Yes, I’m getting Mo Milk now!
When Honey and I got home from vaca, I decided that it was time to lock up the kids at night. That’s all it took.
The kids have hoarse voices from crying so much…..they sound so cute.
They are eating a little grain twice a day and they eat hay just like Mama.
Aunt Mary Ann likes to eat while laying down in her last month of pregnancy.
Ginger had no choice but to let down and give me milk. While she stood waiting for me, she was dripping all over the place.
Now the trick is to milk faster than she can eat…..not easy, she’s pretty quick at downing 2 qts of sweet feed.
After I let the kids out, they are quick to latch on and get a drink.
OMIGosh, do you think that they are too big for this now?!! I’m thinking if she stands on a few blocks, it might just make it easier for them to reach.
You can see she’s still got a good bit of milk that I left for the kids. I’m counting on them to clean her up after I’m finished. Milk sharing is a great option and it’s good for all around.
She’s pretty quick to kick them off now, but every chance they get, they try to get some of the good stuff.
I’m using an EZ Milker to milk Ginger. I’m fair at hand milking, but seriously, you have to be quick for this girl or she starts doing the goat gig and literally is jumping like a kangaroo as soon as she’s near emptied her grain bucket!
I don’t have the double milker….but that would be one way to get the job done even faster. I think, since Ginger is a first time freshener, she’ll be much better next year or even 6 months down the road. I plan to milk through with her and Mary Ann, not breeding them in the fall, but milking them for a year and a half. Nubians are known to be milked through and since I don’t need or want lots of kids, it’s a option for me. I do plan to breed Ginger’s kids this fall and see how they milk since I’ll have much more time to devote to training them. All of Ginger’s traits will be passed on to her kids; udder size, teat placement, etc. Ginger is yet to be a proven milker, but with time, I really think she’ll do a fine job.
She’s giving me 3/4 of a 1/2 gallon which I’m more than delighted with! And that’s just 1x day!!! And she’s doing much better with hand milking too. TTT… Things Take Time!
I think I can now say, “cheese”!
Speaking of milk….I better get out there and get the job done!!!
Proverbs 27:27
You will have plenty of goats‘ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.
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Mr H, I don’t blame you for not wanting the watered down stuff they call “milk” at the big box stores. I haven’t had any of that for a very long time too. I hope you all get a goat for your homestead. They are the best ever. This AM she gave me nearly a 1/2 gallon!
Your milk sounds so good. The sad thing is that I was raised on fresh goat and cow milk but as an adult refuse to drink the sad watery store bought stuff. I envy you your milk. I love your goats!