Ask the Swan Specialist

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Swan Eggs -- Susan -- 4 February 2012

Hello, I decorate eggs and someone told me that there are some swan eggs in a shop near here. I had seen the eggs when I was in the shop, which is an antique/pawn shop but thought they were some type ...

Vestigial claws -- Amber -- 3 February 2012

I was recently told that male swans have vestigial claws on their wings. I am not having any luck finding information about this. Is it true that some swans have claws on their wings and they can use ...

Re: Vestigial claws -- The Regal Swan -- 4 February 2012

Hi Amber: Great question. Our veterinarians and researchers have worked with swans for more than 40 years. Through daily handling and necropsies, we have never seen a vestigial claw on the wing of ...

Feeding/raising an abandoned black swan cygnet -- Vicki Robertson -- 29 January 2012

Hi...hope you can help with what we should feed a very young black swan cygnet...we think only a few weeks old. It is late summer in NZ. He is still covered in down with vestigial wings (not that I ...

Re: Feeding/raising an abandoned black swan cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 29 January 2012

Hi Vicki: You want to feed the cygnet a mixture of poultry layer pellets and cracked corn. The cracked corn may need to be crushed a little more so that it is small enough for the cygnet to eat. ...

Re: Feeding/raising an abandoned black swan cygnet -- Vicki Robertson -- 30 January 2012

Wow, thanks, great information so hopefully we will be able to keep him/her alive! I had begun feeding him/her tiny pieces of lettuce in the gold fish pond this morning and she is gobbling them up at ...

Re: Feeding/raising an abandoned black swan cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 30 January 2012

Hi Vicki: Great photo. Let us know how things progress. The Regal Swan

How can I protect myself from swans -- Joan -- 25 January 2012

My landlord has a mated pair of mute swans that were at least civil when I moved onto the large property in October. They allowed me and my Westie to walk around their pond, and around the 8 acres. ...

Re: How can I protect myself from swans -- The Regal Swan -- 26 January 2012

Hi Joan: Great question. There may be several things going on here. First, did the former tenant feed the swans in your front yard? If so, he may be expecting a hand-out and you are not providing it, ...

New swans roaming, how to capture -- Dan -- 11 January 2012

We got a mated pair of mute swans about 10 days ago for our neighborhood pond. The pond is a few acres in size, has an island in the middle ideal for nesting and is 75% fenced. The swans looked ...

Re: New swans roaming, how to capture -- The Regal Swan -- 11 January 2012

Hi Dan: Your situation is a perfect example of why swans need to be penned for at least two weeks when being introduced to a new pond or lake. The birds have absolutely no familiarity with their new ...

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Swan with foot problem/Family Abandoned -- Lynette -- 31 December 2011

Hello. We have watched a family of mute swans grow up all Summer. Now the family has kicked one of the kids out of the family. We're still trying to decide if it's male or female. It has something ...

Re: Swan with foot problem/Family Abandoned -- The Regal Swan -- 31 December 2011

Hi Lynette: Our advice would be go to capture the young swan and get it to a licensed wildlife/waterfowl rehabilitation center. If the parents have banished the cygnet, then it means that they know ...

Re: Swan with foot problem/Family Abandoned -- Lynette -- 31 December 2011

Thank you so much for the quick response. We did indeed decide to try and capture our young swan. The plans are in place for tomorrow and we have a wonderful rehab ready, that took our other swan the ...

Swan behavior -- Bill Dallner -- 25 December 2011

We live on a small lake ( Lake Rosalind ) in south western Ontario Canada & for the first time ever we had a pair of Mute swans nest here & lay six eggs of which five hatched. We lost three very ...

Re: Swan behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 25 December 2011

Hi Bill: First, the smaller one may not be a female. It may be a male and the male parent swan is seeing a rival and wants the younger bird removed from the habitat. This same behavior will probably ...

male swan kill attempt on mate -- Joanne Grondahl -- 24 December 2011

Last nite, our male swan tried to drown his mate, very aggresive and persistent. We were successful in separating the two, and have placed the femalte in another pond until we can figure out what's ...

Re: male swan kill attempt on mate -- The Regal Swan -- 25 December 2011

Hi Joanne: There may be several thing occurring. First, are you absolutely sure it is his mate and not one of the siblings. Male parents can become very aggressive toward their young, especially time ...

wild mute swan -- Gene -- 11 December 2011

We have a Mute Swan that came to our pond this summer and has decided to stay. My question is, The pond has frozen over now what can we do to help it? Food? Shelter? Warmth? Or will it just take care ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 11 December 2011

Hi Gene: Is it a wild swan? If so, then it may be able to fly away on its own. If it is a swan that has been dependent upon people, i.e., they have fed it throughout the year, and it has basically, ...

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 12 December 2011

Thanks so much for your comments. Yes it can fly, it just stays here. When on land we cannot get with in 50 ft of it but when in water can get closer maybe 20'. Tried taking out food but could not ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 13 December 2011

Hi Gene: If the pond is not completely frozen, you will need a couple of boats or kayaks (BEING CAREFUL not to fall in the water) to herd the swan into an area that you can possibly corner it and ...

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 13 December 2011

This is going to be fun! OK I'll try to send some photos soon. The weather is warming a little (in the 50s) the next couple of days. So hopefully the pond will unfreeze. I just remembered a pond not ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 14 December 2011

Hi Gene: Good luck, we look forward to hearing how this progresses. Also, on another note, the fountain is a great idea because it circulates the water and keeps the pond from icing. The Regal Swan

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 2 January 2012

Up date on our Mute: Went out and bought Food, Fountain and 250' of wire. installed this week-end. So $650 later it better stick around. How can I determine its sex? I would like to get it a mate if ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 2 January 2012

Hi Gene: The only way to absolutely check a swan for gender is to conduct DNA Sequencing on a feather or blood sample which has to be sent to a license veterinary laboratory. If the bird is more than ...

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 3 January 2012

Sounds good. would not do anything until spring anyway. Another question, we have been feeding it Mazuri waterfowl food. It seems to like it and eats a full bowl (like a cool whip bowl) every night ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 4 January 2012

Hi Gene: You can feed him a mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer pellets which will be cheaper for you in the long run and you can dump it in the area that you are placing the bowl. However, ...

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 4 January 2012

Thanks for the input. We'll see what we can do. He has been staying by the leantoo today and by the fountain swimming. he usually eats some food then goes gets a drink from the pond. I'm increasing ...

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 5 January 2012

Hi Gene: Great news. At least he knows to get a drink, so extra food will help him. The Regal Swan

Re: wild mute swan -- Gene -- 5 January 2012

Looking preety good today. But its 45 degrees outside. Here's a pic. I'll keep ya informed.Thanks for all your help. Gene

Re: wild mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 5 January 2012

Hi Gene: You are welcome. Yes, the swan looks good. It knows to use the leantoo as a wind shelter without entering it. So, at least it is getting some shelter from the wind. And, 45 degrees will ...

permanently injured mute swan needing a home -- Pat Licata -- 7 December 2011

Hello, I rescued an injured mute swan and took her to a vet. Upon examination, she has an old leg or hip injury with accompanying nerve damage. She is completely unable to use one leg. I live on a ...

Re: permanently injured mute swan needing a home -- The Regal Swan -- 7 December 2011

Hi Pat: Glad we and Bob Knox could help. The swan will have a good home. Sheila

Re: permanently injured mute swan needing a home -- Pat Licata -- 8 December 2011

Hi Sheila, I cannot thank you enough for all of your help, support, and information over the past three years. I must say that I am encouraged that my second mute rescue is going to have a happier ...

Re: permanently injured mute swan needing a home -- The Regal Swan -- 8 December 2011

Hi Pat: You are very welcome. We're glad we could be assistance. The Regal Swan

swan feeder -- pat lake -- 5 December 2011

Recently changed feeding into a large dog food upright feeder with the swinging door in front, can the swan smell the food and eat, we use to feed it in a open rectangle tray but due to the village ...

Re: swan feeder -- The Regal Swan -- 5 December 2011

Hi Pat: No, the swans need to be taught how to use the feeder. You need to get the swans to come over to the feeder. As soon as you have their attention, open the feeder door, and scoop some food ...

swans mating -- Grandma barb -- 3 December 2011

We have two swans on our pond that were out there doing the mating dance this morning and did the whole thing. is this normal in new England in Dec?

Re: swans mating -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2011

Hi Barb: If the swans are juveniles, they may be practicing. If the swans are older swans, they may be starting the mating rituals as the weather is confusing a lot of wildlife at this time. The ...

Swan babies -- Joanne -- 30 November 2011

We have a flock of swans the parents and 6 babies they were born in the Spring 2011. We recently saw that they forced one of the babies out of the flock. The baby comes to shore and if the flock is ...

Re: Swan babies -- The Regal Swan -- 1 December 2011

Hi Joanne: The best thing that can be done for the young bird is to get him out of the area and turn him over to a wildlife rehabilitation center or try to find it another home. If you cannot, do any ...

swan cold tolerance -- Tom -- 29 November 2011

We have a black swan on our 3-acre pond near Atlanta (someone dumped him here -- he is aggressive) and we want to make sure he is safe and sound for the winter. There are a lot - an acre - of ...

Re: swan cold tolerance -- The Regal Swan -- 29 November 2011

Hi Tom: The black swan is typically a southern hemisphere (Australia) swan, therefore, he is not going to be extremely tolerant of excessive cold. We would suggest you bring him in if the temperature ...

Abandoned Mute Cygnet -- Rhea Malinofsky -- 21 November 2011

An injured mute cygnet born this past spring on a local lake is unable to fly and was, therefore, abandoned by its parents and siblings recently when they flew away. The lake that it is on has not ...

Re: Abandoned Mute Cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 22 November 2011

Hi Rhea: The juvenile appears to be approximately 6-7 months of age. It should be able to fair on its own as long as there are no predators in the area. Being this old, the parents were going to send ...

Trumpeter cob needed -- Bob Knox -- 20 November 2011

I am looking for a Trumpeter cob, 2-4 years old. I am also looking for the Mearle or Silver color variation of the Australian Black swan. Any sex and any number you may have. Thank you, Bob Knox ...

Swan shelter -- Shelley -- 14 November 2011

Hi We just bought a home. It has a fenced in big pond in the front of our house. We also have 5 white geese that came with it also. We've been told they can stay outside during winter as long as we ...

Re: Swan shelter -- The Regal Swan -- 15 November 2011

Hi Shelley: If the former owners had them outside under the same conditions, we would agree that this would be sufficient. The major point is to keep the waterfall pump running so that the pond does ...

Capture for medical reasons, list of innocultions, want to trade swans to engender genetic diversity -- Linda Mayberry -- 11 November 2011

I recently had to capture a 6 month old cygnet which had swallowed several feet of fishing line. Finally used a bedsheet to block her from the water (she was on land) and another person moved in and ...

Re: Capture for medical reasons, list of innocultions, want to trade swans to engender genetic diver -- The Regal Swan -- 13 November 2011

Hi Linda: First, you did exactly what needed to be done. Corner the cygnet and then try to capture. Sheets, blankets or towels will not injure the swan as long as it does not get caught in the ...

mute swans death -- denise -- 14 October 2011

wondering what would cause hemorage bleeding behind the beak and the chest cavity wall.Live near a pond with a pair of mutes as residents.Last year 3 of them died out on the pond at the age of about ...

Re: mute swans death -- The Regal Swan -- 15 October 2011

Hi Denise: A couple of things come to mind. First, if the cause was some kind of parasite, bacteria, fungal infection, etc., it would readily be seen at the time of necropsy, although tissue tests ...

Re: mute swans death -- denise laput -- 15 October 2011

Thank you so much for your info.The state wildlife specialist that looked at the swan insisted that it was blunt force trama. I asked about the parasites and he said for this area they would have to ...

Re: mute swans death -- The Regal Swan -- 16 October 2011

Hi Denise: You are very welcome. Please let us know what you find. The Regal Swan

Swan feeder height -- Steve Keto -- 12 October 2011

Hello , We have a pair of mature captive mute swans on campus. We are replacing the winter feeder on the dock and I am curious is there a proper height above water level that the feeder should be ...

Re: Swan feeder height -- The Regal Swan -- 12 October 2011

Hi Steve: The bottom of the feeder should be between 4-6 inches off the water. You don't want the food to get wet as the swans swim toward the feeder and cause a wake. You also do not want the feeder ...

Female Cygnet -- Tina -- 3 October 2011

Hi, It's getting cold here on Long Island , South Shore N.Y, I live by the great south bay, I have a swan Family and the Male cynet has his flight wings, but the female cygnet doesnt. It seems to me ...

Re: Female Cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 3 October 2011

Hi Tina: Yes, they will probably leave her. Nature is cruel, but if it means one death vs the family, the one will certainly be left to die. It is just about time for them to fly and if she does not ...

Looking for Female Mute -- Jim Regan -- 25 September 2011

Our female died in the spring, we are looking for a replacement mate for our male. He is wandering to nearby lakes looking for companionship.

Re: Looking for Female Mute -- The Regal Swan -- 26 September 2011

Hi Jim: There are many considerations before procuring another swan. First, are you absolutely sure that the remaining swan is a male? Have you had the swan sexed? If not, this can create major ...

Re: Looking for Female Mute -- Jim -- 2 October 2011

Our male is wandering to other ponds, he is well fed, so the only reason I can think of is companionship. He is about 4 years old. I'm certain about the sex. We live in Georgia, there are no ...

Re: Looking for Female Mute -- The Regal Swan -- 3 October 2011

Hi Jim: Great that all bases are covered. We would suggest that once again you procure the swans from Bob Knox at Knox Swans. The only other breeder that we work with and may be closer is Sylvan ...

pen being abused re: -- Rob -- 21 September 2011

Thanks for the reply. Definitely a pen, she has laid unfertilized eggs in the spring. Also, it is the paired cob who is doing the chasing. I have found a new good home for my pen. My swans winter ...

pen being abused -- Rob -- 20 September 2011

Firstly, love reading your forum. I have three mutes, one pair and a pen. They all live harmoniously in the past (except nesting time). This summer the cob is not letting the pen on the lake and ...

Re: pen being abused -- The Regal Swan -- 21 September 2011

Hi Rob: Thanks for being a frequent visitor to the site. As for the pen, are you absolutely 100% sure that the extra swan is a pen? Absolutely sure means DNA Sequencing or having an avian ...

Re: pen being abused -- Rob -- 24 September 2011

Now that I have decided to move my pen to another home (10 kms) How is the best way to transport her?

Re: pen being abused -- The Regal Swan -- 24 September 2011

Hi Rob: Glad you could find her a new home. The best way is to find a large box and place a towel on the bottom of the box. DO NOT allow her to sit or stand on any slick surface as this can damage ...

help baby swans -- Tiffany Isherwood -- 15 September 2011

i have australian black swans. The parents were killed by dogs, but i was able to get three signets... how do i care for them!

Re: help baby swans -- The Regal Swan -- 15 September 2011

Hi Tiffany: How old are the cygnets because this is going to be a major concern about letting them bathe, how often, and the need for warmth and dryness. The three major needs at this time are ...

Re: help baby swans -- Tiffany -- 16 September 2011

Thanks so much for your quick response. The first cygnet hatched three days ago. The last cygnet to hatch was yesterday. They all seem to be doing very well. All of them are eating and alert.

Re: help baby swans -- The Regal Swan -- 16 September 2011

Hi Tiffany: Okay, the first thing to do is to keep them on a surface with good tread. Anything slick will tear up their legs resulting in usual death as it will be extremely hard to repair a broken ...

DNA testing -- Caroline Christie -- 23 August 2011

Where can I get a DNA testing kit and leg bands? We think that there may be some babies here in the spring. (I would also want to band the adult swans.)

Re: DNA testing -- The Regal Swan -- 23 August 2011

Hi Caroline: You must submit either a feather or blood sample to a certified laboratory. There are no personal DNA kits for birds. Secondly, think about using micro-chips instead of leg bands. They ...

cygnets -- amy arbuckle -- 21 August 2011

I have successfully raised 2 cygnets since May 26, 2011. They have imprinted on each other. They know me, but I wouldn't say they have imprinted on me. The birds are healthy and have their feathers ...

Re: cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 22 August 2011

Hi Amy: Since you raised the young birds and not the mother swan, they have no idea about predators and will need to be protected at all costs. So, they will need to come in at night to be protected ...

Re: cygnets -- amy arbuckle -- 22 August 2011

so, there is no behavior conditioning that I can do to get them to spend time on the pond? This is different than ducks. After 3 days the baby ducks I raised quit returning to the barn. I thought ...

Re: cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 23 August 2011

Hi Amy: Yes, swans are a little different as they can really imprint on people and territories. You might try the island, but we're not sure how far out into the pond you can secure the island. You ...

Swan Feeders -- William -- 18 August 2011

Could you please advise where I can purchase a couple swan feeders like the one’s shown in the web site for Orange lake?

Re: Swan Feeders -- The Regal Swan -- 19 August 2011

Hi William: At one time they were called Blitz feeders now they are called Dog Cafe's. In any case, Tractor Supply has them. You will need to discard the bottom of the cafe as the tray serves as a ...

Black swan needs mate -- Tom Kowalski -- 11 August 2011

An Australian black swan appeared on our small lake in March and is not leaving. We cannot find the owner. She has a band on the left leg, is that a female? She has started following me and doing ...

Re: Black swan needs mate -- The Regal Swan -- 12 August 2011

Hi Tom: The band from Texas is intriguing. Is there any type of number on the band? Usually, bands are placed on exotic species (which non-native swans are considered)to identify their breeder and/or ...

Trumpeter Swans living with Geese -- Ed -- 10 August 2011

Recently we adopted three, 5 week old trumpeter swan cygnets born to a mated pair of captive parents. We have a three acre fenced aviary, one acre pond, with a nesting island. Also living in the ...

Re: Trumpeter Swans living with Geese -- The Regal Swan -- 11 August 2011

Hi Ed: Great question. How an animal is raised is going to greatly influence how the animal will react later. Now, having said that, you still may have a problem with one or two of the swans if they ...

Looking for someone to adopt my pair of mute swans born in spring 2011 -- Gregory Vassalotti -- 7 August 2011

I bought a male and female mute swans 7 weeks ago outside of West Chester Pa. My intentions were that the swans would rid my pond of the geese. I kept them in a cage until the end of July when I ...

Re: Looking for someone to adopt my pair of mute swans born in spring 2011 -- The Regal Swan -- 7 August 2011

Hi Gregory: Contact Bob at Knox Swans. His number is 847-875-3947. The Regal Swan.

Injured swan -- Lysko -- 7 August 2011

We have 4 swans on our lake. 2 larger swans and 2 small swans. One of the small swans has an injured leg. It looks like it either got caught in a trap and she pulled it out or was bitten by maybe a ...

Re: Injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 7 August 2011

Hi Lysko: You need to get the small swan to an avian veterinarian immediately. Whether the injury was caused by a trap, predator or something else, the infection can kill the swan. The swan's leg ...

Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 27 July 2011

Hi :-) I've been reading about merle or silver swans that are mutations of the black swan. Where can we possibly buy a DNA-compatible pair that's been domesticated and pinioned? What's the ballpark? ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 27 July 2011

Hi Evarest: Good luck in trying to find a black swan pair with the DNA Mearl color disposition. It is a hit and miss proposition. Individuals that have these pairs usually will not sell them. If they ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 6 November 2011

Regal Swan, I've seen Black Swans thrive in small ponds - with a pump - in a collection or two, one in a zoo, which only means for display and not for breeding. If I keep a same-sex pair for display ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 6 November 2011

Hi Evarest: Swans need a lot of room to swim. As long as the pond is deep and wide and can provide ample exercise, then the swans should be fine. The kiddie pool will need to be sunk into the ground ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 8 November 2011

Yes Regal Swsan, the 288 square feet (27.01 square metre) kiddie pool is in-ground and has zero-entrance. We'll look into the fill and drain, as well as, the trickle and the small aerator. Since ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- The Regal Swan -- 8 November 2011

Yes rye grass will do well as an overseed only. From now until spring it will thrive which is why it needs to be sown now. Once spring arrives regular grass St. Augustine bermuda etc. will suffice. ...

Re: Merle swans, etc. -- Evarest -- 9 November 2011

Regal Swan, I Google-d and Rye Grass (if this is the same one) originally came from South Asia and could indeed survive in tropical conditions. Thank you very much!

Black & White Swans -- Jackie -- 12 July 2011

Can Black and white swans be put together. We have a four yr old white male and we have found a 3yr old black female. They will be the only swans in the lake.

Re: Black & White Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 13 July 2011

Hi Jackie: They should do just fine. The only problem may be during mating season as the male may attempt to mate with the female. The probability of them actually mating or producing a clutch being ...

cygnets with amputated foot -- Donna -- 12 July 2011

Can a cygnet live with an amputated foot? A family of swans (two adults three "kids") live in a waterway where I live in Nassau County Long Island New York. One of the cygnets has an amputated foot. ...

Re: cygnets with amputated foot -- The Regal Swan -- 13 July 2011

Hi Donna: Most waterfowl will not survive with this type of injury. It sounds like a snapping turtle may have gotten the foot. If you intervene, the possibility for survival in a captive setting is ...

sick swan -- charles smth -- 10 July 2011

i have looks like a baby sick swan it at like its drunk shacks it head like something is in its through is there anything i can give him to help it

Re: sick swan -- The Regal Swan -- 10 July 2011

Hi Charles: It sounds like some sort of parasite which can affect the ears and eventually the brain. You need to get him immediately to an avian (bird) veterinarian and have him examined. There are ...

Swan Containment -- Tom Kern -- 7 July 2011

It looks like we here at Valle Vista are going to take a serious look at building a treated lumber wall to contain our Swans from exiting our pond in certain areas. As mentioned in our last inquiry, ...

Re: Swan Containment -- The Regal Swan -- 8 July 2011

Hi Tom: No problem about the questions. The retaining wall would need to be approximately 3 1/2 feet high. This will prevent the birds from trying to fly up the wall. Even though swans in captive ...

More about Swan Containment in Pond -- Tom Kern -- 30 June 2011

In our previous inquiry, we asked about an under water fencing system, which you suggested would be "unsafe". What if we built a rail road tie wall around that part of the pond area where we don't ...

Re: More about Swan Containment in Pond -- The Regal Swan -- 2 July 2011

Hi Tom: We think we are all envisioning the same thing, but we want to make sure. We think you are describing what we have seen on golf courses, there are pilings that build a wall around the pond ...

Swan containment in pond -- Tom Kern -- 27 June 2011

We (Valle Vista Golf Club and Conference Center) have a pair of (I assume) Mute Swans. We do a lot of weddings (298 ceremonies last year) and there is a pond behind our clubhouse (see attached ...

Re: Swan containment in pond -- The Regal Swan -- 27 June 2011

Hi Tom: Great photo. Looks beautiful. First, you have a lot of rocks, which is not a great substrate as the swans can suffer from Bumblefoot. What you might want to do is to choose the area that you ...

Swan in road refusing to budge. -- Susan Silvis -- 23 June 2011

A swan sitting on the paved edge of a narrow busy road refused to move. It was seen in a neighbors yard and took at least a half hour for it to go 30 ft. When we tried to get it to move it just ...

Re: Swan in road refusing to budge. -- The Regal Swan -- 23 June 2011

Hi Susan: There are several possible reasons for this behavior. 1. Yes, if there was something in the chemicals that caused the water to taste or smell differently, possibly. However, there are ...

Orphaned Mute Swan cygnets -- DJ -- 18 June 2011

We have four Mute Swan cygnets - approximately 3 months of age - which have been orphaned. Actually, it appears someone "put down" the adults because the male attacked a small child which got too ...

Re: Orphaned Mute Swan cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2011

Hi DJ: Yes, we are aware of this atrocity and hope that whomever the idiot that killed the adults will be found and prosecuted under criminal animal cruelty laws. However, knowing most cruelty laws, ...

eggs -- Malinda -- 16 June 2011

is it true that the swans will sit on the nest forever If the eggs don't hatch?

Re: eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 17 June 2011

Hi Malinda: A swan will not sit on the eggs forever. Once the parents know that the eggs are not viable, they will abandon the nest and will continue about their business. If they are young swans, ...

swans and lawn treatments -- Dianna Skaggs -- 12 June 2011

We have a pond with 1 pair of Mute Swans and 1 pair of Australian Blacks. We have a lawn company treat our grass. We have stayed away from the pond but have a lot of weeds and would like to have them ...

Re: swans and lawn treatments -- The Regal Swan -- 12 June 2011

Hi Dianna: Great question. You probably need to keep the swans off the grass for at least 48 hours. If you can bring them in or keep them from accessing the grass for that long, it should be safe. If ...

unhatched swan eggs -- Erik Marghella -- 2 June 2011

Hello We have a swan nest on our dock for the second year. There were 6 eggs and 1 hatched but did not survive(we think the male may have killed it). Then we noticed another egg opened and there was ...

Re: unhatched swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 3 June 2011

Hi Erik: Yes, egg addling (shaking of the eggs to prevent production of cygnets) is practiced around the world to control the population of many species of birds. Is it cruel, probably not at cruel ...

Swan eggs not hatching -- Erik Marghella -- 1 June 2011

Hello: I e-mailed you on May 15 to discuss a nest on my dock that initially had 6 eggs starting around the second week of april and one egg hatched about three weeks ago and it seemed like the male ...

When do they lay eggs. -- BETSY -- 25 May 2011

I work where they have a pond with Mute swans, they usually lay eggs, they have not this year. We can tell because one of them is always on the nest. They built a nest, but so far no eggs, is it too ...

Re: When do they lay eggs. -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2011

Hi Betsy: You may have several issues occurring. First, are you sure these are the same swans from last year? It is possible that they may be two male swans (yes the males build the nest), but ...

feeding swans -- katie -- 24 May 2011

Hi, The babies hatched and now they are hanging around the dock. Today i feed the mother and Father swan and while i was feeding them they would hiss at me as if i wasn't fast enough. They seemed ...

Re: feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2011

Hi Katie: How long have you been feeding the swans? Trust must be developed not immediate. Just because you threw food out does not mean that the swans really know or trust you. This is going to take ...

swans attack baby geese -- Paul Langan -- 21 May 2011

Do swans attack/kill baby canadian geese, goslings?

Re: swans attack baby geese -- The Regal Swan -- 22 May 2011

Hi Paul: Yes, swan parents can and will kill other baby waterfowl if they get into their territory. So, will geese. They will kill ducks and cygnets. This is nature as most bird and animal parents ...

cygnet removal/ wings pinnioneed -- corey phalen -- 20 May 2011

our mute swans on a commercial site just gave birth to cygnets last week. how long before the cygnets can fly and when should the have there wings fixed?

Re: cygnet removal/ wings pinnioneed -- The Regal Swan -- 20 May 2011

Hi Corey: It is imperative that the cygnets be captured and pinioned between 1-2 weeks of age. The older the cygnets the harder the procedure is on them and a general anesthesia (meaning general ...

egg shell -- Rob Goodale -- 17 May 2011

In the past, my pen has had eggs that didn't hatch but when I discarded them from the nest, there were full grown cygnets inside. Is there a way to help open the eggs if this happens again?

Re: egg shell -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2011

Hi Rob: For whatever reason, nature knows that something is wrong or that the pen cannot successfully raise all of the cygnets and so some eggs may be fertile, but do not survive. Usually, dead ...

Re: egg shell -- Rob -- 28 May 2011

Unfortunately, the nest was raided and all eggs are gone but the pen is safe and sound. Can mute swan siblings mate successfully?

Re: egg shell -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2011

Hi Rob: Absolutely. Unlike mammals, bird siblings can and will mate without the genetic anomalies (i.e., birth defects). If there is a birth defect it is either going to show immediately, decades ...

Mute and Black swans living on the same pond -- Betty J Hammett-Schroeder -- 16 May 2011

I have a pair of Mute Swans and a trio of Black swans due to death of one male. I would like to have them all on the same pond which is just shy of one half acre. I had them spend the winter in the ...

Re: Mute and Black swans living on the same pond -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2011

Hi Betty: First and foremost, do any of the pairs have cygnets? If you place any swans with cygnets onto a lake with other swans, there is a possibility of a fight taking place. This is the same ...

Off coloured eggs -- Rob Goodale -- 16 May 2011

I have two pens and one cob Mute swans. This year, both the pens are nesting and sitting on six eggs each. The one nest has 4 brownish coloured eggs opposed to their blueish hue of normal eggs. Any ...

Re: Off coloured eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2011

Hi Rob: Normally, a cob will stay with one pen for life (usually) and this is why everyone looks to the swan as a symbol of fidelity. However, this fidelity is dependant upon the individual bird, the ...

Swans nesting on our dock -- Erik Marghella -- 15 May 2011

Hello What a great website. Very informative. We have for the second year a family of swans nesting on our dock in long beach ny. Last year 6 eggs were laid. One rolled into the water, 5 eggs ...

Re: Swans nesting on our dock -- The Regal Swan -- 15 May 2011

Hi Erik: Regarding last year's cygnet, yes, we have seen parents not willing to help something weak as this totally goes against the theory of "survival of the fittest". If young wildlife ...

can swans attack me and my child? -- Katie -- 13 May 2011

Hi, I recently bought a home on a lake in Michigan. Our home is the last house on the lake next to a shallow bay. Today my 2 year old and small dogs were siting on our dock and the swan we see ...

Re: can swans attack me and my child? -- The Regal Swan -- 14 May 2011

Hi Katie: Yes, swans can attack and hurt you if you are struck by their wings, especially young children and pets. You were doing nothing except being in its area. This is nesting season and swans ...

swan babies -- Lisa Nogay -- 12 May 2011

I have two questions for you: Every spring are Royal Mute swans have babies. For the past two years something has gotten to the babies. One day they are there and the next they are gone. We have seen ...

Re: swan babies -- The Regal Swan -- 12 May 2011

Hi Lisa: Yes, there are many predators that will eat the young. They could also be drowning or wandering off and not able to get back to the nest. If there is something physically wrong with the ...

confusing behavior... -- Pat Licata -- 9 May 2011

Hi, I have a pair of mute swans that seem to very gently mate every day in the cove in front of my dock. I recognize that it appears as though the female's neck is being pushed under water, but ...

Re: confusing behavior... -- The Regal Swan -- 10 May 2011

Hi Pat: You may have seen a pair of swans trying to mate, especially if they are a younger pair mating for the first time. The "victim" may not have been a victim, just a female that did not know ...

agressive mute swan -- Dirk Beker -- 9 May 2011

When I kayak, there is a huge mute swan who will chase and fly right at you. It is a tidal river off the Connecticut river where I go. Rather than being attacked by this swan, I end up turning ...

Re: agressive mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 9 May 2011

Hi Dirk: This is the time for nesting and the swan is probably protecting a clutch. So, no matter what you do, the swan is going to keep you from going into that area with his cygnets (baby swans). ...

mute swans -- Julie -- 27 April 2011

Hi, How can you tell the difference between male and female mute swans? How long does it take for eggs to start hatching?

Re: mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 April 2011

Hi Julie: There is no concrete way to tell the difference in genders just by looking, although many individuals state that the male is larger and has a larger knob on his bill. However, these points ...

How to keep swans? -- Mary Wisti -- 25 April 2011

A couple of mute swans just landed in our 1.5 acre pond about 1 month ago. They seem to jump from our pond to the one next door. we would like to persuade them to stick around, but really dont know ...

Re: How to keep swans? -- The Regal Swan -- 25 April 2011

Hi Mary: You are on the right track. Although we cannot surmise if the swans may have been on the migratory path and got sidetracked or new parents looking for a suitable home, providing a safe, ...

swan's nesting in heat -- marie -- 24 April 2011

Thank you for your reply. Can the females become ill or dehydarted from the heat (it is going to be 98 degrees this week)? None of the five have abandoned their eggs.

