| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 20 2005 : 12:52:12 PM
Howdy, ladies. My neighbor, this amazing 86-year-old completely original farmgirl, has a great Dexter cow named Bridgit - well, little Bridgie had a baby last night - a girl! - and in a little while, my neighbor said that I could start milking her. The thing is, I've never milked a cow before. Do any of you know any good resources, hints, helps? I'm SO excited!
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| n/a |
Posted - Jun 17 2008 : 3:33:40 PM
I am so happy to see this thread. I have been wanting a dexter for quite a while and I am happy to know there are people here I can ask about them. |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Jun 15 2008 : 01:49:51 AM
jenny that web site was awesome! i was up until 4 am reading the posts on it! lol. thanks for sharing it with me!
i brought hoem 43 3 day old chicks today (40 rhode island reds and 3 balck cornish ? ) they are os cute! gonna be a logn wait for eggs tho lol.
peace connie in alaska |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Jun 14 2008 : 12:50:48 PM
hi robin and jenny. thank you for your replys and ideas. i hope hubby gets a place built for her soon so i can bring her home and have some real milk! she had been handled alot for the first 8-10 months of her life so hopefully she will remember that this is a good thing lol. right now she is in a pasture with angus and she wont even go to the food until they are done *sigh* if that is problem here with the steer and heifer we already have then we will put her in a seperate fence. that might make it easier to get her in for milking time too *grin* i will go look at the recomended web site right now! peace connie in alaska [size=4][navy] |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 14 2008 : 10:23:49 AM
Hey Connie..be sure to check out this website if you havn't already... www.keepingafamilycow.com they have a great forum and it is my favorite cow book for info about family milk cows.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| thegoatlady84 |
Posted - Jun 14 2008 : 07:06:18 AM
HI there I am in Alberta Canada, I breed Jersey cows, I bred my two heifers to a dexter this year! As fro milking if the cow REALLY fights you can tie a thin rope right in front of the udder, tie it as tight as you can, I have had to do this a few time and it really work great! I also hobble with a soft cotton rope. My girls are all very quiet now, but when I got Star she wanted to kick every part of me! I built my own stanchen, I would add a photo but I don't know how!!
Rock'n M Dairy stock |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Jun 13 2008 : 6:08:53 PM
hi all, i am connie and live north of fairbanks alaska. i havent introduced myself yeet but am gonna jump right in. right now we have an angus heifer and a half angus steer. i am getting a dexter cow in the next couple of weeks, as soon as we have a place set up to milk her. she has been nursing a baby for over a year now. we are not sure if she is bred back since the guy just lets nature take it course lol. one of you was asking about what to wash and dip the teats with and we will be using what i used on my goat years ago. a of drop of dawn original blue formula dish soap mixed with 2 T clorox (only clorox original not scented and not cheap bleach) to one quart of warm water. this works great for cleaning the udder and teats as well as dipping the teats after milking. i got that recipe from a dairy farmer in michigan. becuase of where we live and that fact that in a few years we will be moving to a homestead that is 150 airmiles from the nearest store this seems to be the best thing for us. i am looking forward to learning and sharing alot here! peace connie |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 17 2006 : 06:43:50 AM
I did that with Mona and I think it helped alot. Everyone told me to expect a regular rodeo the first time I milked her and it wasnt' the case at all..she just stomped once or twice, never kicked or got wild. BUT I had handled her udder, and rubbed and curried her all over for months before that as often as I could, and had got her used to coming to the little milk barn into the stanchion for grain and treats. Made a huge difference.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 16 2006 : 7:09:33 PM
Thats it Aunt Jenny! Fight Bac! It works great!
Also one thing we would do with maiden mares at the ranch is to handle the udder and teats a bit every day to get the mares used to the sensation. Perhaps it would work with cows? |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 16 2006 : 6:41:32 PM
Oh Libbie..she is adorable!!
