help with lopsided udder

[deetu]

This morning my FF was happily talking to her kids.

I noticed that both kids were trying to get the same teat so I put one on the other. He spit it out them moved his tongue like it tasted bad. I thought maybe the teat was too large for him since she was so full so I milked her out some but had the same reaction. I milked her out more (now, this is a Boer and she decided she did not like this. I think she was tender because that side was really, really large) And put the other kid on that side. He also readily took the teat but also spit it out and moved his tongue like it tasted bad.

Milk looked totally clean. No cheesy clumps, no blood, no strings. Also, the kids seemed to spit it out before they started nursing. I am going down now to wash it off with to see if that makes a difference. It didn't look like there was anything on it but it's a simple thing to do.

Anyone have any other suggestions? I know this may work but sometimes it takes time to get answers so I'm putting it out there now. Thanks in advance

Oh, and also, should I do something with the other teat to encourage them to use the other. Maybe tape it up or something. I'll be home all day to play around with it if necessary.

[deetu]

Okay, cleaning didn't work. Now I'm going to try to strip out the whole side so the teats have the same size and consistancy to them. I have a friend coming to help hold her. Wish me luck.

[Minelson]

Good luck!

[susanne]

how old are the kids? have they used the loopsided half before?
if there is an infection, they will not like the taste of the milk because it is salty. if they just plain prefer the other side and did from the beginning, try to tape the preferred teat so they have to use the other side.
good luck

[deetu]

Okay, I had a friend help and was able to milk out alot of the full side. One kid came over and latched onto that teat, finishing the milking for me. He went to that teat a couple of times while I watched but as time went on, went back to the empty one.

The kids are only two days old and this morning was the first I saw it lopsided. I think they like the little teat compared to the big one. I'll try to keep it down and try taping the other up for a little while so they equal in size.

I have to make a milking stand....

[mpete]

I put a front and back on my milk stand to put a chain or rope to use to keep the doe in the center of the stand also to keep her from falling off. I like the rope or chain because I can unhook the side I want to be working at.

[deetu]

Originally Posted by mpete

I put a front and back on my milk stand to put a chain or rope to use to keep the doe in the center of the stand also to keep her from falling off. I like the rope or chain because I can unhook the side I want to be working at.

Ooooo, I like that idea. I wanted to make something that I can store flat when not in use. I have plans for one that mounts on the wall and folds up when not using but I don't have a free wall anywhere. Have to think more about it.

[deetu]

All better. Guess it was too big for them to enjoy. Thanks for the input

[manygoatsnmore]

Glad to hear all is well - sure you don't want to milk some of that milk out for house milk? She'll increase production to compensate for what you're taking. Of course, you'll want to wait until the colostrum is gone first.

[deetu]

Originally Posted by manygoatsnmore

Glad to hear all is well - sure you don't want to milk some of that milk out for house milk? She'll increase production to compensate for what you're taking. Of course, you'll want to wait until the colostrum is gone first.

I did Boers because I didn't want to milk. You should have seen us, we were a site. Her head was locked in the feeder, my friend straddled her to hold her still and I kept pulling the bucket away to keep her feet out of it. Still had some stray hairs and stuff in it. And I didn't care if I milked from the side or back, I was determined to empty her out.

Still got to make that milking stand...