7 DIY Goat Milking Stands For Fear-Free Milk Extraction
A milking stand can overcome the chance of getting those painful blows from goat legs while taking milk. Since it stands higher, you will not need to bend much. But, building one yourself suits your distinct needs (in terms of number and neck size). So, explore the 7 best DIY goat milking stand ideas with varying features. Some designs have built-in feeding baskets or extra shelves for storage. You’ll find different styles, from rustic farmhouses to painted modern designs. Multi-goat stands and more sizeable options are also for the larger herd.
Safety Measures and Basic Stand Structure
Here are some essential safety tips for these DIY goat milking stand ideas:
- Ensure the stand is sturdy and well-balanced.
- Pad the headpiece to prevent chafing.
- Make sure the restraining mechanism is secure but not overly tight.
- Keep the area around the stand free from unnecessary objects that could cause injury.
The basic structure for a milking stand typically includes:
- A platform for the goat to stand on
- A headpiece to hold the goat in place
- An optional feeding basket
- A base to support the platform
With these tips and guidelines, you can create a goat milking stand that ensures safety, convenience, and a smooth milking process for you and your goats.
How to Build a Goat Milking Stand
Uses: This Stand proves to be an essential tool for goat owners, smoothly facilitating milking processes while incorporating an element of comfort and safety. It eases the milking journey, making it less time-consuming and more efficient, eliminating the possibility of back injuries while increasing the milking output significantly.
Materials:
2 wood pallets
Screws
Drill
Ruler
Pencil
Wood-cutting equipment
Making:
Begin by cutting the base from a full wood pallet. It’s key to cut in a straight line to avoid the pallet’s bracing beams, as this will help the stand remain stable and level after assembly. Turn the pallet over to cut the back bracing, which will serve as the platform base. Use the offcuts from the extra pallet to fill in any spaces in the base of the goat milking stand for added sturdiness. Affix the legs to elevate the platform to the desired height based on who will be using the stand, then secure siding on the platform to create a contained space where the goat will stand during milking.
How To Build A Goat Milking Stand
Uses: Building a goat milking stand makes the milking process easier and cleaner. It helps to keep goats calm while milking, ensuring less mess and more milk.
Materials:
Saw (either circular or miter)
Measuring tape
Pencil
2×4 wood pieces
Drill and drill bits
Screws
Table saw (optional for finer cuts)
Making:
Start by determining the size and design of the milking stand needed based on the goat’s size and the user’s height to ensure comfort during milking. Adjustments to generic plans were made to suit specific needs and materials on hand. Utilizing 2x4s, construct the frame according to the chosen design. This includes creating a sturdy base and a vertical structure that will serve as the backbone of the milking stand. Cedar fence pickets, previously used for a raised beds project, were repurposed as flooring for the stand, providing a stable and comfortable surface for the goat. Instead of attaching a bucket directly to the stand, a wooden shelf and bucket holder were designed and built to accommodate milking essentials.
Simple Goat Stanchion
Uses: A simple goat stanchion invites calm to the daily routine of goat care. It holds a goat gently while owners do important tasks like milking or trimming hooves. It’s a stand and a caring hug for goats, keeping them still easily.
Materials:
Long, straight pieces of wood
A handful of screws
A solid piece of plywood
DIY Goat Milking Stand
Uses: The practicality of a homemade goat milking stand shines through in its everyday use on the farm. It integrates handy features like hooks for hanging food buckets to keep the goat content busy while milking. It’s designed with small goats in mind, making it an ideal, safe, and lovingly put-together piece for goat owners who treasure the health and safety of their animals and the quality of the milk.
Materials:
(5) 2″ x 4″ x 8′ Boards
(2) or (4) Screw Eyes
(3) 6″ x 8″ Shelf Brackets
(2) Small Cup Hooks
(1) 6″ Long Bolt with Matching Washer and Nut
Bungee Cord
2 1/2″ Exterior Screws
1″ Exterior Screws
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Extra Long Drill Bit
Making:
The construction of this milking stand involves a few key steps and uses common tools and materials. Start by cutting your lumber according to the plans. Precision here will help ensure a smooth assembly process. Begin by attaching the two long sides to the back end. Add a piece a couple of inches before the front of the frame to prepare for the front and future legs. Insert a long piece in the center of the frame to support the top, which helps during the attachment of the front piece to the frame. Using three screws for each back leg, secure them to the frame, two from the back and one from the side. After assembly, apply exterior paint for durability and aesthetics, then add the hardware, such as shelf brackets to support the head gate, screw eyes, and a bungee cord for securing the goat.
Danielle Goat Milking Stand
Uses: Let’s not overlook the attached step for extra convenience, whether for you or your small goats who prefer climbing up. The stand is hassle-free, comfortable for you and your doe, and ensures a smooth, easy milking process.
Materials:
Screws or nails
2x4s and 1x4s
Scrap piece of plywood
Sanding supplies
Screwdriver/hammer
Jigsaw
Hook for the closure on the stanchion
Making:
Starting with the base frame, built with precision and care, ensuring it is flat and balanced. This frame is then embellished with 1x4s to create a sturdy platform. The crucial part comes next, creating the headpiece or “stanchion”. This piece is carefully built and measured to suit the height of your goat, ensuring they are comfortable and unable to wriggle free during the milking process. The final steps include securing a seat, a genius addition that doubles as a step for your goat and a seat for the one milking.
Goat Milking Stand
Uses: The humble Goat Milking Stand brings a touch of ease to the daily ritual of milking. Plus, the cozy width, just enough for your goats, gives them a snug spot to stand. It’s a peaceful aid that keeps goats calm with food while you milk — simple joys for you and your goats.
Materials:
2x4s for a strong frame
Gussets as flat triangles or squares
Screws to hold it all tight
Plywood or OSB
1x4s for the neckpiece
Tools like a saw, screwdriver, and sander
Making:
You start with a frame, square it up just so, and top it with sturdy plywood. Next, the legs hop on and cut to keep the stand at the perfect height. The headpiece, a spot for the goat’s neck, gets shaped with care to ensure it’s comfy. When the base, topped with a smooth board, is ready, it’s all set for calm milking moments.
Pallet Milking Stand
Uses: The charming Pallet Milking Stand brings simplicity to your barn while being a loving friend to your goats! Not only does it provide a secure spot for milking, it also comes with a built-in grain feeder for your goats to munch at. Additionally, the skillfully built head catch keeps the goat calm and steady, transforming milking into a hassle-free task.
Materials:
Pallet boards
Screws
An eye hook
Saw for cutting boards to size
Additional board to prevent the goat
Making:
The genuine genius behind the Pallet Milking Stand is its easy yet resourceful making process. One starts off building a sturdy frame, crafting it from pallet boards. The boards are then cut, and measured particularly to incorporate a ‘seat’, a perfect resting spot for the milker. An essential addition is the head catch, which is a pivoting pallet board, securing closure with an eye hook. To prevent the goat’s rear from veering toward the wall, a board is added on the left, keeping the goat well-positioned for milking.