Re: swan -- The Regal Swan -- 25 April 2011

Hi Marie: Yes, swans can become dehydrated, but nature knows best and the females will come off of the eggs to take a rest and cool off. You may not see them leave the nest, but they will during late ...

need female mute swan for male -- Nancy Jahnel -- 22 April 2011

we are interested in donation or purchasing (reasonable cost) a female mute swan. We are in northeast indiana but would travel a bit to pick up one. as a non profit garden we do not have a lot of ...

Re: need female mute swan for male -- marie -- 23 April 2011

Nancy, I read your post about the female mute swan. We are in AZ, so I don't know if that is too far for you. If you are interested I could get you contact info, they might be willing to work ...

Re: need female mute swan for male -- The Regal Swan -- 24 April 2011

Hi Nancy: The only contact that we have in your area is Bob at Knox Swans. (Google Knox Swans for contact info). The Regal Swan

Re: need female mute swan for male -- Michelle -- 23 June 2011

Another source to purchase a swan in northern Indiana is Groen's Wildlife Services. I bought my female swan from them last summer. I've included contact information Josh Groen: 219.678.2816 ...

preventing cygnets -- marie -- 23 April 2011

I live in a retirement community that has many swans on our golf course lakes. The people in charge of this program say there is no market for swans and do not want any cygnets, so they are hard ...

Re: preventing cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 24 April 2011

Hi Marie: This is not the most humane way of taking care of cygnets. The best is placing the swans of the same gender on the ponds. However, if they can get back to the other ponds, they will try to ...

swan in frozen pond -- Baker -- 21 April 2011

We purchased a farm in PA, and the stream fed pond has a pair of swans (purchased by the previous owners). Can you tell me about swan care through the winter? This past winter, the walked on the ice ...

Re: swan in frozen pond -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2011

Hi Baker: Yes, you should do all of the above. Breaking the ice would be a good solution if the pond is very small as the swans will still wander and can either get trapped on the ice farther on the ...

Mute Swan eggs -- Lori -- 20 April 2011

I took a picture of a Mute Swan sitting on her nest and to my surprise when I zoomed in she was surrounded by sun turtles, are they trying to get to her eggs or are they just sunning themselves?

Re: Mute Swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 21 April 2011

Hi Lori: The turtles could be present for both reasons. The high/dry nest out of the water provides the turtles with a nice sunning shot within range of moving back into the water quickly in the ...

swans -- gerard lewsley -- 19 April 2011

can swans eat popcorn with no salt

Re: swans -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2011

Hi Gerard: Even though the popcorn has no salt, it is not a natural food source for swans and therefore, should either be limited or not provided. Cracked corn (mixed with poultry layer pellets) is ...

Mute Swan -- Lori -- 17 April 2011

Does the Mute Swan pull out her feathers to line the nest?

Re: Mute Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 18 April 2011

Hi Lori: We would not exactly call it pulling of the feathers, rather either the molt (where the feathers fall out prior to winter or prior to summer). Or, as the swan preens, feathers come out, ...

How many swans to have? -- Robin -- 13 April 2011

I have one pair of swans on my 4 acre lake, I am wondering if I was to get another pair or two if they would get along or if it not a wise move.

Re: How many swans to have? -- The Regal Swan -- 14 April 2011

Hi Robin: A 4 acre pond could hold several pairs of swans. However, this is not the issue. If your swans have been on the pond for some time, it is their pond and they are not going to be kind to any ...

widowed male mute swan? -- M.L. Bream -- 12 April 2011

Dear Regal Swan experts, I have a bunch of questions about a pair of wild mute swans that live near my house (on the north shore of Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada) that I have been watching for ...

Re: widowed male mute swan? -- The Regal Swan -- 13 April 2011

Hi: The swans may be a lot older than 10 years. The female bird could have been killed by a predator, ill or just died from old age. Usually, swans can live up to 30 years with good care. However, in ...

Re: widowed male mute swan? -- M.L. Bream -- 13 April 2011

Thanks so much for the information. Most appreciated. I'll let you know if Tycho finds a new mate or not. M.L. Bream

Re: widowed male mute swan? -- The Regal Swan -- 14 April 2011

Hi: You are very welcome. We look forward to any updates. The Regal Swan

eggs -- Amanda -- 8 April 2011

Also , what is the correct tempature to incubate a swan egg? We are going to try that this year because last year none Hatch, so we took 6 to incubate. Thanks.

Re: eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 9 April 2011

Hi Amanda: Swan eggs are extremely difficult to incubate and you probably will have little success unless you have a professional type incubator with adjustable humidity, rotation, heat, etc. ...

When & How To Pinion Swan Wings -- Jason -- 8 April 2011

I have swan eggs (mute) and geese eggs currently in the hatching process in an incubator. A lot of experience raising poultry & non-flying geese. Have an excellent farm environment with pasture and ...

Re: When & How To Pinion Swan Wings -- The Regal Swan -- 9 April 2011

Hi Jason: The cygnets are required by law to have their wings pinioned. Usually, it is only one wing so that the bird is off-balance and cannot fly. You will need to have an experienced avian or ...

Purchasing Swan Eggs -- Natalie -- 8 April 2011

Hi, We would like to incubate two swan eggs in an electric incubator. We have been successful with duck eggs. Wher can we purchase fertilized swan eggs? Thank you

Re: Purchasing Swan Eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 9 April 2011

Hi Natalie: Unless you have a professional sized incubator with really good humidity controls, turning capacity, etc., the swan egg is extremely difficult to incubate. Most individuals who have tried ...

SWAN EGGS DESTROYED -- KOKO -- 7 April 2011

BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE RAIN, MY SWANS HAVE HAD TROUBLE BUILDING THEIR NEST ON THE WATERS EDGE. THEY BUILT IT ON LAND NEAR THE WATER AND MY EGGS ARE DISSAPPEARING AS FAST AS THEY ARE BEING LAID. CAN I ...

Re: SWAN EGGS DESTROYED -- The Regal Swan -- 7 April 2011

Hi Koko: The problem is probably a predatorial one. Raccoons, opossums, snakes, rats, turtles, and ants will eat eggs. Raccoons and turtles are notorious for raiding bird's nests for eggs. Incubation ...

Swans confusion -- Amanda -- 5 April 2011

Hello, We are very confused about our swans. We purchased a pair about 4 years ago. We never had eggs or they never built a nest or anything and we were told they were a year old when we got them. ...

Re: Swans confusion -- The Regal Swan -- 6 April 2011

Hi Amanda: The largest number of mute swan eggs on record is 13 and we have had a pair that had 10 eggs, 9 of which hatched. So, swans can produce 1-13 eggs. Swans of the same gender will mate and go ...

Re: Swans confusion -- Amanda -- 8 April 2011

Does the female swans normally produce the same amount of eggs every year? And does the male sit with her sometimes? Because as I said we have two swans but not realyy knowing the sex. One is larger ...

Re: Swans confusion -- The Regal Swan -- 9 April 2011

Hi Amanda: Yes, it seems that each swan as a built in number of eggs produced on a yearly basis throughout her lifetime. This is why if you remove eggs, they can count and may try to double clutch to ...

egg hatching -- kim -- 2 April 2011

how long for swan eggs to hatch?

Re: egg hatching -- The Regal Swan -- 3 April 2011

Hi Kim: Approximately 30-40 days from the last egg being laid. This time is also dependant upon the species of swan and when the mother officially starts the incubation process. The Regal Swan

Swan cannot walk-UPDATE after x-rays -- Douglas Marks -- 25 March 2011

13 yr. old black pet swan cannot walk. (See original post March 1, 2011 below). She has been kept indoors at night with her mate-who is always close by and very protective-and carried to and from a ...

Re: Swan cannot walk-UPDATE after x-rays -- The Regal Swan -- 26 March 2011

Hi Douglas: Actually, if she is not leaning to one side and is moving the leg in the water, that is a really good sign. She may need several more weeks of recuperative/rehabilitative care to stay off ...

How to sell swans -- Florida -- 23 March 2011

We are a private community in D B, Florida. We have a few pairs of Mute Swans, which belong to our community. Recently we noticed that there are 4 nesting sites with 4 eggs in each nest. Granted, ...

Re: How to sell swans -- The Regal Swan -- 25 March 2011

Hi: You need to check with the Florida Fish & Game Commission as swan possession/selling laws have changed. Usually, you should not separate the cygnets from the parents until they are 6-8 months of ...

Nesting -- L A Guinther -- 23 March 2011

Could you tell me is it the male , female or both that take part in the building of the nest.My birds are starting to build a nest and the one that is suppose to be the male seems to be doing all the ...

Re: Nesting -- The Regal Swan -- 25 March 2011

Hi: Yes, the male swan is responsible for building the nest. He will pull at leaves, grasses and other materials, stack the nesting material and will sit in the middle of the vegetation to form the ...

Feather Chewing -- Douglas Marks -- 18 March 2011

Elder black male is chewing his feathers in a small area on one wing after wetting the area with his beak…a new feather seems to be growing out underneath...Is he making room for his new feathers or ...

Re: Feather Chewing -- The Regal Swan -- 19 March 2011

Hi Douglas: There is a possibility of several things occurring: 1. He has an ingrown feather, i.e. either a new feather is trying to come out or an old feather is trying to come out. He may be trying ...

attacking swans -- Caroline -- 16 March 2011

How do you keep a mute swan from attacking you? The male attacks all year round.

Re: attacking swans -- The Regal Swan -- 17 March 2011

Hi Caroline: If he is attacking you are the swan keeper/owner, then you need to let him know that this is unacceptable behavior. There are several humane ways to incorporate this training. 1. When ...

mute swan becoming aggressive to people and golf carts -- Nancy Jahnel -- 15 March 2011

We have a mute swan living on our lake at the Gardens. We feed him year round and keep part of the lake open for him to swim using a fountain. We live in zone4-5 near Lake Michigan and lake will ...

Re: mute swan becoming aggressive to people and golf carts -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2011

Hi Nancy: Yes, the swan is in the March mating season and is exhibiting pre-nesting behavior. The reason that he is chasing the one person toward the pond is that he has imprinted on her and now ...

Plants -- Shelly Andersn -- 6 March 2011

Hi I am wondering today if you know of any flowers and plants that the swans will not eat. I have mine pretty close to the house and they are stripping my yard of all the nice plants and flowers I ...

Re: Plants -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2011

Hi Shelly: We're not sure exactly what they understand not to eat. You have to be extemely careful about plant life around the habitat because if they do not know not to eat the plants, they can die ...

How to protect them when starting -- Aquatic Plants -- 4 March 2011

I purchased some Aquatic plants and the Swans ate them as fast as I could put them in the water, what is the secret to starting some plant food for my swans, I feel that once it could get established ...

Re: How to protect them when starting -- The Regal Swan -- 4 March 2011

Hi Ron: Plant the vegetation and then use a chain link fence or other type of fencing in which the swans or their cygnets cannot get their heads and necks through the fence. Plant enough vegetation ...

Swans -- Gina Martin -- 2 March 2011

Recently I lost one of my swans. I do not know if it was the male or female. I was told by the person I bought them off of to pull two feathers off of the live swan and send it in for testing. First, ...

Re: Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 2 March 2011

Hi Gina: There are a couple of ways to determine the gender. The first is pulling feathers and submitting them to a lab for DNA Sequencing. This is probably the most reliable however, may be the most ...

13 yr. old black pet swan cannot walk -- Douglas Marks -- 1 March 2011

She started limping a week ago so we brought her to a Vet two days after she couldn’t walk or stand. She can move her left leg, but seems weak overall and isn’t able to straighten the leg and lock ...

Re: 13 yr. old black pet swan cannot walk -- The Regal Swan -- 1 March 2011

Hi Douglas: Not really sure what is going on here. X-rays may help pinpoint the problem. Besides, dislocations and breaks, there may be a soft-tissue injury such as a strain or sprain. If she is ...

divorce in progress? -- Pat Licata -- 28 February 2011

Hello, I would like to know if I may be witnessing a divorce in progress...A young male, approx 2 years old, comes to my dock each morning for breakfast. Within an hour, a female (Bella) arrives, and ...

Re: divorce in progress? -- Pat Licata -- 28 February 2011

I neglected to mention that I am writing about mute swans, in case that makes a difference... Thanks!

Re: divorce in progress? -- The Regal Swan -- 28 February 2011

Hi Pat: You are humanizing, but in reality it is a great way of explaining certain things. However, in this case, it probably is not a divorce in the making, rather this young male may actually be an ...

Re: divorce in progress? -- Pat Licata -- 28 February 2011

Thanks for such a quick response. While I don't know if the young male (Spencer) is an offspring of Bella and her mate, I do know that Spencer is almost 2, as he arrived at my dock on a 550 acre lake ...

Re: divorce in progress? -- The Regal Swan -- 28 February 2011

Hi Pat: There is always the possibility that Spencer is a removed brother of Bella or a sibling of her mate (which may be one of the two birds that arrived with him to your lake). Swans tend to go ...

What type of swans should we buy? (Ohio) -- Louisa -- 25 February 2011

HELLO-- MY NAME IS LOUISA VUKSANOVICH, WE LIVE IN CANTON, OHIO. WE ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING OUR SECOND BANQUET FACILITY. MY HUSBAND, AN ENGINEER, HAS BUILT A GAZEBO WITH A LARGE POND FOR A COUPLE OF ...

Re: What type of swans should we buy? (Ohio) -- The Regal Swan -- 26 February 2011

Hi Louiska: We can better answer all of your questions if we have some photos of your habitat. This will provide us with a better understanding of your needs. Please send us 4-5 shots (150 dpi 4x6) ...

Fighting swans -- TERRY ELMORE -- 17 February 2011

I have a pair of white mute swans that I have had for three years. They are not the original pair, the male of the original pair died three years ago so I had him replaced. They are both around five ...

Re: Fighting swans -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2011

Hi Terry: Usually, a male swan will not fight with a female swan, but it is possible if he wants to be left alone on his pond/lake. Male swans will usually go on their own and may not be interested ...

A swans love for its mate -- Rick Mynatt -- 16 February 2011

Hi, recently I was talking to a friend who told me that a swans love for its mate can be so strong that some swans when their mate dies will fly up, then plummet to the ground and hit like a stone ...

Re: A swans love for its mate -- The Regal Swan -- 16 February 2011

Hi Rick: This is probably either an isolated incident or most likely an old wive's tale. We have found that male swans will go about their lives with or without a new mate, while a female will find a ...

The Regal Swan® and Gatorland® Join Destron Fearing to Pioneer use of Microchips for Animal Health -- The Regal Swan® Foundation, Inc. -- 9 February 2011

For Immediate Release Contact: Shirley Bolin Tel.: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net www.theregalswan.com The Regal Swan® Foundation, Inc. and Gatorland® Join Forces with Destron Fearing to ...

Swan Wing -- Shelly Anderson -- 19 January 2011

Hello again My female Mute swan seems to be picking an area at the top of her wing, not where it is pinioned the other edge closest to her head, She often has it slightly bloody from messing w it so ...

Re: Swan Wing -- The Regal Swan -- 20 January 2011

Hi Sally: The swan may be picking at the end of a feather shaft that has not come out. The blood may even be from a blood feather. You probably need to get her to a veterinarian who can look at the ...

The Regal Swan Foundation -- the regal swan -- 8 January 2011

Hi Everyone: I am providing you with an update on our status with the Pepsi Refresh grant. We have dropped significantly in standing the last few days. We are in need of votes to get us back into the ...

Need Your Help Urgent! Please vote for us as www.refresheverything.com -- The Regal Swan -- 3 January 2011

Hi Everyone: We now need your help this month. The Regal Swan Foundation is vying for a $50,000 grant by the Pepsi Refresh Everything campaign project. We need all of you to vote for us at ...

reporting a dead Mute Swan -- Mrs. Claire Will -- 3 January 2011

Sadly, I need to report a dead swan on the A144 roadside outside Bungay in Suffolk by Clay's Printing. I am not sure what happened but it looks like it was hit by a car. Who do I report this too?

Re: reporting a dead Mute Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 January 2011

Hi Claire: You can report the dead swan to the Highway Patrol, Fish & Wildlife Commission, or your local Animal Control agency. As long as the swan is not in the middle of the road, we are not sure ...

winter in the barn -- shelly -- 17 December 2010

Hi another season another question...I live near St Louis and have been battling freezing temps and cannot keep my pond open this year. We have 2 1700 gallon submersible pumps going and still they ...

Re: winter in the barn -- The Regal Swan -- 18 December 2010

Hi Shelly: The swans will be fine for a week without going back onto the pond. You will need to water them down to help them keep their feathers water repellent. Also, DO NOT use high protein chick ...

Help indentifying a black & white speckled swan -- John Murphy -- 17 December 2010

A black & white speckled swan appeared yesterday on my pond. The color of the beak is somewhat redish/orange. The neck is a little longer than the two mute swans I have. My male swan keeps chasing ...

Re: Help indentifying a black & white speckled swan -- The Regal Swan -- 18 December 2010

Hi John: This is a juvenile mute swan. The young swan's feathers have not turned completely white and it probably got off the beaten migratory path and landed on your pond Your swans (being ...

Re: Help indentifying a black & white speckled swan -- John -- 19 December 2010

Thanks for answering my question. I did not think that it was a mute swan because of the beak being a redish/orange color.

Re: Help indentifying a black & white speckled swan -- The Regal Swan -- 19 December 2010

Hi John: Yes, the beak was the tale tell color. If it had been black, yellow or red, it would have been another species. The coloring on the body is just a really unique moult color for this ...

Winter food -- Freada -- 13 December 2010

Hello again, I was wondering if you could tell me if in winter, the swans cut down and don't eat as much as they do in the warmer months. I have noticed that mine are not eating as much as they did ...

Re: Winter food -- The Regal Swan -- 14 December 2010

Hi Freada: Swans might lose some of their foraging behavior because it expends energy which is used to keep them warm. Additionally, the food source during the winter months is different from the ...

swan abuse -- TT -- 11 December 2010

I have recently observed a property which had swans penned in an open area without any form of shelter. The problem lies in the fact that the ground hee is snow covered and it is well under freezing. ...

Re: swan abuse -- The Regal Swan -- 11 December 2010

Hi: Swans can tolerate very low temperatures due to the thickness of their feathers and down. If the lake is not totally frozen and the swans can still feed, then they may be getting adequate food. ...

winter weather -- Annie -- 9 December 2010

There is one swan down the road in a pond and has been there several years as it cannot fly...It is 5 degrees tonight! Does the swan tolerate such cold temperatures? The pond is frozen and nobody ...

Re: winter weather -- The Regal Swan -- 11 December 2010

Hi Ann: If it does not fly, then yes, it probably is someone's swans and you might try asking around to find the owner. Yes, swans can survive cold temperatures which is why their feathers and down ...

Winter Question -- Robyn Colajezzi -- 28 November 2010

Greetings! I had written you a while back about Conrad, the swan we adopted but didn't know a whole heck of a lot. Good news....Conrad turned out to be female, so we call her Lady Conrad now. We ...

Re: Winter Question -- The Regal Swan -- 28 November 2010

Hi Robyn: Great news that Lady Conrad is now doing well and has a new mate. The freezing pond has several major concerns: 1. Predators can easily access the swans even in the middle of the pond if ...

Swan Aggression -- Ron Baldwin -- 11 November 2010

I have a swan that I had to give away because of a coyote problem that I have. The coyote numbers are growing on my acreage and they are eating my ducks and swans, so I decided it would be better to ...

Re: Swan Aggression -- The Regal Swan -- 11 November 2010

Hi Ron: You will need to remove her from this environment immediately because she is either going to be seriously hurt, killed or prevented from eating and drinking which will eventually kill her ...

Re: Swan Aggression -- Ron Baldwin -- 11 November 2010

I live in Kansas City, I will go get the Swan in the morning and return her to my pond. I can leave the fountain and lights on all night to insure her safety until I can find another home for her. ...

Re: Swan Aggression -- Ron Baldwin -- 11 November 2010

I live in Kansas City, I will go get the Swan in the morning and return her to my pond. I can leave the fountain and lights on all night to insure her safety until I can find another home for her. ...

My mute swan is not aggressive anymore... -- Cheryl -- 10 November 2010

We live on a river (brackish). Two years ago a pair of swans decided to make it their home during the winter (with other water fowl going through). The male would be REALLY aggressive toward the ...

Re: My mute swan is not aggressive anymore... -- The Regal Swan -- 11 November 2010

Hi Cheryl: You say that they nested. Did they ever have eggs? If not, you may have two males with the second male now becoming more dominant/aggressive. If eggs were laid and never hatched, they may ...

Re: My mute swan is not aggressive anymore... -- Cheryl -- 12 November 2010

Thank you so much for your quick reply. Yes, they had 5 eggs, but I still think a coyote got them. I still think it is a male and female (I will enclose pictures for you to see, I just took today), ...

Swan kills in Cocoa, Florida -- Summer Devlin -- 10 November 2010

Please help advise me. I have lived in this house in west Cocoa for about 13 years. I have had ducks, geese, and swans for about the last 11 years. Every year, usually from January to June, something ...

Re: Swan kills in Cocoa, Florida -- The Regal Swan -- 10 November 2010

Hi Summer: Your three four top predators are: Coyote, bobcat, fox or panther. We would believe that the coyote or bobcat would be your major predators, especially if panthers are not known to run in ...

Chasing Swans -- Freada Shirley -- 8 November 2010

Thanks so much for the insight. I did understand exactly what you were trying to convey to me. I still have not captured the other rescue from the sewer lagoon, but I am still trying to before it ...

Re: Chasing Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 9 November 2010

Hi Freada: There are only 2 ways to catch him. First, feed him and get him to come up close enough to grab him by the neck and wings (gently of course as you do not want to hurt him or get hurt). ...

Re: Chasing Swans -- Freada -- 9 November 2010

Thanks again for the info. I have been feeding him and he will come somewhat close to me but I have failed to catch him the two times I have attempted. I will continue to try. It's only me so my ...

Re: Chasing Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 10 November 2010

Hi Earlene: Great. We look forward to hearing the outcome of this situation. The Regal Swan

swans chasing -- Freada Shirley -- 5 November 2010

Hello, I am an avid reader of all the posts. I have two rescue swans, male and female. They came to me at different times but have taken with each other and get along well. My pond is a little over ...

Re: swans chasing -- The Regal Swan -- 6 November 2010

Hi: There are probably a couple of things going on here. First, this new swan is seen as an intruder because he/she was not hatched at this particular pond. Even if it had been, it is time for the ...

Changing foot color -- L A Guinther -- 4 November 2010

I bought a pair af mute swans this summer that are supposed to be about 4 years old. The owner said that the one with the black feet was a female and the one with the white feet was a male. About 3-4 ...

Re: Changing foot color -- The Regal Swan -- 5 November 2010

Hi: Foot color is not indicative of male or female, although if the swan keeper notices the difference in color, then he/she can obviously distinguish the genders by this particular characteristic. ...

sexing a young mute swan -- Pat Radcliffe -- 2 November 2010

I have a 1 1/2 year old mute swan and don't know if it is a male or female.Can you tell the sex of one at that age? If so is it done by vent checking? Thanks, will be checking for an answer. Pat ...

Re: sexing a young mute swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 November 2010

Hi Pat: Usually, the male will have a larger knob on its bill and will usually be larger in size. Obviously, during mating season, the gender will become readily apparent, but until the swan is at ...

swan killed -- Sue -- 1 November 2010

We were shocked to see when we came home today that soemthing killed one of beautiful mute swans. Surprisingly it was not hurt, but its head was gone. What could have done this. We so sad as this ...

Re: swan killed -- The Regal Swan -- 2 November 2010

Hi Sue: This could be due to any number of causes. The two most prevalent issues that come to mind are normal predation or human interaction. If it is normal predation, we have seen coyotes, bobcats, ...

Re: swan killed -- Sue -- 2 November 2010

Some more info after I had the courage to go across the lake and look at her. Something has ate her head off and ate only the guts out through both ends of her but there is no other damage to her ...

Re: swan killed -- The Regal Swan -- 2 November 2010

Hi Sue: It is imperative that you get the other swan and any pet ducks off of the lake especially at night. The predator will return. From the description, it is either a bobcat or a mountain lion. ...

Re: swan killed -- Sue -- 3 November 2010

Thank you for your help and information. We will work on it. Did I mention that this all happened i nthe middle of the afternoon. Thanks again. s.

Gray dot in center of eyes -- Marc Balzac -- 28 October 2010

This 20+ year old black male swan has a gray area in the center of each eye that has slowly grown larger over the last six to eight months. I have not noticed anything like this with our other swans. ...

Re: Gray dot in center of eyes -- The Regal Swan -- 29 October 2010

Hi Marc: We would get the swan to a veterinarian to check for cataracts or some other defect that could eventually take its eye sight. It is very difficult to make any kind of diagnosis from the ...

beak color -- PATRICIA TROUT -- 27 October 2010

Have you ever heard of a 7 month swan's beak turning from orange to grayish/white? What would cause this? Thank you. P. Trout from Waterloo, NY

Re: beak color -- The Regal Swan -- 29 October 2010

Hi Patricia: Normally, the color of the beak in a mute swan does not attain its rich color until approximately 10-11 months of age. Usually, the juvenile swans will have varying ranges of light to ...

Winter feeding -- Jody -- 8 October 2010

We have always fed our mutes clean cracked corn thruout the year. is there a combination of feed that would be better to give them to prepare their coats and bodies for the winter season. we had an ...

Re: Winter feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 8 October 2010

Hi Jody: The cracked corn is a great filler as it will add weight and make the birds feel full. However, they should also be supplementally fed poultry layer pellets mixed with the cracked corn. The ...

mute swans and plants -- Beth -- 7 October 2010

I am the park manager of a park in Dunedin, Florida. We have two mute swans that the park has had for 15 years. They live in a pond with an island in the pond for them to roam around. I have to plant ...

Re: mute swans and plants -- The Regal Swan -- 8 October 2010

Hi Beth: We need a little more information to help you with the types of plants. Our horticulturist has asked for the following information: How big is the island? Is it primarily wet or dry? What ...

Int'l Union for Conservation of Nature Features Regal Swan® CEO Sheila Bolin as “Scientist of The Month” -- Admin -- 6 October 2010

For Immediate Release The Regal Swan® contact: Shirley Bolin Tel.: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net www.theregalswan.com The International Union for Conservation of Nature, (IUCN) Features Regal ...

Worming Swans -- Shelly Anderson -- 4 October 2010

Hi again I have another question....can I use the pelleted wormer made for horses for swans? If so how much can they have or if not what should I use? I see other questions about worming and have ...

Re: Worming Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 6 October 2010

Hi Sherry: You need to check with your veterinarian on the best de-worming/parasitic control medication for the swans. We have used several but the usage depends on the type of parasite you are ...

SWAN FEEDER -- jODY -- 3 October 2010

I WOULD LIKE SOME INPUT ON WHAT WE CAN USE ON OUR SWAN FEEDER POLE THAT EXTENDS INTO OUR LAKE. WE HAVE SOLVED THE RACOON INVASION BY TAPING THE TOP, BUT NOW, I BELIEVE A MUSKRAT IS ENTERING THRU THE ...

Re: SWAN FEEDER -- The Regal Swan -- 4 October 2010

Hi Jody: Without seeing your feeder, we are somewhat at a loss of how to stop the foraging muskrat. If you are using a Blitz dog feeder, the top can be closed by using a piano hinge as we use these ...

Feeding Mute Swans -- Shelly -- 1 October 2010

Hi Again I am wondering today how much Swans need to eat? I fill their Blitz Feeder as full as I can possibly get it and that is what I have been doing. I am wanting to go to daily feeding so there ...

Re: Feeding Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 1 October 2010

Hi Shelly: Swans are grazers and will browse throughout the day and night. A Blitz feeder filled with food is more than ample for two swans for at least a week. However, any other supplemental ...

mute swans to purchase -- ann gioffre -- 30 September 2010

Hi was wondering if anyone might know of a female mute swan i could purchase. we lost our female our male is about 4 years old and we would like for him to have a friend. Thanks Ann 614-395-4438

Re: mute swans to purchase -- The Regal Swan -- 30 September 2010

Hi Ann: Check with Bob at Knox Swans in Illinois. You can google Knox Swans to find his contact info. The Regal Swan

"Hermit" mute swan won't socialize with other swans: What to do? -- Linda -- 27 September 2010

Hello, I am writing to You from Central Pennsylvania, USA I am looking for advise to help with a young males Mute Swan's puzzling behavior. In the Spring of 2009 a Woman, we now know, was driving ...

Re: "Hermit" mute swan won -- Regal Swan Foundation -- 28 September 2010

Hi Linda: You have a very imprinted mute juvenile swan who now thinks he is a person instead of a swan. He may never get over this as swans raised by people with little interaction with swan parents ...

Swan safety -- Ron Baldwin -- 13 September 2010

I lost a swan last night to cyotes, i think the only way to provide a safe place for them at night is to build an island in the middle of my pond. i want to build a floating island, any ideas of how ...

Re: Swan safety -- The Regal Swan -- 13 September 2010

Hi Ron: We had this same occurrence at one of our facilities which we consult. There is no 100% way of protecting the swans, even a floating island except penning the birds at night in a pen that is ...

nesting site? -- Pat Licata -- 12 September 2010

Hello, Thanks so much for the additional information. I placed food on the platform this morning, and both swans came right over to eat from it, although the female didn't climb onto it as usual. I ...

Re: nesting site? -- The Regal Swan -- 13 September 2010

Hi Pat: Yes, you need to make sure that you are breaking the ice close to your home/yard. During the winter months, the swans can get trapped in or on top of the ice. Either case, they can die from ...

nesting site? -- Pat Licata -- 11 September 2010

Per your instruction, I purchased hay and placed some on the dock and a very small amount onto the platform the female has been using as her resting spot. The male and female have both ignored the ...

Re: nesting site? -- The Regal Swan -- 11 September 2010

Hi Pat: You have introduced them to the concept of hay. First, they are pulling at the hay and playing with it, so they won't be afraid of it during nesting season. They are young birds and don't ...

adminstering wormer to a swan -- Cat Hill -- 8 September 2010

We made it home totally safely with the adult male mute swan. He traveled well, in a large wire dog kennel in the floor of my 2 horse trailer. Now that we're home, before I turn him out on the pond, ...

Re: adminstering wormer to a swan -- The Regal Swan -- 9 September 2010

Hi Cat: What deworming medicine are you giving the swan? We use an inoculation for parasites, so not sure if you are using an oral or an inoculation medication. Some medications are extremely ...

Re: adminstering wormer to a swan -- Cat Hill -- 9 September 2010

Thank you! I administered fenbendazole 15 mg/kg as instructed and it was administered orally as a one time dose. There was no evidence of worm infestation but with no really good place to keep him ...

Re: adminstering wormer to a swan -- The Regal Swan -- 10 September 2010

Hi Cat: What great news. As far as the Mink vaccine for botulism DO NOT USE. There has been a lot of negative effects even death to birds with this vaccine. We use a cattle vaccine which is much ...

nesting site? -- Pat Licata -- 7 September 2010

Thanks so much for such a quick reply! I can arrange the platform and attached "island" so that is not close to the dock. My lake is home to geese and ducks, as well as the swans. Which of these may ...

Re: nesting site? -- The Regal Swan -- 8 September 2010

Hi Pat: Introduce the hay right now as the swans are using so they get used to this normal material introduction. If you wait until spring, you may actually scare them and they may not get back on ...

nesting site? -- Pat Licata -- 6 September 2010

Hi, I live on a 550 acre lake. In early March, three juvenile mute swans appeared at my dock. Approx. one month ago, one disappeared, and the two remaining swans seem to be a pair. I have a vinyl ...

Re: nesting site? -- The Regal Swan -- 7 September 2010

Hi Pat: As long as you are fine with the arrangement, it should not be a problem. The only other consideration would be the possibility of a predator being able to climb onto the island via the dock. ...

Capturing a swan to move him... -- Cat Hill -- 6 September 2010

The people whom I've bought the single male swan have not capture him for me to pick up yet. They are not sure how they will do this as the first attempt, using a net while he was on the bank of the ...

