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Post by davendahlonega on Mar 20, 2008 10:26:21 GMT -5
Does anyone use one of those c-clamp devices on their cows to keep them from kicking when being milked? I am curious as to whether they fit Dexters?
Dave
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Post by liz on Mar 23, 2008 5:42:38 GMT -5
Hi Dave; We have one but find that it really only fits our jersey. For the Dexters, if they are kicky because they are being trained or are tender, a rope tied tightly in front of hips and udder, does the trick for us. Liz
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Post by longshotfarms on Nov 17, 2008 13:34:52 GMT -5
I've been milking my cow for about six weeks now, my milk production is way up, about 2/3 of gallon. All of the sudden she is kicking and seems to be kicking just to kick. I can't get near her for fear of the bucket and myself can go flying through the air. She got me yesterday and I have the bruise to show it. I love to milk, and love my cow, but boy after today I was ready to quit. This is the second cow I have trained to milk and she has been the easy one. So I went ahead and ordered the anit kicking device that just hooks on the hip and under the flank. I'm just wondering if she is ruined? It is so discouraging, because it is so much work to get one to milk, and now this. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Terri
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Post by liz on Nov 17, 2008 17:19:36 GMT -5
Don't worry Terri it sounds like something is hurting her (?). Is she baled? if so a rope with a loop on the end that you can get with a cane hook, for your safety, when you throw it over her back, just in front of the hips and udder. Grab the looped end under her belly and do a half hitch knot on her back. Pull it snuggly, just to the point that she sways but not falling over. If she can kick still it isn't tight enough. Give her some sort of treat to keep her occupied and then carefully examine her udder for sores or chapped teats etc. If everything looks good then use a strip cup and see if any of the quarters have a bit of mastitis, which can also cause pain. I use an antiseptic rub called bag balm on really obvious cuts etc and peppermint lotion to soften and relax the udder itself. if she is not hurting in any way, something else ifs freaking her out. Did you just take her calf away? Is something out of the ordinary that she is reacting to? In any event, she must NOT be allowed to prevail or she will always do it, learned behaviour! Be patient, soothing and yet determined and still milk her out..... just make sure you are safe doing it. Soon she will come around. Liz
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Post by longshotfarms on Nov 18, 2008 11:50:05 GMT -5
Liz,
Thanks so much, that rope was the ticket! I had my old cow back today! WooHoo! I think I figured out why she was kicking, she got her foot caught in her lead rope the other day and it stuck between her hoof on that foot that she has been kicking me with. So I think she was just remembering the rope, because she still lets the calf nurse. I just take him off at night and milk in the morning. And her udder was fine and no sore teats. Thank You, Thank You Liz!
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Post by liz on Nov 18, 2008 18:03:58 GMT -5
Oh I'm so glad that it worked out Terri! Dexters have long memories and that kind of behaviour is never really 'out of the blue'. I'm glad you figured out the trigger, but don't get hurt. Make sure that the rope is on, if not tight, until you are sure that she is associating what you are doing with her in that place as pleasurable, not potentially dangerous or painful. One of my poor adult cows was dehorned in her milking stanchion and that nearly ruined her.... and all of it, our mistake! Talk about stupidity!!! Cheers, L
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lsg
member
Posts: 247 
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Post by lsg on Nov 24, 2008 13:42:28 GMT -5
Why don't you just tie the near leg back? That has worked well with other breeds of cows for us. I have never had a problem with my Dexters. Knock on Wood.
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