Establish Milking Frequency

Milk your doe at consistent times each day, either once daily or twice daily spaced approximately 12 hours apart. Choose a schedule you can maintain seven days a week and stick to it throughout the lactation period.

Why It Works

Consistent milking intervals regulate the doe's hormonal cycle and maintain steady milk production. Twice-daily milking (e.g., 6 AM and 6 PM) maximizes yield -- typically 1-3 quarts per day for miniature breeds. Once-daily milking reduces yield by roughly 30-40% but is sustainable for smaller households. Irregular schedules stress the doe and can trigger a premature decline in production.

Tips

• Start with twice-daily milking after kidding for the first 4-6 weeks when production peaks, then evaluate whether once-daily suits your needs
• Never skip a milking without gradually reducing frequency first, as engorgement raises mastitis risk
• Keep a simple log of daily milk volume to track production trends and catch health issues early