Goat hates being milked

[Bleenie]

We brought home a couple friends for our rescue girl yesterday and one of them(ND) is currently in milk. I was expecting her to not be too full this morning after the move but her udder was quite plump this morning! I haven't finished my stand yet so I put her on the platform and tied her head(shes haltered) to the wall behind the stand... well she had a FIT when I touched her udder! She still had one baby nursing when we bought her but the owners said it was rarely. I kind of half expected her to be uncomfortable with being hand milked but was hoping she would be relieved after i got a little out but she kept having a tantrum so I finally gave up and put her away, I was just too worried she might hurt herself.

I don't think she will have a problem being in a stantion but how do I get her used to having her udder touched? Or would it be best to let her dry up and work with her slowly until shes in milk again next year?

 

[ksalvagno]

I would keep working with her on milking. I'm guessing she was never milked before? If she hasn't, then you are going to go through this no matter when you do it. Just be patient and keep working with her. Let her know that this is going to happen. period.

 

[verkagj]

try leaning her against something if you don't have a stanchion. Put your head against her while you touch/milk her. Give her some treats when you're done. Mine likes bananas or raisins. She had never been milked and the first few times we were playing rodeo. Then I tried putting my head against her and she calmed right down. Treats for proper behavior.

 

[CrazyCatNChickenLady]

I'd say make sure you get the final word in. Dont let her throw a fit enough until you stop and put her away, because then she's only learning she doesn't have to give in to you because you will stop if she throws a big enough tantrum. Keep working with her, She'll probably get used to it in no time! When she does something right, be sure to reward her with lots of treats!

 

[Roll farms]

You can make or buy hobbles to keep her still. You *must* be the boss goat.

Good luck!

 

[SkyWarrior]

Tie her off next to a wall and give her a bucket of grain to munch on while milking. Don't give up on her even if she sticks a foot in the bucket or throws a fit. You CAN train her to accept milking. I did it with mine.

It helps for her to have a really full udder. She'll get the hint that you're relieving pressure milking her after a few times. My girl runs to the stanchion now when it's time to milk.

Good luck!

 

[Bleenie]

Thanks for the help everyone, I had my sister help me tonight.. I held her while she milked her and she was much clamer. She did look a lot fuller tonight though so I am sure it felt good to her. Worked out better for me also because my sister has smaller hands and her teats are kinda small .

We got the stantion finished tonight so it should be easier to milk her in the morning.