The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Goats => Topic started by: Roxy on May 26, 2010, 11:34:38 pm
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The two nanny girls are still feeding from Jasmine, but I intend taking them off her in a couple of weeks, when they will be 12 weeks - goodness time does fly!! In preparation for this, I thought it was a good idea to start stripping some milk from Jasmine. As she is a first kidder, I expected bother from her. But, I don't want to be in the situation of taking the kids away, and having a very full udder that she will not let me milk, so best start now, so she is ok when the kids do go.
Well, I have dealt with some goats and trying to milk them. You know, the kicking out, butting, knocking the milk over, anything to stop you milking. But Jasmine was among the worst. She may be not very big, and looks meek and mild, but she was determined I was not taking any of her milk. She kicked, butted, and at one stage got hold of my top, and bit me very hard on the arm. I carried on though, and was very proud that I got quite a good bit of milk. I was so pleased that I had a drink there and then, out of my flask cup. Then remembered that the vet had insisted I pasteurise any milk, due to the TB problem .....oops.
I thought after a few days things would get easier, but they haven't. I am still doing battle every evening. I come away covered in white hairs, all dishevelled, feeling exhausted, but clutching my container with the milk in. Blooming farm cats have mobbed me, and drunk most of it each time, after I have done all that work, too!!!
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;D I'm sorry Roxy but I've just got this image of you clutching your cup for dear life while cats and goats mob you now!!
I so hope it gets easier for you, its sounding pretty stressful right now.
the goats bites hurt dont' they? reggie nips me under the armpit while I lock his mum into the milking stand because he's after her feed bucket and I yelp!
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can just picture the scene...
(http://www.cool-smileys.com/images/185.gif) (http://www.cool-smileys.com/blue-smile-smiley)
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Roxy, you have no idea how appropriate the title of this thread is.... in so many ways.
Beth
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I quite like goats, but reading this, think I am going to stick with pigs. Keep up the good work, from a goat's cheese addict!
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We are still doing battle - but things have improved somewhat. I have to get someone to hold her, keeping her head away from me, and once I get milking she will stand still, and has not knocked the little bucket over - probably will now I have said that. The kittens are enjoying goats milk every night.
I have to laugh at the goats though. Jasmine knows when its time for milking and hangs around outside, then the kids run up, they must know too .....and have a quick swig of milk each. Jasmine stands there with a smug look on her face as if to say "ha ha, a bit less for you then!"
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Jasmine sounds like a Prima Donna Roxy :) It did make me laugh.