I spent the day yesterday driving over to the Iron Range to get our newest goat, Lily. I love that drive! So relaxing, no traffic and there's some farm country to see too.
I spent a couple of hours at Baa-si Farmz, where I purchased Lily, learning now to draw blood, and talkin' goat. It was a blast. I was a bit surprised by Lily's tiny stature. She's only 16 months old now, so still growing. As a first freshener, her udder is only so-so (but nicely attached, and her teats are quite small. I milk with only my thumb and first two fingers.
Speaking of milking, I've done it twice so far. Once at 7:30 P.M. when I got home yesterday and at 7:30 this A.M. Last night's milking was extremely laughable. It took way longer than it should have, me being so inexperienced, and Lily never having been milked. Neither of us knew what we were doing. Molly had to help me hold her leg so she couldn't step in the milk pail or kick me. I got milk everywhere but the pail for a while, then it was a hit or a miss. Lily had just nursed her doeling for the last time right before I drove home. Any way, all said and done, I got a WHOPPING TWO OUNCES OF MILK! This A.M. was slightly better at 5 ounces and no leg holding. We're both catching on!
I don't think she was nursing her baby as she should have been. She had rejected her and was just beginning to take her back. Also, a single doeling doesn't really need all that much milk. For those reasons, I'm sure she's not giving as much milk as she's capable of. She's only 3 weeks fresh, though, so I'm hoping with patience and proper feeding we'll both continue to improve. We should have some time since does generally peak in their lactation at about two months. By her second freshening we'll both be old pros (I hope).
The good news: I'd said I'd be happy with enough for my daughter's breakfast, and she had enough for her granola this A.M. She was all smiles and loved the milk. It was worth it!
Sorry no pictures yet, but at this point just accomplishing the task of properly cleaning everything, and milking, and re-cleaning is taking too much brain power. When I get more used to the process, I'll try to get some photos.
I think I would just love it if one of the younger ones here say they were happy with goats milk.I can hardly get them to drink dry milk which I love by the way-on ice. So what do I do with a can of goats milk?[ That's sitting on my shelf]
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first milking doe! Sounds as if you're doing just fine, Patty. I know it must seem a little overwhelming right now but it will get easier and you'll find your routine with handling all the equipment very soon. We'll be eagerly waiting for pictures of your new addition!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I second the waiting for pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the first milking! I'm sure its hard to get the "system" down, especially when you are both newcomers. Just think of it this way - you can both learn together, and no one can tease the other! :) Can't wait to see pictures.
ReplyDeleteHey all! Thanks for you comments, especially today. Mama Pea, that's exactly how I'm feeling right now. I'm going to take your word for it that it will get easier. I think it already is a bit. We're up to a whopping six ounces tonight! LOL! But, I'm happily overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteJudy- I'm not sure what you could do other than mix it with milk they like and see if anyone notices or bake with it. :)
I'll try for pics tomorrow afternoon...maybe...
Mama Tea- Yep, I'm pretty sure she's not laughing at me, and I'm not laughing at her, for sure. She's getting more patient with me all the time. :)
It sounds like you did a great job for your first time. Could have been much worse and with no milk to show for it. Looking forward to the pics too.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the photos! I'm sure things will get easier, such a learning curve with all these new things, but worth it. So glad your daughter loved the milk!
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