Milking Parlour Tour

Welcome to the milking parlour.

I'm really happy with how it has turned out.

It's proven to be functional and efficient.

This is the main work area.  The stainless table and shelving from Sam's Club made the perfect work surfaces.  That way I can keep them clean.  All the necessary milking equipment and cleaners are here along with milk pails for milk too.

We chose an E-Zee NuPulse mini milker mainly because the pulsator is not on the lid of the bucket which makes it easier to clean.  It has a 4 gallon pail that is the perfect size for a family cow.

The Gast 3/4 horse power vacuum pump regulates the flow at just the right pressure.

We also opted for the in-line filter.  It easily unclamps for a fresh filter to fit inside at each milking.  This way the milk is filtered before it even hits the pail. 

This is the machine that cleans the machine.  If you invest in a milking machine, you should also get the Clean-in-Place (CIP) Bucket Washer.  It makes clean up quick and easy!  Honestly, this is the best part of the machine.  I'd be spending hours cleaning if I didn't have it.  All of our equipment we purchased from Giles Dairy Service.

You attach the teat cups to the washer and turn the machine on just like for milking.

Instead of taking milk from the cow, it pumps dairy detergent/rinse water from buckets underneath, through the machine and into the pail.  This keeps me from having to disassemble it all and drag it in the house to wash. Love it!  Thanks Honey for recommending I get it.  You're so smart!

Next to the machine, on the shelves, we keep teat wipes, teat dip, filters, udder balm, and dairy detergents & towels.  Then we have the trash can and a stool to unfold and use but not trip over when not in use.

The stanchion. (Built by all my guys)

Cocoa eats while she's milked and is so eager to come in, we don't have to lead her on the halter now.  I have a couple of empty protein tubs stacked up for her meals.

The feed is stored to the right of that.  Opened feed is stored in the Rubbermaid barrels.

And of course, we have a fan.  It's summer in Oklahoma, after all.

The stanchion plans can be found here.  

It's proved to be sturdy and functional.  Heavy duty velcro is what we use to close the head gate and for the tail holder.  That's just so she doesn't swat me, unintentionally. ;)

A few improvements are planned for the future.  Rubber mats are covering the floor now but soon will be replaced with concrete and a floor drain.  An industrial sink would be helpful but the hose outside works fine for now.  I'm dreaming of white walls, a pink chair, and maybe a chandelier.

It's a girl place after all ~

It's a parlour!