Well, now, who wants milk anyway? That's the question I've been asking myself this week. Our little doeling, who now has been named Midge, turned 3 weeks old on the 31st of March. When the kids turn 3 weeks old, I like to start milking. At that age I've seen them start nibbling on hay and weeds and I can tell whether they have gotten a good start on mom's milk. Little Midge is definitely healthy! But mom (Ronnie) is not producing very much milk. And that is probably due to error on my part.
I didn't take into account the new circumstances with this kidding: one kid compared to the twins or triplets of the past and a smaller breed at that. So Ronnie hasn't needed to make as much milk for this one little Midge(t.) I've only managed to get a few spoonfuls out of one side and about a cup out of the other each day.
Since our property is small and we don't have a barn (where stalls would be) I can't separate mom and kid. So I have started teat taping to prevent nursing at night. I've also upped the amount of grain Ronnie gets each day and I make sure to fully empty both sides of her udder when I milk.
I know her peak time hasn't arrived yet but I'd like to make sure it is good when it gets here. Anyone want to share tips on how to increase a goat's milk production?
**edited to add- Ronnie gets free choice grass hay and alfalfa pellets everyday. On the milkstand she gets approx a pound of oats with 2 hands full of BOSS. After milking I give her 2 or 3 Tums for a good job treat (with calcium.)
