Nigerian Dwarf milking issues

matty_60618

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Hello,
I am trying to milk my Nigerian Dwarf and seem to be having some issues with the left teat. She just kidded 2 weeks ago and yesterday was my first try. I was able to get 2 cups from the right side but nothing from the left. Today I got 2 cups from the right again and just a couple squirts from the left. Her left teat is very small. I can barely get two fingers on it. It does seem that the kid will only drink from the left. Any suggestions?
Also, what can I put on the udder/teats after milking to decrease infection but is safe for the kid to still drink?
Thanks everyone here is so helpful being a noob and all.
 

Mini Horses

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Sounds like kid is emptying only left side. That happens. If the left is not hot, or lumpy, the milk you get is not clotted or off colored, I would suspect this is the case. You can put the kid on other side. You can pen next to one another but separated for a few hours and check fill after no nursing allowed, to check fill on left. A single sometimes has a "favorite" which may have to do with many things...size of orifice, softness, ease of reach, smell on teat, habit, or....... :idunno but do check it's filling!!!

A light iodine water can be used on teats.
 

Alaskan

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I second all that mini said...

Also, especially if you can't talk the kid into nursing on the right side, or not much on the right side... milking twice a day is important.

If the unused side isn't stimulated a bunch, it will not produce as much as it could... and might even dry up.
 

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