Q: I'm tired of being called Bird Legs because of my skinny calf muscles. What can I do to get some shape and form in my lower legs? - E.H., Charlotte, NC

A: You can't do better than the standing calf raise for building shapely and strong calf muscles. This exercise stresses the upper portion of the calf called the gastrocenemius. Include this exercise in your regular strength-training routine and you will develop shapely legs in no time.

Here's how to perform the exercise: Adjust your shoulders under the pads of the calf-raise machine and place the balls of your feet on the platform, with your heels hanging off the edge. This will provide a maximum stretch of the calf muscles. Keeping your legs straight, lower your heels as far as possible, then rise up on the balls of your feet as high as possible. Pause momentarily before returning to the starting position.

You also can easily perform the calf raise at home, using a block of wood or a thick phone book. Standing a few inches from a wall, place the balls of your feet on the wood, with your heels extending off the back. Bracing lightly against the wall with your fingertips, begin your workout going up and down off the balls of your feet. As you get stronger, try performing the exercise on one foot at a time.

Source: fitlinxx.com

Also,
From what I have done and heard is along with what was said before, limit your rest time in between sets to about 10-15 seconds. Your calves are made of a different type of muscle and they do not break down the same way your other muscles do.

My advice is to do 10 reps, 10 sets and about 15 seconds of rest....and yes it will burn!

I know that feeling bro

calves are one of the fastest reproductive muscles... burn them... and burn them again!

yesterday did 6 sets of 25 each