I agree with washing the udder well and milking the first few squirts ( I do four from each quarter) into another container..I use a strip cup....just to make sure to get rid of that first milk that was the closest to the hole...and seems the most likely to be yucky.
I have used spray called Fight Bac after milking. I need to order more. I am using a teat dip right now. The spray is for sure more convenient for me.
Bridget is just so darn cute and small. I can't wait to see her in person some day. I am glad I live close enough for that to be possible at some point!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| nouveau_farmchick |
Posted - Oct 16 2006 : 5:19:43 PM
We purchased two Dexter cows and a bull to start our heard 3 months ago. I have milked cows and currently milk a goat. I really want to milk our dexter's when the come into milk. They haven't been handled much so it will be new for them. I plan to use a stantion, a no kick hold, and plenty of patients! We will have to compare notes!
happy milking,
Pennie
God bless Farmers |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 16 2006 : 4:15:07 PM
Just a spot of advice-
When I was milking goats this summer we washed their udders down with a iodine and warm water solution before milking. We also would let the first couple of streams go into a seperate container so any dirt that got on the teats was dealt with. I could always tell by the taste of the milk when this wasn't done. I would definitly suggest this for any milking operation.
Also we would spray the goat's udders with a spray that was bought from the local grange. I forgot what it is called but it is designed to help prevent mastitis and other bacterial infections.
Have fun with your milking! I am so jealous that you have this opportunity! |
| Libbie |
Posted - Oct 16 2006 : 3:34:21 PM
I'm bumping this one back up because I just realized that I never followed up about Bridget! She's my Dexter cow - and I have her little girl, Squidget (named by my 3-year-old, if that wasn't sort of obvious!), too. Squidget is going back to the woman who sold me Bridget - which I'm sad about, but that's part of the deal. So, Bridgie is (hopefully!) being bred this autumn - the first try didn't "take," so we're just waiting...
She's a really small Dexter with some sort of weird ear thing - she's a registered gal, but has this split outer ear that's transfered to her offspring, so, although she is the sweetest thing ever (not biased, of course ), it looks like she had an ear tag ripped out of each side, which is not the case.
Here's a photo of her from the other day - she's really that small - I'm just standing up next to the fence, and she has a face full of hay - a happy, albeit messy, little gal!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| JerseyCowFan |
Posted - Dec 27 2005 : 12:58:29 AM
If you want to be more sanitary, you can purchase, or maybe even find a way to make, a teat dip with iodine. It is more sanitary than water (water spreads germs). Make sure your cow is clean before every milking! And the quicker you cool your milk, the fewer bacteria have time to multiply.
Carla Emery's "Old Fashioned Recipe Book" has a description and diagram for milking a cow, which could be helpful. Just be careful, especially if she's a first time mom.
Michelle
Spirited Rose Jerseys
Colville, WA |
| Kay in Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 19 2005 : 6:15:48 PM
I have heard again and again how nice Dexter cows are I was wondering who has one for sale in or near Kentucky?
My blog;
http://oakspringfarm.blogspot.com |
| jenny louise |
Posted - Dec 07 2005 : 4:06:37 PM
I sure wish i were closer to you, I have some stanchions, the old metal type in my barn that we have dismounted. I have them in a wall socket so they stay protected, but seeing as how i will never have cows, they are just going to waste. I am the kind of person that would rather have someone use them that needs them than to make money off them. SO, if anyone is in the michigan area and needs a stanchion or two, get hold of me, o.k? Libbie, you wouldn't be making a trip up here anytime would you?
Good luck with all of the good advice on here, and the best is, the whole squeezing from the top thing. At first it seems backwards, but practice and it is a wonderful thing to be able to do! Have fun, and enjoy..jenny louise |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 3:44:20 PM
It is twice a day, every day, for as long as she is milking. When you are ready to dry her up, then you milk once a day for a few days then keep stretching out the time between until she is dry. She won't explode if you miss a milking, but the amount of milk will go down. You can milk once a day and let the calf have the milk the other time, but when they are little it is too much milk. I milked from the time I was 12 until I was 50, and only once forgot to milk, I still don't know how I could have forgotten something I did twice a day for forever. I felt so bad, lucky the cow had been milking for several months, so she wasn't too uncomfortable.
