Post by Janene on Oct 16, 2009 11:37:19 GMT -5
Here's a little thingy I wrote....and edited by our own Joann. (Thanks!)
Janene
What Your Cow Wishes You Knew
Milking time and the milking area should be free of chaos. It’s to be a quiet time, think of putting a baby down for a nap—or going to sleep at night. No one can sleep with a bunch of ruckus going on. The same applies when it’s time to milk.
Some cows could care less, but some have a “quiet issue” and have a hard time letting down and standing still if the world around her is in an uproar. How is she supposed to know what you want if there is disorder all about? It’s easy to get upset, even angry at a fidgety cow. Here are some things that might help:
Stop, listen, and look around you. What is she upset about? Why did you get upset with her? Could it be:
1) The environment--dogs barking, radio blaring, calves bawling, cars honking, or kids/cows/other critters running about in the milking area? Maybe she’s not used to hearing a milk machine running if you’re using one.
2) Her treatment--if you’re already in a bad or a hurried mood, she’ll know it and pick up on it and will be hesitant/expectant of bad vibes/mojo (for lack of a better term). You knew when your parents were upset with you and expected the worse. The cow can do the same.
3) Her food--she likes the “good stuff” at milking time--(Or when you’re done milking.)--it’s a tradeoff of sorts! She learns she gets the special feed/hay around milking time. That’s the tradeoff—cooperation for a job well done—and milk in the bucket!
4) Or is she simply just throwing a tantrum because she can (maybe testing you)?
One thing is for certain; cows expect and thrive on routine. Sometimes simple changes can go a long way in making a cow happy and ready to stand still and easily let down that milk. Do your best to milk at a similar time each and every day. Your days should revolve around milking times, not the other way around.
From the human perspective: it has to be a big priority, and a consistent one. The dedication and work involved tends to make us appreciate our bovine friend just that much more for what she does provide.
A Family/House Cow should be treated like Royalty; she is the one providing the liquid gold. From better foods to being treated extraordinary--she’s earned her status.
Janene
What Your Cow Wishes You Knew
Milking time and the milking area should be free of chaos. It’s to be a quiet time, think of putting a baby down for a nap—or going to sleep at night. No one can sleep with a bunch of ruckus going on. The same applies when it’s time to milk.
Some cows could care less, but some have a “quiet issue” and have a hard time letting down and standing still if the world around her is in an uproar. How is she supposed to know what you want if there is disorder all about? It’s easy to get upset, even angry at a fidgety cow. Here are some things that might help:
Stop, listen, and look around you. What is she upset about? Why did you get upset with her? Could it be:
1) The environment--dogs barking, radio blaring, calves bawling, cars honking, or kids/cows/other critters running about in the milking area? Maybe she’s not used to hearing a milk machine running if you’re using one.
2) Her treatment--if you’re already in a bad or a hurried mood, she’ll know it and pick up on it and will be hesitant/expectant of bad vibes/mojo (for lack of a better term). You knew when your parents were upset with you and expected the worse. The cow can do the same.
3) Her food--she likes the “good stuff” at milking time--(Or when you’re done milking.)--it’s a tradeoff of sorts! She learns she gets the special feed/hay around milking time. That’s the tradeoff—cooperation for a job well done—and milk in the bucket!
4) Or is she simply just throwing a tantrum because she can (maybe testing you)?
One thing is for certain; cows expect and thrive on routine. Sometimes simple changes can go a long way in making a cow happy and ready to stand still and easily let down that milk. Do your best to milk at a similar time each and every day. Your days should revolve around milking times, not the other way around.
From the human perspective: it has to be a big priority, and a consistent one. The dedication and work involved tends to make us appreciate our bovine friend just that much more for what she does provide.
A Family/House Cow should be treated like Royalty; she is the one providing the liquid gold. From better foods to being treated extraordinary--she’s earned her status.