I found a few online places with instructions for building your own goat milking machine. There is a parts list, and it requires assembly, but DH and I got it together via ebay, and goat supply places. I seet mine up for 2 goats, utilizing the smaller clamshells for dwarf goats. Some items were used, some new. I'm working on putting together our info so others can do it too, hopefully easier than it was for us. It works great now though, and I'm glad I did it. It was a risk, but it paid off for us. Our cost was just under $700, with the clamshells, new lines, and the new pump being the most expensive items for sure. It took around 5 hours (plus some more research time) to get it moving, and then a bit of adjusting. We arranged the lines so the pump is on the other side of a wall (my milk room is the office in the garage, but it's separate w/own door, and electric) since my girls were not used to anything like that. The newer girls are more comfy with it for sure, the older does were quite dubious, and one still won't go there, but she's older and has always been (quietly) hand milked.
When used properly, a good milking machine does not damage a doe's teats. Using a machine incorrectly, however, can damage teats.
What are your goals for a milking machine? Why do you want one? How much money do you want to spend? Prices go up to a couple thousand dollars for good ones.
Replies
I found a few online places with instructions for building your own goat milking machine. There is a parts list, and it requires assembly, but DH and I got it together via ebay, and goat supply places. I seet mine up for 2 goats, utilizing the smaller clamshells for dwarf goats. Some items were used, some new. I'm working on putting together our info so others can do it too, hopefully easier than it was for us. It works great now though, and I'm glad I did it. It was a risk, but it paid off for us. Our cost was just under $700, with the clamshells, new lines, and the new pump being the most expensive items for sure. It took around 5 hours (plus some more research time) to get it moving, and then a bit of adjusting. We arranged the lines so the pump is on the other side of a wall (my milk room is the office in the garage, but it's separate w/own door, and electric) since my girls were not used to anything like that. The newer girls are more comfy with it for sure, the older does were quite dubious, and one still won't go there, but she's older and has always been (quietly) hand milked.
When used properly, a good milking machine does not damage a doe's teats. Using a machine incorrectly, however, can damage teats.
What are your goals for a milking machine? Why do you want one? How much money do you want to spend? Prices go up to a couple thousand dollars for good ones.