Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Update on Jules....

It is still frustrating. Things are not going well and I am getting a little desperate. Her udder looks beautiful, I just can't tell what her major objection is. I have yet to get her fully milked out. Not even close. I have to stand backwards to put the milker on, so the kicks get the back of me. This is by far the worst cow I've had freshen EVER. All I can do is take a deep breath and get in there. I still think persistence will pay off and we'll get there.
I was scanning the crowd at the basketball game tonight and thinking which random guy can I convince to come over and help me get her fully milked out for a couple nights in a row.
I'm not joking, I'm bruised and battered.
I've definitely earned every dime I made this week!
Hopefully I can get a pic of Juliette up tommorrow. I am happy to announce she is doing wonderful now.
I'm making lots of fromage blanc for the pesto &walnut cheese spread this week. It is so good, the kids almost staged a riot when I said that batch was all sold! I'm making more right now.
I am using the tie stalls now, ready or not. The ground is quite thawed out and I need to keep the cows clean and comfortable. They get out for 3 or 4 hours twice a day and stretch their legs, eat at the round bale, nurse their babies and hang out. It was a disaster at first, but they have pretty much learned their exact spot and I can let them in and they just about go to the right spot each time. I keep forgetting to get 2 more wingnuts so Maddy and Brie can join them.
I think, if I get a moment--I'll start some no knead bread tommorrow. I haven't made that in a while. Homemade bread and cheese, it doesn't get much better than that!

9 comments:

  1. We have a kicker, I think it was called cow can't kick, that slides on the side of them that you are milking, not the big bulky one that you screw that goes over the top of them. That helps quite a bit. If that doesn't work ( or before we got that) we would just tail the cow up, put it straight up over their back as much as you can. They don't seem to want to even move then. It is a little uncomfortable for them while you are milking but a kick in the head would be way worse for me. We have had to tail up a few heifers but it seems only for a few milkings then they figure it out.

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  2. I think the big issue is that I need someone out there with me. Like you said, I think it will only take a few milkings. Dante is having bad allergy probs right now. He can't do it. I can't order a kickstop this week, but next week I can. Hopefully I won't still need it for her, but I should own one just in case I have a bad kicker again.
    Thanks for your suggestions!

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  3. Very sorry she is misbehaving. I have no helpful suggestions, but I do recall reading in Joann's (from KFC) diary her frustration dealing with Helen as newly freshened heifer. Even the experts (like you and she) get unruly cows every once in awhile!

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  4. Hang in there, Jessika! Sounds like you're doing everything you can. I love your blog, by the way, and have enjoyed catching up from the beginning!

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  5. Oh Jessika, I am so sorry she is still giving you fits! Emmy has started kicking but not nearly as bad as what you are dealing with. I had to put the milker on her six times last night before she would finally leave it on. We do have a kick stop I can drag out if I need to but honestly it's been so long since we have had to use it, I don't even know where it is.

    I am thinking of you and praying that girl settles down soon for you! Glad the baby is doing well!

    Tammy

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  6. Oh, my goodness. Girlie - you have my utmost respect - and my prayers! I hope she leaves you with enough energy to continue posting updates. It appears I am gaining loads of knowledge with this situation. And greatly appreciated - ten fold. Keeping my fingers crossed for all to mellow out very soon for all of you!

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  7. may the gods of milk and honey smile on you very soon!

    k-)

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  8. If I successfully win this battle on my own, I can do anything! It reminds of when I was a kid and we had a mean rotten pony that repeatedly bucked me off, and my Dad kept saying, "Get right back on!" It takes courage (or stupidity!)to keep at it. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

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  9. 2cc oxytocin if She is holding it on you and not milking out completely.Select Sires used to sell udder mint cream you applied that was warm to the touch that worked good taking out adema Getting total relief could settle her down.Lonnie Booth

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