Securing heifer from kicking out

[sjewart]

Think i need to strip out a heifer but only have my calving gate to secure her.

Any tips on what to use to secure her back legs to stop her kicking out and potentially breaking my arm? She's quite sore.

Ropes, shackles? Where to place them etc.

 

[primmiemoo]

If he had a known kicker, Dad would tie a loop of binder cord around a cow's girth just in front of her udder and draw it up to prevent kicking when he was milking. Not too tight, obviously.

If you're using a gate, though, and the heifer isn't calm enough to stand to let you milk her, I'd use a loop of strong rope around a hind pastern, and tie it back to a strong anchor point at about a 45°angle behind, so she's not fully on that foot and can't kick out around.
Putting on that loop can be tricky. Sometimes they'll step into it if it's put on the ground, but more often you need to move like a farrier, and quickly noose it round.

There's bound to be an easier way, though, so I'll take note.