cow moves during milking

mariaricarto · #1 07/01/10, 10:15 PM

Hi all,
I have just started milking a neighbor's cow. I feed it and tie it short while milking twice a day. She stands fine for the majority of the session, but then starts to take steps away from me so that I must move the milking stool to get under the udder again. The owner says the cow doesn't do that with her, of course the owner is a faster milker than I am. The owner says she yells and hits the cow which I don't do and would like to avoid. I have put the cow next to a fence but then she moves forward. Any ideas for what can I do to keep her from moving?

**gone-a-milkin** · #2 07/01/10, 10:30 PM

Milk faster?

I am not opposed to a good stern voice saying "Hey!" (and maybe some little curses thrown in).
Sounds like she is testing you a little. Just persevere. She will get used to you.

linn · #3 07/02/10, 09:41 AM

Is she getting any grain while you are milking. Try giving her some good hay to munch on and she will probably stand until she finishes it.

mariaricarto · #4 07/02/10, 09:20 PM

I'm milking as fast as I can. Seeing as I've only been milking for a week I admit I'm slow and somewhat inconsistant. Getting better though. I will try the big HEY! for movement control.
The cow eats alfalfa pellets. I tried mixing in some beautiful alfalfa hay and she eats around it.

Ronney · #5 07/03/10, 07:19 AM

I think you will find that once you become adept at milking and therefore faster and more consistant, that will solve your problem. She'll be a little unhappy about a new milker, who, in her opinion, doesn't know what they're doing! However, when mine start to dance I have no compunction about saying "Hey" or "Oi" and giving a light slap on the leg to let them know I'm the boss and don't want any funny business.

Give it time and you will find it will all slip into place.

Cheers,
Ronnie