When I first started using the EZ Ultimate Bottle Milking Machine, I was a bit apprehensive. I didn't want to mess anything up. While it was awkward at first, daily practice turned it into second nature for both me and my goats. Within a week, the process was as natural as the rhythm of our daily farm life. It’s so helpful—faster than milking by hand and allows me to give my goats extra attention during the process. Since our goats can get grumpy on the stand, so the quicker milking time definitely helps keep them comfortable.
When comparing the EZ Bottle Milking Machine to other brands, several factors stand out:
- Affordability: The EZ Milking Machine is more budget-friendly compared to high-end models, making it ideal for small farms.
- User-Friendliness: Its straightforward design makes it accessible for beginners.
- Maintenance: The machine is easy to clean and repair, unlike some competitors that require specialized service.
Where to buy:: Ultimate EZ Bottle Milker | Udderly EZ
How Does it Work?
The machine is essentially a regulated vacuum compressor, connected with tubing to silicone teat attachments. This allows for an experience that is not only faster for you and your goat, but also provides more comfort for the goat’s udder if used properly. There is a control system to make sure the vacuum flow is consistent, and you can calibrate it to exactly where it needs to be (11 Hg maximum for goats).
It’s not a pulsator-type machine, but from what I’ve seen, it’s nearly as fast. It milks both teats at once. Since everything is within the tubes and bottles, it’s more sanitary than hand milking and having your goat milk out in the open in a bucket or pail.
Important Considerations:
Complete Milking Out
One crucial point to note: the Ultimate EZ Milking Machine doesn’t fully milk out my goats. Imagine trying to empty a bottle with a tiny hole at the bottom—it gets most of it, but not all. If the goat’s babies are still around, they’ll finish the job. But if we've sold the kids or separated them, we need to hand milk after using the machine to ensure she’s fully milked out. This helps maintain her milk production and reduces the risk of diseases such as mastitis.
Maximizing Milk Extraction
The machine alone gets about 75% of the milk.
Here’s how I boost this to around 90%:
- Close the clasp on the tubing to stop suction.
- Remove the udder attachment.
- Massage the udder for a few seconds—imagine it as a gentle shoulder massage, encouraging the last bit of milk to flow.
- Reattach the machine until milk stops.
- Remove and hand milk if necessary.
Keeping Udders Healthy: Pressure Adjustment
Keeping your goats' udders healthy is paramount. The manual suggests no higher than 11 Hg for goats. On the machine, you can see the pressure reading—it’s best to close off the vacuum tubes to get an accurate measure. Use the side knob to calibrate. We check the pressure every time we milk for the well-being and health of our goats’ udders. A tip for long-term users: Periodically inspect the machine’s seals and gaskets for wear and tear, as these can affect pressure accuracy.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning is straightforward:
- Clean udder attachments and collection bottles with soapy water after every use.
Handling Accidental Spills:
If a goat kicks off a bottle, there’s a mechanism that prevents backflow into the machine. You’ll need to remove and clean the tubes and overflow container. I recommend:
- Running a bit of vinegar through the tubes.
- Soaking the overflow container in soapy water.
- Washing the outside of the tubes and container with a sponge and soap.
- Hanging the tubes to dry.
Monthly Deep Clean:
For those looking to keep their machine in top shape, I suggest a monthly deep clean. This not only ensures the machine’s longevity but also maintains optimal hygiene standards.
- Disassemble all removable parts.
- Soak them in a vinegar-water solution to remove any calcium or milk residue.
- Wash exterior removable parts with dish soap and a sponge
Durability and Portability
The machine is durable, though a bit awkward to carry around. It’s 14 lbs, according to the manufacturer.
After years of lugging it to and from the barn (albeit with the convenient tote that comes with the product), we decided to keep the machine in our milking room. For those with larger herds or multiple milking stations, consider investing in a rolling cart to ease transportation.
We store it in a box with a lid until it’s time to milk. One less thing to carry in the morning is always good!
Advantages to the EZ Ultimate Bottle Milking Machine
High-Quality American Made
The milker is made in the United States - manufactured in Iowa. The Ultimate EZ Electric Milkers have a 2-year limited warranty on the electric pump and a 6-month limited warranty on the kit's accessory pieces for manufacturing defects.
Ease of Repair
The EZ Electric Milking Machine is quite easy to repair. For instance, after a couple of years, we replaced an attachment between the tube and the machine. It was inexpensive and simple to fix.
Affordability
Compared to other goat milking machines, the EZ Electric Milker is affordable and ideal for homesteaders milking a few does daily. The time saved is invaluable for both me and my goats, and the machine is user-friendly. If you’re planning to expand your herd, calculate the cost-benefit of sticking with this machine versus upgrading to a more industrial model.
Power Requirements
The machine plugs into a regular power outlet, which is convenient.
Moderate Noise Levels
It’s not loud enough to be heard outside the barn, but inside, conversations need a slightly raised voice. For those sensitive to noise, consider using earmuffs or setting up a sound-dampening curtain around the milking area.
Where to buy:: Ultimate EZ Bottle Milker | Udderly EZ
Why You Should Still Know How to Hand Milk
While I enjoy the ease of the EZ Milking Machine, there are still moments when I find hand milking to be more suitable.
For instance, in emergency situations where the machine malfunctions or during power outages, being comfortable with hand milking is essential.
It’s also a valuable skill to maintain during times when a goat’s udder is under stress from an infection or other issue. Of course, if your goat has any kind of issue with her udder, consult your vet and see what they recommend regarding milking - they may have other recommendations.
Additional Tips:
Use of Bag Balm
A bit of bag balm on the goat’s udders before attaching the machine helps with suction. If the kids are still nursing, I gently wipe it off post-milking. The scent doesn’t seem to bother them. Think of it as a soothing moisturizer for their skin, ensuring comfort during the milking process.
Attachment Slips
Per the manual, it’s best to stay with the bottles to prevent them from slipping, especially if the goat moves or if the bottle is more than 3/4 full.
Bottle Sizes
For Nigerian Dwarves, smaller bottles make milking less awkward. For Nubians, we use regular-sized bottles. Early on, when milk production is high, we bring extra bottles or even a half-gallon mason jar to manage overflow.
Preventing Spills
If your goats kick, the bottles may fall and spill, causing extra cleaning and lost milk. A simple leg strap can prevent this. Additionally, training your goats to stand still during milking can significantly reduce accidents—think of it as teaching a dog to sit on command.
Where to buy:: Ultimate EZ Bottle Milker | Udderly EZ
Conclusion
After years of continuous use, the EZ Milking Machine has shown impressive durability. Minor replacements and routine maintenance have kept it in good working condition. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant about wear and tear, particularly with seals and gaskets, to ensure the machine operates efficiently. Its robust construction suggests it can serve well for several years with proper care.
The EZ Milking Machine has become an invaluable tool on our homestead. While it does have its quirks, with practice and a routine, it’s indispensable. I hope these tips help you get the most out of your machine and ensure your goats stay healthy and comfortable.
