How to Milk a Goat for the First Time

Goats have one udder and several teats, not the other way around.

Despite a decidedly "barnyard" taste, milk from goats is less fatty than from cows, and it doesn't need to be homogenized. It's also more prevalently used around the globe. The first time you milk a goat -- whether it's from the Alpine, Oberhaslis, Saanen or Toggenburg species -- you may feel unqualified; however, it only takes a sure hand and a calm demeanor. If you act panicked, so will the goat.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket

Instructions

1. Crouch next to the doe's hindquarters. Pet her soothingly on her flank.

2. Place the bucket under its udder. Grab one of its teats with your thumb and index finger, making a circle around the top of the teat.

3. Squeeze off the top portion of the teat.

4. Slowly tighten your remaining fingers around the teat, down to where the milk comes out.

5. Try this squeezing motion several times until milk begins to shoot into the bucket.

6. Try another teat if milk still isn't coming out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're uncomfortable getting right to the real thing, fill a latex glove with water and tie off the top where the wrist would be. Practice on the glove until you feel ready to get some milk.

• Don't pull on the teat. Merely squeeze on it. Pulling could injure the goat or inhibit milk flow.

References

• Fias Co. Farm: Milking a Goat
• Mesa Charros 4-H Club, Irvine, California: Dairy Goats

Resources

• Mother Earth News: Want Milk? Get Goats