Post by dsimas on May 13, 2010 10:00:08 GMT -5
Okay, I appreciate the wealth of knowledge here as I go through a learning curve.
My Dexter first calf heifer freshened two weeks ago. I've milked her about 7 times now, OAD after 5 hours separation. The vet said not so separate overnight until he's a month old.
For a first time for both of us, and her being a heritage breed (seems they have more let down issues), we're doing pretty well. I get 1/2 gallon a day. I know she has another quart or so, but holds that up.
I want to train her right so I don't have worse hold up issues later. I don't want to put the calf on her to get her flowing again (although it does work), because I don't want to have to rely on that, or to reward her for holding up. I know that I should probably bottle feed him and not give him back to her until she gives it all, and I may try this over a weekend when I have more time.
However, in my research, I find that machine milkers don't seem to have such a let down issue? I will be milking two cows (mini-beltie heifer) next year. My hands get tired and I'm considering one, but can only afford $600 or so. It seems a rebuilt Surge is in the pricerange. My questions:
I've never seen one except for pictures. Do you sterilize clean it in the barn and leave it there? Or haul it to the house each day?
Do you carry the bucket milker to the kitchen to strain, or strain it into a tote in the barn to carry? Is the milker that portable or cumbersome?
How do you know (in my dreams) that it is full? Or how full it is?
How do you know when she's stripped? Or holding up? Can it damage her udder if it's sucking and she's not giving anything?
It's a big investment so I appreciate any comments. Thank you!
Dawn
My Dexter first calf heifer freshened two weeks ago. I've milked her about 7 times now, OAD after 5 hours separation. The vet said not so separate overnight until he's a month old.
For a first time for both of us, and her being a heritage breed (seems they have more let down issues), we're doing pretty well. I get 1/2 gallon a day. I know she has another quart or so, but holds that up.
I want to train her right so I don't have worse hold up issues later. I don't want to put the calf on her to get her flowing again (although it does work), because I don't want to have to rely on that, or to reward her for holding up. I know that I should probably bottle feed him and not give him back to her until she gives it all, and I may try this over a weekend when I have more time.
However, in my research, I find that machine milkers don't seem to have such a let down issue? I will be milking two cows (mini-beltie heifer) next year. My hands get tired and I'm considering one, but can only afford $600 or so. It seems a rebuilt Surge is in the pricerange. My questions:
I've never seen one except for pictures. Do you sterilize clean it in the barn and leave it there? Or haul it to the house each day?
Do you carry the bucket milker to the kitchen to strain, or strain it into a tote in the barn to carry? Is the milker that portable or cumbersome?
How do you know (in my dreams) that it is full? Or how full it is?
How do you know when she's stripped? Or holding up? Can it damage her udder if it's sucking and she's not giving anything?
It's a big investment so I appreciate any comments. Thank you!
Dawn