Dairy Goat People

[greyfields]

It's not jsut that, but my wife, too.

She milks the right, I milk the left. It's 10-15 minutes we spend there together, just talking innanely or sitting in silence. It's never rushed, it's over when it's over. Sometimes we get lots of milk, sometimes little. I dunno. It's rather peaceful.

I think a big pump groaning in the background would ruin it for me.

 

[Skyesrocket]

I hand milk too. Right now just milking the one doe. It is relaxing and I enjoy it.
The doe seems to like it too...at least the feed part of it. I open her pen and she runs to where I milk her. Goats seem to like routine, and are easier to handle if you make a routine and keep it.

 

[kritter11]

I hand milk 8 does 2 x a day right now.

We had a milking machine but cleaning all the hoses / inflations, etc. 2 x a day was more of a chore than it seemed worth to me. I sold the machine.

Some people leave the hoses and such to soak until the next milking but that just seemed sorta gross to me.

I do most of the milking but my dh does it 3-4 times a week when I'm at work and he likes the time w/ the girls, too.

Our goats are our pets, our friends, and our business.

 

[penelope77]

that's great greyfields. my ginger likes to kick so my hubby helps out. he doesn't do any milking but he sits on the other side in case she gets frisky. oh sure i could tether her legs but then i wouldn't have his company!

 

[southernsibe]

This is not exactly what the OP asked, but I was wondering if anyone had a good recommendation for a website that explains the differences with regard to breeds of goats. Which ones for meat, which for milk, that sort of thing.
Thanks
Rachel

 

[greyfields]

Try googling "Dairy Goat Forums".

I believe there is "Goat Talk" forums and another one... like "goat spot" or something?

 

[Their Other Mother]

Quote:
Please look at this site: www.fiascofarm.com They have details about everything. I just love it and read it about as much as BYC!

 

[sunnychooks]

Hand milk. I milk only one, but the one I milk has become my best buddy. She is clearly more comfortable having me handle her and she seems to like to be with me. Last year was the first year I milked her and she's due to kid in another 3 weeks!

 

[dacasodivine]

Wow! Lots of good replies! I don't even have a goat yet. I think I have pretty much convinced hubby that it's a good idea. I even got half a gallon of goat milk for us to try. Despite reading that it tastes just like cow milk, I will admit that I was fully prepared to taste something, 'off'. But it was just like cow milk to me. Everyone like it.

Anyway, I personally won't mind milking a goat or two, but I will be going to work here in the next year and want my husband or son to be able to milk. I thought having a hand milker might make it easier to get them to do it with less complaining.

Maybe if I get the goats and we all have some experience milking them before I go to work, it will be easier on all concerned. Or, they better learn to cook if I'm going to be out there milking goats after work! LOL

 

[Their Other Mother]

Quote:
Tell them milking will build muscles in their hands and fore arms - they'll look like a bull riders arms!