how long should hand milking take?

[BeardedChick]

Seems like it takes me a looong time to milk my cow. Her teats are short and it seems like not a lot of milk comes out in a squirt.

So how long should handmilking take?

Do some cows have 'low flow' teats? Is there anything that helps with this?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

The length of time it takes depends on your ability and the cow. Some cows milk faster, some give more, some are just plain difficult to milk.

 

[Imissmygirls]

Farmer Kitty gave an excellent answer.... as usual!

I would have just said... yeppp-- that's how long it takes!

 

[BeardedChick]

Well, if I learn to milk this one, I'll be in heaven when I have an easier milker! Today went a little bit easier... I am still quitting around 40 oz.

That seems to be the point where she won't give me anymore. But we got to that point a little faster today. Maybe I can sneak more milk out of her tomorrow...

I think I'm trying too hard and need to relax! Decaf only before milking!!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Hand milking is an art and takes time to learn. You're doing fine. It's not like you have to get her milked out where the calf is on her too.

 

[wynedot55]

yes hand milking is an art ive seen my dad hand milk a full bagg beef in 10mins to releive the pressure.an he was milking real fast.as he knew how to hand milk.you should be able to milk her in 15mins.

 

[BeardedChick]

15 minutes, eh? You gonna come over and massage the cramps out of my hands?????

Actually, yesterday I felt more coordinated and in the zone and my hands didn't hurt. It seems like one of those things that you need to learn true relaxation to do well...

 

[wynedot55]

well it takes a while to get your hands strong enough for hand milking.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Also, realize at 40 ozs., you have 5 cups + the calf nursing. Not bad. I'm not sure how much to expect out of a Dexter but, that sounds pretty good for one milking. Remember the calf, if you were hand feeding would take 1 1/2 to 2 qts/2x's a day as a newborn and more at a couple weeks old. It will still be drinking that much and probably more with unlimited access.

 

[GrassFarmerGalloway]

Wow, BeardedChick, I was going to ask this question here today!