goat milking newbie--teach me!

[hawkinsbunch]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for a bit, trying to sink in all the useful information you have to share. We have just recently (6mths ago) started a goat flock that now numbers 22. That are all percentage boers. We started with a bottle baby that is 1/2 nubian, 1/2 boer. She looks just like a nubian. When she kids, I would like to start milking her. I have never milked anything, so here I am asking you to teach me! Tell me your most important newbie tips, advice, etc. I'm here to learn. I'm trying to get a jump on things by soaking up as much info as possible before I start milking (which will be at least 6 mths). TIA!

[mpete]

Hi! Welcome to goats! Well, I'm sure you've heard that they need to be milked twice a day, or, take the kids away at night and milk in the mornings. Get her up on a milk stand, or tie her to a fence. You want to begin by milking out the colostrum and freezing it (you never know when you'll need it). Wash her udder and teats, make sure you wash the orfice with a clean rag. Wash your hands. You'll want to grip the teat next to the udder with your index finger and thumb. Gently roll your middle finger then your ring finger then your pinky to create a constant stream of milk... make sure you keep your index and thumb tight around her teat. The idea is to squeeze the milk out. Once it's out, release your thumb and index fingers and start again. The first few squirts should not be used, it can have bacteria in it. Milk into a clean bottle, I have a filter on top, and I milk into jars that are in a cold water jug. Does this help?

[Kittikity]

Here's a video that helped explain a lot to me..

YouTube

[hawkinsbunch]

Originally Posted by mpete

I milk into jars that are in a cold water jug.

Why do you do that?

And what supplies do I need besides a good seameless pail?

[Goat Servant]

The sooner the milk is cooled the better it will be. Cant remember....40 degrees within a couple of minutes?
So Mpete is milking right into a cool container.

Get her used to you handling her teats before you have to. Get her trined to the milk stand or whatever you have and give her her grain ration only then.

My goats are all trained to the milk stand even as babies if for no other reason than to trim feet or give meds. Thats not to say some of the older ones can hardly wait to jump up..I still need help cajoling 150lb Tubolard Boers big ole rear ends up.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Things you can do now:

1. Build a milk stand.
http://fiascofarm.com/goats/milkstand.html

2. Get her used to being handled.

3. Don't over feed grain. She needs good alfalfa hay and browse, and a bit of grain as a treat on the milk stand when training.

4. Read www.dairygoatinfo.com

5. Read www.fiascofarm.com

6. Read carefully about immunizations and nutrition. Start her on her shots. Get the right minerals (high copper.)