Re: Capturing a swan to move him... -- The Regal Swan -- 7 September 2010

Hi Cat: The kayak idea is much better. Do not try to capture him from the kayak or you will be paddling all day long. The best thing is to ease him up on the bank into an area with a pen or some type ...

Re: Capturing a swan to move him... -- Cat Hill -- 7 September 2010

Thank you so much. I got the call today that they were able to capture him. The man's wife got a bloody nose and he ended up all muddy but they were able to pressure him in the right direction and ...

Re: Capturing a swan to move him... -- The Regal Swan -- 8 September 2010

Hi Cat: Two important considerations. First, make sure that you use towels, something soft with give on the bottom of the animal carrier. If he slides around, he will damage his legs which can result ...

Mute Swan lost his mate -- Cat Hill -- 2 September 2010

I just bought a young adult, male mute swan. I've been reading everything I can find about the care and confident we have an excellent place for him. We have 40 acres, 3 ponds, predators are not an ...

Re: Mute Swan lost his mate -- The Regal Swan -- 3 September 2010

Hi Cat: Try Bob at Knox Swans in Illinois. The Regal Swan

Re: Mute Swan lost his mate -- Cat Hill -- 6 September 2010

Thank you, I'll give them a call after Labor Day. I would prefer an adult female who has lost her mate too but may consider a younger female although it concerns me that the male might be aggressive ...

Re: Mute Swan lost his mate -- The Regal Swan -- 7 September 2010

Hi Cat: First, a male swan after losing its mate may not re-mate. He may become aggressive toward the female because it is up to the individual swan and swan species if they will take a new mate. ...

Re: Mute Swan lost his mate -- Cat Hill -- 7 September 2010

I appreciate the information more than you know. I just want him to be happy. If he's happy enough alone, I will be fine with that. I have found a 4 yr old and a 6 yr old single female and thought ...

cygnet injured -- jennifer martin -- 28 August 2010

I have a cygnet swan on my lake it only has one leg will it be able to fly and land or when the lake freezes will it die

Re: cygnet injured -- The Regal Swan -- 28 August 2010

Hi Jennifer: Waterfowl with one leg, especially swans cannot survive on one leg unless human intevention is immediate. The bird will not be able to land, get up or down on banks to sun itself, etc. ...

Mute swans killing their own young. -- Denise Klein -- 27 August 2010

I live on an inland lake in Michigan, and have enjoyed watching many swan families evolve from the same cob and pen couple. This year the pair had five cygnets that were reduced to three fairly ...

Re: Mute swans killing their own young. -- The Regal Swan -- 28 August 2010

Hi Denise: Many years ago (approximately 11 years)when we first began researching swans, we saw this behavior in a family of swans. The male chased one of the cygnets and tried to kill it. ...

mute swans -- Tom -- 19 August 2010

Does anyone know of a mute swan breeder near Philadelphia or a pair of mute swans in need of a good home?

Re: mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 20 August 2010

Hi Tom: We're not sure of anyone in Philadelphia, but we do know Bob at Knox Swans in Indiana. He might be able to help you as he will take good care of the swans. The Regal Swan

Black Swans and Canadian Geese -- Edward Palmeri -- 14 August 2010

I am on the board of directors in a community in South carolina which has 8 large ponds with fountains in each. We have been literaly overrun with Canadian Geese. So much so the two white Swans that ...

Re: Black Swans and Canadian Geese -- The Regal Swan -- 14 August 2010

Hi Edward: First, you may need a permit to bring swans into your state. There are no guarantees that swans will or will not chase the geese. It totally depends on the species and the individual ...

Re: Black Swans and Canadian Geese -- Caroline Christie -- 2 September 2010

We had over 100 Cananda geese, and bought swans in hopes of getting rid of the geese. It didn't work all that well. (It helped some - we had 24 this year, but they had been coming here for years to ...

Re: Black Swans and Canadian Geese -- The Regal Swan -- 3 September 2010

Hi Caroline: Thanks for the info and glad it works for you. The Regal Swan

"land" swans -- sherry tyndall -- 7 August 2010

I bought a pair of Mute cygnets that were only 2 weeks old and raised them first in my garage then in a kennel half in and half out of the water. They are now about 4 months old and I've taken the ...

Re: "land" swans -- The Regal Swan -- 7 August 2010

Hi Sherry: Unfortunately, this behavior is considered imprinting. The cygnets have imprinted upon you because you raised them from such a young age and now they think you are swan mom and they are ...

Re: "land" swans -- sherry tyndall -- 15 August 2010

Thank you for responding to my "land" swans question. I also have a few other questions. We have a 2 acre pond which we stocked last year with 9 Carp to keep the vegetation down. However, I now ...

Re: "land" swans -- The Regal Swan -- 16 August 2010

Hi Sherry: 1. 9 Carp should not be a problem unless they are extremely huge which may be scaring the swans. A large mouth bass and even carp may eat cygnets (baby swans), ducklings and goslings even ...

What to do with cygnet? -- Rick & Mary Jayne -- 3 August 2010

My husband & myself rescued a baby swan on 7/4/10. The parents along with two other two cyegets where attemping to cross a very busy channel and the one was not strong enought to make it do to a ...

Re: What to do with cygnet? -- The Regal Swan -- 4 August 2010

Hi Mary & Rick: Great news that you saved the young cygnet. Has it been pinioned (rendered surgically unable to fly?). If so, then it will need to stay in a captive setting. If not, it still may need ...

Re: What to do with cygnet? -- Mary & Rick -- 10 August 2010

Can cygnet live on land with other ducks,geese. No pond near farm.

Re: What to do with cygnet? -- The Regal Swan -- 11 August 2010

Hi Mary & Rick: If the young swan has imprinted on you, meaning you raised it and it now follows you around, etc., you probably will never be able to give it to another home unless it is extremely ...

Looking for a male swan -- virginia lawson -- 29 July 2010

Hello, My husband and I camp at Rippling Waters Church of God Campground which is a nonprofit organization. We camp a few feet from Swam Lake and we enjoy feeding our two female swans. They actually ...

Re: Looking for a male swan -- The Regal Swan -- 31 July 2010

Hi Bill & Paulette: Unfortunately, the situation you describe is going to cause more problems if you get a male swan. First, the two female swans have apparently paired as they are laying non-fertile ...

Injured young swan rejected by family -- Geri -- 27 July 2010

A family of swans live in our lake....male, female, and five young swans that were born this spring. One of the young swans was most likely bit in the head by a snapping turtle while feeding. The ...

Re: Injured young swan rejected by family -- The Regal Swan -- 27 July 2010

Hi Geri: If something is wrong with one member of the family, birds and animals will sacrifice the injured or sick member rather than have a predator reach out and kill all of the other members. The ...

seeking fertile eggs..... -- Sakina Bush -- 27 July 2010

We live on a small lake with a lone female Mute Swan. (Her mate died and I heard after that she rejected a visiting male) In the Spring she sits on her non-fertile eggs for months! Some residents are ...

Re: seeking fertile eggs..... -- The Regal Swan -- 27 July 2010

Hi Sakina: She probably would not incubate eggs that are not her own. Birds have a set number of eggs that they produce each time they lay eggs and they can count. There may be some type of odor, ...

Mute Swan -- Barbara -- 26 July 2010

There is a family of swans - mother, father and 3 babies on the pond by me. What I believe is the mother as she is smaller in size has a bad foot. It looks like something chewed off the first 2 ...

Re: Mute Swan - injured foot -- The Regal Swan -- 26 July 2010

Hi Barbara: The foot was probably amputated by a predator such as a snapping or soft-shelled turtle. She may limp, but as long as she is able to get up and down banks, then she can survive. Can she ...

injured left leg -- Mary -- 21 July 2010

Our male cygnet has something the matter with his left leg. It appears to be somewhat swollen and he has a hard time walking on it. He can stand and take may a step or two. I have pulled him from the ...

Re: injured left leg -- The Regal Swan -- 21 July 2010

Hi Mary: You need to get him to an avian veterinarian to look at the leg. This injury could be anything from a severe sprain, a muscle or tendon tear or a foreign material in the bottom of the foot. ...

wing deformity -- Kerri -- 19 July 2010

I live on a canal to an inland lake in southeastern michigan and have been very concerned about a young swan that was alienated by its family a few weeks ago. I was able to get a better look at it ...

Re: wing deformity -- The Regal Swan -- 20 July 2010

Hi Kerri: Yes, try to capture him or ask a wildlife rehabilitation specialist to help capture him. He is not going to be able to survive in the wild if he has a deformity. A predator will eventually ...

Injured Swan -- Milka Vazquez -- 19 July 2010

The swan at our community lake was somehow injured around his mouth and cheek area. It looks as a cut extending from the mouth out through his cheek. I can tell that it is inflamed. He comes up to ...

Re: Injured Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 19 July 2010

Hi Milka: You need to capture him immediately and get him to a veterinarian. The grits or cream of wheat would be the wrong thing to feed him as it may cause him to bloat. The swan will die if he ...

Re: Injured Swan -- Milka -- 19 July 2010

Thank you so much. I will not feed him grits. I have talked to the neighbors and one of them told me they knew a swan specialist. They are going to try to capture him tomorrow, as he/she is now ...

Re: Injured Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 20 July 2010

You are very welcome Milka. Where are you located? We would like to know the person in your area in the event someone else has a problem with a swan and we can refer them to your swan specialist. ...

Swan Behavior after Mate Passes -- Marilyn Goldfischer -- 18 July 2010

My 18 yr old female mute swan passed a few weeks ago. We purchased a new female for her husband, we were told she is 4 1/2. They kept their distance for a few hours then started swimming together. ...

Re: Swan Behavior after Mate Passes -- The Regal Swan -- 19 July 2010

Hi Marilyn: Usually, not always, but usually, if a female mate dies, the male will not re-mate. He will be just as happy to go along without another mate. Usually, not always, but usually, if a male ...

Re: Swan Behavior after Mate Passes -- Swan Student -- 25 October 2011

To The Regal Swan, I am having a similar issue to Marilyn's: I have an older male, and a new female swan has been introduced to the pond on my property by charitable donation. They seem somewhat ...

Re: Swan Behavior after Mate Passes -- The Regal Swan -- 25 October 2011

Hi Swan Student: Since the new swan was introduced by no effort on its own, it is the ethical responsibility for a swan owner to take precautions to help introduce the new swan to its new habitat and ...

feeding swan by hand? -- Susan -- 17 July 2010

I have lived a on small lake in WI for the last 15 yrs. We have a pair of beautiful Mute swans we call "Swanie" (the male) and "Dolly" (the female). The male is getting pretty brave around me, and ...

Re: feeding swan by hand? -- The Regal Swan -- 17 July 2010

Hi Susan: Several great questions you pose!! First, if you are the only humans around the lake and take care of the swans, there is nothing wrong with you hand-feeding them bread or lettuce. However, ...

do grey cygnets turn white in time? -- Carla Allen -- 15 July 2010

Re: do grey cygnets turn white in time? -- The Regal Swan -- 15 July 2010

Hi Carla: Yes, the cygnets will begin to turn white around 6 months of age. You will notice that the underside of the wings will begin to turn first and then the cygnets will become a mottled ...

ages of swans -- Jackie Follmer -- 10 July 2010

Our park several years ago bought two male swans and now they have to be separated so one is now in our sister park. We are trying to get two females for our males. One seller told us we could ...

Re: ages of swans -- The Regal Swan -- 11 July 2010

Hi Jackie: DO NOT get any female under the age of at least 1 1/2 or 2 years of age. The male will hurt her seriously trying to mate and may even accidently kill the young bird. Try to get the same ...

Mute swans: Menage a trois? -- Lene -- 9 July 2010

I was given 2 baby mute swans that I have raised and they are about 6 mos old. I took them to my avian vet and they are girls. I was given an 2 yr old adult male mute swan two weeks ago that was a ...

Re: Mute swans: Menage a trois? -- The Regal Swan -- 10 July 2010

Hi Lene: You probably need to find a home for the male. Two reasons for this suggestion: 1. The male is too old for the young females which will take about 1 year to 1 1/2 year to be ready for ...

How big of a threat are Coyotes to Adult black swans -- Paul Hoskins -- 8 July 2010

I recently purchased a pair of black swans, approximately 6-8 months in age, for my pond. I know there are coyotes in the area and have partially fenced in the area around the pond where they spend ...

Re: How big of a threat are Coyotes to Adult black swans -- The Regal Swan -- 9 July 2010

Hi Paul: A big threat!!!! They can and will kill a swan. Just like a bobcat, fox, etc., they will go for the head or neck and the bird will be defenseless if grabbed in the wrong way. The birds may ...

swan gazebo -- Louisa valentine -- 8 July 2010

HELLO-- MY NAME IS LOUISA. I LIVE IN CANTON OHIO. I HAVE A 22, OOO SQUARE FOOT BANQUET FACILITY. MY HUSBAND RECENTLY PURCHASED ANOTHER ACRE BEHIND OUR BUILDING TO BUILD ANOTHER BUILDING. TO THE SIDE ...

Re: swan gazebo -- The Regal Swan -- 8 July 2010

Hi Louisa: First, you need to check with your local wildlife officials to see if you need a permit to have swans. Many states require permits for swan possession. Secondly, if you do need a permit ...

Killing of our male swan on Omena Lake, MI -- Queenie -- 7 July 2010

I live on Omena Lake in Sturgis, Mi. I would just like to report the killing one of our males swans. We currently have two families of mute swans. Unforunately someone on the lake decided to kill the ...

Re: Killing of our male swan on Omena Lake, MI -- The Regal Swan -- 8 July 2010

Hi: First, are you sure that his death was due to a person? Was there any physical evidence, i.e., gunshot, arrow, poisoning, etc.? Did anyone witness the attack? Secondly, was the mute swan wild or ...

Re: Killing of our male swan on Omena Lake, MI -- Jennifer -- 22 January 2011

Michigan DNR has been shooting swans all over the state. Their plan is to reduce the numbers drastically. Unless the lake is your private property none of your swans are safe from being culled. There ...

Re: Killing of our male swan on Omena Lake, MI -- The Regal Swan -- 22 January 2011

Hi Jennifer: Unfortunately, this is the way that many states are reacting toward a lot of "non-indigenous" species. The promotion of indigenous species at the expense of an introduced species is not ...

cygnets -- Barrie Bates -- 6 July 2010

Hi, thanks for taking my question! We have 8 cygnets hatched the last week of April. A couple of days ago I noticed that one of them had been run off away from the others and is on his own. I am ...

Re: cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 7 July 2010

Hi Barrie: There is a possibility that something is wrong with him which is why the parents have run him away from the rest of the brood. Wildlife parents are not going to risk all for one baby. Is ...

Re: cygnets -- Barrie Bates -- 7 July 2010

Thank you for your response to my question. The cygnet is approximately the same size as the rest of them. They are 10 weeks old (last week of April) so they do not fly yet, and are not pinioned. ...

Re: cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 7 July 2010

Hi Barrie: Your efforts probably saved his life as the parents if they are chasing from the area, would try to kill him. Better to have him killed than go to a predator and the swans will protect ...

Swan attack and kill a goose -- Debbi Randolph -- 3 July 2010

Hi. I live in New Jersey. While sunbathing today on the bay I watched a swan attack and kill a grown goose. Everyone was shocked. The Swan was a male. He had a mate and six big babies that we later ...

Re: Swan attack and kill a goose -- The Regal Swan -- 4 July 2010

Hi Debbi: This does occur in nature because both swans and geese are extremely territorial when cygnets or goslings are around. Geese are notorious for taking on swans and vice versa. Unfortunately, ...

New female -- Michelle -- 2 July 2010

We lost our beautiful 6 year old female swan to a coyote this spring. We would like to get our 6 year old male a new mate. I was told by one seller that it is okay to get a younger female for him. ...

Re: New female -- The Regal Swan -- 2 July 2010

Hi Michelle: First, is the male swan safe from another coyote attack? You may get another swan only to have one or both swans attacked again. Predators remember where they were successful in getting ...

Re: New female -- Michelle -- 21 July 2010

Earlier this month, we were able to get a new female in northern Indiana. She is 3 years old. We kept Sophie penned until this past weekend. When we released her, she and our male bonded right away. ...

Re: New female -- The Regal Swan -- 21 July 2010

Hi Michelle: You are very welcome. Glad to know that everything worked out. The Regal Swan

Intro to swans -- Mary Wisti -- 30 June 2010

I am totally a newbie to swans, but I am so very interested in them. I have a 1.5 acre pond, about 7 feet deep. We have 2 geese that come and go every year but we have yet to see any swans. A pond ...

Re: Intro to swans -- The Regal Swan -- 30 June 2010

Hi Mary: You will first need to contact your Fish & Wildlife Commission to see if you can possess the swans. Many states are now requiring permits to possess swans. You will then need to decide ...

Baby Swans In Ohio -- Diane -- 29 June 2010

We have 7 baby white mute swans this year. Do you have any suggestions for our area (Northeastern Ohio) as to a contact for adopting out the swans. Obviously I can't keep them, and want to make sure ...

Re: Baby Swans In Ohio -- The Regal Swan -- 29 June 2010

Hi Diane: We're not sure the age of the cygnets at this time, but if they are fairly young and can come into contact with a predator, i.e., bobcat, snapping turtle, egret, hawk, etc., the chances ...

Re: Baby Swans In Ohio -- Karen -- 8 July 2010

We have a pond and are in northeast Ohio, if we can be of any help. We don't know much, but are willing to learn and have a large, rural, secluded pond.

Re: Baby Swans In Ohio -- The Regal Swan -- 8 July 2010

Hi Karen: Thanks for the offer. Hopefully, the folks with the cygnets will contact you. The Regal Swan

black neck swans -- jim -- 27 June 2010

can rabbit pellets be substituded for lettuce for black necks in the winter,,where i am in canada its cold in the winter and lettuce doesnt keep well as it freezes.I also feed wheat,barley and corn

Re: black neck swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 June 2010

Hi Jim: We would Not recommend rabbit pellets because of the high protein level which can cause "angel" wing in the swans. This is the same for wheat and barley. Use poultry layer pellets mixed with ...

Re: black neck swans -- jim -- 28 June 2010

How can rabbit pellets ,wheat and barley be higher in protein when barley is 9% and wheat is 9 % digestive protein,as well rabbit pellets are either 15 or 16 % depending on the mix yet poultry layer ...

Re: black neck swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 June 2010

Hi Jim: We conducted a survey of swan food for our research, and the following material was obtained. If you take rabbit pellets, 16% and add 9% protein you get a total of 27% fat, even if it is ...

Re: black neck swans -- jim -- 29 June 2010

Alfalfa is an excellent source of greenery in the winter,but second cut is better and not too well dried.IF rabbit pellets,corn ,wheat and barley mixed equaly wouldnt that lower the protein

Re: black neck swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 June 2010

Hi Jim: We're still not sure about the rabbit pellets. If this is something that you have been feeding the swans and you have had no problem with angel wing, then we see no reason for you to stop ...

Re: black neck swans -- jim -- 30 June 2010

The rabbit pellets were just to substitute lettuce in the winter.With 10 blacknecks to feed lettuce would be very expensive in the winter. I have red clover growing in the pens where my trumpeters ...

Re: black neck swans -- The Regal Swan -- 30 June 2010

Hi Jim: Red clover is known to contract a mold and this mold is extremely poisonous. The Regal Swan

What to do if this happens again? -- Jenny -- 25 June 2010

Hi, i have marshes down the road to me, and there have been 3 nests, many of the cygnets did not survive the first couple of weeks, i guess predators. I am a daily visitor to feed them bread ...

Re: What to do if this happens again? -- The Regal Swan -- 25 June 2010

Hi Jenny: Yes, swans recognize people, especially the ones with the daily or frequent food bucket! You probably did not cause the cygnet's death as if the demise was due to a predator, a predator ...

Re: What to do if this happens again? -- Jenny -- 26 June 2010

Hi, thankyou for your quick response. I'm still guilt ridden thinking that this possibly wouldn't of happened had i of been more quick-thinking and not fed the swans where they appeared. I did try to ...

Re: What to do if this happens again? -- The Regal Swan -- 27 June 2010

Hi Jenny: Great photo. Don't beat yourself up over something that may not have been your responsibility. From the looks of the environment, the cygnet could have become entangled in the grass or ...

pond for pair of swans -- Shelly -- 23 June 2010

Hi I asked a question earlier about rehoming my pair of Mute Swans but have decided I better take them with me to our new home...we have 4 acres total some filled w horses. My question is what is the ...

Re: pond for pair of swans -- The Regal Swan -- 23 June 2010

Hi Shelly: If you can provide a pond 1/2 an acre with about 2-3 feet deep, you can not go wrong. The swans will be happy swimming around and we're sure that they will be much more comfortable staying ...

Injured 2 month old -- Norm -- 22 June 2010

We have a wild swan family that we feed every year. One of the 2 month old babys has lost it's flipper. Probably attacked by a turtle or something. It has a leg but the flipper appears to be totally ...

Re: Injured 2 month old -- The Regal Swa -- 22 June 2010

Hi Norm: Yes, go ahead and capture the cygnet as the parents know there is something wrong and they are not going to risk a predator capturing it and the rest of the family, so they will sacrifice ...

Unhatched mute swan eggs -- Diane Fortner -- 21 June 2010

I regularly visit the pair of mute swans living in a near by pond. Every year their babys hatch by the end of May. This year I noticed both the male and female are still taking turns sitting on the ...

Re: Unhatched mute swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 22 June 2010

Hi Diane: We have had such crazy weather all over the country, that some of the swans may have started later in laying eggs. The incubation phase is actually started when the last egg is layed not ...

Swan w/problem leg? -- Shamlin -- 21 June 2010

This family of swans are located at our RV park on Lake Erie. The adult keeps his/her left leg raised out of the water. Is this normal? He/she did lower into the water at one time. Picture attached. ...

Re: Swan w/problem leg? -- The Regal Swan -- 21 June 2010

Hi Shamlin: There is nothing wrong with the swan's leg. This is a normal resting position for the swans and some researchers think that this position allows for heat dissipation because of the number ...

feeding -- bill burnett -- 21 June 2010

where do i buy ratjer grasses for swans in kansas city mo,as of now we are feeding them cracked corn and some protein powder . we live in a complex that has running water pumped thur it 24 hours a ...

Re: feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 21 June 2010

Hi Bill: We're not sure about the type of grass that you are seeking. We suggest everyone feed the swans something very simple and cost effective, romaine lettuce. This provides them with greenery as ...

Where to find Swans in TX -- Diane -- 18 June 2010

I am in Plano, Tx at an apartment community with a good size lake in the center of the property. We are looking for a pair of swans. Do you know of anyone?

Re: Where to find Swans in TX -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2010

Hi Diane: First, you need to check with your state Wildlife Commission. Many states now require permits for the introduction of swans. The only person that we know in Texas as a breeder is Howell's ...

2 mute Swans for sale -- Shelly -- 16 June 2010

I live near St Louis and have recently found out we are moving I have a year old pair of Mute Swans DNA sexed and pinioned Can they be posted here for sale? My number is 636 578 4592 and they are ...

Re: 2 mute Swans for sale -- The Regal Swan -- 16 June 2010

Hi Shelly: We would rather you contact Bob at Knox Swans in Indiana. He may take the pair from you and place them in a good home. You can google Knox Swans for the telephone number. The Regal Swan

Swan needs a friend -- Mary Litteral -- 14 June 2010

My mother has a 1/2 acre pond and has had a young pair of mute swans. The female is crippled due to a turtle accident when young. The male got so aggressive with her after her only baby was killed by ...

Re: Swan needs a friend -- The Regal Swan -- 15 June 2010

You have been given somewhat inaccurate information, so we will try to provide you with some options. First, having one swan is not cruel or abusive. Swans can and will survive on their own without a ...

Conrad was attacked by something -- Robyn Marie -- 13 June 2010

I am so beside myself.... I had written a while back about being new owners for Conrad. We came home today and found his right foot and webbing all mangled and torn and though he tries to walk he ...

Re: Conrad was attacked by something -- The Regal Swan -- 14 June 2010

Hi Robyn: Try to find another veterinarian, especially with waterfowl experience. The foot (webbing) needs to be trimmed and cleaned, possibly sutured next to the toes. He may also need to stay on ...

Re: Conrad was attacked by something -- Robyn Marie -- 14 June 2010

Thank you. So far no luck finding a vet within 60 miles that's an avian specialist or willing to make a house call. I'll keep trying. My husband is building the pen now. For now we are going to keep ...

ADMIN! Re: Conrad was attacked by something -- The Regal Swan -- 14 June 2010

Hi Robyn: Is there a veterinary medical school near you? They will have avian veterinarians and it is imperative that Conrad gets looked at by a veterinarian and treated with a possible antibiotic. ...

Swan with swollen leg -- Betty Callahan -- 9 June 2010

My 6 year old male Trumpeter swan cannot walk because of an extremely swollen leg. I took him to an Avian Vet, but she does not seem to be able to find a cause. We removed his band,as it was on the ...

Re: Swan with swollen leg -- The Regal Swan -- 10 June 2010

Hi Betty: We need to know more information. Did you get an x-ray of the leg, what was his temperature, CBC (complete blood count) if so, what were the results? There is a possibility that the band ...

Re: Swan with swollen leg -- Betty Callahan -- 10 June 2010

Thank you for your reply. He was able to stand today for a few seconds, but when he tried to walk he collapsed. I put him in a large kiddie pool and he seems to be able to swim, but the past few days ...

Re: Swan with swollen leg -- The Regal Swan -- 11 June 2010

Hi Betty: Which leg is injured? If it is the left leg, it may have something to do with the injury to his left wing. Do you know how his wing was injured? Was he attacked by something, did he run ...

Re: Swan with swollen leg -- Betty Callahan -- 19 June 2010

It is the Rt. leg. We believe the injury to the wing was from dragging it when trying to walk after the leg got hurt/swollen. the leg maintains a normal position. We have, and the Vet has checked the ...

Feeding Swans -- Judy -- 9 June 2010

In our local cemetery, there is a very large pond and two female swans have been there for years. We had asked the fellows that maintain the grounds why we have not seen any young ones ever! They ...

Re: Feeding Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 9 June 2010

Hi Judy: The folks should actually be feeding the swans cracked corn with poultry layer pellets. Swans are waterfowl and will not eat seeds, but ratjer grasses and other aquatic vegetation. If ...

Re: Feeding Swans -- Judy -- 10 June 2010

Thank you for the information and replying back so quickly. I will talk to the staff at the cemetery and let them know what is happening and perhaps they are not aware of the feeding taking place. ...

Re: Feeding Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 11 June 2010

Hi Judy: Not a problem about the photo. Glad we could help. Please let us know how they are doing once the signage is placed. The Regal Swan

Cignets -- Prudence -- 7 June 2010

I have grey and white cignets living in a canal behind my house. By their color how do you tell which are the male and female. Their parents are mute swans. Thanks.

Re: Cignets -- Jessica Carpenter -- 7 June 2010

You cannot differentiate the gender of a cygnet by color, nor the fully grown swans. Mute Swans regardless of sex are white, sometimes with gray or buff tipping on the feathers. The best way to tell ...

Re: Cignets -- The Regal Swan -- 8 June 2010

Hi Prudence: As the previous poster stated, there is no way of ascertaining gender based upon color. Mute swans are by latin species name, Cygnus olor. Therefore, they are known as Mute swans ...

Advice -- Barry G -- 1 June 2010

I have an island at the end of a 20 acre fresh water pond. Very eco-clean. The pond has fish, snapping turtles that i cant seem to get rid of, resident woodchucks. The rest of my 50 acres has ...

Re: Advice -- The Regal Swan -- 1 June 2010

Hi Barry: More than likely the predator was not an owl. It was either a fox, coyote or bobcat. We had the same thing happen to a pair of swans at a facility that we act as consultants. It is very ...

Re: Advice -- Barry G -- 2 June 2010

The only reason why i say it might be an owl is because i brought it up to a few avid hunters, thats what they suggested, and they tell me that coyotes go for the inside like heart and liver. I saw ...

Re: Advice -- The Regal Swan -- 2 June 2010

Hi Barry: A swan is not a likely prey for an owl, too big. Most coyotes, domesticated dogs, foxes, bobcats, etc., will go for the head or neck to kill first. We have seen a neck completely stripped ...

Petting Cygnets -- Concerned Observer -- 31 May 2010

I noticed the following post on Flickr photographic website regarding cygnet at Lost Lagoon, and wondered what your thoughts are about this photographer's actions: "I was petting this little guy with ...

Re: Petting Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 31 May 2010

Hi: We do not normally condone just anyone petting the cygnets. However, in the case of the swan keepers, which if the swans are that comfortable with this person we would assume that this may be the ...

Re: Petting Cygnets -- Concerned Observer -- 31 May 2010

Thank you so much for your detailed reply, really appreciated. Actually, the person in this case is a member of the public and has nothing to do with swan care. He's an avid photographer and the ...

will cold water kill swan eggs -- Colleen -- 29 May 2010

Hi, There are 2 swans at the furthest east lake at Morgan Creek golf course. They have 9 eggs. Local people feed the birds and try to help by clearing a sluice at the site where the swans have laid ...

Re: will cold water kill swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 31 May 2010

Hi Colleen: If the eggs are submerged under water, the chances of survival are diminished because the eggs are actually permeable (air can enter and exit). Submerged in water, the air would not be ...

fertility of swans -- margaret macintyre -- 29 May 2010

is their a point in their lives when a swan pair would no longer be fertile?

Re: fertility of swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2010

Hi Margaret: Great question. It is known that all animals and birds have hormones that regulate fertility. However, some knowledge is unknown in various species regarding exactly when the timeline ...

Baby Swans -- Norm Gentry -- 26 May 2010

We have hatched 3 baby swans and all three have died. We are wondering if they had trouble eating. We gave them dry swan food and a bowl of water. We have heard that baby swans sometimes get food ...

Re: Baby Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 May 2010

Hi Norm: Any number of things could have killed the cygnets. We have seen fungal, bacterial and viral infections, insecticide or other chemical poisoning, egg sac peritonitis or the parents ...

Baby swan -- Beth -- 26 May 2010

Hello, I live in central Michigan, on a little pond where we have a lot of Canadian geese and two pairs of swans, well both pairs had babies and one set had 4 babies and the other set had 2, Well the ...

Re: Baby swan -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2010

Hi Beth: You might want to check your laws regarding the possession of a swan since we are not sure what species you have. In any case, you are doing the right thing by giving it warmth and food. ...

swans -- phyllis lussier -- 25 May 2010

i live on a lake in brimfield massachusetts. we have a swan that appeared about 3 weeks ago. it appears to be alone, do swans usually live in this area of the country?

Re: swans -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2010

Hi Phyllis: Absolutely. Your area will have Mute, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans. You may have been seeing a juvenile recently kicked out of the habitat for the new nesting season and it may be testing ...

Mother Swan dead; Father on the nest; eggs soon to hatch -- Broshel -- 24 May 2010

We have---had two mute swans. Our female just died over the weekend. We got them February of 2008, they were yearlings and they just mated this year. We are not positive of what the female swan died ...

Re: Mother Swan dead; Father on the nest; eggs soon to hatch -- The Regal Swan -- 24 May 2010

Hi Broshel: We are so sorry for your loss and know how you feel to lose one of these magnificent birds, especially after raising them from such a young age. Without a necropsy, we can only theorize ...

Re: Mother Swan dead; Father on the nest; eggs soon to hatch -- Broshel -- 25 May 2010

We bought our swans from a man that raises swans in Oklahoma. We did ask for a male and female. The bands on their legs, one was left and one right. My mother bought swans from the same person. ...

Re: Mother Swan dead; Father on the nest; eggs soon to hatch -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2010

Hi Broshel: Yes, two females can exhibit mating. We're glad that the second swan is doing much better. A DNA Sequencing of the birds can be conducted (go online and ask for DNA testing for gender of ...

Keeping cygnets alive -- Liberty -- 24 May 2010

We have 2 mute swans and they recently had 5 eggs hatch. The large pond they are on is full of turtles who have snatched the cygnets in the past years. Can we pen them up on land and what might be ...

