Lots of milk on one side????

PETSNEGGS · #1 06/05/08, 11:45 AM

My goats are both first time Moms and each had one kid. I have been milking them but, I am finding that one side is very full when I go to milk and there is pretty much nothing on the other side. This is with both does. I do check to make sure that the side is not hard or blocked. I can get a drop if I try real hard. Is it possible that the kids are nursing from one side only and I am getting the milk from the other side? both kids are very healthy so I know they are eating.

ann fr · #2 06/05/08, 12:23 PM

I think the kids are just nursing from one side only.I think it's pretty common.I've had it happen too.
Ann

DQ · #3 06/05/08, 12:24 PM

yes that is possible and it would be my bet. you are not seperating the kids overnight and then milking? I would do that at least once to see if both sides are functioning.

CarolynRenee · #4 06/05/08, 12:57 PM

I thought I had a "broken" udder last year too. Doe had a single doeling last year & a single doeling this year, and both times the left teet is drained to nothing & the right is full as can be.

After watching (last year & this), it is the baby drinking from just one side. Even when I tried to "show" her that, Hey, there's milk in THIS one too, she just went back to the other one, even though it was empty.

Alice In TX/MO · #5 06/05/08, 01:34 PM

Yup. I milk out my Nubian FF's left side each evening. When we pen the kids at night (after they are a bit bigger,) we'll get both sides in the morning!

MissMenagerie · #6 06/05/08, 02:49 PM

You could try taping the empty side. Then the kid would have to learn to nurse on the other side. Might even things up a bit.

Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians · #7 06/05/08, 03:17 PM

Just keep milking the un nursed side. As the kid gets older they will be able to drink more than the one side and will start drinking from both. IF you had not milked this side it would dry up, leaving the kid with only half an udder just when it is having it's growth spurt at 6 weeks, and need more milk. Vicki

PETSNEGGS · #8 06/05/08, 05:41 PM

well, thank you everyone I was thinking that was it but, being new to all this I had no idea... I guess I will seperate them tonight and see what happens... I just feel so bad for them being so small and not having Mom to snuggle with... BUT, I'll be strong ..LOL... and do it after I milk tonight... getting ready to go down there now... Thanks again tons!

PETSNEGGS · #9 06/19/08, 11:34 AM

Well, they are doing great and yep Mom was full on both sides when the morning rolled around. Milked there one side and let the babies at it... thank you