Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Cattle feed
- Hay
- Hoof trimmers
- Hoof file
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.