It was May of last year when we brought home a 10 week old Alpine-Nubian doe, Millie and her brother, Milo. I had been dreaming of a dairy animal for over 5 years, not only to decrease the unhealthy milk my family consumes from our grocery store, but also to cut our grocery costs down and increase our self-sufficiency.
With any new skill there is struggle, confusion, trial and error I hope to share with you my beginners journey to raising a dairy goat.
My not always sweet doe has given birth to two adorable, floppy eared Nubian crossed Alpine kids.
I had no idea how much I’d love these silky tiny little kids. I honestly will snuggle them any chance I can get. Who knew I’d love goat kids so much. They are tiny and precious and smaller than our farm cat, Simon!
Did you know I’d sworn off goats on this homestead? It’s true. My experience with Nigerian dwarf goats wasn’t enjoyable, destructive, tiny little escape artists demolishing my beloved landscaping snubbing their noses at the weeds overtaking my homestead. Never say never on the homestead.
Fast forward a few years, and here I am a lover of my dairy goats. Meet Dolly and Bruno our newest kids on the homestead.
I was really nervous about the birthing experience. I had no actual hands on experience, but it was flawless. I read just about every article I could get my hands on in regards to goat birthing, but Millie knew what needed to be done and she took care of it. Allowing me a front row seat to the birth. As she pushed each kid out I was able to help dry them off. It’s an experience I’ll never forget!
Some people choose to take the kids right away and bottle feed, but I’m a firm believer in letting nature takeover. Millie took right to cleaning them and caring for them. To each their own but this works best for our lifestyle and our beliefs. I stand firmly to mama’s know best!
The last week I’ve been happily walking to the shed to retrieve my fresh goats milk, albeit a few ounces at first. When I first heard of goat milk I scoffed at the idea. I know. Sometimes the things we don’t know are easiest to judge. However I was graciously gifted the ability to learn to milk a nanny goat as well as taste the goods before I invested in this purchase.
What Does Goat Milk Taste Like?
Goats milk when processed and stored correctly tastes just like cows milk perhaps a bit sweeter. Shocking. I’m aware.
A thick, creamy texture, that one who isn’t aware could easily be fooled to believe it’s whole cows milk.
Is Milking Your Own Goat Simple?
Now milking a first time nanny goat isn’t all rainbow and butterflies. The first few milking sessions were absolutely awful, I was kicked, I fell over spilling each precious ounce I worked so hard to get. I will admit to the fact that what started as me cussing ended in me crying out of pure frustration for her lack of trust in me.
However, tears, and most likely goat poop on my clothes, I continued milking her morning and evening, even if it meant I had to toss the soiled milk from the goat rodeo show in my barn. After a couple weeks, months, we got into a routine and I have zero issues milking her now. I truly believe it’s a relaxing time for her away from her babies, enjoying her favorite snacks while I hum an offbeat tune to her.
Five years I’ve dreamed of this. Five long years of dreaming of a dairy animal to feed our family and friends. Now that it’s a reality I feel beyond blessed and grateful. Each ounce of fresh milk is cherished and appreciated.
My initial milking sessions began with only 4-8 ounces of milk, as her babies drank less and less milk naturally, and I became more efficient we are able to get over a half a gallon each day. It’s important to note that you might not leave with a pail full the first few months of milking, it takes time for your hands to build up the muscles needed for milking. It takes your goat time to acclimate to her new role as a mother and as a personal milk maid for your family.
You can watch all the videos, read all the articles but until you experience it you won’t have an idea of what your rhythm will be. You will face struggles, an unruly goat on occasion, bad weather, but I assure you going back to your roots, immersing yourself in the simplicity of simple living will bring joy to your life.
So welcome, join me as I experience the joys of a dairy animal on our homestead. I hope you will enjoy the experience as much as I do, and find encouragement to increase your sustainability.
Happy Homesteading!
Danielle