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 1:30:12 PM
Husband got mine all done..I just need to get pictures taken and posted. It turned out great.
Come up any old time Libbie!!!
my internet connection has been giving me fits the last couple days. I will try to get some pictures posted soon. The dexters sound just adorable!!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 30 2005 : 8:11:36 PM
You all do have some wonderful advice and tips - thank you all. I am nervous, but excited about this - I'll be able to begin milking in a week or so, the owner says - so I'll be able to report back on the first experience.
I absolutely cannot wait to get started. I have never had a cow, but since the mama's babe is a heifer, I may ask to purchase her (if Aunt Jenny's buyer doesn't fall through!). They seem like such sweet and willful creatures - kind of like, ummmmm...., me? 
I can see why Dexters were/are called "Kitchen Cattle" - this mama is really no taller than my chest, and her babe is such a darling little one - both of them are pitch black and shiny, and have dark, dark deep eyes - and the funniest thing - they both have really furry/fuzzy ears - it looks like someone stuck teddy bear ears on a cow! I love it! The mom's name is Bridgit and the babe is Colleen - I wanted to name the babe Molly (I know, it's trite, but I love that name), but, alas, she's not mine to name...(although I might call her Molly on the sly!). I LOVE the name Keely, too.
I have heard that it's possible to milk a cow once a day if you initially start out like that. Will it harm the cow?
Thanks, also for the link to the stanchion pic - that definitely helped clear things up for me. I'd like to come up and see yours (Jenny's), as well as check out the farm -
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Rainbow |
Posted - Nov 26 2005 : 12:59:16 PM
hey Libbie I don't know if dexters are any different than holsteins but you'll know in short order how she feels about being milked, especially by you. you have already got really great advice so take it and you'll find yourself a pro in no time. I would like to add that animals pick up fear quickly, caution is a must as is confidence if you're comfortable around her that's how she'll feel as well. |
| mcbride |
Posted - Nov 24 2005 : 8:28:04 PM
Well, hey, Jenny, we're practically neighbors. I live in northeastern Oklahoma. Thanks for all the info on Dexters. Yes, I'm going to breed Keely when she's old enough. My sister's bull is unrelated and is also a dun and he is turning into a nice bull so he should be a good match for her. I'm really falling in love with this little girl; she had just been running with a herd but in the few weeks we've had her she's already hurrying to meet us at the barn when it's time to go in for the night and she always comes to see what we're doing when we're working around where she is. She still isn't sure she wants to be touched unless it's her idea but I think all it's going to take is some steady work to have her kitten gentle. I'll have to offer her bread and see how she likes it.
