGDs, until I really get a set up! But thank you so much!!!