tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post4013674936859699384..comments2024-03-10T00:23:43.574-08:00Comments on Several Gardens Farm: Goat milker - details and updateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-14310544157754347152022-09-15T05:51:26.005-07:002022-09-15T05:51:26.005-07:00I wonder if a breast pump would work, but just fin...I wonder if a breast pump would work, but just finding a way to adjust the attachments to the teat size (like the way we do our breasts) and to keep milk out of certain tubing? I wonder if the adjustable settings with the pump would make it better for milking due to being able to adjust the expression strength and has a massage option on most that could help bring a more comfortable experience? Just a thought, what do you think? <br /><br />My email is jernigan.morgan98@gmail.com if you want to email me your thoughts! I found y’all on Pinterest so I may not remember to look down here for a response! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-90309738734173363212013-07-22T12:22:04.587-07:002013-07-22T12:22:04.587-07:00Matt, I love the chewing gum solution though as yo...Matt, I love the chewing gum solution though as you say, not for milk that will be passing any inspections:) <br /><br />I found the 'barbs that work' at McClendons hardware. We're in Seattle; don't know where you are or what other places are availble. Getting the right barb seems like the biggest nuisance of the whole project; the wrong one scratches the whole project. The nuts are pretty generally available. <br /><br />I drove around from store to store with the brass nuts, trying them in the barbs till I got a good fit. I felt like the prince in Cinderella. And I assure you when I found the right one I bought a bunch. <br /><br />Worst case scenario, get back in touch and I'll send you a couple of them at around cost.<br /><br />Sarah Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-91396983233487790402013-07-21T21:18:55.585-07:002013-07-21T21:18:55.585-07:00Also might I ask where you are buying the Barb Ada...Also might I ask where you are buying the Barb Adapters/Nuts. I'm not finding the right ones at lowes.Matt1988https://www.blogger.com/profile/09299068887190102660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-11488183722222508932013-07-21T18:02:09.103-07:002013-07-21T18:02:09.103-07:00Hi there Sarah and I would like to lead off with h...Hi there Sarah and I would like to lead off with how amazing this little contraption is! <br /><br />We found your blog post this morning while searching the web for manual goat milkers. When we stumbled across your post we made a beeline for Lowes and found (almost) everything we needed (We found the syringes at a pet store :)). We got home and quickly assembled the contraption and found out at once that it didn't hold pressure.<br /><br />We have the silicone to go ahead and seal everything up but we didn't have the 24 hours to let it cure as our poor stubborn small teated Nubian/Boer nanny was fit to burst with milk.<br /><br />As we had to milk her quickly and we weren't terribly worried about saving this batch we employed a quick and dirty temporary seal that worked WONDERFULLY. We pulled out a couple of pieces of chewing gum and started smacking away.<br /><br />While i'm sure it doesn't meet any sanitation codes I'm hoping that this method will help relieve some poor nannies that were previously unable to be milked.<br /><br />Btw if you are still doing them I would absolutely love to get in contact with you about lids!Matt1988https://www.blogger.com/profile/09299068887190102660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-6158193782125481602013-07-21T18:00:22.154-07:002013-07-21T18:00:22.154-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Matt1988https://www.blogger.com/profile/09299068887190102660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-51973143959902971022013-07-21T16:50:23.281-07:002013-07-21T16:50:23.281-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Matt1988https://www.blogger.com/profile/09299068887190102660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-29407625281269858192013-05-20T14:20:14.230-07:002013-05-20T14:20:14.230-07:00Thank You SO MUCH Sarah !!
