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Barnyard Buddies:  Udder question  |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 4:44:17 PM
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My does freshened (second time) 2 weeks ago. Both have developed extremely lopsided udders (almost twice as much milk on one side!). Last year they didn't seem to have any problems, but I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to correct it. They aren't show does or anything, but I can imagine it's not too good for them to be so unbalanced.
One of the does seems to have a small cut on one of her teats (on the larger side) and I am guessing that she's discouraging the kids from nursing on that side because it hurts?
I've been separating the kids during the day and milking in the evening, letting the kids nurse at night. At least I can be sure that way the does are empty at least part of the time. But any other suggestions would be appreciated!! Thanks!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 5:16:10 PM
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Hi Molly
Sounds like you are taking the correct steps. I too have a girl this year who wanted both kids to nurse only on one side. A trick can be that works is tie a tee shirt or even tape that over used side and force the kids to nurse from the other side. I have done that in past with ewe's who seemed to have a side issue. Also check closely to make sure that the babies do not have a sight issue - sometimes we miss that.. If a baby can not see well or has sight loss in one or both eyes the get in a habit of using only one side.
Keep us posted. Good luck and give those little one's a hug from me.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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milkmaid
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Higginsville
Missouri
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 5:19:34 PM
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With my sheep sometimes the ewe will only let the lamb nurse from one side then the other gets really full and lopsided if the teat has a cut she may be tender and not wanting the kid to nurse on that side. When they are lopsised one year it dosen't mean that they will be that way the next year... just watch for infections on the less nursed side I have taped up the side that the kid nurses and made the kid nurse form the other side sometimes a day or two of that and everything evens out. ( I use surgical paper tape)
Heather
http://goodfarm.blogspot.com/
Mother to five awesome kids, wife of 17 years and milk maid to two beautiful cows. Living the good life!!! |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 08:01:28 AM
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I'm soooo glad someone asked this question! I was just about to ask myself 'cause I have the same problem with one of my does. Thank you! thank you! thank you for being so WISE ladies! And thank YOU Molly, for asking the QUESTION!!! Hey, will Duct tape work? I hear it'll work for AAAANYTHING..... (LOL!!!! just kidding) Well, I got a doe to catch! Hugs~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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StasiaSpins
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Stasia
Augusta (Eau Claire)
WI
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 09:09:40 AM
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Have you done a mastitis test? Is the udder hot on that side? Tried compresses and massage? Just suggestions... You don't want to lose that side for next time...
http://www.TuppinzFarm.com Heritage Sheep ~ Goats ~ Donkeys ~ Poultry
http://YarnAndABarn.blogspot.com Spinning ~ Knitting ~ Weaving ~ Quilting ~ Crocheting |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 11:20:12 AM
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Another great way to assist is to give the girls some peppermint leaves which aids in milk production and also has worked well to keep udder health.
I also keep apple cider vinegar in the water - Works wonders.
Give those girls hugs from me.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 2:26:47 PM
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Thanks for the ideas! Great suggestions. I think I will start with the surgical tape for a day or so and maybe it will give that sore teat a chance to heal a bit and possibly even the poor girls up a bit.
Stasia, I haven't done a mastitis test on them, but other then the unevenness, their udders appear completely healthy. I always do a strip test on each teat at every milking to check for lumps and I spray them with Fight Bac after milking as a preventative. Oh, it would be awful though if I missed something and they were really hurting! I'll keep a close eye on them.
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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simone947
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
sarah
peru
NY
34 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 5:16:18 PM
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| with cows i found that uddermint or uddercomfort or dynamint works really well in bringing down swelling. it increases blood flow to the area too and uddercomfort and asprin can do wonders, if she's not letting the kids milk i think bag balm works well on sore teats, but make sure you keep the can clean because lots of grody stuff can grow in there. good luck! |
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Barnyard Buddies: Udder question |
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Udder question
