Ok I have had a small herd of Nigerian Dwarfs for about 5 years now and have never milked my does. I have 3 does due to kid in about 10 weeks and thought about starting to milk them. Question is there anything special I need to do to be able to drink the milk if I want or anything?
Thinking about Milking..Need some advice
- Thread starter SDA92
- Start date
DonnaBelle
True BYH Addict
Well, it's nice to have a milk stand so they can be restrained while you milk them. My stand has a feeder on it and they quickly learn to jump up and have breakfast or dinner, as the case may be.
You can milk the moms after 3 weeks. Let the kids have her till then. Then shut her away from them after about 7 or 8 pm and milk her first thing in the am. Then let the kids have at her. She will increase her milk production, serving you and them.
Nice stainless steel pail. We use a small one because you can hold it between your knees and milk. We milk sitting behind the goat.
If they've never been milked before they may kick some at first. Our goats did and we bought some hobbles and DH anchored each side to the milk stand, which kept them still and their back legs were spread so you could easily milk. After a while, we didn't need to do the hobbles anymore.
You will need a strainer, and some filters. Go to Hoeggers and order a catalog. It's got everything in it for goats and some good articles besides.
Good luck and you can do it.
I just made chevre cheese, farmers cheese, haven't made ice cream yet.
DonnaBelle
You can milk the moms after 3 weeks. Let the kids have her till then. Then shut her away from them after about 7 or 8 pm and milk her first thing in the am. Then let the kids have at her. She will increase her milk production, serving you and them.
Nice stainless steel pail. We use a small one because you can hold it between your knees and milk. We milk sitting behind the goat.
If they've never been milked before they may kick some at first. Our goats did and we bought some hobbles and DH anchored each side to the milk stand, which kept them still and their back legs were spread so you could easily milk. After a while, we didn't need to do the hobbles anymore.
You will need a strainer, and some filters. Go to Hoeggers and order a catalog. It's got everything in it for goats and some good articles besides.
Good luck and you can do it.
I just made chevre cheese, farmers cheese, haven't made ice cream yet.
DonnaBelle
- Thread starter
- #4
I have been planning getting a milk stand just to restrain them while I trim their hooves. I have milked one of my does before her first time she had kids cuz she rejected one of them but after a few hours working with her I got her to accept him so I didn't need milk her anymore..she also hated being milked.
I really want to try making goat milk soaps and lotions.
I really want to try making goat milk soaps and lotions.
verkagj
Ridin' The Range
You can use a regular kitchen strainer with a coffee filter in it. Getting the milk cold quickly is the key to good taste. If you can't afford a stainless steel bucket, an enamel pot will do just fine. I use a little plastic can and then pour the milk into a stainless steel stock pot with a lid. Make due with what you have on hand at first.
Another trick to get the girls used to milking is to give them some sort of treat after you are done milking. Mine eat their food while I milk and when I'm done they get a piece of banana or some raisins.
Another trick to get the girls used to milking is to give them some sort of treat after you are done milking. Mine eat their food while I milk and when I'm done they get a piece of banana or some raisins.
