It had been years since I hand milked goats, but the last couple of weeks I have done so.
We experienced string after string of thunderstorms. During one of those runs I lost my milk machine.
My milk machine is an antique. It is bolted to the feed room floor, with compressor air forced through PVC pipe, down the other side of the room to the valves and hoses where the milk stands are located. It is a dandy system.
I have 14 dairy does in milk. All but 3 have kids nursing on them. As soon as I lost the machine I dropped my hand milking down to the 3. Problems with my wrists would not allow me to milk over a dozen goats twice a day!
Hand milking really is enjoyable, except when the milk room is nearing 100 degrees. A fan helps. I am wearing shorts again in the barn, forget the long jeans! The humidity and heat has been nearly unbearable. One day as I milked I laid wet cool wash cloths on my legs. It worked.
No complaints here. I chose dairy goats. Milking, picking up loads of feed and hay, tending to kid goats, and a dedicated schedule are all a part of it. I said to my husband one day, “I feel like I am neglecting my soap-making time.” He reminded me that the jobs that I do are, “All a part of it.” It definitely is, the wise-man was right.
I will continue to hand milk until the kids are weaned. Then I will have more than 3 does to milk.
The decision making starts. Do I spend a royal fortune on a new machine, or have one built, buy another one used, or attempt to hand-milk them all? Milking is a peaceful type of thing. I do enjoy it, but it affects me day and night. I will figure it out.
Life on the farm, full of surprises and challenges. All loved.
Have a beautiful day!
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