Beginner Hand Milker

lisarichards · #1 07/16/08, 11:28 AM

I just bought an American Milking Devon cow. I go pick her up on Saturday. I was hoping to wait until the end of the month, but she's about to go in heat and he'd like her moved, which is fine.

She is currently being hand milked (freshened end of March), not bred, obviously. She's giving almost 4 gallons a day right now, though he milks her 3 times a day, which I'm not sure I'll manage.

She is only tethered by a chain during milking for this farmer. I wonder if I need to make a stanchion?

She's being kept in a stall all day, fed hay only, no grain. I've got a paddock that I'd like to put her in, with a shed. Is that a good idea or should I keep her tethered for a while?

I'd like to spend as little as possible of course. But I don't want to need something that I don't have. So what do I need?

A stainless bucket to milk into.
A way to cool the milk. (I have room in my meat freezer, I think.)
I have glass bottles.

I've milked sheep before, though not much this year. I have pigs, horses, chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks and a llama. I've wanted a cow forever!

Sabrina67 · #2 07/16/08, 12:10 PM

Your so lucky !! I wanted a cow forever too . I got her and she has mastitis and has been a mess.
Your soon to be cow is so pretty. Wow at the horns.
I can't really tell you what you will need , just wanted to tell you congrats and compliment your cow.

**gone-a-milkin** · #3 07/16/08, 01:14 PM

What a pretty red cow! How old is she? How many times has she calved?

I would think that if she is used to being tethered for milking, that could work fine for you too. As long as it is in a close enough space that she won't move around too much.It may take her a day (or 3) to get used to her new home, and when she goes into heat, her production will probably drop off some for a couple of days. Hopefully she will wait a few days after you get her before she does come into heat. Please be careful of her when she IS in heat. Those horns....

It is very nice to have a roof over your milking area, if possible. A low stool to sit on is also good.

It is a good idea to strain the milk, either w/ a strainer that sits on the milk bucket while you milk, or one that sits on top of your jars for cooling the milk.

Many people put the milk into 1/2 gallon jars. then set the jars in cold water to quickly cool them. I would be afraid I would forget my milk in the 'meat freezer' and come back to broken jars! LOL.

If she has only been eating hay and no 'rich' feeds, you will want to introduce her to those things slowly. 4 gallons a day is a good amount of milk .

Congratulations and happy milking!

lisarichards · #4 07/20/08, 10:39 AM

She's calved twice before, both boys. I brought her home last night, and she's in heat now. So I've got to get semen ordered to catch her next heat, I think.

I milked her last night and again this morning, got a half gallon each time. I should be getting twice that, but with her in heat and feeling kidnapped and me not knowing what I'm doing, I'm assuming we will get better as we learn.

She's a sweetie, though. Strong! Those horns are something else. Not kicky at all at being milked.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanh/2684831997/

I'm keeping her in the trailer for now while we finish her paddock. She seems pretty okay with that. I think it feels nice and secure and she can see everyone else.

lisarichards · #5 08/01/08, 09:15 AM

Anyone want a short video of Ms. Ella Mae wanting to be milked already in the morning? She's like "put the camera down crazy lady and milk me!"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanh/2722460250/

darbyfamily · #6 08/01/08, 09:24 AM

Oh that was great!!! wow, her moo is soo deep!

darbyfamily · #7 08/01/08, 09:36 AM

I thought I'd mention... its not as important to cool cows milk as quickly as you would goats milk... I milk way out back, carry it in, strain it and put it in the fridge... no rush.

tailwagging · #8 08/01/08, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisarichards

Anyone want a short video of Ms. Ella Mae wanting to be milked already in the morning? She's like "put the camera down crazy lady and milk me!"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanh/2722460250/

LOVED IT!!
She is SOOO pretty!
How big is she? I might want one myself!

Wags · #9 08/01/08, 11:49 AM

Love her moo!

Is it just me or is the fencing on the outside of the posts?

Freeholder · #10 08/01/08, 04:16 PM

She's a beauty!

Two things: with those horns, you'd never fit her head into a stanchion, so you have no choice but to milk her tethered. Since she's standing fine for you, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, LOL!

The other thing is, you are blessed to have a cow that milks well with no grain! Don't 'fix' that, either! I'm sure she'd appreciate some pasture if you have it (introduce it gradually, though), but grain isn't a natural feed for ruminants, it's only fed to up their production, and it doesn't sound like she needs hers 'upped'. She'll be healthier without it, as long as you give her hay with plenty of calcium and protein to replace what's going into the milk pail.

Wish we could have a cow, but we only have room for goats.

Kathleen

linn · #11 08/02/08, 09:39 AM

Wow, you have gotten yourself a gem. Any cow that will stand tethered to be milked is usually very gentle. If you have any grass, you might be able to tether her to graze also. That would save on hay.