When I first got interested in goats I watched a video somewhere of a woman who lived in the city, with limited space, kept NDs and had a milk stand set up in the laundry area. Well, I don't have goats yet, we're still working out the details, one of the details being a milking area... we had plans for a milking shed but then I was thinking... maybe that woman didn't have such a bad idea. It would save me a ton of money and trouble, running water wouldn't be an issue... I could set something up just inside our back door that opens onto the kitchen, sink and refrigerator and all. Not to mention, heat. We have sturdy laminate floors so a few goat messes shouldn't be a problem, I could always throw a towel down. (I have three dogs and a toddler, seriously, I can handle messes on the floor.)
Where's the serious downside to this I'm missing? Does anyone else do it?
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Mentally trying to rearrange my mud/utility room to fit in a milk stand here....If your youngun is like mine (now 4) keeping them out of the goat house and chicken house is a much bigger problem for the germ factor.
I personally love the idea! You're so right that an entry to the house on a farm already has plenty of yuck. :) I know mine does. The chicken poo is the worst. Goat poop is by far the "cleanest" mess you could have in my opinion.
Haha awesome thanks all! The non-skid mat or rug of some kind is a great idea. I think with that and some prefold diapers (we use these for *everything* messy around here) and the occasional towel, it should work out. If not, I can go back to the milking shed plan, but comparatively, that just sounds so... cold. Ha!
Marty, as far as fecal bacteria go, my back door area already has plenty. We walk in from the chicken coop and yard there and all manner of yuck follows. So I already do lots of cleaning there, and keep the toddler away for the most part.
And Margaret, if that's the the worst problem I'm likely to face, I think I can handle it! I'm kind of a recluse anyway! LOL Really, I don't have a lot of guests outside my circle of close family and friends, who already understand my brand of insanity. And anyone else will just have to deal with it.
I know who Ellie Mae is, I watched a lot of Nick at Nite reruns as a kid and anything to do with animals had my attention :) I did not know that about the White House, although I heard they used sheep to keep the grass mowed. And then I read somewhere that in the Middle Ages people lived with their livestock... if they were lucky, they had two stories, the animals got the downstairs! And on the other hand I'm sure there are people in the world who would be disgusted by the fact that we keep dogs in the house. *shrug*
Kinda makes me wonder though, if a milking area isn't as clean as a kitchen floor, plus or minus a few nanny berries, do you really want to drink the milk, anyway?
OK, Lara, I just thought of the most important warning I can think of and it could be a horrible serious problem to deal with if you are not prepared for it and don't know how to handle the situation. It could ruin all of your plans unless you are sure you want to do this!
First I have to say, I am even a little surprised so many other people are agreeing! It makes me real proud of each of them!
Worse Problem You Are Likely to Encounter: Other People! We are more like minded and supportive of trying the unusual! We all LOVE our goats! Not everyone will understand just how reasonable and practical what you are talking about could be and that even the extra clean up etc. will be no big deal compared to the benefits of getting your goats sooner, having wholesome dairy products, convenience when working, saving money on a milk room etc.
You know way back when! There was livestock IN the White House! YEP! If they give you lip, tell them to just call you "Ellie Mae" and if you don't know what I mean by that, speak up so we can educate you on it because they may start calling you that anyway! One of my Hubbys friends, has called me that for 20 years or so!
Go for it Girlfriend! You have support! I don't think you will be the only one doing it from the way it sounds here!
Don't forget she'll be tracking in fecal germs on her feet, which maybe bad for your toddler.
That said, I gave my goats a room in my insulated garage for a milk room. It's been awesome! Warm, since I have electric (and put in a space heater) safe secure and comfy. Love it!
I would not put one in my house since I'm a biologist and a bit of a germophob in the hosue, but I can see why some may choose to do so. Just mop with good soapy water pretty often, to avoid those fecal germs getting spread all over your house, and finding their way into the toddlers mouth. Maybe don't let anyone else in or through there.
What a fantastic idea. Boy if I could set up my milking stand inside our house, I would be so happy. We have some really cold winter months and spring months as well . I would not think twice if you can do this. A bit of clean up after but that's not so bad. I would say go for it!
I like the idea too! Just be ready for nanny berries on the floor, and you should be set!
I love the idea! And putting down a non-skid rug as Margaret mentioned would make clean-up easier and avoid the risk of the goats slipping.
Lara, I am sure many would never consider it, but if you have no problem with it, go for it. You realize they may use the bathroom in there, but if you don't mind sweeping up the berries and running a mop over the floor or mopping up pee once in a while, I don't see why anyone else should care!
I am with you on not having to worry so much with the weather or the hassle and expense of building a special place if you only want to milk 2 or3 little goats! As far as actual problems go, I would be careful about them slipping on those floors and getting hurt. That would be my biggest concern! A rug between the door and milk stand or a rubber mat should fix that!
Personally, I would have no problem with it myself! I have always planned to make my milk room right at my door too! But until I move, I am sure that I will milk right on my porch! That is where my stand has been sitting for a year waiting!