Taylor’s First Time Milking Her Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat
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Join Taylor as she takes on her adventure with her first time milking Lily! 🐐 It’s a huge moment in her homesteading journey, packed with challenges, laughs, and lots of joy as she figures out the ins and outs of caring for her new goat.
For years, Taylor had been dreaming of having her very own goat. She’d begged us over and over, and even appealed to our YouTube audience for support. The response was overwhelming, with so many of you encouraging us to let her give it a shot. So, after saving up her hard-earned money, Taylor had the chance to win Lily, a pregnant Nigerian Dwarf goat, at an Amish auction.
From the moment Lily came home, Taylor poured her heart into taking care of her. The journey with her first goat has had its fair share of ups and downs—like when Lily had trouble giving birth. While Lily did manage to have a beautiful baby girl, Clove, there was also the heartbreak of a stillborn. Despite the challenges, Taylor was beyond thankful that Lily and her sweet baby goat Clove were both healthy, and she couldn’t wait for the day when she could milk Lily herself. That day finally came, and it was full of excitement, surprises, and of course, some learning along the way!
Nigerian Dwarf Milk Goats
Nigerian Dwarf goats are a perfect fit for homesteads, especially if you’re looking for a manageable-sized goat with a big personality! 🐐 These little goats are known for their sweet nature and compact size, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They’re friendly, easy to handle, and absolutely love attention, making them great companions for kids and adults alike. Plus, their adorable looks with those tiny, expressive faces will melt anyone’s heart!
When it comes to milk production, Nigerian Dwarfs punch way above their weight! 🥛 Despite their small size, they produce rich, creamy milk that’s higher in butterfat than regular dairy goats. This makes their milk perfect for everything from cheese to soap to just enjoying a cold glass straight from the source. They’re also easy to care for and require less food and space compared to larger breeds, making them a practical, low-maintenance option for homesteads looking to add dairy goats to their farm.
Benefits of Goat Milk
Goat’s milk is such a hidden gem! Not only does it have a slightly sweeter, creamier flavor than cow’s milk, but it’s also easier to digest for many people. It’s packed with nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, and protein, and has smaller fat globules, making it gentler on sensitive stomachs. Whether you’re sipping it on its own, adding it to coffee, or using it in recipes, this good quality milk adds a rich, delicious touch that’s hard to beat.
Plus, goat’s milk is incredibly versatile. You can turn it into all sorts of yummy homemade products like cheese, soap, and even yogurt! Since it’s so nutrient-rich, it’s great for your skin, and it’s a favorite ingredient in many DIY beauty recipes. With Lily’s milk, we’re not just getting fresh milk, but also all sorts of fun opportunities to experiment and create in the kitchen and beyond! A goat is the perfect dairy animal to start with.
Introduction to Milking
Learning to milk a goat is essential if you’re diving into the world of dairy goats! Not only do you get fresh, creamy milk, but it’s also a great way to connect with your goat. 🐐 With a bit of know-how, milking can actually become a fun and rewarding part of your routine.
Your first time milking might feel a little nerve-wracking—trust me, it’s totally normal! It takes patience, practice, and a gentle touch to get the hang of it. But once you’ve got the technique down, you’ll be able to keep your goat happy and enjoy fresh, high-quality milk every time. 🌟
Preparing for the First Time Milking
When I was getting ready to milk Lily for the first time, I quickly realized that preparation was everything. Before heading out to the barn, I made sure to grab all the essentials—a clean bucket, a milking stand, and some supplies to clean her udder. Having everything ready ahead of time saved me a ton of stress.
I also wanted to make sure Lily felt totally at ease, so I spent some time getting her comfortable with the milking stand. Letting her sniff around and explore the setup beforehand really helped keep her calm. The night before, I separated Lily from her kid so her udder would be nice and full by morning. Watching her and learning her cues during this time gave me a better idea of how she’d handle the process. All that prep really made a difference when it came time to milk!
Getting Lily Ready for Her First Time Milking
Getting Lily ready for her first milking was actually pretty easy—and kind of fun! First, I gently encouraged her onto the milking stand. If she wasn’t having it, I’d tempt her with some alfalfa treats—because who can resist that, right?
Once she was settled, I checked to make sure she was comfy. A happy, relaxed goat is a way better milker, so I adjusted her position a little to make sure she was feeling good. Then I gave her a quick brush to get rid of any loose hair and dirt—plus it was a nice way to bond with her and get her in the right mood for the milking.
The Milking Stand Experience
We were so incredibly lucky to get a milk stand for free from a dear friend who could no longer milk her goats. It was such a blessing! This milk stand is fantastic – sturdy and built to last. What makes it even better is that it’s raised up on risers, so I can milk standing up without having to bend over, which is a game-changer for comfort and ease. It was such a thoughtful gift, and we’re beyond grateful to have it as part of our homesteading setup. It’s made milking Lily so much easier and has really helped us keep the whole process smooth and efficient!
The milking stand is a total game-changer for both the goat and the milker. It keeps things steady and secure, making the whole process smoother. Getting Lily used to the stand took a little time, but it was definitely worth the effort.
The first time we used it, I made sure to stay calm and patient. I gently guided her head through the neck hole, offering her some encouragement (and alfalfa pellets!) along the way. If she wasn’t having it, I didn’t force her—just kept talking to her and reassuring her.
Ensuring Cleanliness During the First Time Milking
Keeping everything clean during milking is super important for both Lily’s health and the milk’s quality. First thing’s first—wash your hands really well before you even think about touching anything.
Then, I gently cleaned Lily’s udder with a damp cloth (or a baby wipe works too). This step helps get rid of any dirt or germs that could mess with the milk. And of course, I made sure all my milking equipment was nice and sanitized.
