wild doe with overstuffed udder-- need a little advice

[helmstead]

SOOOO been there...LOL...

 

[kinnip]

Quote:
In that case, I'll forgive you laughing at my pain.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

We have cows, not goats, but one thing we do is put a halter on them and tie their heads around to the side your milking on. Then they see what your doing easier instead of panicing. Also a cow kicks back before forward so they jerk their own heads if you tie it to their leg. I don't if this would work for goats but, maybe just getting her head around where she sees you better may help.

 

[Chirpy]

I am teaching my 3 yr. old doe to milk right now also. This is her second freshening but she's never been milked. I'm fortunate that she likes people (but she's skittish) and is very sweet - she still kicked and bucked and fought and hunched for the first couple of milkings. It took my two teenage sons to even get her on the milk stand the first few times. I had them stand by her and pet and talk to her while I tried to milk her... I think that helped her. It doesn't sound like you have any help.. that makes it all harder. Now, I can get her on myself but she doesn't go willingly.... yet. After the first time milking and the milk ending up all over (except in the pail

), I tied her back legs down (I don't have a hobble - wish I did). I only had to tie her for three days and she stopped kicking (most of the time - just an occasional one now). I'm using my milk strainer to milk her into as I can hold that in one hand and milk with the other so I'm ready to pull it away if she does kick.

Just remember.. be nice and gentle (as much as possible) and take your time for her so the whole experience is positive.

Here's a picture with the correct way to hobble a goat, sounds like you may have figured it out but just in case...

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/hobble.htm

Good luck with her.

 

[Skyesrocket]

What is surprising is just how strong an uncooperative goat can be.
My angora was scared to death of people when I first got her. It was quite a rodeo trying to get ahold of her to give her shots.
What calmed her down was when I had to cut her coat off and trim her hooves. I tied and hobbled her and that seemed to relax her. Once she realized she couldn't go anywhere the fight was over.
I was patient with her and it took 3 days to get the job done. I was worrying about stressing her so I worked on her on and off.
By the time I was done she calmed down quite a bit and follows me around now and comes up to me for treats.
I hope your doe comes around and gets used to you.

 

[PortageGirl]

Hey Kinnip! I was wondering how you and your goat are doing!! I'm picturing you two squared off staring each other down over the milking stand! I sure hope things have calmed down with her.