Your quick & though...Thank You SO MUCH Sarah !!<br />Your quick & thoughtful reply are greatly appreciated....<br />I think the size cup I'm using is just right...I had ordered two sizes...and I just matched up the best fitting one with Cally's teat. She is a Saanan so, full sized...and not only was this her first kidding, but we almost lost MOM, and both kids... The babies presented in a very UNUSUAL way...we first saw the face of one, no hoofs, and then the hoofs...but they were the hoofs of the TWIN...(only to be discovered upon trying to coax the hoofs out and seeing a second face) It turned out to be more than my other half and I EVER expected for our first kidding...and fortunately we had some absolute guardian angels descend upon our humble little farm and save not only Mom...but both kids...<br /><br />I know after such a traumatic ordeal, my Cally doesn't need any unnecessary discomfort...so I was really upset that her udder was so firm and we just couldn't relieve it...(now mind you...she is our first goat to kid...our second goat ...Addy, is due any day now as well...) so I'm a little overwhelmed at this point and can only hope that things go A LOT smoother with her delivery...<br /><br />I will keep my eye on her udder...it doesn't look "SHINY" yet..just really big...and really firm.... and I will let the babies have at her :)<br /><br />thank you again...for the instructions and for the advice...<br /><br />I feel very relieved..and now must head back to the goat barn to see the family ...<br /><br />THANK YOU, THANK YOU...<br />JenniferlynneJenniferlynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12023916034093099566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-73439434290200194372013-05-20T13:34:27.083-07:002013-05-20T13:34:27.083-07:00Wow Jenniferlynne. First, congratulations on the k...Wow Jenniferlynne. First, congratulations on the kids, and glad they can latch on! It sounds like you aren't planning to milk yet unless you need to? If so, you might try holding back and see if the kids take care of the full udder on their own.<br /><br />When Meggie kidded we didn't have the machine yet, so I was hand milking, and for the first week I only milked if she looked really lopsided or so tight she was shiny.<br /><br />So I wish I had more suggestions there.<br /><br />Regarding the machine - if she's a dwarf or mini, you might want to size down the teat cups to fit her better. I have a standard so the sizes may not be the same. Then I'd try hand milking a few squirts, both to relax her and to make sure she's letting down.<br /><br />If she's a first freshner you may want to do a bit more than just wipe down her udder. A bit of massage or gentle shaking may help, and washing really well with a warm damp towel. Anything you would normally do to relax and calm a first freshener I would do with the machine just as you would be hand. And squirting out a few squeezes by hand might get her started and then you could use the machine. <br /><br />There's often a pause with Meggie where the cups are tight on her teats and the milk hasn't started yet. But she's used to it and calm. With a new goat I'd get her milk really flowing before I attached the cups.<br /><br />I can only reflect on my own experience as a new parent. I was so distracted between all the new things about the baby, and nursing was way more confusing and uncomfortable than I expected. We think goats' intincts will cover all of that but I'm sure as a new mom your doe is still sorting things out. <br /><br />Good luck with your babies and hope you get the milker going!<br /><br />Sarah<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-23033667400289456972013-05-20T13:07:16.461-07:002013-05-20T13:07:16.461-07:00HI
I made your milking machine. Looks great, howev...HI<br />I made your milking machine. Looks great, however, my goat kidded yesterday, and her tests are so small that we were having trouble getting any quantity of colostrum ... so... I grabbed the Machine to give it a try...it suctioned on...but we couldn't get the milk to flow... poor girl.. she did not like it one bit.<br /><br />We have tried several times and still no luck.<br /><br />This was her first pregnancy. And her udder is HUGE... and very very firm... but both kids have latched on & feed regularly now... I just want to be able to relieve the pressure if necessary..<br />Any help you can provide would be great!!!!Jenniferlynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12023916034093099566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-74721365124047585832013-05-19T11:41:35.727-07:002013-05-19T11:41:35.727-07:00Several readers have shared that sealing the lid t...Several readers have shared that sealing the lid to the barb with silicone works just fine and meets cleanliness requirements as long as you only seal the outside of the lid. If you're frustrated with the hardware give that a try.<br /><br />Remember to use a food safe sealant, let it dry full and wash before using.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-68053685487211726272013-05-08T14:27:25.993-07:002013-05-08T14:27:25.993-07:00Linda, this is fantastic. Thank you for following ...Linda, this is fantastic. Thank you for following up when it worked. I know it sounds silly but I've been in suspense, feeling like if it didn't work I'd have let you down.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-28047514912651105892013-05-08T14:06:39.438-07:002013-05-08T14:06:39.438-07:00I put together the milker... you can read about it...I put together the milker... you can read about it in my blog here: http:<a href="http://www.lindercroft.net/1/post/2013/05/just-another-homemade-milking-machine.