Re: Keeping cygnets alive -- The Regal Swan -- 24 May 2010

Hi Liberty: Build a pen half on water and half on land(approxiately 6 feet wide and 12 feet long). Line the bottom of the pen with poultry fencing so that the turtles cannot come up into the pen or ...

Sterile Swans? -- Janice -- 23 May 2010

Hi, I have what were called "mated pair" 5 years of age in 1999. To date they have failed to produce one egg (2010). For a long time I thought I might have two of the same sex. They live on a spring ...

Re: Sterile Swans? -- The Regal Swan -- 23 May 2010

Hi Janice: Are you absolutely sure that you have a male and a female? Have they been checked through DNA Sequencing or has your local vet physically checked them? The swans are probably two males as ...

One different cygnet -- Pam A -- 22 May 2010

Last week, 3 swan eggs hatched and the babies are doing fine. However, one baby is different in color - it is a very light color, almost white - sort of a biscuit color. It's feet are flesh colored. ...

Re: One different cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 23 May 2010

Hi Pam: All mute swans are known as Cygnus olor in Latin species taxonomy. Although there is no scientific differentiation for a "royal or a polish" mute, swan keepers normally refer to the coloring ...

Re: One different cygnet -- Pam A -- 23 May 2010

Thank you for the information. I'm relieved to know that nothing is wrong with the baby. I tried to post a photo, but had difficulty, so others will not be able to see what we were referring to. By ...

Re: One different cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 24 May 2010

Hi Pam: You are welcome. Glad we could help. The Regal Swan

injured swan -- Colby -- 20 May 2010

We have a swan out in our pond at our apartments...today we noticed that it had its foot up on its side, over its wing...is it injured or is that just something they do. It swam over to us with only ...

Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2010

Hi Colby: The swan is doing one of the following: Resting its leg or trying to keep cool. Swans typically keep one leg up to rest. However, there is research that the swan's leg is placed on its back ...

Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- Delaney -- 19 May 2010

Hi! My name's Delaney and I live on Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee. We have a Greylag Goose "George/Barnyard" that lives in our pond along with 4 white peking ducks that move around as a ...

Re: Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- The Regal Swan -- 19 May 2010

Hi Delaney: We are sending the photo to our swan veterinarians. Should you not hear from them in the next few days, we would suggest that you get George to an avian (waterfowl) veterinarian to check ...

Re: Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- Delaney -- 28 May 2010

Any word from the Dr.'s? I'd like to know if you guys think it will resolve itself.

Re: Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2010

Hi Delaney: We have not because we have all been traveling. As soon as we hear from them we will get back to you. We are hoping to hear something after the Memorial Day weekend. The Regal Swan

Re: Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- The Regal Swan -- 10 June 2010

Hi Delaney: We apologize for the delay in getting back to you, but our veterinarians have been traveling recently. Dr. Gardner stated that it was hard to make a diagnosis from the photo. He suggested ...

Re: Greylag Goose with Messed up Beak -- The Regal Swan -- 8 June 2010

Hi Delaney: We are sorry for the delay in getting back to you and have a few questions to answer for the veterinarians. 1. Are the spots getting any better? 2. Do they look like the goose may have ...

3 juvenile swans do the love dance together -- Pat Licata -- 17 May 2010

Hello, I live on a 550 acre lake, and in late Febrary a young mute appeared at my dock, which I believe to be a male. There were no cygnets on the lake last year, so he must have migrated here. ...

Re: 3 juvenile swans do the love dance together -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2010

Hi Pat: More than likely, these are juveniles (maybe even brothers and sisters)that were kicked out of the lake by mom and dad for the new nesting season. They will pal around and it is probably too ...

Swan shelters -- Jessica -- 15 May 2010

Our condominium in St.Louis has a captive swan that we don't feel has enough natural barriers in its pond. Do people build shelters for swans? and if so, could you refer us to some plans? as we ...

Re: Swan shelters -- The Regal Swan -- 16 May 2010

Hi Jessica: What do you mean by natural barriers? If you are speaking about bushes, trees, etc., yes swans need these items around the pond for shade and shelter. They will crawl under bushes for ...

feeding babies -- T. Morrow -- 5 May 2010

What do baby swans eat?

Re: feeding babies -- The Regal Swan -- 6 May 2010

Cygnets immediately begin feeding from the aquatic vegetation that their parents pull up from the bottom of the pond or lake. The cygnets can be supplementally fed just as their parents by providing ...

Swans wanted -- Andi Partrige -- 29 April 2010

I noticed a post from Kelly in Atlanta needing a home for some swans. I live on a 30 acre private lake and am interested in getting some swans.(would be new at this of course, but would be ...

Re: Swans wanted -- The Regal Swan -- 29 April 2010

Hi Andi: The laws in Florida regarding exotic species now require a permit to have swans even if on a private lake. If the lake is a natural lake vs man-made, you may have a harder time in getting a ...

Laws protecting swans from being killed? -- BilieJean -- 29 April 2010

Is there a law that keeps people from killing swans? I am in Ohio and recently heard that our Ohio department of natural resources gave permission to a home owner who lives on the water to kill a ...

Re: Laws protecting swans from being killed? -- The Regal Swan -- 29 April 2010

Hi BillieJean: Unfortunately, mute swans are open game in just about every state. There is an erroneous thought that they are a feral population (not native to North America). However, if people ...

New Swan owners and we need help! -- Robyn Marie -- 28 April 2010

Hello. We recently adopted a 1-year-old Mute Swan from a Hotel where the mother/father where nesting again and terrorizing this 1-year-old. We knew NOTHING... but being a devoted animal lover, I'm ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2010

Hi Robyn: Yep, Conrad is a young juvenile under 1 year of age because his bill has not turned full orange/red in color. In order to ascertain gender, you can do two things. Have a veterinarian sex ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- Robyn Marie -- 11 May 2010

Thank you for the info .... it was helpful ...! The local avian vet doesn't do house calls and I'm not sure I want to traumatize Conrad to a car ride so I am seeking alternative ideas for sexing. ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- The Regal Swan -- 11 May 2010

Hi Robyn: The website speaks mainly about psitticines, i.e., parakeets, cockatiels, etc. You might want to inquire if they can glean DNA from a swan's feather as these are in the waterfowl category. ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- Robyn Marie -- 11 May 2010

Well, THANK YOU for that information I hadn't thought of. Conrad is getting much more trusting of me and I think I will be able to catch him soon. He comes to me when I feed him and will eat about 2 ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- The Regal Swan -- 12 May 2010

Hi Robyn: Yes, Conrad did look a little confused on how he got into the gazebo. Just remember that once you pick him up, he may be very leery of you touching him again. The best thing to do is to ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- Robyn Marie -- 12 May 2010

The good thing is I am committed to his care and bonding with him. I spend a lot of time trying to do this. I haven't tried "petting" him yet, as I've been wanting him to learn that when he's near me ...

Re: New Swan owners and we need help! -- The Regal Swan -- 12 May 2010

Great. Keep us updated. The Regal Swan

Swan Feeder -- Shelly -- 28 April 2010

My son is looking for a 4H woodworking project, Is there any reason we can't make a swan feeder Like the Blitz style out of wood? I am thinking we can seal it w water seal to make it waterproof and ...

Re: Swan Feeder -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2010

Hi Shelly: Technically, there should not be a reason that you could not use wood. However, the problems will be the type of wood (make sure it is not treated with arsenic or other toxic chemical) and ...

clipping cygnets wings -- thayron hatley -- 26 April 2010

we have 5 mute swan cygnets about 3 weeks old on a 6 acre lake between austin and houston texas we need to find help in clipping their wings. thought about vet programs at colleges. thanks

Re: clipping cygnets wings -- The Regal Swan -- 26 April 2010

Hi Thayron: Yes, you need to get this done quickly as you will soon be incurring a large veterinary medical bill with anesthesia related costs. We do not personally know avian veterinarians in your ...

Re: clipping cygnets wings -- lisa sommer -- 27 April 2010

Texas Houston Dr. Gary Harwell Houston, TX (713) 641-2601 google avian vets houston

Trumpeter swan -- yo (really) -- 24 April 2010

We introduced 2 sister trumpeter swans into our large pond last fall. They are about 2 years old and were inseparable at their original farm and here as well. About a month ago, they started to act ...

Re: Trumpeter swan -- The Regal Swan -- 25 April 2010

Hi Yo: If the rain was heavy and enough oxygen was displaced from the lake to produce an anaerated environment, deadly bacteria and their toxins could still be responsible. It is extremely difficult ...

Need Home for Swans -- Kelley V -- 22 April 2010

We have a pair of swans that we received last year. They have laid their eggs and the male has become quite aggressive. Yesterday he attacked a 64 year old woman that was feeding him. It was quite an ...

Re: Need Home for Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2010

Hi Kelly: Unfortunately for people, swans are really protective of their nests, territory and young during mating season. Fortunately, if they were not, we would not have cygnets. In any case, ...

Re: Need Home for Swans -- Theodora Baker -- 4 May 2010

The best case scenario for the swans is for the people to just respect them and leave them alone. They feel threatened and are doing what they are supposed to do, protect their young. Why not hold a ...

Re: Need Home for Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 5 May 2010

Hi Theodora: We could not agree more with you. We are against displacing any single swan and if the whole family needs to be removed, then the whole family should go intact. We are suggesting removal ...

Swan Attack -- R Butler -- 21 April 2010

After some reading on this site, I understand partly what is going on here on our lake. About two years ago a pair of young swans, male and female, were brought in by a resident to our 40 acre lake. ...

Re: Swan Attack -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2010

Hi: Some swans tolerate geese while others do not. If the swans were on the lake first, then they see the geese as invaders. This is also mating and nesting season for swans and they may view the ...

Keeping swans off lawn -- Dan -- 14 April 2010

Is there a way to keep Swans from coming onto your lawn? They make a terrible mess on our beach and its difficult to walk to the water without stepping in swan feces.

Re: Keeping swans off lawn -- The Regal Swan -- 14 April 2010

Hi Dan: Without seeing the swan habitat surrounding your beach, it is going to be somewhat difficult to offer any suggestions. So, here are a few questions that you need to ask yourself: 1. What ...

Re: Keeping swans off lawn -- Dan -- 15 April 2010

There are about 10 houses on our small lake and these are wild swans. Most of our lots have a good sized clearing for our beaches. Our area isn't really any better per say than any one elses. Also, ...

Re: Keeping swans off lawn -- The Regal Swan -- 15 April 2010

Hi Dan: Yes, the swans being wild brings a whole new issue to the problem. If you begin feeding the swans, just like other animals and birds, you will not only have these two, but some of their ...

aquiring a new swan -- anthony Bruno -- 10 April 2010

Thank you for help to my last question. I am now looking for anew mate for one of our swans. do you have any suggestions on where I could obtain one . Thanks

Re: aquiring a new swan -- The Regal Swan -- 11 April 2010

Hi Anthony: Try Knox Swans (google for address). Speak with Bob. The Regal Swan

building a swan nesting box -- cara -- 8 April 2010

Hello I need to build a swan nesting box and was looking for plans or direction on building it correclty. would you be able to guide me in this? can plans be purchased? or is there a website that ...

Re: building a swan nesting box -- The Regal Swan -- 10 April 2010

Hi Cara: We are sending you the plans and photos on how to build a nesting platform. If you can use the plans, we would ask that you make a $35 donation to The Regal Swan Foundation, through our ...

Laying eggs on nesting platform. -- Carol -- 6 April 2010

I'm thrilled to say that as of this morning Mama has laid an egg in the nest on the floating platform in our pond. I was out there yesterday and noticed quite a bit of the straw had blown out with ...

Re: Laying eggs on nesting platform. -- The Regal Swan -- 6 April 2010

Hi Carol: See if you can get close enough to the platform without getting pummeled. If you can, take a couple hand-fulls of straw and lay it at the side of the platform. Do not place it directly on ...

Re: Laying eggs on nesting platform. -- Carol -- 7 April 2010

WOO-HOO. It worked quite well and no pummeling involved. When my husband and I put the boat in the water, they both were out of the nest yet stayed close by. I was a bit worried, but I think they ...

Re: Laying eggs on nesting platform. -- The Regal Swan -- 7 April 2010

Great news Carol. Glad it worked and hopefully, she used the extra hay to shore up the existing nesting material. The Regal Swan

Mating Season/Swan Problems -- CB -- 31 March 2010

More questions. Thank you for the pevious response. How long is the mating season? If I can catch either pair I would hate that they have to stay penned for a long time. Is there someone that has ...

Re: Mating Season/Swan Problems -- The Regal Swan -- 31 March 2010

Hi CB: Nesting season begins in March or April, culminating in a 30-40 day incubation period for the swans. This is why having the birds penned for this long is not really an issue because they are ...

trimming nails -- Marc Balzac -- 27 March 2010

This black swan has one nail that is growing out sideways and is catching on things...can it be trimmed?

Re: trimming nails -- The Regal Swan -- 27 March 2010

Hi Marc: We are going to forward this photo to our veterinarians to see what might be done for the swan. It may take a few days for an answer, but we will get back to you. The Regal Swan

Mute Swan Pair -- CB -- 27 March 2010

Hello. I have a mute swan pair (pinned, 5 years old) and their babies (male and female - 2 year olds) have arrived back on the lake. The baby male is beating up on Dad (Dad is bigger, however, he ...

Re: Mute Swan Pair -- The Regal Swan -- 27 March 2010

Hi: This may be a spring thing as mating season is upon us and the 2 year olds will be old enough this year to mate. Territorialism is part of the mating season and someone is going to land up being ...

nesting swans -- Anthony -- 24 March 2010

I have a pair of mute swans and this should be their first year to mate. We have 2 large ponds,question one is can I attract them to one of the ponds instead of the other? and should I put out ...

Re: nesting swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 March 2010

Hi Anthony: There are several factors which cause any bird or animal to want to live in a specific habitat: 1. Ample Food Source 2. Ample shelter from inclement weather (i.e., trees, bushes etc.) 3. ...

Foot wounds -- Wendy -- 21 March 2010

Hello. I have three wonderful mute swans. They were all stretching/resting their feet while swimming today and I noticed the bottoms of their feet all look strange. It looks like they have wounds or ...

Re: Foot wounds -- The Regal Swan -- 22 March 2010

Hi Wendy: Without seeing the wounds, it is hard to make a diagnosis, but, swans may have small lumps/bumps with cut like structures on the bottom of the joint. If these bumps get infected or are ...

Moving juvenile swan -- Pam A -- 19 March 2010

There are a pair of mute swans on our pond, which is about an acre. They mated last year, and only one cygnet survived. They managed to weather the horrible winter, but now that the adult pair is ...

Re: Moving juvenile swan -- The Regal Swan -- 20 March 2010

Hi Pam: How big is your pond? If it is significantly large, the juvenile may be able to stay, but will still be terrorized by the male parent. If you should move the juvenile, ensure that the smaller ...

Re: Moving juvenile swan -- Pam -- 21 March 2010

The pond is at least an acre. The past 2 days I have observed the juvenile at the opposite end of the pond from where the 2 mating adults are. Every once in awhile the male adult cruises over and ...

Re: Moving juvenile swan -- The Regal Swan -- 21 March 2010

Hi Pam: Cygnets/juveniles should stay with the parents until the next mating season or when the parents start chasing them from the habitat. By this time, the parents will have instilled all of the ...

what and how to feed wild swan -- sherri bergman -- 15 March 2010

we have a lone wild swan on our millpond and people have been feeding it stale bread for years. i understand that bread can be harmful to swans and would like to know what we, as a community, can do ...

Re: what and how to feed wild swan -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2010

Hi Sherri: Mix 1/2 ratio of cracked corn with 1/2 ratio of poultry layer pellets. Drop the mixture about 3 feet into the water near the bank. Do not put it on the bank as you will attract pests like ...

Fundraiser for the Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan -- 14 March 2010

Hi Everyone: You will be able to get the information about our current fundraiser by going to (www.razoo.com) and go to MARCH GOODNESS. Go to #11 and that will be The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc., ...

Swan Nesting Platforms -- The Regal Swan -- 7 March 2010

Hi Everyone: We are including a photo of a swan nesting platform that we have been testing at Lake Eola in Orlando. We have had several inquiries about swans using nesting platforms and we are ...

How can I build a lightweight floating swan nest? -- Summer Devlin -- 6 March 2010

Raccoons and fox are constantly getting my black swan eggs. I want to build a lightweight floating swan nest for my pond. Can you offer me any inexpensive, lightweight floating pond platform ideas. ...

Re: How can I build a lightweight floating swan nest? -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2010

Hi Summer: We think we can help you as we just placed a floating platform in Lake Eola and will be placing another one next Saturday. You can view the platforms on www.facebook.com, The Regal Swan ...

Re: How can I build a lightweight floating swan nest? -- Bob Williams -- 10 April 2010

Great site. My wife works with SRP at Airle, VA and we just bought a house with a pond. I looked at the picture on Facebook but no way to tell how built. Do you have plans.

Re: How can I build a lightweight floating swan nest? -- The Regal Swan -- 10 April 2010

Hi Bob: We are forwarding the plans with photos to your personal website. We do ask for a $35 donation to The Regal Swan Foundation for use of the plans. You can pay through Paypal on our website if ...

Introducing a new mate -- Michelle -- 5 March 2010

We recently loss our beautiful female swan due to a coyote attack. Will we be able to introduce a new mate to our cob at some point, or is he better off being alone? Our cob is 6 years old. How long ...

Re: Introducing a new mate -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2010

Hi Michelle: Yes, you can introduce another mate, but wait until after mating season (April) before you make the introduction. Also, ensure that a pen (covered-1/2 on land, 1/2 in the water) is used ...

baby swans -- Jo Llanto -- 5 March 2010

Our swans have 5 eggs. When the baby swans come. what do we feed them? Do we keep them with the adult swans or put them in a separate place? We are afraid the hawk will get the baby swans . Should we ...

Re: baby swans -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2010

Hi Jo: You can feed them poultry mash (same as pellets only more ground) or feed them the poultry pellets and cracked corn. Once the pellets hit the water, they soften anyway. You should keep the ...

Pinioning wings of cygnets -- Carol -- 4 March 2010

I just read this in a previous post (If you must pinion an older cygnet or swan, it must be done under anesthesia by a certified veterinarian with expertise in pinioning of waterfowl.) Are you saying ...

Re: Pinioning wings of cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 4 March 2010

Hi Carol: You do not need a general anesthesia if the pinioning is done between 1-3 weeks of age. A local topical anesthesia can be sufficient. At this age, the blood vessels, nerve endings, bones, ...

Re: Pinioning wings of cygnets -- Carol -- 5 March 2010

Thanks so much for your quick reply. So now what's the trick to catching the cygnets without the parents attacking?? I'm excited to think they will have cygnets this season but can you tell I'm ...

cygnets question -- troy cook -- 3 March 2010

we have been raising australian and whhooper swans for over ten years. The last two years the hawks have taken every one of the australian swans cygnets. This year a coyote got our male. The pen ...

Re: cygnets question -- The Regal Swan -- 4 March 2010

Hi Troy: We are sending this question to The Regal Swan veterinarians and will try to provide an answer in the near future. In the meantime, have you had a necropsy done on the cygnets to see if they ...

young swan -- Pat Licata -- 2 March 2010

Hello, I live on a 550 acre lake that is home to approx 10-15 mute swans. Yesterday a young swan appeared at my dock, and I am assuming it was born last spring, as it still has many of it's baby ...

Re: young swan -- The Regal Swan -- 2 March 2010

Hi Pat: It seems that you are doing everthing correctly. The younger cygnets (juveniles) can basically go out on their own after their parents remove the young birds from their care and this may be ...

Re: young swan -- Pat Licata -- 5 March 2010

Thanks for the information. The young swan, Peneolope, can fly beautifully and does so when others chase her from my cove. Is it too early to tell if this swan is Polish or Royal? I'm assuming she ...

Re: young swan -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2010

Hi Pat: Coloration to the beak and the white feathers come along in about 9-12 months of age. A polish mute cygnet is going to be white in color while a royal mute will be taupe grey. An adult polish ...

Looking for Mute swan hatching eggs -- Mohammed -- 17 February 2010

Am looking from long time for Mute swan hatching eggs any numbers if you dont mind can you help me to found any breeders for mute swan to buy hatching eggs from them. I live in Torrance, California ...

Re: Looking for Mute swan hatching eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2010

Hi Mohammed: The state of California has restricted the ownership of Mute swans. You must have a permit to own and maintain the swans, therefore, you need to check with your state wildlife officials ...

Psycho Swan -- Caroline Christie -- 17 February 2010

I have 6 swans, all siblings. They are 10 months old. One of the swans has started terrorizing the others. I have seen him try to kill one by holding it's head under water. Luckily it escaped. All of ...

Re: Psycho Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2010

Hi Caroline: Several things may be occurring. If the swan is the same age as the other swans, he is exhibiting a "leader of the pack" behavior. The holding of the head under water can be either ...

Re: Psycho Swan -- Caroline Christie -- 17 February 2010

Update: By afternoon the other 5 siblings were on the shore, and our Bad Boy was patroling the shoreline like the National Guard. His neck was looped so that his chin rested on his neck, and his ...

Re: Psycho Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2010

Hi Caroline: This situation sounds just like you described, a two year old trying himself. It is amazing that the swans will actually start to behave once the caretaker becomes the lead swan. ...

SWANS DYING -- ANGEL -- 13 February 2010

We live in pennsylvania, and have had swans for many years. 2 weeks ago our male black swan died now our male white swan is showing sighs of death. what should we do?

Re: SWANS DYING -- The Regal Swan -- 13 February 2010

Hi Angel: What are the symptoms? How many swans do you have and are these the only two that have been affected? Could the swans be affected by the recent terrible snowstorm which may be affecting ...

New Swan Products -- The Regal Swan -- 12 February 2010

Hi Everyone: We are pleased to announce swan products that we have been developing to help facilitate humane veterinary medical care for swans worldwide. Angi Perretti, Vice President of Product ...

swans in kansas -- kristine -- 12 February 2010

There is a family of swans that have landed at the Douglas County Lake in Kansas. I have been in this area all my life and this is the first time I have seen swans out there. Is this unusual? I ...

Re: swans in kansas -- The Regal Swan -- 12 February 2010

Hi Kristine: We know that there are swans in the area so they may just not have been on your particular lake in the past. Due to the inclement weather conditions this year, swans may be migrating to ...

Swans as pets. -- Jessica. -- 10 February 2010

Are swans illegal to keep as a pet in California? And if not, where could I buy one?

Re: Swans as pets. -- The Regal Swan -- 11 February 2010

Hi Jessica: Yes, mute swans are considered a feral species and you must have a permit to possess them. You should check with your local state fish & wildlife commission to see exactly what ...

Feeding swans -- kerry -- 7 February 2010

Hi, there are some swans near to where i live and i would like to know if there is anything that i can feed to them ? Thanks for your help \-|">

Re: Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 7 February 2010

Hi Kerry: Yes, you can feed them a mixture of 1/2 cracked corn and 1/2 poultry layer pellets. Also, give them lettuce. You can feed them a little bread, but not a lot as bread can change their blood ...

Need a Male Swan -- Carol Pike -- 3 February 2010

Good Morning, I live in Indianapolis on the White River. A few years ago a pair of White Swans (clipped) took up residence on the River. This past summer the male swan disapeared, and the female swan ...

Re: Need a Male Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 February 2010

Hi Carol: There is no guarantee that the lone female will pair up with another male, but you can try. In fact, she may try to pair with a wild swan if they are flying into the area. If you still want ...

white swan with dark young swan -- France Ciel d,August -- 2 February 2010

Hello, a week or so ago I had the opportunity to shoot some pics of wild white swans. one pair had a young swan but almost as big as parents.. It is a dark brownish gray color.. my question is: can ...

Re: white swan with dark young swan -- The Regal Swan -- 4 February 2010

Hi France: The mute swan cannot produce a black cygnet because these are two different species of swans. However, the coloring of a cygnet from a mute parent can be a very dark gray color which ...

Re: white swan with dark young swan -- France -- 4 February 2010

Thank you very much for your reply.. what you told me was very clear and gave me the answer to the question I asked... now I have another question.. Will the Royal Mute be accepted by the mute flock ...

Re: white swan with dark young swan -- The Regal Swan -- 4 February 2010

Hi France: Most Mute swans are Royal although neither color variations are rare. Because the designation of Polish Mute is just a leucistic coloration, many Royals will pair with Polish Mutes and ...

injured swan -- Sue -- 18 January 2010

Hi, We have a wild(ish) swan that flies into our lake from time to time, this morning we found it down by the road and her knob on her forehead is busted open , not sure if her wing is injured but ...

Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 18 January 2010

Hi Sue: If she is not flying and you can readily capture her, do so without further injuring her or yourself. Watch the wings and place her on a towel in an animal carrier or large box. If you use a ...

Where to buy swans in PA -- Cara -- 16 January 2010

Hi there We live in eastern PA and are interested in purchasing 4 swans for our property. would you be able to tell me if there are any around here to purchase. or where I would go? Thank You Cara

Re: Where to buy swans in PA -- The Regal Swan -- 16 January 2010

Hi Cara: First, you would need to see if your state Wildlife Commission allows you to possess swans in your area. The most popular swans for pond/lake adornment are the Mute Swans (orange beak), the ...

Help -- amy short -- 13 January 2010

I had 2 Black Swans for 2 years-Buck and Mimi. I am sad and heartbroken to share that Mimi was attacked and killed by a predator yesterday. Today I found Buck to be withdrawn and not interested in ...

Re: Help -- The Regal Swan -- 14 January 2010

Hi Amy: So sorry to hear about your loss. We can understand your feelings as we had two of our oldest parents killed by a bobcat several months ago. It is heart rendering and nothing you can do or ...

Are swans a domesticated animal -- Marc Balzac -- 12 January 2010

Are black swans considered a domesticated animal in the United States?

Re: Are swans a domesticated animal -- The Regal Swan -- 12 January 2010

Hi Marc: No, the black swan is indigenous to Australia. Therefore, even though they may be bred by swan breeders for usage on various ponds and lakes as an adornment in the U.S., they are considered ...

swans survival -- Sherry Tubbs -- 11 January 2010

I have a swan that is in the inlet in front of my house. Salt water inlet. The swan is there each evening and it is so cold outside (about 25 degrees) and I feed it some bread and lettuce.What can I ...

Re: swans survival -- The Regal Swan -- 12 January 2010

Hi Sherry: The first thought is why the swan is in the salt water inlet. The South American Black-Necked swan lives around brackish water and it is believed to have a gland which can filter some salt ...

Too cold outside -- Kelley V -- 4 January 2010

I am wondering at what temp do you have to worry about the health of a Muted Swan? We have a 1 1/2 acre pond and have adopted/rescued 2 swans last July. It has gotten very cold here (18-30 degrees F) ...

Re: Too cold outside -- The Regal Swan -- 4 January 2010

Hi Kelly: It was nice speaking with you this afternoon. I am sharing my thoughts with you on this website as we are getting many of the same questions across the country due to the cold weather. A ...

foot problem -- Anette -- 1 January 2010

Hello Swan Specialist, I feed a swan every day and for the last four days, he hasn't used his left leg. He keeps it up all the time. He doesn't use it when swimming either. He eats normally. I do not ...

Re: foot problem -- The Regal Swan -- 1 January 2010

Hi Anette: If you can watch him, see if he plants the foot and walks while on land. Sometimes, swans will hold a foot to rest on their back or dissipate heat. The foot can be opened or closed. If the ...

migratory swan? -- gary -- 16 December 2009

We have about two hundred swan on the lake behind our house. Will they be here for the winter or will they migrate south. We are on Lake St. Clair near Masonic. (ST. Clair shores)

Re: migratory swan? -- The Regal Swan -- 17 December 2009

Hi Gary: We're not sure exactly which Lake St. Clair you are located as we do know that there is a location that acts as a wetland stopover during the spring and fall season for ducks, geese and ...

Deep clicking or motor boat sound -- Marc Balzac -- 16 December 2009

Twelve year old black female has a faint clicking or motor boat sound every time she takes a breath…

Re: Deep clicking or motor boat sound -- The Regal Swan -- 16 December 2009

Hi Marc: She may have an upper respiratory infection and need an antibiotic. You need to get her to an avian veterinarian before this condition possibly results in pneumonia which can kill her. The ...

Re: Deep clicking or motor boat sound -- Marc Balzac -- 17 December 2009

Thanks for the help…We got her to the best Vet in the area and she is now on antibiotics…I was pleasantly surprised how much she enjoyed the four hour car ride in the special area we fixed up for her ...

Re: Deep clicking or motor boat sound -- The Regal Swan -- 17 December 2009

Hi Marc: You are welcome and glad you got her to the veterinarian so that she was placed on antibiotics. Please let us know how she is progressing. The Regal Swan

Care of swans during the winter (frozen pond, shelter, food) -- Patty -- 15 December 2009

I have a few questions regarding our swans we have. We have 1 male & 1 female approximately 3yrs. old. We bought them this past spring, I believe they are mute. They are on our pond and we have a ...

Re: Care of swans during the winter (frozen pond, shelter, food) -- The Regal Swan -- 15 December 2009

Hi Patty: Swans eat aquatic vegetation, lettuce, bread, poultry layer pellets and cracked corn. Unfortunately, swans will not go into any structure like a dog house. We have seen zoos place them ...

update on Carl/question regarding lettuce -- Pat Licata -- 14 December 2009

Hello, As an update...I've successfully harrassed the bully pair so they they don't come into my yard to attack Carl. Of course, Carl is quite pleased with this development! It is so cute to see him ...

Re: update on Carl/question regarding lettuce -- The Regal Swan -- 14 December 2009

Hi Pat: Lettuce is an acquired taste for some swans. You might try iceberg lettuce. Try to pull the greenery away from the stems and offer only the leafy parts to see if that might entice him to eat ...

crooked leg disease -- Ron In KC -- 13 December 2009

As you know i just purchased 2 mute female swans, one walks just fine the other one does not. i contacted my vet and he seems to think that the bird has what is called "crooked leg disease", caused ...

Re: crooked leg disease -- The Regal Swan -- 13 December 2009

Hi Ron: We will need to defer this diagnosis to your local avian veterinarian as far as proper diagnosis and treatment. The poultry pellets provide the swans with the necessary vitamins, minerals and ...

Swan survival on frozen pond -- John Polkowski -- 12 December 2009

Hi, I live in Connecticut next to a small lake that freezes over in the winter months. For the first time since we moved here in 1985, we had a couple of swans that nested and gave birth to 4 ...

Re: Swan survival on frozen pond -- The Regal Swan -- 12 December 2009

Hi John: Most likely, the swan will die especially since he is a young bird. If you can catch him or get a local wildlife rehabilitation center to help, this is going to be his only chance for ...

Re: Swan survival on frozen pond -- John Polkowski -- 13 December 2009

Hi, thanks for your reply. The parents' beaks are orange so I guess they must be mute swans. The pond froze over last night and the swan was sitting on the ice in the middle. I put some food on the ...

Re: Swan survival on frozen pond -- The Regal Swan -- 13 December 2009

Hi John: The melting of the pond is a good thing and will allow you to entice him to seek food from you. Keep enticing him with the food as close to your house as possible with bread. Place the ...

Re: Swan survival on frozen pond -- John Polkowski -- 3 March 2010

Just an update. After your last advice, I went out and bought the cracked corn and layer pellets, but the next day he was gone. There was no evidence of any "foul" play. Winter is now basically over ...

Re: Swan survival on frozen pond -- The Regal Swan -- 3 March 2010

Hi John: Great News. Thanks for the update. The Regal Swan

Blitz Feeders -- Ron In KC -- 12 December 2009

Ok, I have a fountain in the center of my pond that keeps the water open from the ice, about 4o feet in diameter, it has lights that i leave on all nigft, the waterfowl, ducks and swans, seem to love ...