Before I started milking, I did a quick test by squirting a little milk from each teat into a separate container. This helps make sure the milk looks good and that the first bit isn’t contaminated.
Just remember the basics: wash your hands, clean the udder, use sanitized gear, and do a little test squirt. Following these steps makes for a much cleaner and smoother milking session!
Finding the Right Technique the First Time Milking
Hand milking definitely takes some practice, and let me tell you, the first time I tried milking Lily was a real adventure! She had a very full udder and I had to figure out how to grip and squeeze her teats just right. You’ve got to wrap your fingers around them and apply steady pressure to get the milk out—but not too much, or it hurts her!
Well, Lily wasn’t exactly on board with the whole process. She kicked and kicked her back legs, causing all sorts of trouble, and it was pretty tricky to get anything done. The stainless steel milk bucket we got was little bit too tall so we had to trade out for a shorter bowl. At one point, Mom had to come in and hold her legs down so I could actually milk her! It wasn’t easy, but I was determined, I took a deep breath and continued with the process.
It took a lot of patience, too. I made some mistakes, like squirting milk all over the place, but each time I tried, I learned more about how Lily responds, and my technique got better. It’s definitely one of those things you get better at the more you do it! I’m sure having a regular milking routine will make everyone, including Lily, more at ease with the milking process.
The Quantity of Milk the First Time Milking
As I kept milking, I couldn’t help but wonder how much milk Lily would actually give. I knew it could depend on a few things, like her breed, diet, and how often she was milked.
For my first time, I’d say Lily gave me about one and a quarter cups of milk. Not too bad, right? Considering how nervous she was, I thought it was a pretty good start! I knew each time I milked her, I’d get a better idea of how much she could produce.
Since we’re milk-sharing with her baby, I know we’ll only get about half of what she produces in a day. To put it in perspective, Nigerian dwarf goats usually give about one to three quarts of milk a day. I’m sure as I get more familiar with Lily’s routine, I’ll start to get a better feel for what to expect from her!
Filtering and Chilling the Milk
After finally milking Lily, the next step was making sure the milk was clean and free from any impurities. I quickly set up a simple filtering system with a funnel and a milk filter—this was super important to catch any little bits of dirt or stray hairs that might have slipped into the milk while I was milking. I wanted to make sure everything was as fresh and clean as possible!
Once the milk was filtered, I poured it into a jar to measure it out. One thing I learned pretty quickly was that it’s important to chill the milk right away. This is the best way to preserve its freshness and flavor. So, I popped the jar in the freezer for about an hour, and wow, it really brought out the sweet, creamy flavor! It was such a difference!
Taking these extra steps really made me feel confident that the milk was top-notch quality and ready to drink. Proper handling and storage are key to keeping the milk fresh and clean, and I was proud of the whole process, especially considering it was my very first time milking! This experience was a huge milestone for both me and Lily, and I can’t wait to dive into more dairy projects like cheese and soap with her milk!
Tasting the Goat Milk
Finally, the moment arrived for me to taste the fruits of my labor! After an hour in the freezer, the chilled goat milk was ready for sampling. I’d tried goat milk before, but this time was different—it was my own milk!
As I took that first sip, I could really taste the difference. It was a bit sweeter than cow’s milk, which I learned is often thanks to the goat’s diet and the natural qualities of goat milk.
I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Not only did I just learn a new skill, but I also ended up with something delicious to enjoy! I’m already looking forward to trying out more dairy projects in the future, inspired by this awesome start.
Upcoming Projects
I’m so excited about the upcoming projects I can dive into with Lily’s milk! One of the first things on my list is making homemade goat’s milk soap. It’s such a fun and rewarding process, and goat’s milk makes for a wonderfully moisturizing base. I can’t wait to experiment with different scents and oils to create my own natural, skin-loving bars of soap. It’s a perfect way to use the milk while pampering my skin at the same time!
Another fun project I’m eager to try is making goat cheese! Fresh, creamy goat cheese is so much tastier than store-bought, and I can’t wait to give it a shot. From soft chèvre to tangy feta, there are so many different varieties to try. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve some of the milk while enjoying the fruits of our homesteading labor. These projects are just the beginning, and I’m thrilled to see where they’ll take me as I continue to learn and grow in this journey with my goats!
Conclusion
In conclusion, milking Lily has been an incredible experience filled with lessons, challenges, and rewards. There is definitely a learning curve that she hopes to overcome. What started as a dream of owning a goat and learning how to milk her has evolved into a beautiful journey of hands-on homesteading. Taylor’s perseverance, along with a bit of help from Mom to hold down Lily’s legs, showed just how much determination and patience it takes to care for livestock and get the job done. From the first attempt at milking, to the excitement of finally tasting the fresh milk, this adventure has been one of growth for both Taylor and Lily.
As we continue on this homesteading journey, we’re not just learning how to milk a goat but discovering so much more about the process of nurturing animals, managing their needs, and appreciating the gifts they give. It’s a beautiful feeling to know where our food comes from and to take part in each step, from milking to making soap and cheese with Lily’s milk. The connection with our goats, especially Lily and her baby Clove, is something that has strengthened over time, and we’re so grateful to have this opportunity to live this life.
Our Homesteading Journey
We’re excited to continue expanding our homestead with more projects that bring us closer to self-sufficiency. Making soap, cheese, and other dairy products will be such fun projects, and we look forward to sharing the process with all of you. There’s always something new to learn when you’re homesteading, and with every new skill we develop, we grow closer to our goal of living a simpler, more sustainable life.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting chapter of our homesteading journey! We hope you feel inspired to try your hand at milking a goat or exploring other homesteading projects of your own. Be sure to follow along with our journey, and let us know if you have any tips, suggestions, or thoughts in the comments below!
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