Mini Horses 2024 & 2025 kidding

[farmerjan]

Nice looking buff orps... so an option if you wind up with a rooster... I like the lavender ones too... and they have been stupid expensive...
Real nice healthy looking tomato plants...

Cannot imagine the "trials" of getting a goat to accept being milked after feeding a kid... she looked like she was really tight... but if you have done this before, she will get used to it fast I think. With the cows, I usually will milk share just because of having the option to not milk... and they don't get overly upset if you separate them and then milk, after a few times... especially if you do it from the beginning... From what you and everyone else says, I think goats are much more "diva's" than cows... ALTHOUGH, I think Betsy is going to be interesting when I take the calves away... She wants to know where they are... and will get to hollering for them when she gets done with her grain and goes back out... almost comical... and she seems to favor the holstein, which is NOT the calf she came with... I am cutting her grain and starting the dry up... except there is plenty of grass so she is still making milk... But if I cut all the grain, she will hopefully dry off....

 

[Mini Horses]

I went out & milked about a half pint tonight. She's wanting to limit my take amount like she was the kid. He'd nurse, she was quiet, then she'd walk. So a few squirts and she's dancing. When used to a full udder & full letdown, no problems. So we work thru this and hope for the best. I'm sure he's missing her kid, it's affecting letdown. Goats are definitely opinionated.

She was calmer to milk tonight. I think she was a little sore from not being nursed at mid day. Had been a little longer than normal lately, with no kid. Will see how it goes in the morning. I'm hand milking right now, thinking less pressure than machine . I'll also pick up some oats to mix in her ration. And loves her apples! Keep her mind on something else than the milking.

 

[Baymule]

Can you freeze the milk for winter?

 

[Ridgetop]

I think Betsy is going to be interesting when I take the calves away... She wants to know where they are... and will get to hollering for them when she gets done with her grain and goes back out... almost comical... and she seems to favor the holstein, which is NOT the calf she came with...

Sounds like she will be a good nurse cow after all.

Can you freeze the milk for winter?

Sadly, fresh unpasteurized milk separates when frozen. I used to pasteurize it first but had better luck canning the milk. Also freezing enough mik to feed to nursing kids or calves takes up all your freezer space. That is another reason to can the milk.

 

[Mini Horses]

Correct, the frozen separates.

This morning almost back to normal for standing & letdown. Half gal in just a few min. Tiny resistance between sides but, in 2 days we'll be great Now, the age old "room in frig".

@Ridgetop how do you can yours. I've tried a couple methods an not real happy. Of course, it is like canned condensed after -- that's fine. I'm gonna can some again. Great for cooking &/or kid feeding.

 

[Mini Horses]

Back to herself. Didn't move a step. Ate & letdown.

Had a glass of cold -- delish. It's why I don't buy milk. I see a cheese & yogurt weekend.

 

[Mini Horses]

Several things off weekend list goat still preggers.... Cheese making tomorrow. Chicks started. Hot & really windy out.

 

[Baymule]

Lotsa milk!

 

[Mini Horses]

5 qt canned. Milk in pot for cheese, will make that after my break time is up just got 3 loads off clotheslines & folded.

 

[fuzzi]

5 qt canned. Milk in pot for cheese, will make that after my break time is up just got 3 loads off clotheslines & folded.
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You can leave that out at room temperature?