Re: Blitz Feeders -- Admin -- 12 December 2009

Photos: http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/RegalSwanGallery/1/lg/New_Feeder.htm http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/RegalSwanGallery/1/lg/CEO_Don_Harrill.htm ...

How to Mount Blitz Feeders -- The Regal Swan -- 12 December 2009

Hi Ron: The website administrator is going to send you some links/photos for the Blitz feeder. You will need to mount the feeder on a pole 3-4 feet in the water away from the bank. You do not want ...

Feeding Swans -- Ron In KC -- 10 December 2009

I just purchased two swans for my pond, there is a fountain in the middle with lights, there is an open area about 30 ft in diameter, the swans are still in my garage where they are safe. It is my ...

Re: Feeding Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 10 December 2009

Hi Ron: For the winter, the swans are better in your garage. You can feed them poultry layer pellets mixed with cracked corn in water. You should also feed them lettuce and some bread. Just place the ...

Re: hurting their legs. -- Ron In KC -- 11 December 2009

I like the kiddie pool idea but what do you mean hurt their legs? I have a wash rack in my barn for the horses and would be a good place to wash or bath the Swans. The kidde pools that i have seen, ...

Re: hurting their legs. -- The Regal Swan -- 11 December 2009

Hi Ron: The swans, especially if they are very young cannot step over the walls of a kiddie pool. They usually land up flailing their wings and propelling themselves in and out of the pool. However, ...

swan pen/fencing -- Mike -- 10 December 2009

We operate a park in the st. Louis, Missouri area. We are about to purchase two swans(male/female) to place on our 6 acre man made circular lake. The entire lake area is fenced (chain link to keep ...

Re: swan pen/fencing -- The Regal Swan -- 10 December 2009

Hi Mike: There are several considerations regarding your purchase of the swans and the fencing requirements. First, the fence will keep the swans in, but the fence will not keep predators such as ...

SCARE GEESE AWAY -- RON -- 9 December 2009

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I HAVE A POND ROUGHLY 400X100FT I HAVE 25 GEESE LIVING THERE THAT I WANT TO GET RID OF. CAN I PUT SOME SWANS IN THE POND TO SCARE THE GEESE AWAY?HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT? RON

Re: SCARE GEESE AWAY -- The Regal Swan -- 9 December 2009

Hi Ron: There are two factions regarding swans chasing geese from a habitat. One faction states that the swans act as a deterrent and the other faction states that swans are useless as the geese get ...

Winter care for new baby swans -- denise -- 4 December 2009

I have a pair of australian black swans. they successfully mated and hatched four eggs on May 31, 2009. Assuming that either large cat fish or snapping turtles were the culprit, all four cygnets ...

Re: Winter care for new baby swans -- The Regal Swan -- 4 December 2009

Hi Denise: Black swans mate and produce cygnets twice a year. Other swan species usually produce one clutch a year. Yes, the cold temperatures can get to the cygnets as well as the adults as the ...

Re: Winter care for new baby swans -- Denise -- 7 December 2009

Thank you very much for your response. We decided to bring the entire family in on Saturday since the weather dropped into the twenties. They seem to be doing fine, although I don't think the parents ...

Re: Winter care for new baby swans -- The Regal Swan -- 7 December 2009

Hi Denise: You are very welcome and if you need any other assistance, please let us know. Glad to know that you brought everyone indoors. It will be safer and warmer for all concerned although you ...

submissive lone swan -- pat licata -- 24 November 2009

Hello, I'm back with yet another question! Since Carl is picked on by every other swan in our lake, I was wondering if there is a reason for this. Does his not having a mate or being somewhat ...

Re: submissive lone swan -- The Regal Swan -- 25 November 2009

Hi Pat: You are welcome. Nature is not sympathetic or very patient with old age or disabilities. In fact, nature is very cruel in this sense so most old and injured animals do not make it in the ...

new swans in the lake-update -- Pat Licata -- 23 November 2009

Hi, As an update...this morning the more aggressive of the two "new" swans caught Carl and was attempting to drown him. I was able to intervene so that Carl could escape from under the weight of this ...

Re: new swans in the lake-update -- The Regal Swan -- 23 November 2009

Hi Pat: We would strongly suggest that you capture Carl and place him indoors. In the meantime, take a net and pretend to try and capture the other two swans. If you harrass them enough, they should ...

Re: new swans in the lake-update -- Pat Licata -- 24 November 2009

Thank you so much for your quick response and advice. Unfortunately, I do not have a shed nor garage nor basement. This morning I enticed Carl up to my back door and placed food and lake water in ...

Re: new swans in the lake-update -- The Regal Swan -- 25 November 2009

Hi Pat: We think you are doing everything that you can. Carl apparently understands the safety of your back door, you just don't want him spending the night there unless it is inside the door! Too ...

New swans in the lake -- Pat Licata -- 22 November 2009

Hello, I've messaged several times regarding my lone mute swan, Carl, who lives in "my" cove of a 550 acre lake. There are eight swans inhabiting the lake, and I believe I am able to ...

Re: New swans in the lake -- The Regal Swan -- 23 November 2009

Hi Pat: Yes, the swans could be migrating into your area since it is now migratory season. They are looking for a habitat with a food source. Our best suggestion would be to take Carl indoors ...

Swan with “blown out” knee… -- Marc Balzac -- 14 November 2009

Can anything be done for a “blown out knee”?

Re: Swan with “blown out” knee… -- The Regal Swan -- 15 November 2009

Hi Marc: This appears to be a possible slipped tendon, etc., We are sending an email to our veterinarians to see if this is the case. If it is, not much can be done. Most slipped tendons which can ...

Re: Swan with “blown out” knee… -- Dr. Christopher Brown -- 16 November 2009

Hello, Marc. I am one of the swan veterniarians for The Regal Swan Foundation. I am not sure what you mean by the term "blown out" knee, and I am not certain where the lesion is on the feet of the ...

Re: Swan with “blown out” knee… -- Marc Balzac -- 17 November 2009

The knee does not lock as she tries to walk and the leg bends and touches the ground as she limps along...I thought it might be a common injury. Thanks for your help...

swan greeting -- Anette -- 14 November 2009

Hello Swan Specialist, greetings from Denmark! I feed two swans on a daily basis and this summer was rewarded with five cygnets - Now larger than their parents! I have a questing regarding "swan ...

Re: swan greeting -- The Regal Swan -- 14 November 2009

Hi Anette: Great question! Yes, swans do know their names, recognize people and voices. Just like any other animal, if there is food and a human to provide the food, the animal/bird will become a ...

Placing june -- Lilian -- 3 November 2009

Hello. We have 3 cygnets that are being chased away by their parents on one pond. We thought that we might place those 3 with a male on another pond who was born last year. Do you think the male will ...

Re: Placing june -- The Regal Swan -- 4 November 2009

Hi Lilian: More than likely, the older swan will attack and chase the younger swans. If there is a female among the three, he could hurt her trying to mate too early. The best suggestion would be to ...

coloration.. -- brooke -- 30 October 2009

Cygnets are either brown or white at birth and then both are white in adulthood? why this would make them more sucessful

Re: coloration.. -- The Regal Swan -- 31 October 2009

Hi Brooke: We're not sure why the coloration would make the swans more survivable. But, we do note that most colorful birds (such as songbirds, herons, etc.,) start out light gray or white in color ...

Lump on top of foot… -- Marc Balzac -- 20 October 2009

Do you think the lump on the top of this old males foot is related to his bumble foot?

Re: Lump on top of foot… -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2009

Hi Marc: It is a possibility, but we can't be sure without a close-up veterinary medical exam. Usually, bumblefoot is on the pad of the bottom of the foot and does not manifest itself by bulging at ...

Sister swans tending nest? -- Marc Balzac -- 20 October 2009

Is it possible for two sister swans to tend a nest each laying infertile eggs? There were twenty eggs in this nest last season and we’re not sure if they are sisters or brother and sister.

Re: Sister swans tending nest? -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2009

Hi Marc: Yes, it is possible that two sisters or two females for that matter would lay eggs (infertile) during nesting season if they do not have a male mate. Twenty eggs seems to indicate there are ...

Swans versus geese -- Richard Keenan -- 13 October 2009

I own a vineyard in Sonoma County in Northern California. On the vineyard, I have a irrigation reservoir that is 2 surface acres when full, and decreases in size as water is used to irrigate the ...

Re: Swans versus geese -- The Regal Swan -- 13 October 2009

Hi Richard: There are a couple of concerns about procuring swans for geese control. 1. You will need to get a permit to have the swans on your lake and/or to import them into the state. 2. Some ...

CARE FOR A MUTE SWAN DURING WINTER TIME -- Joan Millis -- 13 October 2009

Hello, I work for the Town of St. John in St. John. Indiana. This past summer our animal control person came across an injured Mute Swan. Appartently the injury was not bad and the swan was put into ...

Re: CARE FOR A MUTE SWAN DURING WINTER TIME -- The Regal Swan -- 13 October 2009

Hi Joan: Since the swan was previously injured and we presume that he/she has recovered, we would still be concerned about the oncoming winter months and the swan's inability to migrate. Too large a ...

Questions about winter time -- Kim -- 12 October 2009

I am concerned with the swans through winter time. We live near Sacramento Calif. and I am unsure if the swans need some type of warmth through the winter and shelter. We did put a island in the ...

Re: Questions about winter time -- The Regal Swan -- 13 October 2009

Hi Kim: Yes, you are correct in that some swans have no idea about an island and may never use the floating object. Swans have a lot of feathers (nature provided this protection for them with lots of ...

Swan with "growth" -- Debbie -- 10 October 2009

Hi I live in New Mexico on a man made pond. We have a permanent resident swan. The swan has developed a large brown "growth" on his side near his tail feathers. It is not his leg. Any suggestions of ...

Re: Swan with "growth" -- The Regal Swan -- 10 October 2009

Hi Debbie: We can't tell much from the photo. The growth could be a malignant tumor, a non-malignant growth, a wound infection (with an object, such as fish hook, etc., impacted and encapsulated) or ...

Re: Swan with "growth" -- Debbie -- 10 October 2009

I am not sure that I can capture it and I have nothing to put it in. It hisses quite aggressively if you get too close. I will forward the vet recommendation to the community and see if this is ...

Re: Swan with "growth" -- The Regal Swan -- 11 October 2009

Hi Debbie: Yes, this seems like a good plan. The photo and the fact that the bird hisses aggressively would seem to suggest that this is a female swan. Good luck and let us know how this situation is ...

ages -- Steve -- 9 October 2009

Could you tell me the approximate ages of the ones in the picture. I believe there were two clutches. 3 from 1 and 3 from another. I have seen them break into groups, the larger ones in one group and ...

Re: ages -- The Regal Swan -- 10 October 2009

Hi Steve: There is no absolute way of looking at a photo and determining age abecause you need to actually know when the birds were hatched for a definite answer. However, we can make a few ...

Mute Swan beak infection -- Sandra Fassett -- 6 October 2009

Hi Folks, One of our Mute Swans born this year has some kind of infection in the beak that has eroded away part of the upper beak. Please help us understand what causes that and how we can help cure ...

Re: Mute Swan beak infection -- The Regal Swan -- 6 October 2009

Hi Sandra: We would need to see a photo of this problem before we can offer an opinion. If you could get a photo and resubmit your question, we may be able to assist. Thank you. The Regal Swan

Floating Islands For Nesting -- Jeanne Moore -- 2 October 2009

On March 28, 2009 a picture was posted of swans on a floating island. As a Swan volunteer in a golf course community, I would appreciate any information as to the size islands used, how they were ...

Re: Floating Islands For Nesting -- Admin -- 2 October 2009

Hello, 1- In case this info is helpful, I pasted below the specs of these "islandscapes" from the WalMart web site including size (the link appears below Walmart's picture of an islandscape ...

Re: Floating Islands For Nesting -- The Regal Swan -- 3 October 2009

Hi Jeanne: We know that some folks have had success with these islands not necessarily from the Walmart brand. Typically, the various facilities that we are working with have had little to no success ...

Can you identify the sex or variety of mute swan from these pictures? -- David -- 1 October 2009

We were reading through your website about mute swans. We have three swans at our office. It looks to us that one is definitely a male mute swan. The other we think are either females or a different ...

Re: Can you identify the sex or variety of mute swan from these pictures? -- The Regal Swan -- 2 October 2009

Hi David: In order to be 100% sure, you would need to conduct DNA Sequencing or wait until the birds mate and lay their first eggs. The two birds that the Male is chasing are either juvenile swans or ...

Re: Can you identify the sex or variety of mute swan from these pictures? -- David -- 2 October 2009

We don't think they are juveniles, just because they have been around here for over a year. Does the color of the bill have anything to do with what sex they are? The male will interact with one of ...

Re: Can you identify the sex or variety of mute swan from these pictures? -- The Regal Swan -- 4 October 2009

Hi David: Yes, juvenile swans are around 1-2 years of age. It might be that one of the juveniles is a female and the other is a male. Juveniles will also not have the pronounced knob as an adult will ...

Mute Swan Surving NE winters -- Kimberly Bensch -- 24 September 2009

We have a 'resident' mute swan at our mill. He lost his mate earlier this year so we have taken it upon ourselves to befriend him And friends he is with us - he will eat from our hands and enjoys ...

Re: Mute Swan Surving NE winters -- The Regal Swan -- 25 September 2009

Hi Kimberly: If he is tame enough to eat from your hands, then you might try getting him to come up to your house or barn. If you do not have a barn but you have a garage, see if he might come into ...

Abandoned eggs in nest - A poem -- Jane Herschlag -- 23 September 2009

Dear Swan Specialist, Thanks for all the wonderful and fascinating information. So swan parents can be as lousy as human parents. I will enclose a poem of mine which reinforces this idea. SO THIS IS ...

Lonesome male Mute Swan -- Shannon Carter -- 22 September 2009

We recently were given a male swan from a private pond on a plantation. Where can we find a female swan? He is about 2-4 years old and needs a companion. Also, what type of feeder to you recommend?

Re: Lonesome male Mute Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 23 September 2009

Hi Shannon: Individual swans do not necessarily need a mate. Humans want to ensure that animals and birds are not lonesome, but this is good only in theory. There are no guarantees that the male will ...

abandoned eggs in nest -- Jane Herschlag -- 21 September 2009

What could be the reason for the mute swan parents abandoning their six large eggs? Thanks, Jane

Re: abandoned eggs in nest -- The Regal Swan -- 22 September 2009

Hi Jane: There could be any number of reasons: 1. Predator in the area has visited the nest and has scared the parents. 2. All eggs are infertile. How old are the birds? If they are only 2-3 years of ...

Swimming pool to swan pond -- Marc Balzac -- 21 September 2009

I know someone that has a mute swan that seems to prefer his swimming pool to his large pond. I’m sure the chlorine can’t be good for him. What is the best way to convert his in ground swimming pool ...

Re: Swimming pool to swan pond -- The Regal Swan -- 22 September 2009

Hi Marc: We're not sure about the best way to convert the pool to a swan only pond. You would need a way to provide aeration to the pool, clean water without chemicals and we're not sure about the ...

widowed swan response -- Nini -- 17 September 2009

Thanks so much for your response to my dilemma. I didn't give enough information the first time. Lucille is about 6-7 years old and I have had her since she was a juvenile, same with Steve. About two ...

Re: widowed swan response -- The Regal Swan -- 18 September 2009

Hi Nini: The neurological disease could be Botulism. Did your pond have a drawdown due to drought then an increase in rain? If so, this might be the reason. The bird scavenging in the muck got into ...

widowed swan -- Nini -- 17 September 2009

I have a female mute swan whose mate just died and I need some advice. She is located in a large pond self-contained in my backyard. I realize swans mate for life and am concerned for her emotional ...

Re: widowed swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 September 2009

Hi Nini: There are several factors to consider in this situation: 1. Just because a female or male loses its mate, does not necessarily mean that the swan will remate if introduced to another swan. ...

.50 Cent Campaign. Please Help! -- The Regal Swan -- 15 September 2009

Hi Folks: You may have noticed the ChipIn Widget on the top of The Swans of Stanley Park Home Page ( http://www.stanley-park-swans.com ). We are beginning a .50 cent campaign to help us help swans ...

Supplemental feeding -- Marc Balzac -- 11 September 2009

Per your book you recommend a 1:1 mixture of cracked corn and laying pellets for supplemental feeding. You said that the cracked corn is a “filler” and the nutrition is in the lay pellets. Are you ...

Re: Supplemental feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 11 September 2009

Hi Marc: Great photo and great idea for the feeder so that you do not have to go out in the water to add food. This is a wonderful idea for private owners, however, in a public setting we would ...

Swan master in Calif -- Mike Gustafson -- 8 September 2009

This is a continuation of my previous requests for help finding a swan master/keep in northern Calif. I spoke to Jack Long as you suggested and while he has a list of names that could help he was ...

Re: Swan master in Calif -- The Regal Swan -- 8 September 2009

Hi MIke: Unfortunately, there is no one else that we know in California. We will try to see if anyone has some contacts, but you might even try to use Twitter or Facebook to generate some leads. Good ...

Sick cygnet: head wobbles, falls over on her back, leans on one side, flips onto her back -- Nikki -- 5 September 2009

I have been raising a mute swan for the last couple of months. This week her head began to wobble and she is falling over on her back. She is eating well I just don't understand what has happened and ...

Re: Sick cygnet: head wobbles, falls over on her back, leans on one side, flips onto her back -- The Regal Swan -- 5 September 2009

Hi Nikki: Unfortunately, we can't diagnose this problem without seeing the cygnet. But, it seems that there is an underlying neurological problem. The cygnet needs to be seen by an avian veterinarian ...

Swan food: 50/50 cracked corn + turkey feed? -- Daryl -- 4 September 2009

Good Morning, I purchased a pair of Mute Swans and would like to know if it is ok to feed them a 50/50 mix of cracked corn and Game Feed NatureWise Turkey Crumble Medicated by Nutruna.

Re: Swan food: 50/50 cracked corn + turkey feed? -- The Regal Swan -- 4 September 2009

Hi Daryl: The cracked corn should be mixed with Poultry Layer Pellets. The turkey crumbles/game feed may be too high in protein. High protein content in the diet of swans can increase the possibility ...

Swan questions -- Stacie -- 3 September 2009

The lake behind my house has 7 white swans. 5 of them have vanished after 2 had babies. Do they typically flee like that? 4 cygnets were born, but only 2 have survived to adolescence. 1 of them is ...

Re: Swan questions -- The Regal Swan -- 3 September 2009

Hi Stacie: The swans may have left the area if their young were killed by predators. If there is an unsafe environment, the swans will leave. However, it may also be due to territorialism. Once eggs ...

two dead swans in two weeks -- andrew -- 1 September 2009

Hi I had two swans die unexplained in to weeks, one black, one white, there were visible marks of attack. what could the possibilities that could have killed them.

Re: two dead swans in two weeks -- The Regal Swan -- 2 September 2009

Hi Andrew: The possibilities could be endless. If there was trauma, it could be a domestic dog, fox, raccoon, coyote, bobcat, softshell turtle, or human. Without seeing the trauma or knowing the ...

Re: two dead swans in two weeks -- andrew -- 3 September 2009

oh and i meant that there were no visible signs of attack

Re: two dead swans in two weeks -- andrew -- 3 September 2009

I saw one of them die it was right on the shore by itself and it was flopping around and kept dropping its head in the water and couldn't hardly move it happened in the middle of the day

Re: two dead swans in two weeks -- The Regal Swan -- 3 September 2009

Hi Andrew: This is the classic sign of botulism. In times of hot weather, too much rain after a drought, harmful bacteria are stirred from the bottom of the muck in which the swans eat. They ingest ...

Dad swan has not returned for 3 days -- carol -- 31 August 2009

a male and female mute swans recently had babies; they are 2 half mo old. last week the male left the pond and family, but returned the next day. now its been 3 days and the male has not returned is ...

Re: Dad swan has not returned for 3 days -- The Regal Swan -- 31 August 2009

Hi Carol: We're not sure we can classify this as normal or abnormal behavior as each swan is an individual and has individual attributes. Some males may stay around to watch the mother and cygnets, ...

Father swan attacking 4 month old -- Mary Jane -- 30 August 2009

In our boat basin a single cygnet was born to a couple in May. The male is now cornering the 4 month old in a section of the basin and attacking him - quite violently. Is this normal fledging or will ...

Re: Father swan attacking 4 month old -- The Regal Swan -- 31 August 2009

Hi Mary Jane: This is not normal behavior for a cygnet this young to be attacked by the male unless there is something wrong with the cygnet. Placing the cygnet in another pond with other swans will ...

Re: Father swan attacking 4 month old -- Mary Jane -- 31 August 2009

The Toronto Wildlife Centre agrees that the bird is in peril and they want to rescue it. They plan to come to the basin tomorrow. Thank you for your guidance. MJ

Re: Father swan attacking 4 month old -- The Regal Swan -- 31 August 2009

Hi Mary Jane: Great news. Thanks for sharing. Please keep us updated. The Regal Swan

Male Lost 2nd Mate and Now Really Dislikes New Female -- Shelly -- 26 August 2009

Hi I had 2 swans both about 6 years old that I got from 2 different people that the other had lost it's mate. They paired right up and had 2 seasons of successful cygnets! Juliet the female died ...

Re: Male Lost 2nd Mate and Now Really Dislikes New Female -- The Regal Swan -- 29 August 2009

Hi Shelly: Likely, the male will not accept this female. This may be that she is too young as 1.5 years of age is usually not old enough to successfully mate. In fact, he could hurt her especially if ...

Mute swan walks to the street -- patricia buckley -- 24 August 2009

since april of this year a mute swan has taken residence in a salt water tidal marsh in the rear of my home.we have always feed him in the water.,just recently he has started to leave the waterway ...

Re: Mute swan walks to the street -- The Regal Swan -- 25 August 2009

Hi Patricia: This behavior does need to stop immediately to prevent him from getting run over. He is probably looking for a freshwater pond and Mute swans do not do well in saltwater. They cannot ...

Black and white swans mating: Color of the cygnets? -- Jenny -- 24 August 2009

Hi, Just curious really but maybe you can tell me when a black swan mates with a white swan what colour are the cygnets? A friend of mine thinks they are always white as the black swan has white ...

Re: Black and white swans mating: Color of the cygnets? -- The Regal Swan -- 25 August 2009

Hi Jenny: Rarely, does this type of mating occur and even rarer is the ability to produce viable offspring. However, we have seen this pairing intentionally conducted in a captive setting to ...

Why Mute Swans put a leg on their back? -- Gail -- 23 August 2009

When boating with friends on a huge river last week we saw mute swans. When faster boats made waves, I noticed some of the swans had a leg on their back. I said to my friends "They are resting ...

Re: Why Mute Swans put a leg on their back? -- The Regal Swan -- 24 August 2009

Hi Gail: Swans rest in this position. Some research also indicates that in time of hot weather, this may be a way that the bird dissipates heat from its system. The swan holds his web footing out ...

Fate of cygnet next year -- Pamela Allison -- 22 August 2009

There is a pair of swans in a pond in our community. The pond is about the size of a football field. This spring, the pair mated and only 2 eggs hatched, with one of the babies dying after 2 weeks. ...

Re: Fate of cygnet next year -- The Regal Swan -- 24 August 2009

Hi Pamela: Yes, the adults (parents) will actually begin to chase and try to get the cygnet removed from the pond prior to nesting season. Usually, this behavior occurs sometime after the 6-7th month ...

Swan Master? -- Mike G -- 18 August 2009

As you may remember, I posted a few questions about a year ago regarding fighting a swan ban in California by the F&G. We have been fighting but, as one would expect, to no avail. I have now applied ...

Re: Swan Master? -- The Regal Swan -- 18 August 2009

Hi Mike: Yes, the Fish & Game Commissions around the country are trying to keep the mute swan populations under control. Some of this control is needed because unscrupulous owners let the swans out ...

Do swans smile? -- Marc Balzac -- 13 August 2009

Our swans will spend up to two hours at a time cooling down in the shower in our 110 degree Palm Springs heat...Is it my imagination or is he smiling?

Re: Do swans smile? -- The Regal Swan -- 15 August 2009

Hi Marc: We're not sure that they have the complete facial muscles that humans have in emoting feelings. However, they certainly do have a different look in their eyes when they are feeding, bathing, ...

swan attack -- Cathy -- 13 August 2009

I live in a complex with a big lake, and every summer they put 2 swans in there, I guess because of their beauty and to keep the geese at a minimum. This year, one of the swans is a male and when you ...

Re: swan attack -- The Regal Swan -- 15 August 2009

Hi Cathy: All swans have individual personalities. Unfortunately, when swans act aggressively, they add to the myth that they are an overly aggressive bird. There are several possibilities that may ...

lost swans -- sarah Fotheringham -- 12 August 2009

I live by a river and have watched a pair of swans bring up two babies. However this morning I only saw one cygnet and the mother. I could not see the other cygnet. Tonight I only found the cygnet ...

Re: lost swans -- The Regal Swan -- 12 August 2009

Hi Sarah: Usually, if the parents want the cygnets to leave, all cygnets will hang out together, but the parents will still be in the area in case something happens. If the first cygnet was lost to a ...

Are swans afraid of thunder? Swan pond turned green -- Maria -- 10 August 2009

Are swans afraid of thunder and lightening? Also the pond up the road now has turned all green....is this alright for the one swan that has been there for years?

Re: Are swans afraid of thunder? Swan pond turned green -- The Regal Swan -- 10 August 2009

H Maria: We're not sure that the swans are afraid of lightning and thunder as they are on ponds and lakes throughout their lives in fair as well as inclement weather. This fact would seem to support ...

Added four, 2 month old's to two existing swans- Problem?? -- Kim -- 9 August 2009

I have a question, we have added 4 2 month old swans to our pomnd which already has two 7 month old's living. The two older ones are pecking at the babies necks and body. Does that mean that they are ...

Re: Added four, 2 month old -- The Regal Swan -- 9 August 2009

Hi Kim: We are constantly getting this question. 2 month old baby swans CANNOT PROTECT themselves. The birds are too young and too small and are easy targets for predators as well as larger and older ...

Sick Swan: Can't stand, skinny, white lice, pink wings and tail -- Martin Quinn -- 9 August 2009

Hi, Maybe you can help, I have a female swan on our lake she made a nest two months ago but we did not see any eges and now she has abandoned it but she is not in good condition she is very skinny ...

Re: Sick Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 9 August 2009

Hi Martin: We would get her to an avian veterinarian or swan rescue facility immediately. It sounds as if she lost at least 30% of her body weight sitting on the nest. This is normal, but she may ...

Is this bumblefoot? -- Marc Balzac -- 9 August 2009

Is this bumblefoot? Not sure how long this 20 year old black swan has had this foot injury as our man-made lake has a concrete curb that can make it difficult for our swans to exit. I have recently ...

Re: Is this bumblefoot? -- The Regal Swan -- 9 August 2009

Hi Marc: Yes, this is bumblefoot. There isn't a whole lot you can do for this condition except let it heal on itself. However, if it is an open wound, oozing and bleeding, you need to get him out of ...

Possible cyanobacterial contamination -- Fiona -- 6 August 2009

We had a record-breaking heatwave (just ended) and drought and now have what looks like a rapidly-spreading bloom of blue-green algae (water is deep turquoise and soupy) in the lagoon. I am very ...

Re: Possible cyanobacterial contamination -- The Regal Swan -- 8 August 2009

Hi Fional: I spoke with one of our swan veterinarians and he confirmed that this bacteria can pose a toxicity to wildlife, domestic animals and livestock. Whether this extends to avian populations, ...

How to befriend our new swans -- Caroine Christie -- 6 August 2009

We just got six 3 month old mute swans. They are happily swimming in our private lake, but I cannot get close to them to feed them. They ignore food on the grass beside the lake, and when I throw ...

Re: How to befriend our new swans -- The Regal Swan -- 6 August 2009

Hi Caroline: Are the cygnets from swans that were already on your pond or did you buy 6 cygnets? This is going to make a big difference regarding their acceptance of you. Three month old cygnets left ...

How to befriend our new swans -- Caroine Christie -- 7 August 2009

I think we solved the problem. The previous owner (we purchased the swans)fed them from a pan, so we put out two pans of feed at one end of the lake, where they seem to like to hang out. Then my ...

Re: How to befriend our new swans -- The Regal Swan -- 8 August 2009

Hi Caroline: Great news. Thanks for the update. Please let us know how the young birds progress. The Regal Swan

Where to buy swans in Wisconsin? -- Gary -- 3 August 2009

We are in Wisconsin. Where can we buy swans? Hatchlings would be fine.

Re: Where to buy swans in Wisconsin? -- The Regal Swan -- 3 August 2009

Hi Gary: We're not sure exactly where you can purchase swans in Wisconsin. The closest site we know is Knox Swans in Indiana. However, you should check with your state Fish & Game Commission as you ...

How to put new adult Mute Swans together -- Jim -- 31 July 2009

We have one adult Mute Swan on a 3 acre lake and have another adult we just got but have them seperate. We do not know the sex of either. How or what is the best way to try to get them to get along ...

Re: How to put new adult Mute Swans together -- The Regal Swan -- 1 August 2009

Hi Jim: The first thing you must do is get the swans sexed. If they are both females or males, there may be a fight in which one or both are injured or killed. If your older swan is a female, she may ...

Death of female mute swan - what will happen to the cygnets? -- Terry -- 23 July 2009

This morning the beautiful female mute swan living on our lake was found dead. We suspect she fell victim to one of the large snapping turtles that share the lake. She leaves behind her mate and ...

Re: Death of female mute swan - what will happen to the cygnets? -- The Regal Swan -- 24 July 2009

Hi Terry: Was there any visible trauma to the swan, i.e., neck or foot, leg, body injury? It is not likely a snapping turtle is going to kill a swan intentionally, but could snap at a leg or other ...

Re: Death of female mute swan - what will happen to the cygnets? -- Terry -- 24 July 2009

Thank you for your answer. Unfortunately, there was visible injury--she appeared to be decapitated. I don't know if this was because she was lingering too long with her neck under water, or if the ...

Re: Death of female mute swan - what will happen to the cygnets? -- The Regal Swan -- 24 July 2009

Hi Terry: Thanks for the update. Yes, it could have been a large snapping turtle, but in all probability, it was a larger predator such as coyote, fox, human, domestic dog, etc. Let us know how the ...

Minimum age of cygnet placed in a pound with male swan -- lisa sommer -- 22 July 2009

What is the recommended minimum age to place a cygnet in a pond with an unrelated male mute. Thanks

Re: Minimum age of cygnet placed in a pound with male swan -- The Regal Swan -- 22 July 2009

Hi Lisa: The answer would be NEVER. The male mute will kill the cygnet. Unless the male is a very young bird (under 1 year of age), you could not safely introduce the female until she is at least 1 ...

Lonely swan appeared on our pond: Temperament, gender, will it stay, will another join? -- Julie -- 20 July 2009

Over the weekend a swan just appeared on our small pond alone. I thought they mated for life. Is there any way to determine the gender of it? What temperment can we expect from it, as our son has a ...

Re: Lonely swan appeared on our pond: Temperament, gender, will it stay, will another join? -- The Regal Swan -- 20 July 2009

Hi Julie: The first question is can the bird fly? If it can fly, then this would be a viable answer of how it got to your pond. However, if it is pinioned or clipped and cannot fly, then someone ...

Re: Lonely swan appeared on our pond: Temperament, gender, will it stay, will another join? -- Julie -- 21 July 2009

Thank you so much for your quick response. The swan has a (orange beak) so I am guessing it is a mute swan. Any information you can give regarding it will be wonderful. I assume it can fly as no one ...

Re: Lonely swan appeared on our pond: Temperament, gender, will it stay, will another join? -- The Regal Swan -- 21 July 2009

Hi Julie: You are welcome. If the swan has an orange beak, then it is a Mute Swan. See if you can make the swan fly. If it flies and leaves the area, then no harm no foul. However, if the swan cannot ...

swan without mate -- kiley -- 19 July 2009

Hi, I was wondering how long a swan will survive without a mate. Our town swan, 'Sam', recently lost his mate, 'Betty'. How long will he survive without another mate?

