The dairy does are gradually returning to “in milk” status, meaning they have “freshened” (given birth) and are producing milk once again.
As I mentioned here, I am doing a trial run this year. I am leaving the kids on their dams and milking them as well. It has been interesting so far.
First, I am dealing with 3 new milkers. I did not prepare them for the . They simply have not been handled much, not like their mothers were. My back and legs are paying for it. But, the girls are slowly realizing that their stepping up to the milk stand results in a nice portion of grain.
Normally my milking process is smooth as silk: check the udder health, clean the teats, put the inflations on, and then stand back as the doe is milked out by the machine (being careful to not totally strip every drop out, mastitis prevention). With the new arrangement my first step is to bounce and feel the udder to determine which side(s) the kids are nursing on. Then I carefully milk out the other side. Basically, I even the udder up. I do not want to steal nourishment from kids. At the same time, if I do not milk properly, not enough, nature and hormones will take over, and a pattern of less milk produced will be set for the remainder of the does current milking season. These are some of my recent challenges. There are others that will become additional blog posts.
I have 8 girls in milk now, with possibly 6 more to go (3 of which are also new). My work is cut out for me. I am tired, slightly overwhelmed from time to time, but as my husband said (regarding both the goat and soap business), “You are doing what you asked for. You are feeling growth pains.” And this will pass.
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
“Growth pains.” I like it. 🙂
He comes up with good things from time to time. Ha.
We do the same Mary when we were still milking that is!
Amy
It is different, Amy. I am not sure I like it. I like knowing how much to milk, and when. But, I also appreciate leaving the kids on the dam. More time will tell.
You know Mary, I have been very, very tired lately and I thought to myself exactly what your husband told you! Wise man, but then he married you~
I remember having to make some of the same decisions you are. I did not have a milking machine though . I do remember getting the first freshened does to take their milking well and boy oh boy did my back suffer. You do have a lot of work , beloved work, to do and I can tell you are thankful.
It is a matter of looking at what must be done vs. what we feel is important. When time and energy are critical, the decision boils down to family and business (because the shingle remains hanging outside the door…indicating open), and the rest is left to God. I appreciate these crazy times in many ways. It is an eye opener, a reminder to do only what we are able to do. If we take something new on, it is time to delegate, or get rid of a task, parting with something that we will not be able to do (or do well).
Have a beautiful day!
With our schedule it was easier for us to just leave the kids on their dams but we didn’t have a milking machine either. But then again we never milked a first freshener unless she was engorged. But we would bottle feed if need be though but we seemed to have much healthier kids that were dam raised vs. bottle raised.
Amy
Amy, I can tell you honestly, it would be much easier for me to just leave the kids on the dam and not milk at all, but that isn’t going it happen because I need milk. This has worked out fairly well for me, except for a few challenges this week. Carmella and her grown daughter, both, would not feed their kids. I took their colostrum, fed it right back to their kids so they would retain the scent, and now they are nursing. Miracles. And I am happy.
Have a great day!
You sure have your hands full. I send you cyber strength but I know you love each and every moment of your time with the kids.
It certainly has been crazy, but you are right, I love the kids.