New milk cow

[melco]

Good morning. We just got our first milk cow yesterday. She is a jersey in milk. I do have a little knowledge but have lots and lots to learn. My chickens are in re same area as she is. I normally throw most of my scraps as well as any clabbered milk I may have and whey. I'm wondering if she will try to eat these things or if I can just continue to put them out for my girls as I have been. Will whey bother her if she does get any.

[barefootfarmer]

Congrats on your first milk cow! Your life has just changed for the better!
I think she will try to eat whatever is out there for her to reach. Make sure your scraps aren't moldy and be aware that certain items like onions will make her milk have an off taste. I personally don't like the chickens near my milk cows because of the chicken manure possibly getting on the udders and teats. If you're milking in that area you will have to work harder to keep your milk and equipment clean. And the chickens will want to bother you once they know you're feeding her grain, if you do.

I absolutely adore having my milk cows. Sometimes I think I want a break from them, but then I can't imagine life without. I've been milking for close to 7 years, I believe. There is a great proboard forum for all levels of cow owners that I can't recommend highly enough. familycow.proboards.com/ You can be a lurker and just read through all of the info, or you can introduce yourself and join. They are a kind and helpful group, just like this forum.

Enjoy your cow!

[melco]

Thanks for your response. I am looking forward to this and hope I do well. I don't have any other way of housing these animals. I have to have the chickens in with her. What do you suggest as far as cleaning her udder and teats with that being the case?

[barefootfarmer]

You might not even have a problem with the dirty teats, melco. I'm always overly careful.
I milk in a "shed" that has a hot water tank and a hose with a sprayer. I rinse with warm water, soap up a cloth with dawn soap, wash. Sometimes I used several cloths, rinsing and re-lathering as needed. We can have muddy conditions over here in the winter and early spring. Dry her good. Pre-squirt 5 times per teat (then if testing for mastitis, this is the time to do it). Then I dry the teats, and dip in an iodine/water solution. Let dry 30 sec. Wipe off any excess and attach the claw.

I milk by machine and we have people other than family drinking our milk. So, it might be way over the top for just you and your one cow at home. Don't let me overcomplicate things for you.

Also, check out the proboard forum that I linked to. So many helpful people.

[willowgirl]

Congrats! Are you hand-milking, or using a machine?

[melco]

Thanks again. I am hand milking. She is so very patient with me.
I have another question. I'm not really sure but I'm thinking she's not drinking as much water as I would have thought she would. She came from a pond and we have local utility water. Does it take time for her to want to drink a different type of water? I'm so nervous of her getting sick. I do t want to do anything wrong for her. She is so so sweet.

[melco]

Oh and I will look at that board. I glanced at it but will spend more time looking around.

[willowgirl]

Hand milking ... ouch! If you are ever interested in a milking machine, here's a link to a thread on our forum where Numb explains how he built the machine that I use: www.hearthandgardens.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=861&start=30

Just in case you ever decide you want a milking machine on the cheap! It works really well; we've used it for about a year and a half of milking altogether.

As far as the water situation ... I think a cow will get what she needs. One thing to be careful of, if you're using an electric fence, make sure the ground is a good ways away from your stock tank, especially if you're using a metal tank. I've heard that stray voltage can sometimes be an issue with fence chargers and stock tanks (I use a black rubber tub for this reason, because the spot most convenient for my tank is near the fence charger).

Otherwise, just make sure the water is clean and fresh, and I'm sure she'll be OK.

[comfortablynumb]

We never updated that thread with the CPVC pipe claw we made for it so all 4 teats can be done at the same time.
And the upgraded larger diameter hoses.

I'll have to make pics and update that one.

[willowgirl]

Yes, Marianne has a custom-fitted milker now, lol.

[melco]

Please understand!!! I am not against machine milking. It's my wallet that is!!! Haha. I will show this to my dear hubby who loves me enough to buy me a jersey. 💕

[melco]

We don't have electric right now. We have permanent fencing. We have everything we need to throw up electric strands to back up if needed. Time will tell. We have held 8 horses and a steer where Miss Lucy is so I'm praying she's not a fence tester or
leaner. 😉
I so appreciate your help and patience.

[melco]

The link you posted for the milker isn't working. Is there another link?

[comfortablynumb]

You have to register to view the forums....

[willowgirl]

Melco I just activated you so you should be able to see that thread now! If you have any questions about the set-up, please feel free to ask.

You can usually find those aspirator pumps on eBay for less than $100, so our homemade set-up is a lot cheaper than the milkers sold commercially. It's been a lifesaver for us ... Marianne has short teats and my hands are crippled up with carpal tunnel; I would have never been ale to milk her otherwise!

[melco]

I'm in. Thanks for your help