how do you get a cow to let you milk it?

[countrygirl23]

i have 2 holstem cows and 3 holstem mixes,and most of them have a lot of milk how do you get one to let you milk it.ever time we try they kick at us and we dont want to get kicked.most are very gentle only one will not let us pet her.ill try to get some pictures in tomarrow.any sugestions

 

[countrygirl23]

i would also like to let a calf or two nurse off the same cow.how do you get the cow use to both the calves.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Sometimes, putting a rope halter on them and tying their head so she's looking at you is enough.

Othertimes, I use this method:
A tip for breaking a cow that kicks during milking:
Try putting a halter on her and pull her head around to the side that you are milking her on. Tie the halter to her hind leg. Cows kick out backwards before they kick forward and this jerks them and helps break the habit. If the halter doesn't work then you can try a nose leader.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

i would also like to let a calf or two nurse off the same cow.how do you get the cow use to both the calves.

Here's a thread on grafting calves. I wouldn't recommend two calves and milking for one cow. If you meant that you want to add a second calf to some of the cows but, not the one that you are milking that would be okay. Make sure you watch the condition of the cows so to make sure the extra demand doesn't pull them down to much.

 

[Yates Dairy]

Some people might not approve of this method but if the cow is really stubborn and you have tried everything else you can get a club and hit the cows lower leg on the opposite side that you are milking her so she lifts up that leg and she cannot kick you with the leg on the side you are milking her.
I think i would try Farmer Kitty's methods first though.