Re: swan without mate -- The Regal Swan -- 19 July 2009

Hi Kiley: How old is the swan? How did his mate die? Most male swans will go through life single once their mate dies. If you choose to get him another mate, consider his age, if there is a ...

Where to buy swans in/near Michigan (to get rid of geese) -- Susan -- 17 July 2009

We are thinking about buying swans for our lakes and would like to know where to get them, we are in Howell Michigan and have 2 ponds and one small lake, so we would also like to know how many we ...

Re: Where to buy swans in/near Michigan (to get rid of geese) -- The Regal Swan -- 17 July 2009

Hi Susan: Before purchasing and importing the swans, you will need to check with your state Fish & Game Commission. Many states now require permits to have swans not native to the states. Also, ...

two males on a pond?? -- lisa sommer -- 16 July 2009

I have a question regarding two males on a 2 acre pond. We recently lost our female mute (natural causes) and have located another male within driving distance. My current male is very laid ...

Re: two males on a pond?? -- The Regal Swan -- 16 July 2009

Hi Lisa: This would not be a very good idea. The first male swan now knows this pond as his territory. Introducing another male will cause him to act aggressively. One or both birds may be seriously ...

Injured Mute Swan Cygnet (by a jet ski) -- Gracie C -- 14 July 2009

I live on a large recreational lake in North Webster, Indiana. Mute swans are not protected and may be killed in any way that makes a person feel superior!! Last evening at dusk a jet ski sought out ...

Re: Injured Mute Swan Cygnet (by a jet ski) -- The Regal Swan -- 14 July 2009

Hi Gracie: You need to immediately capture the cygnet and get it to a wildlife sanctuary or rehabilitation center. Without help, it will die and possibly, may still die from its injuries. It is not ...

Re: Injured Mute Swan Cygnet (by a jet ski) -- Gracie C -- 16 July 2009

Thank You!! I immediately got a big cage and captured the cygnet with a fishing net and got it into the cage. I gave it water and some green stuff I saw it eating out in the lake. Believe it or not ...

Re: Injured Mute Swan Cygnet (by a jet ski) -- The Regal Swan -- 16 July 2009

Hi Gracie: We could not agree more with you. Animal cruelty is on the rise, whether swans or other species and we do not have a judicial system that will stand up to the abusers and throw away the ...

Color of cygnet = sex of cygnet? Age of pinioning -- Catherine Wiles -- 13 July 2009

Does the coloration of mute swan cygnets indicate the sex? We have some white and some grey ones and I wondered which was which. Also, I understand that cygnets need to be pinioned at between 1-3 ...

Re: Color of cygnet = sex of cygnet? Age of pinioning -- The Regal Swan -- 13 July 2009

Hi Catherine: White mute cygnets are a leucistic coloring commonly called Polish Mutes by Swan Keepers. Taupe/grey colored mute cygnets are the normal coloring and known as Royal Mutes by Swan ...

Looking for a mate for a Whooper swan -- Lee McDonald -- 12 July 2009

A friend had a pair of swans on her pond, but one of the swans has died. It was a Whooper swan. We feel sorry for the remaining swan and are wondering if we should try to buy it a friend. Will it ...

Re: Looking for a mate for a Whooper swan -- The Regal Swan -- 13 July 2009

Hi Lee: Do you know how old the remaining swan is and how the other swan died? The worst case scenario would be that you go get another swan only to have the remaining swan die from old age or both ...

White Cygnets -- Holly -- 11 July 2009

I am based in the Uk and we have several pairs of wild mute swans on the river at the end of our farm. This year I have noticed one pair have two white cygnets- as white as their parents- with pink ...

Re: White Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 11 July 2009

Hi Holly: You are describing a leucistic (not alibino) coloring of the swans known as the Polish Mute swans which is very common. Royal Mute swans have taupe grey colored cygnets which have black ...

A what age can mute swans cygnets be removed from their parents? -- Catherine Wiles -- 8 July 2009

We have a pair of mute swans on our private lake which produced 8 babies at the end of April. Someone removed two of them last week and gave them to an individual to put on his own lake. We are all ...

Re: A what age can mute swans cygnets be removed from their parents? -- The Regal Swan -- 8 July 2009

Hi Catherine: Usually, the parents begin to chase the young birds between 5 .5 -7 months of age, although we have seen cygnets removed as early as 5 months and as late as 10 months. At 3 months, the ...

How to build a swan living space, safe from predators? -- Kathy -- 7 July 2009

We are in the process of aquiry 2 swans for our large pond. I would like to build them a safe place away from any predators, etc. What do I need and what type "house" should we build for ...

Re: How to build a swan living space, safe from predators? -- The Regal Swan -- 7 July 2009

Hi Kathy: Swans do not normally live in houses or any other such type enclosures. Usually swans reside on open water and banks surrounding the habitat. By sleeping on the open water, swans can ...

Swan behavior around jet skis -- Julie Hudson -- 6 July 2009

I live on a small lake in Michigan. We like to keep it quiet but we have a few people that run the jet skis. We have a swan family and every time the jet skiers drive their noisy machines the male ...

Re: Swan behavior around jet skis -- The Regal Swan -- 7 July 2009

Hi Julie: The swan does not like the noise and nuisance of the jet ski. Probably, at one time, someone decided to get too close and antagonize the swans with the jet ski. Eventually, something or ...

Cygnets are white and brown -- tamara -- 5 July 2009

We have a pond close by and noticed the cygnets this year are white and kind of brown. Why would that be?

Re: Cygnets are white and brown -- The Regal Swan -- 5 July 2009

Hi Tamara: We are assuming that you are referring to Mute Swan cygnets. First, the taxonomical species name is Mute Swan. However, swan keepers term cygnets that are taupe (brown) in color with dark ...

what happened to babies -- Barb -- 4 July 2009

What happened to the baby swan I did not see it the other day

Re: what happened to babies -- Fiona -- 5 July 2009

Dear Barb, I'm so sorry to have to report that all 3 cygnets have been lost. As you may have read from previous posting, the first baby hatched (Mama Swan's ivory cygnet) was injured when crossing ...

MUTE SWAN cygnets limping, can't walk -- JIM EFFTING -- 4 July 2009

I was looking to purchase some Cygnets and was informed that they are having difficulty walking or standing now. They seem to swim fine. Is this a diet issue with growth and developement? What can be ...

Re: MUTE SWAN cygnets limping, can -- The Regal Swan -- 4 July 2009

Hi Jim: There could be several explanations: 1. Dietary- Too much protein in the diet causing them to grow too quickly which will also promote the condition called "angel wing" or reverse ...

deformed cygnets -- Carole -- 2 July 2009

My husband and I were on vacation in NH and along the coast we saw a swan pair and two cygnets. However, we were shocked at the deformaties of the babies. What is wrong with them? Growing out of ...

Re: deformed cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 3 July 2009

Hi Carole: Do not be alarmed, there was probably nothing wrong with the cygnets. Swans (adults and cygnets) place one leg on their back in a resting position throughout the day as they are on the ...

Androgynous Swan: What is it? Can it lay eggs? Why would a male swan chose the androgynous swan over a female? -- Raymond Clark -- 1 July 2009

Hi, I live in the small town of St Marys in Ontario. This year we have 3 swans. Two have paired off, the third a female is alone. The 'pair' of swans consists of a male and what town parks officials ...

Re: Androgynous Swan: What is it? Can it lay eggs? Why would a male swan chose the androgynous swan -- The Regal Swan -- 2 July 2009

Hi Raymond: We have no idea why anyone would call the swan "androgynous" because this term generally pertains to a living being (plant or animal) which has both male and female genitalia or other ...

Swan won't go back in the water after an oil spill -- Howard kroplick -- 30 June 2009

There is a swan who lives at the village lake in Roslyn, NY. About a month ago, there was an oil spill from a restaurant. The swan (about 40 pounds!) appears to have oil on its feathers. The swan ...

Swan needs to be taken to wildlife facility and bathed in Dawn Dish Soap -- The Regal Swan -- 1 July 2009

Hi Howard: You need to contact a wildlife/waterfowl rescue facility immediately and have the swan removed from the area and its feathers bathed in Dawn Dish Soap. If the swan has petroleum or food ...

How many Black Swans can live on a 1.5 acre lake? -- Ben Neal -- 29 June 2009

I live on a 1.5 acre lake that has a lot of waterfowl and we currently have 2 pair of black swans on it, both pair are male and female. 1 pair this year had 4 babies(3 now, 1 died) and the other pair ...

Re: How many Black Swans can live on a 1.5 acre lake? -- The Regal Swan -- 30 June 2009

Hi Ben: The pond could support a number of swans, but realistically, black swans are the most aggressive of the swan species, so problems will arise if you keep more than 2 pair of swans on this ...

Problem beak -- Marc Balzac -- 28 June 2009

Any idea on what is causing this beak problem? Poor guy lost his mate of 10 years to a coyote a few months ago and now this...

Re: Problem beak -- Dr. Christopher Brown -- 28 June 2009

The beak lesion resembles what a traumatic injury or puncture wound looks like. If the lesion grows larger or spreads to other areas of the beak or face, then I would be more suspicious of an ...

Additional questions: Will beak heal, is it a tumor? -- Marc Balzac -- 30 June 2009

Will the beak heal, and is the bump on the left side of his head look like a tumor?

Re: Additional questions: Will beak heal, is it a tumor? -- The Regal Swan -- 30 June 2009

Hi Marc: Thank you for the additional photos. We are forwarding them to Dr. Brown and Dr. Gardner and will await their replies. The Regal Swan

Re: Additional questions: Will beak heal, is it a tumor? -- Dr. Christopher Brown -- 2 July 2009

I'm not sure I know the answers to your questions. It looks like the beak is in the process of healing, but I did not realize before how extensive and numerous the lesions are. The swelling on the ...

Re: Additional questions: Will beak heal, is it a tumor? -- Marc Balzac -- 13 July 2009

We are lucky...his beak healed up nicely...thanks for the help.

Re: Additional questions: Will beak heal, is it a tumor? -- The Regal Swan -- 13 July 2009

Hi Marc: Great news. Thanks for the update. The Regal Swan

Re: Problem beak -- The Regal Swan -- 28 June 2009

Hi Marc: We are sending the photo to our veterinarians. Will get back to you. The Regal Swan

Feed watermelon to swans? How often to clip wings? -- Kim -- 25 June 2009

Can you give the swans fruit? (watermelon) I see that apple seeds are not good for them on a previous message. And how often do you have to clip their wings? We were given two black swans, which were ...

Re: Feed watermelon to swans? How often to clip wings? -- The Regal Swan -- 26 June 2009

Hi Kim: No, do not feed fruit of any kind to the swans. Swans are waterfowl and eat mainly grains, grasses and possibly fish or other aquatic larvae. You need to clip the feathers approximately every ...

Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- Fiona -- 25 June 2009

A Mute Swan cygnet hatched June 11 has several abnormalities that appear to be worsening with the passage of time. We haven’t seen anything like this before, and wonder if you have any idea what the ...

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- The Regal Swan -- 26 June 2009

Hi Fiona: We are going to send this to our veterinarians for a question and will get back to you as soon as we hear from them. It is quite possible that this may be a parasitic or genetic issue. The ...

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- Fiona -- 26 June 2009

Thank you very much for your reply. We appreciate your time and trouble - it's such a puzzle, as we've never seen anything like it.

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- danielle -- 26 June 2009

Hello, I am a frequent visitor of Lost Lagoon and I noticed that this cygnet has not been present lately. Today I saw who I assume are Tristan and Isolde (on the north side of the lagoon, just past ...

News about Papa/Mama's cygnet, and Tristan/Isolde's cygnet (on the pictures) -- Fiona -- 26 June 2009

Hello Danielle, I am so sorry to have to report that Mama Swan's cygnet was apparently injured when Mama took her across the road opposite the nest to graze and her leg was hurt late Sunday evening. ...

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- The Regal Swan -- 5 July 2009

Hi Fiona: Dr. Gardner looked at the photos as well as Dr. Brown. He is in agreement that this is congenital. The beak almost looks like it is twisted and does not sit under the top beak, which would ...

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much -- Fiona -- 7 July 2009

Thank you so very much for your time and trouble, and for providing an answer to something that was such a puzzle, as we'd not seen anything like it before. Your help was truly appreciated!

What kills the babies -- Bernice Taplitz -- 24 June 2009

We have same Papa & Mama swan in our small salt water lagoon for many years. I was thrilled when the showed up a couple of weeks ago with 6 beautiful babies. I took a number of great digital ...

Re: What kills the babies -- The Regal Swan -- 24 June 2009

Hi Bernice: Unfortunately, nature is not very kind to young species of any kind. It is truly survival of the fittest or we would be overrun with too many animals on the earth. Many species have a ...

Re: What kills the babies -- John -- 22 August 2009

we know large turtles will pull the young cygnets under on our Lake, but we have disagreement about whether the parents ever kill their young and only let the strongest survive?

Re: What kills the babies -- The Regal Swan -- 22 August 2009

Hi John: Good question. The reason that the swans may kill their young is not necessarily the survival of the fittest, but more to either put them out of their misery, keep predators from being ...

The parents appeared without cygnets this year: Why? -- J Green -- 20 June 2009

I have a cottage on a lake in Michigan. Last summer I had Mama and Daddy Swan with five cygnets (one of which was crippled and later disappeared). They first appeared in early July and visited us all ...

Re: The parents appeared without cygnets this year: Why? -- The Regal Swan -- 20 June 2009

Hi: If the cygnets are not in the immediate vicinity of the parents, then it usually means that the cygnets either did not survive long after hatching or the eggs never hatched. Sometimes, swans will ...

Swans on our pond: 3 unhatched eggs 2 weeks after first cygnet -- sheila dyer -- 19 June 2009

our village has a pair of swans one cygnet hatched 2 weeks ago but there are still 3 unhatched eggs is this normal?

Re: Swans on our pond: 3 unhatched eggs 2 weeks after first cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2009

HI Sheila: The mother swan will keep the young cygnet returning to the nest 2-3 weeks after hatching regardless if there are eggs in the nest. The mother knows best and will probably not try to hatch ...

Cygnet Attacked by Parents after Rehabilitation at Wildlife Center (Fishing Line) -- Jorie -- 19 June 2009

A couple of weeks ago, we rescued a cygnet that was caught in fishing line. It was tightly wrapped around its leg. Our local wildlife center rehabilitated it, and we released it back to its family ...

Re: Cygnet Attacked by Parents after Rehabilitation at Wildlife Center (Fishing Line) -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2009

Hi Jorie: If the cygnet was not returned to the parents in a timely fashion, within a few hours of separation (which would not be possible if it had to be rehabilitated), then the parents do not ...

Cygnet Update: Cygnet was found alive and was sent to a sanctuary -- Jorie -- 22 June 2009

Cygnet Update! Our cygnet was found a couple of days later on a neighbor's porch! It was a miracle! We rescued him and released him to a waterfowl sanctuary in Tiverton Rhode Island yesterday, where ...

Re: Cygnet Update: Cygnet was found alive and was sent to a sanctuary -- The Regal Swan -- 22 June 2009

Hi Jorie: Thanks for the update. Glad you could intervene and this story has a good ending. The Regal Swan

mute swans~why they stomp feet -- Tammy VB -- 18 June 2009

Hi, we have a pair of mute swans that visit our yard daily and on occasion we see the female do a little dance type move, she stomps her feet and stretches her neck real tall and shakes her head back ...

Re: mute swans~why they stomp feet -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2009

Hi Tammy: It sounds like the swan is stretching as she gets out of the water, but she may also be exhibiting a form of greeting as she comes up for food. The Regal Swan

What month do mute swan eggs hatch -- Leslie Ballard -- 17 June 2009

Hi, Do swan's eggs typically hatch during a certain month (i.e., is it late in the season now?) We have a pair of mute swans on our lake that have a nest opposite our home. We've seen the female on ...

Re: What month do mute swan eggs hatch -- The Regal Swan -- 17 June 2009

Hi Leslie: Typically, between March and June is the nesting period. The eggs will incubate for approximately 30-45 days from the time that the last egg was layed. If someone placed oil on the eggs, ...

How many swans can live together? -- Kaslx -- 16 June 2009

How many swans can live together? We have a pair that had 7 cygnets...can they all grow up and stay together.

Re: How many swans can live together? -- The Regal Swan -- 16 June 2009

Hi: This question has to be determined by the acreage of your pond and habitat. If you have less than 8 acres (and this is stretching it), your swans are going to become a nightmare. During nesting ...

What's the best way of making an island for the swans in the middle of a pond? -- Kim Wirtz -- 15 June 2009

We have a large pond. What would be the best way to make an island in the middle of the pond for them to nest and keep away from predators?

Nesting boxes. Dangers of bringing dirt to build an island (toxins) -- The Regal Swan -- 16 June 2009

Hi Kim: If your pond is already filled with water, this is not going to be an easy task as you will need to bring in a large amount of landfill (dirt) to build up the island. However, if you bring in ...

Photo of the pond. Styrofoam as nesting island? Shade on the nesting island? Shelter in winter? Protection against coyotes? -- Kim -- 16 June 2009

This is our pond. I heard from the person I received the Swans from that they like to be in the middle of the pond for nesting. I am scared that they will be bothered by Coyotes. I want them to be ...

Re: Photo of the pond. Styrofoam as nesting island? Shade on the nesting island? Shelter in winter? -- The Regal Swan -- 17 June 2009

Hi Kim: Nice photo. Styrofoam may not be stable, i.e., it can flip and wind may cause the nesting contents to be blown from the area. Additionally, the swans may peck and try to eat the styrofoam ...

Islandscapes for swans (sold at Walmart) -- Jennifer -- 23 June 2009

We use islandscapes, just google it and you'll find they are sold everywhere including walmart. Link to walmart site http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1006047 They can put planted ...

Re: Islandscapes for swans (sold at Walmart) -- The Regal Swan -- 24 June 2009

Hi Jennifer: Great idea, just have a few questions. We have folks in Florida and the Southeast that would need something like this, but due to hurricanes and severe winds, the possibility of flipping ...

Mr. Swan sees his reflection in windows and bumpers, and pecks, pecks, pecks... and he crosses our busy street -- Terra -- 15 June 2009

Hi there. I live in Waterford, Michigan on a huge pond that is wetlands. We have an abundance of wildlife in our backyard including a set of swans who have been coming back every spring in the four ...

Re: Mr. Swan sees his reflection in windows and bumpers, and pecks, pecks, pecks... and he crosses o -- The Regal Swan -- 16 June 2009

Hi Terra: It is mating and nesting season. All birds are seeing their reflections in windows, bumpers, hubcaps, car mirrors, etc. If they have not mated, they are trying to woo the reflection because ...

We need a female black swan for lone male -- elizabeth Denike -- 13 June 2009

Hi, We had a male and female that layed 3 nests in one year. Mama broke her wing and after surjery, she died. Now we have only 1 male swan, and need to give him a mate. Can you help me find a female ...

Re: We need a female black swan for lone male -- The Regal Swan -- 14 June 2009

Hi Elizabeth: The closest swan breeder near you would be Howell's Exotic Waterfowl in Texas, or you can have one shipped from California at Jack Long's Waterfowl, or Knox Swans in Indiana. Hope this ...

Father swan tries to drown its own cygnet -- Brian -- 13 June 2009

This week I was watching a mom and dad swan and their 2 cygnets in the canal next to my folks home in Indian River Michigan. They have been there ever since the cygnets were born. My mom siad there ...

Re: Father swan tries to drown its own cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 14 June 2009

Hi Brian: Unfortunately, swan parents will try to kill their own young if they know the cygnets are in distress or something is wrong with them. The male may have tried to get the cygnet out of the ...

Re: Father swan tries to drown its own cygnet -- Linda Miller -- 15 June 2009

Unfortunately, I too just witnessed this past weekend a pair of swans parents who drowned one on their cygnets. There were 6 cygnets and all were swimming and feeding with the parents when out of the ...

Re: Father swan tries to drown its own cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 15 June 2009

Hi Linda: This is nature. It is better to kill something that may have something wrong with it than let it suffer. In addition, if the cygnet is ill or injured, predators will get it and possibly ...

Male or female swan? -- jamie bradley -- 13 June 2009

I have a swan and i don't know if it is a male or female. It is kinda short and his 1 leg is bowed, and he or she does not fly. can u tell me if it is a male or female

Re: Male or female swan? -- The Regal Swan -- 14 June 2009

Hi Jamie: Unfortunately, there is no real way of determining the gender of a swan unless a veterinarian physically exams the cloaca, conducts DNA Sequencing or you wait until nesting season to ...

Where'd The Eggs Go?? The nest is now empty with no trace of egg shells -- CD -- 12 June 2009

Where I work we have a huge pond that is home to fish, turtles, plenty of geese, and a swan pair. The pen has been nesting for weeks now and we just noticed that the nest is empty. Originally there ...

Re: Where -- The Regal Swan -- 12 June 2009

Hi: Predators could have gotten the eggs, i.e., raccoons, turtles, ect. More than likely, a human took the eggs either to start their own swan collection or thinking that removing them, they would ...

Meet Your Swan Specialist as she Talks to a Swan!! (video) -- The Regal Swan -- 11 June 2009

Every time I am down at Lake Eola, I talk to the swans and in particular the Whooper Swans. I call Whoop Whoop and they answer back. Well, I think it is mating season and this guy immediately came ...

Stranded swan? Mother and cygnet gone to area separated from the pound -- Nancy -- 11 June 2009

In a local pond there is a male and female swan with their young cygnet. The cygnet seemed to have gone over a small waterfall and the female joined him there in the shallow area. The area is ...

Re: Stranded swan? Mother and cygnet gone to area separated from the pound -- The Regal Swan -- 11 June 2009

Hi Nancy: Since the mother stayed and the cygnet found its way back to her, we would suggest that you not try to get them back to the pond. Mother knows best and she may know that the cygnet may go ...

Why the name "mute swans"? -- john lawler -- 10 June 2009

why are mute swans called mute swans

Re: Why the name "mute swans"? -- The Regal Swan -- 11 June 2009

Hi John: Great question. Actually the name "Mute" is a misnomer. The swans are not mute (i.e., deaf and cannot vocalize). However, in comparison with all other species, the Mute Swans are the least ...

caring for mute swan on illinois river -- Lucy -- 10 June 2009

We are not positive the swan cannot fly, but over the past 2 months, we have never seen him fly and neither have any of the neighbors who are also keeping an eye out for him. When we first saw him, ...

Re: caring for mute swan on illinois river -- The Regal Swan -- 10 June 2009

Hi Lucy: With the additional information you provided, we would surmise one of the following: 1. The swan got onto the wrong migratory path with a bunch of geese and since some geese remain, he/she ...

Can bread yeast kill cygnets? -- claire franklin -- 9 June 2009

We have the perfect pond, safe to stand and feed the ducks, swans and fish. This year the swan has raised 8 cygnets, as soon as they left the nest a sign went up saying we must not feed the swans as ...

Re: Can bread yeast kill cygnets? -- The Regal Swan -- 9 June 2009

Hi Claire: Either someone is extremely un-informed or is trying to scare people to not feed the birds bread, thus providing healthier food such as lettuce and a mixture of cracked corn and poultry ...

Winter care for a mute swan when river freezes over during many months. What type of shelter? -- Lucy -- 9 June 2009

Thank you for your help. What do we do if he is still there this winter? The Illinois River often freezes over for a good portion of the season. If they don't like a box with a lid, what other kind ...

Re: Winter care for a mute swan when river freezes over during many months. What type of shelter? -- The Regal Swan -- 9 June 2009

Hi Lucy: He will try to stay in the middle of the lake because of depthness of water and therefore, more heat. This is the wrong place because he can become trapped if the river freezes. You will ...

Swan likely unable to fly: How can we make him comfortable? -- Lucy -- 8 June 2009

We have a single mute swan, apparently a male as he apperas to be about 40 lbs, swimming in the river by our house. He willingly comes up to me when I call, and takes food from my hand, altho he will ...

Re: Swan likely unable to fly: How can we make him comfortable? -- The Regal Swan -- 8 June 2009

Hi Lucy: If he can't fly from the area, he needs some supplemental food. Most swans will not go into a box, especially if it has a top to it. Provide him with lettuce, some bread and a mixture of ...

Someone destroyed the swans and cygnets' nest - Can we help save the cygnets? -- lfl -- 7 June 2009

HI - the swans on our pond just had cygnets. The neighbor who had he nest on his property destroyed the nest. Is there any reason he would do this for the well being of the swans? Is there anything ...

Re: Someone destroyed the swans and cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 7 June 2009

Hi: Not sure why someone would do this except maybe he thought that once the cygnets hatched, the swans do not need the nest. If the neighbor was tired of the nest, in some area that he needed to ...

Swan incubation period: Swan sitting on eggs for over a month -- Dana Flynn -- 5 June 2009

Hi - there is a white swan that has built a nest and has been sitting on her eggs for awhile. There are 4 eggs. Alot of swans on the lake have already had their babies. The male swan is never seen. I ...

Re: Swan incubation period: Swan sitting on eggs for over a month -- The Regal Swan -- 6 June 2009

Hi Dana: Yes, there is a possibility that the eggs may not hatch, but the mother swan will know if this is going to happen and will eventually leave the eggs. Incubation, depending on swan species, ...

Black Swans have made another nest and cygnet from first nest is left on his own -- Richard -- 5 June 2009

Hi Guys I am in the northern area of NC, I wrote you guys back in Feb. 5 a few times when my swans were nesting and it was 5 degrees a couple of weeks. Good news is I did end up with one Cygnet out ...

Re: Black Swans have made another nest and cygnet from first nest is left on his own -- The Regal Swan -- 5 June 2009

Hi Richard: Unfortunately, this whole scenario seems to be the norm this year instead of the exception. We are hearing about this behavior throughout the world. It may be that the winters were colder ...

Swan behavior: Two families of swans fighting over territory in a lake -- Cheryl Ferriero -- 4 June 2009

Will a swan family go to where a mating pair of swans has their nest and break it's unhatched eggs? The two males of each group have been fighting over territory in our lake. Last Thursday the male ...

Re: Swan behavior: Two families of swans fighting over territory in a lake -- The Regal Swan -- 5 June 2009

Hi Cheryl Yes, as disturbing as it is, nature is not the most forgiving. Swans will fight for territory, up until the death of the males and sometimes cygnets and females, but that is the way it is. ...

My son's swans: How to recognize whoopers from trumpeters and where to buy in Ohio -- Ralph P -- 3 June 2009

My son bought two pair of swans and I had a question. he bought a pair of whoopers and a pair of trumpeters. He can not remember which is which. The next question is which ever is the ones with the ...

Re: My son -- The Regal Swan -- 4 June 2009

Hi Ralph: If the bills are black, they are Trumpeters and if the bills are black and yellow, then the swans are Whoopers. There are two swan breeders that we think may be able to help you: Knox Swans ...

I want to buy a swan - Various questions about keeping swans -- Billy -- 2 June 2009

I am thinking about buying a swan or two from my neighbor who breeds swans. I have many questions. I am 13 years old. -What do swans eat? -How much does it cost to keep swans? -Do swans make good ...

Re: I want to buy a swan - Various questions about keeping swans -- The Regal Swan -- 3 June 2009

Hi Billy: We are numbering your questions so that we can provide you with specific answers: 1. Swans eat aquatic vegetation, grasses, cracked corn and layer pellets, bread, lettuce, and may eat some ...

Re: I want to buy a swan - Various questions about keeping swans -- Billy -- 4 June 2009

Thanks for all the information! I plan on getting a swan from my neighbor. Although I don't know the breed. All I know is they are big, white, and have orange on their beak. Big black feet. Some ...

Re: I want to buy a swan - Various questions about keeping swans -- The Regal Swan -- 4 June 2009

Hi Billy: The swan species you are describing is the Mute Swan. In some states, you must have a permit from your state Fish & Game Commission to possess these swans because they are listed as a ...

Unexplained death of a 2 week old baby swan: Heron? Ornamental corn? Parent? -- Pam A -- 2 June 2009

Two baby swans hatched at the pond near our house on 5/20. This morning (6/2), both babies were still swimming and eating with the parents. At lunch, I noticed only one baby. I found the other one ...

Re: Unexplained death of a 2 week old baby swan: Heron? Ornamental corn? Parent? -- The Regal Swan -- 2 June 2009

Hi Sandy: Without a necropsy (an autopsy for animals), we could only theorize how the young cygnet died. There are several possibilities: 1. The parent killed the bird by accidently stepping on it or ...

Re: Unexplained death of a 2 week old baby swan: Heron? Ornamental corn? Parent? -- Pam A -- 3 June 2009

We did have two nights of very cold temps, and heavy rains and a thunderstorm the night before the cygnet died. That seems like a very strong possibility. I also had noticed that the adults wouldn't ...

Re: Unexplained death of a 2 week old baby swan: Heron? Ornamental corn? Parent? -- The Regal Swan -- 4 June 2009

Hi Pam: Thanks for the update. If there was a severe thunderstorm in which the cygnet was completely drenched and could not get dry or warm in the low temperatures, it is likely that it possibly ...

Male swan killing the newborn cygnets (seen on web cam) -- sandy -- 2 June 2009

I have been watching a swan nest at htp://www.ustream.tv/channel/swans-nesting . This morning the egs hatched and the male started killing the babies. Why? He killed at least one and was attacking ...

Re: Male swan killing the newborn cygnets (seen on web cam) -- The Regal Swan -- 2 June 2009

Hi Sandy: Unfortunately, nature is very cruel, especially if an animal knows something is wrong with its young and they will not survive. Another possibility is that the male swan is a new parent and ...

How long will female sit on infertile eggs (concerns for her health). How to protect cygnets from snapping turtles -- Sandra -- 1 June 2009

Hello, can you please let me know about snapping turtles we have pet swans we live in Ontario on a large pond , the male swan is about 24 years old the female is alot younger 12 or so they have built ...

Re: How long will female sit on infertile eggs (concerns for her health). How to protect cygnets fro -- The Regal Swan -- 1 June 2009

Hi Sandra: Incubation usually lasts between 30-45 days from the date of the last egg being laid. Female swans will usually not sit on eggs that are infertile or have little chance of hatching. So, ...

Cob started whacking me when feeding the family! -- S Silverstein -- 29 May 2009

I've been feeding a pair of swans at the local park for over a year without incident, and they appreciated it during winter and have been very friendly. Recently the pair had six cygnets who are ...

Re: Cob started whacking me when feeding the family! -- The Regal Swan -- 30 May 2009

Hi: Actually, he thinks that you are the kidnapper of his cygnets and does not really care what you did to save them, you touched them. This is unacceptable behavior by any parent and he is trying to ...

Double Clutch: Will the parents drive the 7-week-old cygnet away when new eggs hatch? -- Jeanne Moore -- 29 May 2009

We have a pair of swans that hatched 3 eggs on April 9, 2009. The cygnets were pinioned, 2 were sold and the remaining cygnet left with his parents. In the past week the parents have laid 4 eggs and ...

Re: Double Clutch: Will the parents drive the 7-week-old cygnet away when new eggs hatch? -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2009

Hi Jeanne: We have seen this activity in several swan pairs, more in black swans vs mute swans, but it can happen in various species. Out of curiosity, what species of swans do you have? If the ...

Re: Double Clutch: Will the parents drive the 7-week-old cygnet away when new eggs hatch? -- Jeanne Moore -- 30 May 2009

The swans that have laid another clutch of eggs are Mute Swans. They had three cygnets hatch in April, two of the cygnets were removed five days later. We kept one cygnet so that the parents would ...

Re: Double Clutch: Will the parents drive the 7-week-old cygnet away when new eggs hatch? -- The Regal Swan -- 30 May 2009

Hi Jeanne: Thanks for the update. As long as the female is still sitting on the nest, she believes that the eggs are viable and she is the most important one in this equation. If she walks away, then ...

