The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: HappyHippy on June 10, 2013, 08:29:45 am

Title: How to dry up a Guernsey and avoid mastitus
Post by: HappyHippy on June 10, 2013, 08:29:45 am

I've weaned the GG kids from their mum and am managing to milk her a little bit - she's not very keen on it and has such tiny little teats that it's proving quite difficult and time consuming. I'm getting between 5 and 6 pints of milk daily from Mrs Nibbles (British Alpine) so I think the best thing for the GG is to dry her up and let her gain condition while continuing to work on socialising and handling - but being a novice goat keeper I'm happy to be advised otherwise  ;)
What's the best way to dry her up please ?
Thanks, Karen  :wave:

Title: Re: How to dry up a Guernsey and avoid mastitus
Post by: Anke on June 10, 2013, 10:13:07 am

Just hay and water (plus her lick of course) until she is dry and daily checking for full udder. If it feels full and hard ease her out but just a bit.
 
No greenery, no treats etc, even it this sounds harsh. Once she is dry you can re-start her slowly on concentrate to improve her condition.
 
Will reply to your pm later tonight, been away at a show at the weekend and while away sheep broke out... but all sorted now. OH is just about talking to me again...

Title: Re: How to dry up a Guernsey and avoid mastitus
Post by: HappyHippy on June 10, 2013, 11:02:42 am

Thanks Anke  :thumbsup:
How long does it normally take to dry up ?

Ooops about the sheep  ::) ;D I can sympathise  ;) pigs seem to sense when there's an away day planned too  :innocent: