We're getting ready to build the milk stand. I marked some building plans online but I am interested in hearing what folks use and what they like or don't like about what they are using. Tips will be appreciated. :)
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The Mud is probably a problem for some, but as it so happens, since I build so many things I actually have a very clear pic of everything you said. Made perfect since to me. Thanks for all that info.
I appreciate the feedback! We do plan on having a step. Some plans have it built on but I think we will make it separate. Love the wheel idea (another reason to make the step separate- less to wheel around :) ). I am also thinking about width now, too,and maybe making it narrower. My son is going to build it for me this weekend. :) Also, found these plans online for full-sized goats that can easily be adapted. http://fiascofarm.com/goats/milkstand.html
Love these ideas, I totally want wheels, that lock and SWIVEL.
I also like drawers underneath. It can be very convenient to have a drawer for things like fightbac or mastitis testing supplies etc., whatever things the milker needs close at hand. Maybe a second drawer for hoof equipment and in Salviadorrii' case a camera!
I also want a step up in back for the girls and I have a new super idea that I just love! How a bout having the whole head stall hinged on one side so you can just swing it to the side when finished milking and have a step down in the front. It may sound a little ridiculous and extravagant. But it is unique and with the poor does who have just had a c- section or are just old and creaky or whatever it would be so much easier to just be able to walk forward and step down. Just a thought!
We have two, the one in our milking parlour that's made of PVC pipe and plastic wall sheeting left over from construction, and a wooden one in the barn. I don't like the wooden one as much because spilled milk kind of soaks into the wood platform and it just doesn't seem sanitary.
I made mine and it was pretty easy.The dimensions were for a 24"width.I have found that to be too wide for easy milking.My ladies will stand to the side furthest from me so I have to reach out too much to milk.Last winter milking season I ended up putting cushions on the floor for me to kneel on to milk in order to make the reach.So for milking I would go for narrower.Maybe 18" wide.And even though it was wide it was not wide enough to sit on the edge and milk comfortably.What I do like the width for is when I trim hooves.I can actually stand up on the platform with a leg on each side of the goat and pick up feet to trim.Then if they start jumping around I can give a little squeeze with my legs and quiet them down.I probably look pretty funny if anyone saw me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8fBjzv5HwA
This is the model I used. I like that he took it step by step. This is for a full-size goat and I intend to custom build one later and give this to friends with a full-size goat. However, it works very well. I did *not* build the feeder on the front but use my hook-over feeder so I can be removed easily. When you get that far, you will want to screw and extra piece of wood across where the feeder rests so the feeder doesn't move around (keep it secure). Some day, when I finally make the smaller one, I will post my measurements, etc., but not to wait. I will also make the floor higher off the ground and have a fold-up ramp for my girls so I am looking straight at the udder when I am milking. I figure if I am making it, I can totally customize it.
I looked at a lot of videos and photos. Some had rails across the top sides but that is not necessary and would surely get in the way. The design he used is very stable and can easily have wheels added to the front or back for easy moving. (Note "or" not all four.) If I add wheels, I will use lock casters for that extra precaution.
Have fun!