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.lindercroft.net/1/post/2013/05/just-another-homemade-milking-machine.html</a>Lindahttp://lindercroft.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-85284981728523234322013-05-06T12:07:42.482-07:002013-05-06T12:07:42.482-07:00I received my barbs and put together a lid just to...I received my barbs and put together a lid just to see how it works. I don't have the tubing I am going to use for the milker, but I did have some that I could experiment with. I drilled the holes in the canning lid and connected the hose barbs, tightened them very tight and added the hoses. Checked the vacuum was pretty weak, so I put water on the top of the lid as you suggested and the water was drawn into the jar by all three barbs. So I am going to to use E600 clear flexible adhesive on the top against the lid and under the lip of the barbs and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I will have to get some round gaskets to add to the bottom just before the nut. I will let you know how it does.Lindahttp://www.lindercroft.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-48665820447892578012013-04-28T15:31:43.774-07:002013-04-28T15:31:43.774-07:00I would imagine the barbs and hose would have to f...I would imagine the barbs and hose would have to fit very tight. I like the suggestion to test if the barbs are leaking. Great idea! <br /><br />I first started trying these vacuum milkers in 2009. I actually made 3 of them (varying ways). You can read about them in my blog here: http://lindercroft.wordpress.com/category/diy-hand-milkers/ However, I never really got to use any of them for long. I had a Nigerian Dwarf and I just ended up milking her by hand. However, I want one to work because I no longer want to milk by hand (getting older and milking makes my hands hurt). I don't have any of the ones I made before and didn't write down any information about where I got the parts! Bummer...Lindahttp://lindercroft.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-70106354265843352152013-04-28T10:08:31.579-07:002013-04-28T10:08:31.579-07:00Hey folks, there are some corrections in the story...Hey folks, there are some corrections in the story that may matter a lot if you are building one of these. Please read through. I got the nut size wrong (but it you are like me and try them on in the hardware story you already know that). <br /><br />And I've learned that some barb ends don't work. Linda, your solution sounds intriguing. Please keep me updated. If that product works it's a boon to us all to have an online source. <br /><br />Also, a simple way to see if the leak is in the lid apparatus is to put it on a jar, pour a couple teaspoons of water onto the lid, cover the teat cups tightly and run the pump. If there's a leak, you will see the water getting sucked through the crevice and into the jar.<br /><br />In all my tests the problem is always the barb attachment, never the lid/jar connection. Mason jar lids are well made.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-74385192558737589732013-04-27T23:58:43.668-07:002013-04-27T23:58:43.668-07:00Wow! I was told about your blog and had to check i...Wow! I was told about your blog and had to check it out. I bought a Reynolds vacuum sealer almost two years ago to use as the pump for the milker. I haven't got mine put together yet, but am working on it. I found 3/8 nylon barbs which includes the nut at US Plastics (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=34811&catid=669) I ordered some today...Lindahttp://lindercroft.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-8629151031105808822013-04-25T10:09:28.093-07:002013-04-25T10:09:28.093-07:00Tina, if you are comfortable giving me a contact e...Tina, if you are comfortable giving me a contact email or similar I will get in touch about a lid. I have a small diameter one ready to go or could make a large mouth one easily.<br /><br />We have found that not all barb attachments are equally well made and if your hardware store stocks one that doesn't form a good fit it can be really frustrating. I wanted to make some of these as gifts to my goaty friends and seemed to have failure after failure till I figured out where to buy my barbs. Now I'm back up and running.<br /><br />So please get in contact and I'll shoot you a message. <br /><br />Sarah Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16597222061924853443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-47011291094009349432013-04-23T21:23:40.675-07:002013-04-23T21:23:40.675-07:00This is a FABULOUS milker!!! However, we are very...This is a FABULOUS milker!!! However, we are very unsuccessful at making the lid (with the barb attachments.) We get no pressure at all. We are in a very rural area and can't even find many of the parts. We would like to buy your lid that you offered for sale. PLEASE tell me how we can order from you, the quicker the better as my doe is in milk and babies need to be weaned, Thanks!! Tina <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185769087747426024.post-43202352696704837852012-12-22T23:42:39.102-08:002012-12-22T23:42:39.102-08:00I am really impressed. That innovative milker is ...I am really impressed. That innovative milker is just really awesome! Now I need to make one as we are currently milking 6 Saanans and this would be so nice to have and cut down on hand fatigue, too. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing on Wildcrafting Wednesday.<br />ChrisJoybilee Farmhttp://www.fiberarts.ca/blog/blognoreply@blogger.com