🏡 Homestead Diary Entry: The Day I Learned Milking a Goat Is Equal Parts Yoga, Wrestling, and Patience Training
If you’re diving into the world of homesteading, there’s one moment that makes you feel like you’ve truly “arrived” — the first time you pour a jar of fresh, creamy milk that came straight from your own goat. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and just a little chaotic (because, well… goats).
Milking goats is a daily dance between human determination and goat attitude. Some mornings it’s peaceful and calm, other days it’s a full-contact sport. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look at store-bought milk the same way again.
Whether you’re milking your first doe or fine-tuning your technique, here’s a few things you need to know to make milking time smooth, sanitary, and maybe even enjoyable.
🐐 Step 1: The Prep Work — Clean Goat, Clean Hands, Clean Bucket
Before you even think about milking, cleanliness is key. Dirt, hair, and hay will find their way into that milk if you skip this step.
• Brush your goat’s udder and belly to remove debris. ( I give a good brushing also on their backs and sides. After all they are giving you milk why not give more of a brushing.)
• Wash the udder with warm water and a clean cloth or udder wipes. ( some use this. I how ever do not. I like to use my own mixture that my neighbor introduced to me – you will need a spray bottle or a squeeze bottle, I like to use lavender essential oil, lemon essential oil. 20 drops of each (if you do not want to use lavender you could use eucalyptus essential oil with the lemon essential oil) and 2 tbsp Of castile soap. Mix well put in your bottle of choice. Spray on the teats and wipe with a clean cloth some use paper towels. I like to use a cotton wash cloth. I wash my cloths after I’m done)
• Dry completely — moisture is not your friend when it comes to milking time.
• Clean your hands – I wash before I get started with everything, yes I know you are handling the brushing and their cleaning but unless you have a sink in your milking area you are not going to be able to clean your hands between all your does for milk.
• What to put your milk into – Try to use a stainless steel bucket or glass jars. Plastic holds smells and scratches easily (and no one wants a side of barn aroma with their latte).
🪑 Step 2: Set the Scene — Milking Stand = Your Best Friend
If you don’t already have a milking stand, build or buy one. Trust me, crouching in the dirt while your goat tap dances around is a fast track to back / knee pain and bad moods. Cause I am not in my 20s and my knees and back won’t take that. 🤣
A milking stand keeps your doe secure, raises her to a comfortable height, and — most importantly — lets you bribe her with grain while you work. A busy mouth means less mischief from the back end. ( you hope! )
Want to make things even easier? Some goat owners use a milking sling to gently lift and support their goats during trimming or milking. It’s like a spa hammock for your goat — minus the cucumbers on her eyes.
🥛 Step 3: The Technique — Squeeze, Don’t Pull
Goat teats aren’t udders on a cartoon cow. Pulling is a no-no. Instead, trap the milk in the teat with your thumb and forefinger, then gently squeeze downward with the rest of your fingers.
It’s all about rhythm. Think of it like playing a tiny udder piano — soft, steady, and in tune with your goat’s patience level.
Pro tip: The first few squirts should go into a separate cup or the cloth (to check for clumps or discoloration) before milking into your main bucket.
🧊 Step 4: Chill Out (Literally)
Once you’re done, strain the milk through a fine filter, coffee filter, or cheesecloth and get it chilled as quickly as possible. Cold milk tastes fresh; warm milk… tastes like regret.
Pop it in the fridge right away or use an ice bath to speed up the cooling process. The faster it cools, the fresher it tastes.
💕 Bonus Tips for a Happy Milking Experience
• Stick to a schedule: Goats are creatures of habit. Miss milking time and she’ll let you know. Loudly. ( I milk in the morning and then in the evening remember your doe in milk will need to eat twice a day)
• Massage matters: A gentle udder massage can help get milk flowing and keep your goat relaxed.
• Be patient: Some goats are milk stand divas at first. Consistency (and grain) wins them over. ( after we are done milking we give a treat, animal crackers, apple cut into little chunks, peanuts some of mine love them in the shell and some don’t care for the shell)
• Keep records: Track how much milk you’re getting — it helps you spot health or feed changes early.
• Use that sling when needed: It can make things safer and easier for both of you if your goat is fidgety or needs extra support.
😂 The Reality Check
You’ll spill milk. You’ll get head-butted. You might even find hoof prints in places they shouldn’t be. But the moment you pour that fresh, creamy milk into your first homemade batch of cheese, yogurt, or soap — it all feels worth it.
So grab your bucket, take a deep breath, and embrace the chaos. Because once you get into the groove, milking time becomes less of a chore and more of a morning meditation — just with more bleating.
At the end of the day, milking goats isn’t just about the milk — it’s about the bond, the rhythm, and the bragging rights when you tell people you literally got your own milk.
🥛🐐✨ Please share your photos with me of your goats, set up, or even what works for you or what doesn’t!
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