Claudia |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Nov 22 2005 : 6:49:18 PM
Kennie...you have got it down...excellent milking advice!!!! Building a bond with the cow is very important...if you relax, so will they....Claudia....welcome to the wonderful world of Dexters....are you breeding your little girl? We got our first breeding pair 7 years ago...they are wonderful! We have 4 head on 2 acres...you made an excellent decision! MaryJane the Queen Bee has Dexters now...they are addicting Bovine! A little history about these amazing animals...they are called "Irish Kitchen Cattle"...because they originate from the moors and wild lands of the British Isles...they are very hardy and roamed eating the turf moor grasses and withstanding the harsh weather of the region...the indegionous Celtic people would welcome these gentle beasts into their kitchens...giving them garbage and scrapes like pets...and their body heat would warm the rooms...they are truly a gentle and sweet breed for Bovine...and can easily become pets...as I have discovered. Their short stature and sweet disposition are endearing...as well as their low maitenance! We have processed one bull, and the meat is excellent....lean and tasty. Our Dexters thrive on brome grass, alfalfa, and a ration of oats...and they love cast off breads from the bake shop we get for a buck ( a huge feed bag)they are garbage eaters! You will love your Dexters...and I love the name you choose! My DH is Irish ancestory...he eats garbage too...LOL. ( junk food fanatic) The midwest is well suited to them....I live in central Kansas! Welcome to this forum! Jenny from Kansas
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Nov 22 2005 : 6:00:39 PM
I would love to have a Dexter. They remind me of the little red cross-bred cows people used to have around here. With the explosion of big Holstein dairies, it is harder and harder to find the little cross-bred cows. I think a Dexter would be a good replacment for them. The thing about cows is that once they have done something the same way 3 or 4 times, they will always do it that way. The first few times may be next to impossible, but after that it is a snap. I have seen people milking cows by tying them to a fence, but a stantion is best, for her safety and yours, especially at first. Start by feeding her grain in a feed trough behind the stantion. Don't try to fasten her in at first just get her to put her head in and eat grain that way. After a couple of times shut her in, even if you have to reach the stantion bar with a long stick, or fix it so it can be closed with a rope. After she is confined you can get her used to being touched. Most cows like to be petted, and brushed and rubbed. Rub her all over, she may be touchy at first about her udder, but she will get used to it. Wash her udder with warm water, dry her with a clean cloth, and use bag balm to soften up her skin. When she freshens, make sure the calf gets the cholstrum. While the calf is sucking, you should be milking some, most of the time a cow will have way more than the calf need, milk it and freeze it. You may need it for another calf. We usually left the calf with the cow a couple of days. After she came into her milk, we confined the calf, and milked the cow out and fed the calf with a bottle of bucket. Some cows are touchy and will kick, most won't. Get a good stool, put your head hard into her flank, and milk. Squeeze the top of the teat first with your thumb and index finger, letting the rest of your finger close one at a time, as you pull down. I was never very good at it, I have bad wrists, but most people can learn. The best thing would be advice for the lady who owns the cow, bet she has milked alot.
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| mcbride |
Posted - Nov 22 2005 : 5:45:22 PM
Hey Meadowlark, I just bought a Dexter heifer. I've had big cows before but since we have just 10 acres, Dexters seemed like the perfect size for us. My sister bought a Dexter bull and cow a little over a year ago and I was so impressed with them that that clinched the decision. Our little girl is a dun; we name her Keely, which is Irish Gaelic for 'beautiful'. I'd love to here more about your Dexters.
Claudia |
| mcbride |
Posted - Nov 22 2005 : 5:40:28 PM
A stanchion is rather like a headgate. I found a pretty good picture of one at www.crackerbarrel.com/about-decor.cfm?doc_id=83 - 14k Of all places, this is a website for Cracker Barrel Restaurants. It makes me crazy to eat in one of these places. They have all these neat old tools hung up as decoration that I could use for their original purpose! It just seems criminal. Anyway, check out this picture. Just work with her and be patient; begin by massaging and stroking her bag, find itchy spots--that usually makes you a friend fast. Let us know how things are going.
Claudia |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 22 2005 : 2:53:01 PM
as far as building a stanchion, if you get to come up here to visit I can show you mine. Husband is almost done with it. He built it I think strong enough for an elephant...but thats okay..better too strong than too weak I guess..it is sure heavy duty!! Ours is built into my little 10X12' "milk barn" attached to the right side and floor so she can walk straight into it..as soon as he finishes it I will start practicing putting her in it and get her used to eating her grain there and being groomed and touched so she dosn't protest as much (hopefully) when the time comes for milking..which wont' be long!!
I really hope the gal who spoke for her calf if it is a heifer falls through. I would sure like to see you have her instead!! WE can hope!! Good luck milking!! Hobbles may be a good idea..they are on ebay all the time for not very expensive..IFA may have them too.
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
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