Calf with kicking problem...

[RasorFarms]

We have a calf who has always been partial to his left rear leg. He loves to take a swing at you for anything. Right side is just fine though. Wasn't much of a problem when he was smaller but he's pushing 1100 lbs and working with him daily is getting to be a hassle. He is a fair steer for my fiancé's younger brother and we're just not sure how we're going to be able to fit him etc. My question is: has anyone had experience with problem calves like this and found a solution? Yesterday when washing him we tried holding his tail up at the base like we do with calves we castrate and it seemed to help a little but he still got a few kicks in. To clarify: he's dead broke, gets worked with daily, and we definitely don't do anything that would be hurting him. Also it is just that left rear leg he kicks with. The right is fine. He doesn't act spooked when in the chute etc, so we think he must have had a bad experience with that leg or something.  Just wanting to see if anyone has any suggestions or has similar experiences they'd like to share!

A

 

[PDJ]

About thirty years ago I had an Improver steer that was a kicker. He only kicked once or twice a day, but never seemed to miss.    I finally resorted to putting a nose clip in whenever we were working with him, and gave a little tug whenever he started dancing.  It took the attention away from his legs, and at least worsened his aim. He never got any better, even by his sixth show. On the plus side, he never kicked in the ring and was probably the best showmanship calf I ever had.

 

[rackranch]

You mentioned he is now 1100lbs.  Other than holding his tail, what has been done up to this point to break him of kicking.  I can give advice but it would help to know what has been tried already. 

 

[SlickTxMaine]

I have tied them up and sprayed that leg with water from a hose.  Let them kick until they can't kick anymore.  They will realize that it's not hurting and stop kicking.  This will take several days, give or take - depending on the calf.  I have also "brushed" them with a long handled broom while tied up.  If they kick, just keep going.  Keep doing this till they stop kicking.  Also takes more than one session.  These two have always worked for us when we have had a kicker.  Good luck and be careful!

 

[RasorFarms]

Rackranch- honestly haven't done much besides holding the tail. We've just basically been working with him, such as leading him daily and washing frequently. Like I said before, it didn't seem like a big deal when he was smaller and we just thought he'd grow out it if we worked with him consistently over the winter. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

SlickTxMaine- water doesn't phase him too much but he's not a fan of combs or the blower.  I like the broom idea, we'll have to give it a try! Thanks!

 

[Spencer10218]

Kick him back (sarcasm)
Sullivan's sells that Kow Kant Kick thing never tried it but if you get desperate enough that sounds like a option

 

[Freddy]

When had a problem kicking while clipping we used a blind fold put under halter side rope .....Didn't always work ....tHINK OF SOME WAY TO CALM HIS NERVES ....

 

[vc]

We used to just throw a rope around the flank, pull it firm and tie them to side we were not working on when clipping. (same basic principle as the Kow Kant Kick) When I helped my buddy out at the dairy when i was in high schoolthey had hobbles that slipped over both hocks so the cow could not kick, wonder if something like that would work.

Here are a few picture of a differnet tools
The first pair runs around $18, the second I saw went for around $12, the last goes for around $120, at least there are some options.

 

[shortybreeder]

My bull is the same way, but he only kicks when the blower is on... He's about 7 weeks old though, so I am hoping that he will get over it with time.

 

[greenbriarfarms228]

MY 4-H leader ties a string to milk jugs or feed sacks and ties it behind them (like from the rafters)  so when the wind blows them or they hit them with their tail it moves the jug or bag. May help him learn that there is nothing to kick at and eventually maybe he will stop!

 

[Tallcool1]

It seems odd that he only kicks with one leg.  There is a chance that he can't see out of his left eye, and anytime you touch him over there it scares him.

I know that is a longshot, but if it is the case, start really talking loud to him whenever you are going to work his hair.  He may learn that you are there, and come out of it.

 

[simba]

I have a friend whose steer got stung by a bee right near his flank. It's a good thing he only had one more show to go to because that steer would kick your head off if you went anywhere near that spot. I would try the broom idea that SlickTxMaine recommended- touching him with a showstick all over his body and especially that area might work too, it's the same idea. Good luck!