How to Feed Orphan Calves

Orphaned calves, also called "bucket calves," are those that have either lost their mother through death or are separated from their mothers anywhere from one to 10 days after birth. The calves are taken by humans and hand raised, often for meat production, when their mothers are sold at auction.

Things You'll Need

  • Calf milk replacer
  • Buckets
  • Bottles
  • Nipples
  • Grain
  • Hay
  • Water
  • Probiotics
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by deciding which method you will use with your calf. Bucket feeding is the best way for your calf to drink its milk, but can be harder to teach. Most calves will readily suck a bottle with a nipple, or a bucket with a nipple, but nipples must be cleaned thoroughly between feedings to make sure bacteria are not growing - as they can make the calf sick.

    • 2

      Buy your calf milk replacer at your local feed store. Consult with the feed manager concerning which will be best suited for your calf. Most milk replacers come in powder form and are to be mixed with warm water at the time of feeding. Following the instructions on the product is important to make sure that the nutrition provided is effective.

    • 3

      Introduce your calf to his new way of feeding. If teaching him to bucket feed, it might take some time and several tries, so be patient. Allow the calf to drink the suggested amount as instructed on the product directions. Do not over or underfeed as this can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea or other potentially fatal problems. Feed at least twice a day, more if instructed.

    • 4

      Offer grain and soft hay from the first week to the calf at all times. Special calf creep feed can be purchased at your feed store. These feeds should be offered in small amounts to keep them appealing and fresh. Mixing them with probiotics made specifically for cattle can help the rumen, or digestive tract, of the calf develop - allowing it to be weaned earlier.

    • 5

      Increase the grain ration as the calf increases solids intake. After four weeks, the calf's rumen should be well on its way to developing, and the milk replacer can be cut back, and more solids given. After eight weeks the calf should be fully weaned off milk replacer and eating free choice creep pellets made specifically for calves.