How to Raise Pigeon Toed Calves

Raising cows is not difficult, as they have been bred to be docile and easy to keep. When faced with one with a physical deformity, such as pigeon toes, an owner has to make some moderate changes in the standard care of the animal to make sure it thrives.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Cattle feed
  • Hay
  • Hoof trimmers
  • Hoof file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Asses the severity of the calf's deformity by having it examined by a veterinarian. A professional diagnosis and prescription for care by a trained veterinarian can assure you that you are doing all that needs to be done for the calf to thrive.

    • 2

      Allow the calf its own pen to get plenty of free exercise. If you tie up a young calf, or limit its movements too much, you can further damage its legs and inhibit its growth and development. While you cannot necessarily turn it out into a large pasture to fend for itself with other cattle, it does need to move and run around.

    • 3

      Feed the calf a selection of good quality hay and a calf creep pellet. In addition, provide a salt block and fresh water for the calf at all times. Treat the calf for parasites as recommended by your veterinarian and give it any vaccines that the vet recommends.

    • 4

      Have a farrier trim the calf's hooves at regular intervals, at least every six weeks. As a professional, he will know how to trim the feet in such a way that the hooves have a chance to correct themselves as much as possible. With corrective trimming, many cases of pigeon toe can almost fully be corrected.

    • 5

      Castrate any male calf you have that is pigeon toed. This is a congenital deformity and can be passed onto his offspring. If your calf is a female, you may choose to either send it to slaughter when it is old enough, or -- if you choose to breed it -- be sure to mate it with a bull that has excellent legs and hooves, as this will be your best chance at producing offspring with acceptable legs.