Injured cygnet taken to the vet for 5 days: Will its parents take it back? -- Jeanne Moore -- 9 June 2009

It's been over 10 days and the parents are still tolerating the cygnet on the lake. We are watching them closely and will move the cygnet to a secure area on a different lake if necessary. In the ...

Re: Injured cygnet taken to the vet for 5 days: Will its parents take it back? -- The Regal Swan -- 10 June 2009

Hi Jeanne: You might try to reintroduce the cygnet, but it probably is not going to work and you need to be ready to recapture and save from its parents. If the cygnet is too weak or the parents just ...

Why the injured cygnet was accepted by the parents after an absence of 6 days -- Jeanne Moore -- 15 June 2009

Update of 2 week old injured cygnet... Our vet advised us to tube feed the cygnet three or four times daily for three to five days or until he was able to eat on it's own. We tube fed the cygnet ...

Re: Why the injured cygnet was accepted by the parents after an absence of 6 days -- The Regal Swan -- 16 June 2009

Hi Jeanne: Good news. The poop theory was a good thought, but it is a wive's tale (actually mother's who don't want their kids to pick up birds) about birds smelling human scents. Birds don't have ...

"Sneaky" Male Swan engages in relationships with other female swans -- Elaine Angwin -- 29 May 2009

Dear SWAN SPECIALIST, Someone told me that a male swan is NOT AS FAITHFUL to his lifetime female partner as he appears to be. He is, actually, very sneaky in engaging in relationships with other ...

Re: "Sneaky" Male Swan engages in relationships with other female swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2009

Hi Elaine: This statement is not necessarily true. Most swans mate for life. This fidelity depends on several factors: individual swan, swan species and success of having cygnets and raising them to ...

Both swan parents kill cygnet -- Carla -- 28 May 2009

Today I came home and watched a monther swan push one of her babies out of the pond behind my house. I went over to see if it was okay and it was. By the time I got back to my house, both swan ...

Re: Both swan parents kill cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2009

Hi Carla: Nature is unfortunately cruel sometimes and survival of the fittest rules. Swan parents will kill a cygnet if they know something is wrong with the cygnet. There are several reasons for ...

Swan poop on my lawn - How to keep the swans away? -- Charlene Davis -- 28 May 2009

We have 9 swans on our lake and they like to lay in our yard. They make such a mess in the yard pooping. Is there anything I can put on the grass to keep them out of the yard. My lawn men don't want ...

Re: Swan poop on my lawn - How to keep the swans away? -- The Regal Swan -- 28 May 2009

Hi Charlene: At one time, we used to collect and compost the swan manure under the name L'essence of Swan. We stopped marketing the product because of lack of interest from the consumer standpoint ...

How to tell a Swan is pregnant, will lay eggs? -- Carol -- 28 May 2009

Hi, I have a pair of mute swans who are 4 years old. I'm thinking it's way too late in the season for the female to lay eggs, but they've recently made a beautiful nest. The female sits on the nest ...

Re: How to tell a Swan is pregnant, will lay eggs? -- The Regal Swan -- 28 May 2009

Hi Carol: There is no way to just look at a swan and determine if it is pregnant. We are still within the window of nesting season for the mute swans so the swan could still lay eggs. On another ...

Re: How to tell a Swan is pregnant, will lay eggs? -- Carol -- 28 May 2009

Well the swans were purchased a year ago from a man who sells them specifically to keep the geese away. A builder in a subdivision purchased them and asked that I take care of them. They've recently ...

Re: How to tell a Swan is pregnant, will lay eggs? -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2009

Hi Carol: Thanks for the photo. But, we still would not be able to predict pregnancy even with a photo. As for sexing, some swans weigh more and have larger features than other swans regardless of ...

Swan attack on a baby duck -- Carol -- 27 May 2009

Hello, I saw a male swan attack and kill a baby duck today, it surprised me as there was no threat to the baby swans at all. Please could you offer some explanation for this behaviour. Thankyou Carol

Re: Swan attack on a baby duck -- The Regal Swan -- 27 May 2009

Hi Carol: Unfortunately, this is something that is seen frequently in not only swans, but all forms of wildlife. Swans will attack babies that are not their own. Nature ensures that a particular ...

How long for a swan egg to hatch? -- Christopher -- 27 May 2009

I was just wondering if you know how long it takes a swan egg to hatch? Thanks, Christopher

Re: How long for a swan egg to hatch? -- The Regal Swan -- 27 May 2009

Hi Christopher: Usually, this depends on species, but incubation is 30-45 days from the day that the last egg was laid. The Regal Swan

Maximum number of cygnets. Father swan hates jet skis -- Bob -- 27 May 2009

I have a pair of mute swans that have produced 9 cygnets, how many can they have? I live on a large lake and the male spends a good amount of time chasing geese from the area. He is particularly ...

Re: Maximum number of cygnets. Father swan hates jet skis -- The Regal Swan -- 27 May 2009

Hi Bob: The largest known brood was 13 cygnets in England. Usually, they produce 1-10. The Regal Swan

Do swans lay eggs more than once a year? -- Becky Bohland -- 25 May 2009

The swans near us just had a family of 6 babies. Now I see one swan on the nest again while the other is with the young on another nest. Do they lay eggs more then once a year?

Re: Do swans lay eggs more than once a year? -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2009

Hi Becky: We're not sure what might be occurring. If the swans are mute swans, the female only lay eggs once a year. There is a possibility that the female is taking care of the cygnets while the ...

Color of swan babies: 3 gray and 3 white, same family -- Becky Bohland -- 24 May 2009

We have a family of swans near by and they had 6 babies. Three are gray and three are white. Why is there a difference in color?

Re: Color of swan babies: 3 gray and 3 white, same family -- The Regal Swan -- 24 May 2009

Hi Becky: Great Question. Before we give the answer, we need to give you a little history. Years ago (centuries), someone in Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania area) decided to see if they could breed ...

Swan breeder or rescue in northeast US? -- Karinne -- 23 May 2009

I suspect that swan breeders are not "certified" but is there a standard of quality by which they are assessed or is this mostly word of mouth? I have only found Granite State Farm in Northwood, NH ...

Re: Swan breeder or rescue in northeast US? -- The Regal Swan -- 23 May 2009

Hi Karinne: We're not sure that there is any certification, but some breeders belong to waterfowl or birding associations. You might try to contact a waterfowl breeding association in your area. Yes, ...

Re: Swan breeder or rescue in northeast US? -- lisa sommer -- 26 May 2009

Recent newspaper articles here in the state have declared that Maryland has destroyed 4000 swans in the last several months. We estimate there are approx 500 left on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. ...

Re: Swan breeder or rescue in northeast US? -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2009

Hi Lisa: Yes, it is a sad issue. The courts had gotten involved years ago with injunctions filed, but as in many cases, state fish & wildlife commissions have been given the authority to take care of ...

How to sex cygnets, removing cygnets from the parents, one cygnet close to Dad and 2 close to Mum -- sonia mesry -- 21 May 2009

HELLO ONCE AGAIN....HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR SWANS IN FLA. I HAVE 3 1 MONTH OLD POLISH MUTE CYGNETS. HOW CAN I SEX THEM? DNA(BLOOD) OR FEATHERS? ALSO...I KNOW ALOT OF TIME YOU GUYS HAVE ...

Re: How to sex cygnets, removing cygnets from the parents, one cygnet close to Dad and 2 close to Mu -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2009

Hi Sonia: Is there a specific reason that you need to know the gender at this particular moment? If not, we would suggest that you wait until at least 6 months of age. You can take them to the ...

Where to buy swan ducklings in Ontario, Canada -- frank -- 20 May 2009

Hi Sir/Madam, I would like to know where can I buy a swan duckling in canada ontario? I love swan very much and I live right on the lake. So, I have a lot of space for them to run even fly. Thank ...

Re: Where to buy swan ducklings in Ontario, Canada -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2009

Hi Frank: We are not sure where you might purchase swan cygnets in Canada or if it is even legal. You may need a possession permit from your local government as well as a providence or federal permit ...

Signet color + reintroducing cygnets to parents after pinioning -- Benjamin -- 20 May 2009

We have just hatched 4 mute signets, the mother is english and the father is polish. 3 signets are gray and 1 is brown, we have not seen their feet. Does this mean anything? Also we plan to have the ...

Re: Signet color + reintroducing cygnets to parents after pinioning -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2009

Hi Benjamin: If they are a darker color, they are all probably royal mutes as opposed to polish mute cygnets which are white in color. This genetic coloring does not pose a danger to any of the swans ...

How to incubate mute swan eggs -- Kathy -- 20 May 2009

The eggs do not fit in our trays, can we lay them on their side & just rotate them daily?

Re: How to incubate mute swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 20 May 2009

Hi Kathy: The probability that you will successfully incubate the eggs to hatching are extremely slim. In all probability, you will get very rotten eggs which will explode and cause a major mess and ...

Swan Eggs: Need for fertilization -- Tamara Huseman -- 20 May 2009

Will a female swan lay eggs even if she does not have a mate? Does the male swan have to ferterlize the female swan to have fertil eggs?

Re: Swan Eggs: Need for fertilization -- The Regal Swan -- 20 May 2009

Hi Tamara: Sometimes female swans will lay eggs without a male swan. However, a male swan must fertilize the eggs prior to cygnets being produced. The Regal Swan

When to remove un-hatched eggs -- Benjamin -- 20 May 2009

Our nest has 6 eggs, 4 eggs hatched yesterday. How long should we wait to see if the other 2 eggs hatch before removing them from the nest? The 2 eggs left were not the first to be layed.

Re: When to remove un-hatched eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 20 May 2009

Hi Benjamin: The eggs should remain in the nest until at least 1 week after the other eggs have hatched. The mother swan will either abandon the eggs or pitch them from the nest if they are duds. The ...

How to feed rescued cygnet, how long to keep him? -- Charley Soukup -- 20 May 2009

While fisning an inland lake my son saw a flock of blackbirds swooping down and pecking at a very small cygnet - some patches of down already plucked from his head - so of course into the kayak with ...

Re: How to feed rescued cygnet, how long to keep him? -- The Regal Swan -- 20 May 2009

Hi Charley: Thank you for rescuing the little fellow. The good news is that it sounds you are taking great care of him, i.e., letting him swim in the daytime and bringing him in at night. If you did ...

Swans, eggs and foxes. Protect swans = Feed foxes? -- Beverley Bowes -- 19 May 2009

I live on a golf course and the swans have just hatched 6 eggs they are ok at the moment but how can we protect them from the foxes should we feed the foxes to keep their hunger at bay

Re: Swans, eggs and foxes. Protect swans = Feed foxes? -- The Regal Swan -- 19 May 2009

Hi Beverly: Feeding the foxes will only draw them to the area and increase the chances that they will get the eggs. Because we are not familiar with your laws regarding the protection of the mute ...

Will a swan who has lost its mate look for a new one? -- Cathy Thompson -- 18 May 2009

There used to be a pair of white swans on a pond at the local golf course, but the female was killed by a fox. There were eggs in the nest and the male swan has been seen still alive. Will he care ...

Re: Will a swan who has lost its mate look for a new one? -- The Regal Swan -- 18 May 2009

Hi Cathy: Incubation of the eggs is usually the female swan's task. Depending on the individual swan and species of swan, males may assist with the incubation but, only while the female is away from ...

female nesting without a mate. -- kelly -- 18 May 2009

My father came home last night to find his male swan had died. There are no signs of any attack, no blood or feathers. The female has been roosting for about two weeks now on eggs. We have built a ...

Re: female nesting without a mate. -- The Regal Swan -- 18 May 2009

Hi Kelly: We're sorry to hear about the male swan. Do you have any predators, i.e., coyotes, raccoons, etc.? If so, the fencing may not be able to help her if the predator can dig under or climb over ...

single swan nesting -- yc -- 17 May 2009

We have a single royal mute swan (mate died many years ago)that has been sitting on a nest for several weeks now. We cannot see if there are eggs and we have wisely left him/her alone. Why is he or ...

Re: single swan nesting -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2009

Hi: Thanks for the nice comments. Usually, the male is responsible for building the nest, but nature tells swans when it is nesting season, so the bird knows that it is supposed to have a nest and ...

Female & babies -- Susan Welch -- 17 May 2009

I have a small pond in back of my house. We live in Massachusetts. A pair of swans have been nesting there for the past two months. They now have 8 babies. Before they were hatched ( about 2-3 weeks ...

Re: Female & babies -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2009

Hi Susan: This is normal behavior. The male has done his job and now he will only be around to add some protection to the female and the cygnets. The female is responsible for the care of the young. ...

My pet swan flocky - Feeding bread -- pamela bolan -- 10 May 2009

i came to live on a canal boat,and made friends with 2 swans male and female,he hissed at me and displayed his wings at first,however,hes become a pet,he taps on my boat for food,hes very tame now ...

Re: My pet swan flocky - Feeding bread -- The Regal Swan -- 11 May 2009

Hi Pamela: We're not really sure what a tail wag in a swan means. Some researchers think that it is stress while others think that it is similar to a dog's wagging tail in that the swan is showing ...

Care of a Mother swan while nesting??? -- Mark -- 10 May 2009

I am aware of a swan nest...the eggs in years previous were taken by predators...this year to safe guard the eggs a fence has been put there t protect the egss!! The mother stays in the fenced in ...

Re: Care of a Mother swan while nesting??? -- The Regal Swan -- 10 May 2009

Hi Mark: The fenced in area needs to be half in the water and half on land surrounding the nest. The mother needs access to the water to bathe (cool off and generally stay clean), but more ...

Father swan kills white cygnet, chases mother -- Karen S -- 7 May 2009

A friend with a pair of white swans is very upset by the males behavior. The male is old (23 years), female is a new mate for about 3 years (old female had died). This year was this pair's first ...

Re: Father swan kills white cygnet, chases mother -- The Regal Swan -- 7 May 2009

Hi Karen: Unfortunately, swan parents, especially males will kill cygnets that are sick or that they perceive are different from the rest of the brood. Differences or illnesses can make the rest of ...

Please help - Found a swan egg and took it home -- Catie -- 7 May 2009

I found a swan egg that had been abandoned and i took it home to take care of it. the only thing is i do not know anything about swans except for what i have read which isnt that much at all! If you ...

Re: Please help - Found a swan egg and took it home -- The Regal Swan -- 7 May 2009

Hi Catie: The egg will explode in the house and will cause an unbelievable smell and mess. Pitch the egg into a pond so that when it does explode you are not attracting nuisance animals such as ...

incubation period -- Clare North -- 5 May 2009

Hi, I wanted to find out how long is the incubation period,from the time the eggs are layed, untill they hatch?? I live in Hemel Hempstead, where we have a swan who has made her nest wright by the ...

Re: incubation period -- The Regal Swan -- 5 May 2009

Hi Clare: Incubation usually is between 30-40 days from when the last egg was layed. If you know the date of the last egg, you can give or take a few days from the above average and you will see the ...

cygnet food @ 2 weeks old -- sonia mesry -- 4 May 2009

hello again! our 4 cygnets seem to be doing well! what do you recommend we feed them? i have been smashing mazuri waterfowl maintenance to small floating pieces. cracked corn and poultry layer ...

Re: cygnet food @ 2 weeks old -- The Regal Swan -- 4 May 2009

Hi Sonia: Yes, some research suggests that too much protein can cause angel wing or other abnormal growth anomalies. Therefore, we would suggest using only a mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer ...

baby swan behavior -- Estrella -- 3 May 2009

There is a pair of swans who recently had 7 babies. They have been together for days now and everything seems normal, until today, one of the babies started to swim in circles in the middle of the ...

Re: baby swan behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 3 May 2009

Hi Estrella: There may be something wrong with the cygnet. If so, the parents and the rest of the cygnets will shun him. If you can pick him up and get him to a veterinarian before a predator gets ...

need a male swan -- Anda Olsen -- 3 May 2009

We live on a 17+ acre flood control lake in North Georgia. NOT the mountains. There is a swan here that has been living/visiting off and on over a 5 year period according to the neighbors. She, Emma, ...

Re: need a male swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 May 2009

Hi Anda: How do you know that the swan that is on the lake is a female? Did anyone take the swan to a veterinarian to have it sexed or have DNA Sequencing conducted? If not, then trying to get ...

swans keep wandering away -- amy short -- 3 May 2009

Hi once again. Hope you could help me put my mind at rest. My black swans are 3 years old. They have been on my pond for 1 year. They have been well taken care of. Once again, they have wandered up ...

Re: swans keep wandering away -- The Regal Swan -- 3 May 2009

Hi Amy: At three years of age, the swans are ready to mate, nest and start a family. You may provide food, but it may not be the ample aquatic vegetation that they require. If the geese are ...

aggressive swan -- Jessica -- 1 May 2009

Hi. i wrote to you a while ago about the black and white swans that i have.I have 4 swans total. I thought the one white swan and the one black swan were mating but no eggs yet and its been over a ...

Re: aggressive swan -- The Regal Swan -- 1 May 2009

Hi Jessica: The two new swans are probably the same gender as the old white swan and when you got them they were juveniles and it was not nesting season. Now, nesting season presents a whole new ...

Swan Feed -- Michele P. -- 30 April 2009

Wow your website is just what I have been looking for!! I reside on a lake located in the Jersey Pinelands, with one pair of mute swans. They are presently nesting. The male is quite busy patrolling, ...

Re: Swan Feed -- The Regal Swan -- 1 May 2009

Hi Michele: We do not supplement any wheat products. We use only lettuce, some bread and primarily the cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. We would suggest using the Blitz feeder (dog feeder) ...

Dad swan aggressive with newly pinioned cygnets. And mama swan stretching her neck into the air -- sonia mesry -- 29 April 2009

hello once again regal swan.... we have had 4 baby cygnets born here in atlanta, ga. so far everything is going well. we had them pinioned a couple of days ago.they are anywhere from 10-13 days old. ...

Re: Dad swan aggressive with newly pinioned cygnets. And mama swan stretching her neck into the air -- The Regal Swan -- 29 April 2009

Hi Sonia: We have seen this behavior in many swans. Some swans do not like having their cygnets out of their sight and once the cygnets are returned, the parents are not ready to accept that the ...

17 swans on 106 acre lake -- Stephen R Hillard -- 28 April 2009

We have lived on Little Wolf Lake in Jackson Count Michigan for 7 years. Each year the same pair (i think it is the same pair) have made a nest and produced 5 to 7 cygnets. The old cobb fiercly ...

Re: 17 swans on 106 acre lake -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2009

Hi Stephen: Yes, lake levels have a lot to do with the number of swans. If your lake is the only or only one of a few lakes with high waters, swans are looking for such areas during mating and ...

swan eggs put out of nest -- kimberly frost -- 27 April 2009

We have a nest with 5 eggs in Millersville University in PA. The parents are on an island in the pond. However, today 2 of the eggs are outside the nest. From post I have read, it appears that Mother ...

Re: swan eggs put out of nest -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2009

Hi Kimberly: Yes, mother knows best. She probably kicked them out of the nest. If they accidently rolled and they were within a short distance, she would have put them back in the nest. Swans lay ...

Re: swan eggs put out of nest -- kimberly frost -- 28 April 2009

link to pics, and you will see the 2 eggs. Sad, but at least we still have 3 more. Thank you so much for the reply. Hope you enjoy the pics. (Note from admin: See for example DSC_1283_45711 )

Reasons to remove the eggs and throw them into the lake (eggs explode) -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2009

Hi Kimberly: Great Photos! From the position of the eggs, two things happened. Something or someone removed the eggs from the nest and placed them in the position that they are now located or the ...

Odd behavior question - swan pecking at cars -- Wendy Gray -- 26 April 2009

Hi- I live in beach resort in NY and we have a town pond with a pair of nesting swans. I went there yesterday to take some pictures and the male was acting rather strange. He would go up to the ...

Re: Odd behavior question - swan pecking at cars -- The Regal Swan -- 26 April 2009

Hi Wendy: Mr. Swan is acting like a very territorial over protecting parent. His territory is anywhere in the vicinity of the nest and we have seen this type of behavior in many swans. Every once in ...

swan first aid -- Connie Erwig -- 24 April 2009

I have sought your advice on other occasions, and I have another question. I am a volunteer in our city caring for fifty swans. We had a male mute swan, Ozzie, that was attacked by a coyote last ...

Swan First Aid -- The Regal Swan -- 24 April 2009

Hi Connie: Your veterinarian would know best about the antibiotics and what can be used in most instances as well as items that she can prescribe or suggest for the first aid kit. We would recommend ...

Orlando Mayor Presents Prestigious Jefferson Award to Sheila Bolin, CEO Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan® Foundation, Inc -- 23 April 2009

April 23, 2009 For Immediate Release Contact: Shirley Bolin Tel: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net Orlando City Mayor Presents Prestigious Jefferson Award For Public Service to Sheila Bolin, CEO, ...

mute swan male -- candace -- 22 April 2009

I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get a mature male must swan? There is a female at our park and she has been alone for 6 years. Thanks

Re: mute swan male -- The Regal Swan -- 23 April 2009

Hi Candace: If the swan has been alone for 6 years, we would suggest that it might be left alone. There are no guarantees that the swan will accept a new swan on the pond. Also, how do you know that ...

egg incubation -- Candace -- 22 April 2009

I am getting ready to incubate a mute swan egg. I have read that the temp should be 99.5. I was wanting to know what the humidity should be? Also, when should it be raised and to what? Thanks

Re: egg incubation -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2009

Hi Candace: Although there is some research regarding artificial incubation, it is very limited and even professional breeders have difficulty. If you found the egg and the mother had abandoned it, ...

Swan eggs! -- LeHoux Family -- 22 April 2009

We have two swans at the pond near our house who have a nest. The eggs were laid 3Apr09, how long do they take to hatch and how many babies will there be?

Re: Swan eggs! -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2009

Hi Folks: The eggs take approximately 30-45 days to hatch from the date of the last egg being laid. Since we do not know how many eggs were laid, we cannot ascertain how many will hatch. However, it ...

Nesting swans from same cygnets -- Lynn Hackworth -- 21 April 2009

Will swans from the same fleet mate with each other and produce cygnets? Thanks for your website; very helpful. Lynn Hackworth

Re: Nesting swans from same cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 21 April 2009

Hi Lynn: Yes, swans from the same nest, the same family (year or years apart) as well as swans in the immediate area can and will pair up to produce cygnets. Usually, the pairing is for life, but not ...

mute swans -- Liz Neisen -- 20 April 2009

We have just lost 2 mute swans to a preditor. They had a nest with 4 eggs which we brought into the house. We are not sure how old the eggs are, pprobably about 2 weeks. We are not sure how long the ...

Re: mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2009

Hi Liz: You are probably not going to be that successful in hatching and we would advise that novices not try to incubate. First, you have the possibility of the eggs getting too hot or not warm ...

Black & White swans breeding together! -- sally curran -- 20 April 2009

Hi there! I live in Milton Keynes in the UK, and go on regular long walks with my dogs, so I'm used to seeing all kinds of wildlife! but I THINK I may have come across something very unusual...a pair ...

Re: Black & White swans breeding together! -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2009

Hi Sally: We haven't seen the photo, but we can tell you that in nature, the chances of these species breeding would not be extremely high. Sometimes, a swan will mount another swan because it is a ...

2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- Sally -- 22 April 2009

I am now happy to attach the photos of these two magnificent swans so you can see for yourself!!! Aren't they just beautiful?? I'm very excited to think that this is indeed something very unusual and ...

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- Candace -- 22 April 2009

If I didn't see it, I probably would not have believed it. I once remember hearing that it this happened, the eggs would be infertile. I could be wrong though. It will be interesting to see. Those ...

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- Sally -- 24 April 2009

Hi there! I know it really is remarkable! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I didn't get too close to them as I have two dogs with me as well! so I kept at a safe distance! I just zoomed in with ...

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- The Regal Swan -- 24 April 2009

Hi Sally: Great. Please keep us updated. The Regal Swan

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2009

Hi Sally: Yes, these photos are indeed special. We have not seen anything like this in a natural setting in the 10 years that we have been studying both black and mute swans. Do you have any idea if ...

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- sally curran -- 24 April 2009

Hi there! Thank You for your reply! I just knew that these two beautiful swans are something special! I'm not sure if they are the same gender or not! Most of the time they are both sharing the nest ...

Re: 2 pictures of the black & shite swans together -- Bob Williams -- 5 January 2010

I live in Warrenton, VA and my wife works with Dr. William Sladen at Airle and the Swan Research Project. They have a Black X Mute hybred in their group. Will try to get a picture for you.

Should we hatch an egg (cold) found in the park -- Michael -- 20 April 2009

Hi there... My mom found a swan egg in the park the other day, it was early in the morning and little birds were trying to break it. When she picked it up it wass ice cold and figured there was no ...

Re: Should we hatch an egg (cold) found in the park -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2009

Hi Michael: We would believe that the chances of incubation are slim to none. If the egg has been moved and rotated or jostled, the embryo can detach from the egg and that is even if the egg is ...

swans -- dg -- 20 April 2009

do you know of a location in kansas where swans can be purchased? Thanks

Re: swans -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2009

Hi dg: No we do not know of any breeder in Kansas. The closest would be Indiana at Knox Swans. The Regal Swan

obtaining a pair of swans for our small lake -- Kathleen Brennan -- 18 April 2009

My community is based around a small lake, really a large pond, that is under an acre. The local geese population has markedly increased over the last few years. One of the residents remembers that ...

Re: obtaining a pair of swans for our small lake -- The Regal Swan -- 19 April 2009

Hi Kathleen: The laws have changed in recent years regarding the importation, possession, maintenance and breeding of mute or black swans in various states. You must first check with your local fish ...

SWAN CYGNETS HATCHING TODAY -- SONIA MESRY -- 18 April 2009

DEAR REGAL SWAN PROJECT.....HELLO AGAIN! GOOD NEWS IS WE HAVE 3 CYGNETS ON A NEST THAT HAVE HATCHED. I LIVE IN ATLANTA, GA. WE ARE VERY EXCITED! MY QUESTIONS ARE WE ARE NOT SURE OF HOW OLD THE BABIES ...

Re: SWAN CYGNETS HATCHING TODAY -- The Regal Swan -- 19 April 2009

Hi Sonia: Do not disturb the nest. Mama knows best and since you don't know when they hatched, it is extremely important that the mother stays with the cygnets. If you disturb the nest, she could ...

Can swans eat brewery byproducts? -- Dawn -- 17 April 2009

Hi, We have a large nature area and ponds right next to a brewpub. The brewery puts out a LOT of mash (spent wheat, barley, malt, etc, depending on the kind of beer) and I'm wondering if we can feed ...

Re: Can swans eat brewery byproducts? -- The Regal Swan -- 18 April 2009

Hi Dawn: The fermented byproducts could possibly kill the swans. We would suggest not to place the swans in these areas. Swans need clean free-flowing (or use of an aerator) fresh water and aquatic ...

Swan on our pond this morning -- Connie -- 16 April 2009

This was on our 7 acre pond this morning, lots of cat tails around the pond, maybe it will stay??? I also have chickens so if it's still there when I get home from work, I'll throw some out for it. ...

Re: Swan on our pond this morning -- The Regal Swan -- 16 April 2009

Hi Connie: We can't tell from this angle the species. It actually looks like a juvenile swan with the bill not colored, so unless you can get a better close-up, we can't identify the species at this ...

IS IT HARD TO HATCH MUTE SWAN EGGS -- DEANNA -- 16 April 2009

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO HATCH SWAN EGGS? WHAT DO THEY EAT AND IS IT A CRIME IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY TO DO SO?

Re: IS IT HARD TO HATCH MUTE SWAN EGGS -- The Regal Swan -- 16 April 2009

Hi Deanna: You will need to check with your local Fish & Game Commission. In most states, mute swans are deemed a feral exotic species and you have to have a license to possess, breed and maintain. ...

Black Swan Mating -- Dale Faith -- 13 April 2009

This is probably a dumb question. I am just getting involved with breeding the Black Swans. What about future breeding that occurs between male and females of the same brood, or will this happen?? ...

Re: Black Swan Mating -- The Regal Swan -- 14 April 2009

Hi Dale: Great question. Inbreeding can and will occur. That is why experienced breeders get several breeding pairs and temporarily mark the cygnets with colored bands. The bands can be removed once ...

Removed swan -- Jody Olson -- 12 April 2009

We have had to remove our 7 year old male Mute swan with pinioned wings to a smaller lake as a pair of wild swans came to our lake and have attempted to kill Mac. We are considering buying a female ...

Re: Removed swan -- The Regal Swan -- 13 April 2009

Hi Jody: Getting Mac a mate will help the situation because he will try to defend himself, his mate and his territory. However, you must slowly introduce the swans. If you get a female, she needs to ...

female swan on local fishing lake -- Laura Cowell -- 12 April 2009

Hi here, I'm not sure if you can help but, I went fishing with my partner earlier today, (we're regulars) and the resident swans where doing their usual stuff. Only Perky (the female and yes I have ...

Re: female swan on local fishing lake -- The Regal Swan -- 12 April 2009

Hi Laura: It could be that it is mating season and she is getting ready to lay eggs. However, she might be exhibiting gape worms or other problems with the shaking of her head. We're not sure that ...

Re: female swan on local fishing lake -- Laura Cowell -- 13 April 2009

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep an eye on her when i go up again, and in the mean time I'll contact the owner and let him know of the possible problem. Apparently they've been quite "active" if you ...

Bad location for cygnets to grow up -- Ian Morse -- 10 April 2009

Boyo and Girlie are a pair of swans we have looked after for five years. We build their nest feed then daily and have only reared one cygnet Bibie in all that time. It is a very bad area they have ...

Re: Bad location for cygnets to grow up -- The Regal Swan -- 10 April 2009

Hi Ian: Once the cygnets have hatched, you might try to capture the parents and cygnets and move them to a better area with less pollution. We know that swans are protected in England, so there may a ...

hi -- james -- 8 April 2009

hi i have fount a egg and i was just wondering how long they take 2 hatch . i think it could be a mute swan egg ,how do i take care of it .x

Egg found -- The Regal Swan -- 9 April 2009

Hi James: If you handled the egg and removed it from the nest, probably the egg is no good. Swans will leave infertile or bad eggs on the nest to rot. The best thing that you can do is to throw the ...

humane swan effort -- Michael Rosen -- 4 April 2009

I'm making a video related to urban class-based poverty. A young man we've raised, originally from public housing, is taking a college poetry class and studying with my wife, reading "Leda and the ...

Re: humane swan effort -- The Regal Swan -- 4 April 2009

Hi Michael: If you want to immediately show the young man a video, go to our website (www.theregalswan.com). We have video showcasing several species of swans. Swans cannot be domesticated like a ...

Feeding swans -- Nic -- 4 April 2009

How harmful is it to feed swans bread? I feed them bread with grains, etc in it. I see people feeding them mouldy bread, something I would never do, can that make them sick? We have one breeding pair ...

Re: Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 4 April 2009

Hi Nic: Bread is not the greatest food source, but one that most people feed the swans and now they have been accustomed to this treat. Grained breads are better. Moldy bread should never be given to ...

Re: Feeding swans -- Nic -- 10 April 2009

Thanks for the info, I don't feed them a lot of bread, and will try and find the cracked corn and poultry pellets and will feed them lettuce. I think the Whooper swan (I called him Satchmo, as he ...

Re: Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 10 April 2009

Hi Nic: You are welcome. Thanks for the update. Good luck. The Regal Swan

Re: Feeding swans -- Nic -- 24 April 2009

Well, I tried feeding them lettuce, one nibbled at it,but they didn't seem interested. I'll try lettuce again when the new cygnets come along in the next month and see if I can get them used to it, I ...

Re: Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 April 2009

Hi Nic: Yes, lettuce is an acquired taste for many birds, but they should eventually get used to it. If you cannot find the poultry pellets at a pet store, try a local feed store. Good luck. The ...

Re: Feeding swans -- Nic -- 18 June 2009

I thought you might like to know that the breeding pair of Mute Swans here in Waterford, Ireland (I see someone posted from Waterford,Michigan!) had 7 cygnets this year. I first spotted them on the ...

