*Updated* Bailey is Home WITH Pictures
Oct 3, 2017 8:02:33 GMT -5
elnini, raerae, and 4 more like this
Post by homesteadfox on Oct 3, 2017 8:02:33 GMT -5
Hi again, I think this is only my second or third post here. A year ago I had purchased a bottle calf Swiss x Jersey heifer, and she was doing great. I ended up selling her to a local family because I decided I am just really beyond ready to start milking! So yesterday I went to meet a new cow, and I put my deposit on her this morning. She comes home in about 3 weeks. The dairy-man was kind enough to keep her until we return from vacation.
So, first, a little about Bailey.
She is a 3 year old Registered Jersey. She has had 2 calves and is bred and due on March 24th, never had mastitis or any other health issues. At her peak she produces around 50lbs and currently she is producing just over 30lbs. She was the 'cream producer' for his dairy.. She has nice, long teats for hand milking and she is a good small size. She is not much bigger than my year old heifer was. She is also very friendly and well-behaved.
Her 'unique' quality is that she has a 3" nub for a horn. I was originally a bit worried about it but she did not 'use' it and she is such a good cow in every other way I could not pass her up.
Some horrible photos but the best I have until she comes home!
Now, for my questions, I have been researching heavily for the past few years, but it still seems like I don't really know what all I need. Here is a list of what I plan to get, and I know I am missing some things. So if there is ANYTHING that I should get before her arrival please let me know!
Plan to purchase:
Large Stainless steel milk tote with lid
Smaller SS milk pail to milk into
Strainer & filters
6 Gallon Mason Jars
12 1/2 Gallon Mason Jars
Ladle for Cream Separating
Something for her udders/balm - need recommendations on homemade or purchased
And I'm sure I am forgetting a million things. I am SO excited but also very nervous as I have never milked a cow before! I do have a few friends that want t learn and will milk for me when I need to be gone in exchange for free milk.
So, first, a little about Bailey.
She is a 3 year old Registered Jersey. She has had 2 calves and is bred and due on March 24th, never had mastitis or any other health issues. At her peak she produces around 50lbs and currently she is producing just over 30lbs. She was the 'cream producer' for his dairy.. She has nice, long teats for hand milking and she is a good small size. She is not much bigger than my year old heifer was. She is also very friendly and well-behaved.
Her 'unique' quality is that she has a 3" nub for a horn. I was originally a bit worried about it but she did not 'use' it and she is such a good cow in every other way I could not pass her up.
Some horrible photos but the best I have until she comes home!
Now, for my questions, I have been researching heavily for the past few years, but it still seems like I don't really know what all I need. Here is a list of what I plan to get, and I know I am missing some things. So if there is ANYTHING that I should get before her arrival please let me know!
Plan to purchase:
Large Stainless steel milk tote with lid
Smaller SS milk pail to milk into
Strainer & filters
6 Gallon Mason Jars
12 1/2 Gallon Mason Jars
Ladle for Cream Separating
Something for her udders/balm - need recommendations on homemade or purchased
And I'm sure I am forgetting a million things. I am SO excited but also very nervous as I have never milked a cow before! I do have a few friends that want t learn and will milk for me when I need to be gone in exchange for free milk.