Stable size for Dexters

Ralph in N.E.Oh · #1 12/05/07, 12:28 AM

Perhaps some of you more experienced cow men can give me information as to what size milking stable for a dexter. What I want to know is how big a stall?

How far from manger to gutter and how wide? I saw a thread about a Dexter dairy where they make cheese. I'm sure they would know but I would need contact information.

I'm thinking it would be close to the same dimensions as for Jerseys.

How about it guys, any thoughts?

I plan to milk more than one so I need something a bit more servicable than a tree in the yard although I know that will work too.

Slev · #2 12/05/07, 07:19 AM

Good Morning Ralph,

Try looking up "Finger Lakes Dexter Creamery" They seem to be nice people, and well lets face it, they do have Dexters. I just have the one so when the time comes I plan to shade tree it. Good Luck and keep all of us Dexter fans posted...

freeholdfarms · #3 12/05/07, 02:35 PM

We milk under a tree
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14345596@N07/1866769082/
The cows are about 6 feet long if I remember right

Ralph in N.E.Oh · #4 12/06/07, 06:08 PM

Stev, thanks for the link. I will ask those folks

Freeholdfarms, I could milk under a tree, behind a gate or in one of our horse tie stalls, but I would like a functional stable for milking. Thanks for the pic of your operation.

I asked this question because I am toying with the idea of having a mini dairy and need to know the deminsions for the "state inspection" and cleaning etc. I am trying to plan a sort of small milking stable for 6 or 8 cows.

Slev · #5 12/06/07, 09:42 PM

No problem, but honestly Ralph, I think you'd be better off contacting the authorities in your state for regulations, as I believe they may vary from state to state. (I may be wrong though, it could be a Federal thing) my thinking, seek advice from others, seek requirements/standards from proper sources.

good luck, be sure to update us as to what you're up to... sounds fun!

Ralph in N.E.Oh · #6 12/07/07, 06:16 AM

Slev, great advice and point well taken.

I was thinking I'd give this a trial by cutting 6x6's to create a platform for her to stand on while I tried this milking venture out. I don't want it to be too long whereby she hits the platform and not the gutter area with her manure. I thought this platform with side rails and a stantion would work out nicely, hence the question...how long from manger to gutter?

I'll check with the local "Surge" guy to see what they recommend for Jerseys. That should be pretty close I would think.

Thanks everyone for the answers.

Texas_Plainsman · #7 12/08/07, 09:43 PM

I milk a jersey in an 8 x 10 stall. This is ample room.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph in N.E.Oh

Perhaps some of you more experienced cow men can give me information as to what size milking stable for a dexter. What I want to know is how big a stall?

How far from manger to gutter and how wide? I saw a thread about a Dexter dairy where they make cheese. I'm sure they would know but I would need contact information.

I'm thinking it would be close to the same dimensions as for Jerseys.

How about it guys, any thoughts?

I plan to milk more than one so I need something a bit more servicable than a tree in the yard although I know that will work too.

cowkeeper · #8 12/09/07, 07:01 AM

Here is a plans for the older type stanchion barns with manure gutter behind.
www.barn-plans.net/Barn-Plans/p143.htm

Ralph in N.E.Oh · #9 12/09/07, 05:08 PM

Thanks cowkeeper ... exactly what is was looking for. I will check the recent guidelines from the USDA guys, but this will sure help with my initial planning.

dosthouhavemilk · #10 12/09/07, 05:42 PM

Ralph if you plan to go Grade A you are not allowed to use wood.
We get away with a stanchion barn and bucket milkers since we are grandfathered in.
I'm not sure on the Grade B regs but from what I understand they are fairly particular as well.

If you plan to go official at some point you should contact the ODA first. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Ralph in N.E.Oh · #11 12/10/07, 07:21 AM

Roseanna, Thanks for your reply. I agree that wood will not be allowed for Grade A or perhaps even grade B. My thought to begin with wood, is so that I can get the correct length of the stall from manger to gutter. I can shorten the stall until its very functional for Dexters. Presently I have 2 that could be milked ( both are nursing calves at the moment) Once I have the length right, I can build a more functional stall using concrete and pipe as needed. I intend to only milk in that building not house the cows in it. I know however, from prior experience, that a gutter is a wonderful thing!

I thought I'd start with the length suggested for Jerseys then go from there, but since this forum is so diverse, I thought I'd save myself some work by asking others what works for them.

Thanks to all for your help.