When to start milking FF

Rechellef · #1 03/29/11, 10:24 AM

As you all know, Snowflake gave birth yesterday. I pumped some colostrum with my Udderly EZ (arthritis in one hand and her ubber small teats forced this purchase). I put her on the stand today and washed her teats and udder and she ate while crying the entire time for her baby and tried to get out of the stachion. I ended up holding her daughter at her head so she wouldn't freak out. My question would be, should I start milking her a little now or wait until her milk comes in. Also, will she start calming down a little regarding her baby once she settles into motherhood?

6e · #2 03/29/11, 10:54 AM

I can't answer your question as we pull babies at birth, but I was going to ask, how do you like that Udderly EZ milker thing? I've heard mixed reviews. Do you think it's easy to use?

Rechellef · #3 03/29/11, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6e

I can't answer your question as we pull babies at birth, but I was going to ask, how do you like that Udderly EZ milker thing? I've heard mixed reviews. Do you think it's easy to use?

There is a slight learning curve and they don't initially give you enough containers (1 pint and 1 quart size and my one doe gives almost 2 quarts in 1 milking). You do have to make sure their let down reflex has been activated, so I give a squeeze or two before attaching it. I also go back an forth between teats to make sure I give one a rest. Of course, each doe is different as one take a while to get flowing and the other starts flowing right away. For me, it has been a great choice considering my arthritis and small teat issues. Some people don't like it, but I have found it really works very well for me and my does. The other benefit is no dirt in the milk because it goes right into the container.

6e · #4 03/29/11, 11:09 AM

Do you think you can milk out as fast or faster with that than by hand?

LoneStrChic23 · #5 03/29/11, 11:22 AM

I would at least put her on the stand twice a day and milk some, if not all out just to get her used to the process. Sabrina had triplets (one dead at birth) and I started milking her out completly on day 3, twice a day. I am now getting about 2 1/2 quarts from her, plus her twins are well fed.

I also have the Udderly Ez & like it. Simple to use and really helped with my mini girls short teats. I don't use it all the time....usually just the 1st 1/2 of milking then I finish by hand.

If you have a doe with good teats & your a good milker, I don't think you'll save time using it.

If you decide to purchase one I highly recomend buying it here:

http://www.avolinofarm.com/

Very best price.... I ordered the Goat kit, plus 2 extra quart bottles and even with priority shipping my total was cheaper than the price for just the kit (no extra bottles, no priority shipping) from www.udderlyez.com and from Jeffers. He was offering specials on the goat/sheep kit on all kits sold during kidding season

Alice In TX/MO · #6 03/29/11, 11:33 AM

Ditto on putting her on the milk stand twice a day and milking her out. It 'trains' her production and her and the kid(s).

I have the Udderly EZ Milker, too, that I use on my MiniMancha. It's not faster than hand milking, but on those small teats, it's ESSENTIAL!!

However, I must admit..... I've hooked mine up with a vacuum line to a pulsator. OH MY GOSH! It's heaven. The BAD part is that with what I have set up, it uses a Surge Belly Milker for the pulsator to set on. TOO much expense if you have to buy that stuff.

I'm working on a new design.....

Cheribelle · #7 03/29/11, 01:22 PM

I like my Udderly EZ milker, too. I would not have spent the money, but my Dad ordered it for me. My girl is lopsided, and one teat is a mess to hand milk, Short, milk comes out in 4 different directions! The milker is the only way I can get any from that side.

saanengirl · #8 03/29/11, 02:27 PM

I start milking from day 1, but don't put them on the stand until the kids are big enough to follow them out. I usually will tie them and milk on the ground so that they get used to being milked, but aren't stressed out by missing their kids. Usually this works for the first three days, then they start getting antsy with being milked on the ground. At that point I transition to the stand and bring the babies out so she can see them while she is being milked.

wintrrwolf · #9 03/29/11, 09:31 PM

I started milking right there in the kidding pen, she eats I milk. I don't have the udderly EZ I got the Maggidan's and there is a bit of a learning curve with it as well, but I love it (arthritic hands here too) I have several cup sizes so can adjust to what ever teet size is needed. Last year was an issue, first time Sugar had ever been milked and I had to milk her everyday, so yes recommend getting Snowflake used to the process.
Today Sugar didn't even blink when I attached the milker, I didn't even have to tie her up, kiddies are required, her 2 were bouncing around checking me out and nudging the other side, I do think it helps having them there.