Re: Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 18 June 2009

Hi Nic: Thanks for the update. The Regal Swan

Nesting times -- Paula Wilson -- 2 April 2009

I live near a nature reserve and have just noticed that a swan is nesting what way would i be able to feed it would that be through its mate and what food would be best as im interested in watching ...

Re: Nesting times -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2009

Hi Paula: The best thing would be not to feed the birds as this can also attract other predators to the nesting area (i.e., raccoons, ants, rats, etc.). Since this is a nature reserve and the swans ...

Bubblefoot? -- Jessica -- 2 April 2009

In a previous post, you had mentioned something about bubblefoot. In picture below you can see the swans feet do they look ok? And also do you think the white one looks pregnant? Thank you again for ...

Re: Bubblefoot? -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2009

Hi Jessica: We cannot see the bumblefoot from this angle of the feet. Usually, bumblefoot manifests itself as a large bump/growth on the bottom of the foot where the toes merge. It may be bleeding, ...

Double swan nest -- Tony Seddon -- 2 April 2009

Hi can anyone tell me whats going on in the lake in front of my house. I have been watching a pair of swans for a number of weeks build two nests about 3 foot apart, one seems to have 3 eggs in but ...

Re: Double swan nest -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2009

Hi Tony: We are not exactly sure what may be occurring, but there are a couple of possibilities. 1. The eggs are not viable and the swans are making a new nest for more eggs. 2. The swans are both ...

White Swan -- Linda Cowen -- 1 April 2009

3 days ago we pleasantly awoke to find a beautiful white swan in our lake behind our condo in Davie Fl. Can we expect him to stay or is there anything we can do to encourage him to stay. We are truly ...

Re: White Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 1 April 2009

Hi Linda: The new swan is probably from someone's personal collection and was not pinioned or clipped (against state law) and allowed to fly away. You can probably encourage him to stay by offering ...

Found Mute Swan egg? -- Lucinda -- 31 March 2009

Hi - this morning my husband found what we think is a mute swan egg on our front walk. We live in Northern NJ on a small lake with a pair of swans. The egg is approx. 3-4" long and 2 - 2.5" wide. and ...

Re: Found Mute Swan egg? -- The Regal Swan -- 1 April 2009

Hi Lucinda: No need to call anyone. The egg is not viable if the mother is not sitting on it. The best thing you can do is to get it out of your house immediately and throw the egg into the center of ...

Wandering Swans -- amy short -- 30 March 2009

Well, I had 2 black swans. Today I came home from work and found my swans missing. Needless to say, I feared the worst. There is a large lake north of me about 1/4 mile. My friend and I found Buck ...

Re: Wandering Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 30 March 2009

Hi Amy: Are the swans pinioned or clipped (unable to fly)? Could they have walked to the lake or were they chased or picked-up by someone? Is there a way to close down their exit from the lake, i.e., ...

Mating Season.... -- Jessica -- 30 March 2009

Hi,i live in Ohio. I was wondering when is mating season for white swans and also for black swans(if it is different)? I have 2 white swans and 2 black swans and have been noticing that they are ...

Re: Mating Season.... -- The Regal Swan -- 30 March 2009

Hi Jessica: All swans mate throughout the year as a bonding process. However, to produce a clutch of eggs, Mute Swans mate in March/April while Black Swans produce a clutch of eggs in January and in ...

Re: Mating Season.... -- Jessica -- 2 April 2009

Hi i tried to find a picture of a blute swan and had no luck can you please post a picture of what a blute swan looks like?

Re: Mating Season.... -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2009

Hi Jessica: We saw a blute swan at the Airlee Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Dr. Bill Sladen had the blutes in captivity. We do not have a photo, but can say they are definitely not a beautiful swan! ...

Black Swans -- Sharon Bury -- 25 March 2009

Is it true that Black Swans have been used to eliminate geese habitation? Our condo community is overrun with geese and if this is an option, we would like to pursue it. Out community sits on a ...

Bringing swans to a new habitat: What is involved -- The Regal Swan -- 26 March 2009

Hi Sharon: Some folks swear by the use of swans to eliminate geese, while others have very little success. Most sites with geese problems use the Mute Swans. The Black Swans are the most aggressive ...

older swan attacking year old swan -- Lilian -- 24 March 2009

Hello. I work on a small acreage that has 2 male swans on it. We've had to separate the 2 because one keeps attacking the other. Last fall we were given a third male swan who was born in 2008. The ...

Re: older swan attacking year old swan -- The Regal Swan -- 25 March 2009

Hi Lilian: It would probably be best to separate all males. Unless they were raised in the same clutch and/or about the same age (within a week or so of each other), this behavior may continue until ...

decapitated swans -- andrea -- 24 March 2009

My friend has told me of a spate of recent incidents involving swans that have been found decapitated and rather extensively drained of blood. Someone in the area has attributed this to owls. Any ...

Re: decapitated swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 March 2009

Hi Andrea: This situation could be caused by any number of predators. It is highly unlikely that an owl, eagle, hawk would go after a large swan, a cygnet maybe, but not an adult. The Regal Swan's ...

Re: decapitated swans -- Jennifer -- 28 March 2009

Sounds like a classic Racoon attack.

Need Help -- The Regal Swan -- 22 March 2009

Hi Everyone: For the past 10 years, the Regal Swan research and educational staff have been consulting with veterinarians and swan keepers/owners worldwide. In 2008, we became a non-profit (501) c 3 ...

Roaming swans -- Heather Wogoman -- 18 March 2009

We live in Indiana. We have two swans in our pond. Our pond is about an acre in size, it is stocked, and has an island in the middle. We have 6 ponds in the area that are about 300 feet from each ...

Re: Roaming swans -- The Regal Swan -- 18 March 2009

Hi Heather: Good photo. There are several possibilities of what is occurring. Your swans may be "migrating" to a nesting station. Your pond may not have a food source or suitable nesting site (too ...

Floating Nests for Swans -- john schultz -- 17 March 2009

I have a question about the design of floating nests for swans. There are a number of areas on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto area, that have many Canada Geese as summer visitors. They are ...

Re: Floating Nests for Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 17 March 2009

Hi John: We have not had much success with floating nests. Just because they are placed in an area, does not necessarily mean that the swans will use them. Extreme weather conditions, (i.e., ...

Where can I find Knox Swans? -- Doug -- 6 July 2009

Where in Indiana is this Knox Swans, and how do I contact them? I am looking for a pair of swans for a relative.

Re: Where can I find Knox Swans? -- The Regal Swan -- 6 July 2009

Hi Doug: We deal with Bob at Knox Swans via phone and internet. If you google Knox Swans, the contact information including species and other pertinent information can be found on their website. The ...

Re: Floating Nests for Swans -- Michelle -- 14 March 2010

Do you have an address and phone number, or email address for Knox Swans in Indiana?

Re: Floating Nests for Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2010

Hi Michelle: Knox Swans contact is (847) 304-1230 Ask for Bob or email www.canadiangoosecontrol.com The Regal Swan

Re: Floating Nests for Swans -- jennifer -- 28 March 2009

We have installed the floating islands, now becoming popular under the name "islandscapes" for several of our clients who have swans. One place is a shopping center and while the swans havent nested ...

Re: Floating Nests for Swans -- John Schultz -- 29 March 2009

Thanks for your reply. The harbour in Whitby has an area about 1/2 mile long by about 1/4 mile wide. There is a marina along one shore and our yacht club along the other. The end of the harbour is ...

fighting and mating behaviour -- Lou -- 14 March 2009

Dear Regal Swan folks, I have many questions about swan behaviour and I hope that you can help. For several years I have been watching a pair of swans that live quite near my house in downtown ...

Re: fighting and mating behaviour -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2009

Hi Lou: Males will chase and fight with males during nesting season as well as females fighting with other females. However, it is highly unlikely that a female will get involved with two males in a ...

Swans vs. Golfers -- joanne alexander-horne -- 12 March 2009

I live in an area where people are not particularly animal friendly, unfortunately. The question posed to me was this: 'what can we do to stop the swan chasing us while we play golf? I would suggest ...

Re: Swans vs. Golfers -- The Regal Swan -- 13 March 2009

Hi Joanne: Yes, chasing anyone or anything at this time is normal behavior. 300 feet of clearance is a good start. Where is the swan's nest or territory in location to the golfers? If the nesting ...

Lone Male Swan -- Hannah -- 12 March 2009

Hi, I live in rural Lincolnshire in England and am lucky enough to have a lone swan that lives on the stream in my back garden. I was introduced to him by the neighbours as 'Jack' and I understand he ...

Re: Lone Male Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi Hannah: Yes, this is normal behavior. The male mute swan typically is responsible for starting the nest and then the female will assist in further nest enhancements, i.e., height and width. Since ...

Swans leaving pond... -- Jessica -- 12 March 2009

Hi I have 4 swans that live in our pond which is about 60 x 220. I also live in Ohio by the way. My question to you The swans keep walking out of the pond into the neighbors yard to eat grass and ...

Re: Swans leaving pond... -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi Jessica: Some folks have no luck with floating islands, others swear by them. We have had very little success. The first problem is how to anchor the island in the lake if you have a very deep ...

Re: Swans leaving pond... -- jessica -- 13 March 2009

Thank you sooooo much for the info. I tried to find the picture of the pen and had no luck can you please be more specific where to find the picture. Thanks again.

Picture of a pen -- Admin -- 13 March 2009

Please try the link below; you will find the picture of the pen at the bottom of the page called "Mute Swan Problems".

Re: Picture of a pen -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2009

Hi Jessica You are welcome any time. Yes, that is the photo for the pen that I was thinking about. The Regal Swan

Re: Picture of a pen -- Jessica -- 30 March 2009

Thank you so much for posting the link. I can't build a pen like that for the swans due to the fact that my pond has rocks all around it. I'm hoping to post pictures soon of the pond and swans to see ...

Re: Picture of a pen -- The Regal Swan -- 30 March 2009

Hi Jessica: Yes, please send us a photo. Rocks and concrete substrates can injure a swan's foot causing a condition known as bumblefoot. So, it is going to be imperative that an area free from rocks ...

Pictures of our pond - How to build a nesting area/pen -- Jessica -- 2 April 2009

I have been talking to you about my pond and how it has rocks surrounding the whole pond and how I would like an idea from you as to what I could build or purchase for the swans to have a pen/nesting ...

Re: Pictures of our pond - How to build a nesting area/pen -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2009

Hi Jessica: Great photos. We can't tell how the swans are getting to the feeder or on top of the concrete slab. Are they walking on the rocks? If so, this is not good. The feeders should be placed in ...

Swans along the Thames -- Claudia Hirsch -- 12 March 2009

Greetings, I was wondering if you knew of a place I could contact in England to find out where there are alot of muted swans along the Thames. Thank you, Claudia

Re: Swans along the Thames -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi Claudia: Please contact Kay or Wendy at the Swan Lifeline Rescue Facility in Eton, England. They will be able to help you. Please google Swan Lifeline Rescue Facility for their contact ...

swan sitting on side of road -- Stella Ouellette -- 11 March 2009

I was driving at 9:30 tonight March 11, 2009 in a city in Massachusetts. There was a swan sitting on the side of the road. It didn't move when I drove by except it's head looking at my car while I ...

Re: swan sitting on side of road -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi Stella: There are several reasons that the swan was near the road. 1. It may have been hit by a car. If this is the case, and you find the bird again in the same position this morning, you should ...

swan wing positioning -- James ORear -- 11 March 2009

Fantastic board you have here! I have photographed mute swans on a number of occasions holding their wings in a somewhat heart-shaped position when seen from the front/back. Is this a sign that the ...

Re: swan wing positioning -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi James: Great photo. The wings are in a defensive guard position. During this time of the year, mating and nesting occur. So, males swans are becoming extremely defensive of their territory. People ...

Re: swan wing positioning -- James ORear -- 12 March 2009

Thanks for the compliment and thanks even more for the info. I'll make sure to include this in my captions as I think a photo becomes much more when you can learn just a little from it. James

Re: swan wing positioning -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2009

Hi James: Thanks. If you need further information for photographs, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Regal Swan

swan mate -- ed thomas -- 5 March 2009

what age do mute swans mate thank you ed

Re: swan mate -- The Regal Swan -- 5 March 2009

Hi Ed: Great question. Depending on the individual birds as well as species, mating can begin as early a 1 1/2 years of age or as late as 3 years of age. The Regal Swan

general questions -- Pat -- 3 March 2009

Hi again! I have a few more questions that I hope you won't mind answering: 1. Is it possible to estimate the age of a swan by appearance? 2. What is the difference between poulty pellets and poultry ...

Re: general questions -- The Regal Swan -- 4 March 2009

Hi Pat: Great questions: 1. You cannot estimate a swan's age by appearance. Records and observations of when the bird was hatched and copious record keeping is the only way to determine age. 2. Some ...

Re: general questions -- Pat -- 6 March 2009

Thank you so much for the information. I'm headed to the lake tonight, and I truly hope I see Bella doing well! I'm sure repetitive questions get "old," but I am in need of clarification, please, on ...

Re: general questions -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2009

Hi Pat: Our apologies! We were thinking of another website (Stromberg's) which has a photo of the Blitz feeder. http://www.strombergschickens.com/ The feeder is placed in approximately 3 feet of ...

Re: general questions -- Pat -- 20 April 2009

Hello again, I'm so happy to tell you that not only did Bella appear this past weekend (after quite a long absence), she was accompanied by Carl, and the two were definitely enjoying each others' ...

Re: general questions -- The Regal Swan -- 20 April 2009

Hi Pat: Thanks for the update. We hope that they will begin mating and have cygnets this year. Let us know. Thanks. The Regal Swan

Behavior of male swan: From amorous to aggressor -- Pat -- 3 May 2009

Hello yet again; I'm back with additional mating questions, please: OK, so now I'm really confused! Carl and Bella were quite amorous two weekends ago, but since then, Carl won't allow her in the ...

Re: Behavior of male swan: From amorous to aggressor -- The Regal Swan -- 4 May 2009

Hi Pat: This is not normal behavior between a male and female swan. However, this behavior would be considered within the realm of normal if both swans are of the same gender. This whole scenario ...

Swans in snowstorms -- Pam -- 2 March 2009

I live in Brick , New Jersey on the Metedeconk River,,,,,across the river from my house is a section of protected marshlands,,,,,,there are two swans who swim the river winter and summer. I am ...

Re: Swans in snowstorms -- The Regal Swan -- 2 March 2009

Hi Pam: Swans have a large number of feathers, including down feathers which protect them from even sub-freezing temperatures. The water temperature is usually warmer than the surrounding temperature ...

Ball on bottom of swans foot -- Tom -- 2 March 2009

Hi , I have a pair of mute swans that are 4 years old. They are getting ready to nest for the second time ,& they seem to be doing great. My concern is the female has a large lump on the bottom of ...

Re: Ball on bottom of swans foot -- The Regal Swan -- 2 March 2009

Hi Tom: It sounds like bumblefoot. If the "bump" is open and oozing or the swan is having great difficulty in walking on land, a veterinarian with experience in waterfowl should be contacted. If the ...

How to adopt or purchase swans -- Theresa -- 28 February 2009

Hi, I was wondering if you could please help me to find some swans I have 5 acres of water 20 acres of land have had no luck in 3 years found a person in Saline Michigan but she said she would have ...

Re: How to adopt or purchase swans -- The Regal Swan -- 1 March 2009

Hi Theresa: Your location is ideal for purchase of swans. The DNR of Maryland has been trying to cull Mute Swans for years from the Chesapeake Bay area for years. Go online to Save Our Swans as this ...

Re: How to adopt or purchase swans -- amy short -- 1 March 2009

Theresa, One source is Eggbid.com and probably a better source is McMurray Hatchery. They have pairs listed. Before you receive these birds, you must have a pen established so that they become ...

Re: How to adopt or purchase swans -- lisa sommer -- 3 March 2009

Amy, I got my swans from www.creeksidebirds.com Jack Long the breeder is a class act...had mine flown to the east coast via United States Post Office..and they tolerated it very well Good Luck

relocating swan -- Diane -- 23 February 2009

Hi I am hoping to relocate a pair of mute swans to a golf course that will care for them. I am part of an "association" of 7 houses and I have been the sole caretaker every winter (because no one ...

Re: relocating swan -- The Regal Swan -- 23 February 2009

Hi Diane: Try a local wildlife rehabilitation center to see if they know of anyone wanting a pair of swans. You might also inquire at Knox Swans in Indiana. They specifically raise and sell swans to ...

Re: relocating swan -- Diane -- 24 February 2009

Thanks for replying so quickly. However, what I need is information on how to safely capture the pair. I have a golf course (that has 9 ponds and a few other pairs and take excellent care of them). ...

Re: relocating swan -- The Regal Swan -- 24 February 2009

Hi Diane: First, how large is your pond? If it is fairly large, you will need to enlist a couple of kayakers. Have the kayakers slowly ease the swans into an area in which the swans can be safely ...

Swan - neck feathers -- Dan Follis -- 20 February 2009

My pair of swans are missing their neck feathers near the top and backs of their necks. This just recently ocurred. We do have lots of Canadian geese that have just arrived at the lake. Could this be ...

Re: Swan - neck feathers -- The Regal Swan -- 21 February 2009

Hi Dan: It could be any of the above. The Canada geese probably have nothing to do with this phenomenon because we are seeing it in one of our swans and we have no geese. We are not exactly sure ...

Can discoloration of the beak indicate illness? -- Angie -- 19 February 2009

We live on a large lake in the midwest, populated by hundreds of homes. There is a single [mute?] swan (with no banding) that has been living on this lake for the past 8 years. Sometimes we see her ...

Re: Can discoloration of the beak indicate illness? -- The Regal Swan -- 19 February 2009

Hi Angie: The unusual behavior is more likely an indicator that something is wrong vs a light colored beak. If you can catch her and transport her to a veterinarian with avian experience, that would ...

purchasing mute swans -- david -- 19 February 2009

We live in a country club setting and recently lost a swan to a golf ball. we have received permission to purchase a male and female mute swan. what is the best age, what do you do to try and keep ...

Re: purchasing mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 19 February 2009

Hi David: The best age would be around 1 year of age so that the pair can bond. However, if you do not want to worry about cygnets (because you will be responsible for pinioning and finding a new ...

Female swan killed by coyote,how to handle the male swan they were together for 11 years -- Evelyn Seville -- 18 February 2009

Napoleon and Josephine together 11 years. Female killed by coyote, how do we handle remaining spouse. Please advise

Re: Female swan killed by coyote,how to handle the male swan they were together for 11 years -- The Regal Swan -- 18 February 2009

Hi Evelyn: Sorry to hear about your loss. The most important consideration is to protect the male so that he does not face the same fate. Did the male swan see the female killed? If so, he obviously ...

Romeo and Juliette -- Teresa -- 18 February 2009

Thanks for the information. They seemed to be a little better together yesterday. We had brought some dried leaves and small twigs and a little bit of straw and sprinkled it around in the area where ...

Re: Romeo and Juliette -- The Regal Swan -- 18 February 2009

Hi Teresa: Great news. Thanks for the update and the kind thoughts. The Regal Swan

Romeo and Juliette (male swan aggressive against his mate following incident) -- Teresa -- 17 February 2009

We have a pair of mute swans on our one acre pond. They have been together for 3 years now. Our female swan was recently tramatized by getting herself tangled in a line that lead to a pump used to ...

Re: Romeo and Juliette (male swan aggressive against his mate following incident) -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2009

Hi Teresa: Yours is the second case of a swan being caught in a pump in the last two weeks. Glad to know that she is doing okay. Now, are you absolutely sure that you have a male and a female swan? ...

Sam the migratory swan -- Joy -- 17 February 2009

Should we have the current cygnets pinioned? If so, you're saying it should be done at 3 weeks? Do you have tips on catching them, especially since Sam is so protective. Thanks!

Re: Sam the migratory swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2009

Hi Joy: If you can get a couple of kayakers or a couple of boats, low motor and do not get close to the swans (otherwise the cygnets can dive under the boat and get hit by the motor). This is why ...

General questions: Color of swan feet, territory swap, hierarchy, recognizes its name, too close? -- Pat -- 16 February 2009

Hi, I'm hoping that you won't mind answering a few unrelated questions. I'm new to swans and trying to understand as much as possible about my new buddies! 1 If a mute swan's legs and feet are more ...

Re: General questions: Color of swan feet, territory swap, hierarchy, recognizes its name, too close -- The Regal Swan -- 16 February 2009

Hi Pat: Great questions! 1. Mute swans are the species (Cygnus olor). So, they are known as Mute Swans in scientific taxonomic terms. However, swan keepers designate them as Royal or Polish based ...

Re: General questions: Color of swan feet, territory swap, hierarchy, recognizes its name, too close -- Pat -- 17 February 2009

Thanks for your informative answers. I wish I knew all of the answers to the questions you posed, but unfortunately, I am new to the lake. From what I have learned from neighbors, Carl is not a young ...

Re: General questions: Color of swan feet, territory swap, hierarchy, recognizes its name, too close -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2009

Hi Pat: This additional information is much more insightful. Humans are his protectors from other aggressive swans so he is using you more as a protection agent rather than being imprinted. GOOD ...

Sam the "migratory" pinioned swan -- Joy -- 16 February 2009

Approximately three years ago we moved to the country in the central area of NC. We have a 7 acre pond on our property and thus acquired a Black Austrailian male swan named Sam, approximately 20 ...

Re: Sam the "migratory" pinioned swan -- The Regal Swan -- 16 February 2009

Hi Joy: There are several possibilities to what is occurring with the "migration". Sam may have found a better food source, i.e., aquatic grasses, grazing grasses and vegetation nearby the second ...

birth control -- Jamie -- 15 February 2009

We have pet Swans. Frederick and Jewell are 5 yrs. old. They had 5 cygnets 2 yrs. ago. Fred is very agressive towards everyone but his owner when he is a daddy. We would appreciate any info we can ...

Re: birth control -- The Regal Swan -- 15 February 2009

Hi Jamie: Not much is known about swans and their hormone levels. In fact, we just completed some testing of various swan species with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Veterinary School's ...

injured swan -- Kerri -- 15 February 2009

HI, We have rescued an injured mute swan at our veterinary clinic. We believe it was hit by a car in our small town. After removing old fishing line from around a deformed right foot and treating it ...

Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 15 February 2009

Hi Kerri: I just spoke with one of our veterinarians, Dr. Christopher Brown. We need to know a couple of questions answered: Is the swan on an I.V.? Is the swan able to eat by itself? If it is not ...

Re: injured swan -- Kerri -- 17 February 2009

Yes the swan is eating by itself and she actually stood up yesterday. ( sorry for the delay in answering I myself have been under the weather) I offered her our horses hay soaked in water and a ...

Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2009

Hi Kerri: Great news that she is eating. However, DO NOT GIVE her hay. If there is any amount of red clover in the hay, it can kill her. Use romaine or iceberg lettuce to supplement her grass needs. ...

Re: injured swan -- Kerri L. Burg -- 22 February 2009

Hi, Wanted to thank you so much for your expertise on our injured swan. The diet made a big difference. She ( i think) was finally strong enough and full of her self and has been returned to Lake ...

Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 22 February 2009

Hi Kerri: You and the swan are very welcome. Great news! Thanks for the update. The Regal Swan

lone swan -- Pat Licata -- 12 February 2009

Hello, I recently moved to a cove on a 550 acre lake that has a few pair of trumpet as well as mute swans. Since June, I have been visited by "Carl," whom I believe is a male. Occassionally, he will ...

Re: lone swan -- The Regal Swan -- 13 February 2009

Hi Pat: This behavior may be explained in two ways. Either both swans are males or females and there is a territorial issue of who owns the lake and all of its resources, i.e., food, etc. There is a ...

Define OUR territory -- Kristin -- 10 February 2009

My husband, son and I live in a condo complex that, spring through fall, is also home to two mute swans and however many cygnets are hatched that year. The swans are not native, but are brought in by ...

Re: Define OUR territory -- The Regal Swan -- 10 February 2009

Hi Kristin: Great question! Swans can become very territorial when they feel safe, have a good supply of food and a grazing ground of grass. So, here are a few questions and suggestions that might ...

Pairs Behaviour -- Tracy -- 9 February 2009

While visiting New York I went to the lake and feed some swans, the question I have is that everytime I did that one swan would take the bread out of my hand while the other stood back and hissed. ...

Re: Pairs Behaviour -- The Regal Swan -- 9 February 2009

Hi Tracy: We have seen this same behavior in some swans (not all). It usually is the male who takes the bread and the female hisses. However, we have a female which will take the bread and the male ...

Injured leg -- Barry Gruberg -- 7 February 2009

Please help. Our male swan ( we have on male on female) two years old, got his foot caught between a rope and a piece of wood that supports a pump motor used keep a portion of the pond free of ice. ...

Re: Injured leg -- The Regal Swan -- 8 February 2009

Hi Barry: We are sorry for the accident to the swan. Unfortunately, surgery is going to be the only answer to this issue. You will need to take him to an avian veterinarian. If he survives the injury ...

Re: Injured leg -- Barry Gruberg -- 8 February 2009

Thank you for your prompt reply. I was able to stabilize our swan by rushing him to a local vet emergency clinic last night. The resuscitated him, giving him an electrolyte IV drip etc. Luckily today ...

Re: Injured leg -- The Regal Swan -- 8 February 2009

Hi Barry: Here are a couple of suggestions. Ask the lady if she will take both swans. We have found that if the pairs can stay together through rehab, injured swans do much better. As you stated, ...

Re: Injured leg -- Barry -- 11 February 2009

My swan made it through surgery, he had to have two pins and a little brace to keep his bones and joint in place. The brace will come off in about two weeks, and he is being pumped full of ...

Re: Injured leg -- The Regal Swan -- 12 February 2009

Hi Barry: What great news! Okay, we need to think about the reintroduction of the mate. Here are a couple of thoughts. If the birds have to stay out of water for 3 weeks, this is okay as you can wet ...

Re: Injured leg -- Barry -- 6 March 2009

Our male swan, after surgery with two pins in his leg, and staying at a bird sanctuary under daily care to recuperate didn't make it. His leg lost too much blood and became infected after a couple of ...

Female rejects the new male -- The Regal Swan -- 6 March 2009

Hi Barry: This is not normal behavior. First things first. Make sure that you had a female and not another male. Usually, females are not as aggressive as the males and will not facilitate a chase. ...

Re: Female rejects the new male -- Barry -- 7 March 2009

This has become a difficult situation. The new male swan just sits on the edge of the ice bordering the free water, which is melting everyday due to the warmer temperatures here in the Hudson Valley ...

Re: Female rejects the new male -- The Regal Swan -- 7 March 2009

Hi Barry: It is CRITICAL that you recapture the new swan. ALL NEW swans must be penned because they will either get killed by trying to leave a new habitat, starve to death or killed by a predator. ...

Re: Female rejects the new male -- Barry -- 7 March 2009

ok, it wont be easy but i can do that. I still have a pen from the original pair, and its warm enough now to put it on land and in the water. Half the pond has de-thawed and next week its going to be ...

Re: Female rejects the new male -- The Regal Swan -- 7 March 2009

Hi Barry: Good start. Please email your phone number to stanleyparkswans@gmail.com The moderator will be contacting us and will also give you our cell phone. If you need to speak in further depth, ...

My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- Richard -- 5 February 2009

I have a 5+ year old pair of Black Swans I purchased this winter. They have started making a nest, and now have laid the first egg. I am in NC and it is still the middle of winter. They raised young ...

Re: My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- The Regal Swan -- 5 February 2009

Hi Richard: Unfortunately, your case is not the exception. Florida is experiencing the coldest temperatures in 10 years. We have seen Black Swans lay eggs throughout these extreme freezing cold ...

Re: My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- Richard -- 6 February 2009

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll cross my fingers and see how it goes.

Re: My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- The Regal Swan -- 6 February 2009

Hi Richard: You are very welcome. Please let us know how things progress. We just heard that two more Black Swan cygnets in the Central Florida area were lost last night in the cold temperatures even ...

Re: My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- Richard -- 4 March 2009

I have been so stressed, we have had days up to 70 and nights with lows only around 50........then here we are again, back to 30 degree highs and 12 degree lows...... last Friday and Sat. we got ...

Re: My swans are laying eggs in the cold...... -- The Regal Swan -- 4 March 2009

Hi Richard: Yes, the swans know when the eggs are no longer viable. As long as the birds are still sitting on the nest, it means that at least some of the eggs are viable. If the swans start kicking ...

Video by the Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan Foundation -- 4 February 2009

The Regal Swan Foundation

Rescued Swan Can't Move - Looking for facility in Southern New York -- John O'Mahony -- 4 February 2009

While waking my dogs in the early morning of Feb. 3rd, I came upon a swan that was sitting in the snow on a walkway that runs across a local dam in Croton on Hudson, NY. Its head was up but it did ...

Re: Rescued Swan Can't Move -- The Regal Swan -- 4 February 2009

Hi John: We do not know of a specific facility in southern New York. You might try Gooseneck Hill Sanctuary (New York), ask for Rosemary at 716-942-6835. If she cannot help you, we would recommend ...

Swan -- Daniel -- 3 February 2009

i have 3 questions 1. Do swans extremely sensitive about their egg? 2. What do they do to keep their egg safe? 3.Do swan sometimes abandon their egg?

Re: Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 February 2009

Hi Daniel: Yes, is the answer to sensitivity of the eggs as well as abandoning eggs. Swans know when their eggs are fertile and if they are going to hatch. If the eggs are infertile or do not have ...

swan -- linda -- 3 February 2009

your message helped me greatly...I was feeding iceberg lettuce and will try romaine...there is a small place in the ice--not big area--but they do tend to stay there and just venture on the ice ...

Re: swan -- The Regal Swan -- 3 February 2009

Hi Linda: You are very welcome. The swans may not be able to go to warmer weather if they are pinioned (unable to fly) and someone brought them to the lake as a pet. Just a thought. If you need ...

swan -- linda -- 2 February 2009

I have two swam on our small lake..they stayed all winter and the lake is almost frozen over...I tried to give them lettuce and they will eat nothing but saltless saltine crackers...what else can I ...

Re: swan -- The Regal Swan -- 2 February 2009

Hi Linda: Try to cut a small hole in the ice if you can (near the bank). The swans will stay in this area and you can feed them some cracked corn, lettuce and bread. If you can get them to come ...

Old swan eggs in the nest -- Donna-Marie -- 26 January 2009

Hi, wondering if you could assist. We have 2 Mute swans on our stream in Lincoln (New Zealand). They are long term residents. They have been unsuccessful in the last 2 years breeding, once their eggs ...

Re: Old swan eggs in the nest -- The Regal Swan -- 26 January 2009

Hi Donna-Marie: Great question. You can go ahead and remove the eggs. BE CAREFUL, they can explode and you do not want to be anywhere around when this happens. The smell alone will be unbelievable. ...

how to capture lake swan when nesting -- gary schaefer -- 6 January 2009

I have two mute swans that have breed and delivered their young last year. However, as they matured they have all left our lake. I am aware of pinioning and wish to do so when they deliver next ...

Re: how to capture lake swan when nesting -- The Regal Swan -- 6 January 2009

Hi Gary: First, are the mute swans your swans? Do you need a license/permit to have the swans in your state? If the swans are not yours and/or you need a permit, you may not legally be able to pinion ...

What to feed mute swans -- Julie -- 29 December 2008

We have 2 mute swans in our lake and we have been feeding them dry dog food. They seem to love it and eat it everyday. Is this good for them? Thanks!

Re: What to feed mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 December 2008

Hi Julie: Actually, dog food or anything with too much protein can be harmful to the birds. Dog food is not only rich in protein which can cause angel wing in the birds, but there is no nutritional ...

Feeding wild swans -- Deborah Limanek -- 22 December 2008

I have a few swans that are wintering down at a local pond.. I was wondering what is appropriate for me to feed them.. do they eat sunflower seeds? I do not want to make them sick.. thankyou.. deb

Re: Feeding wild swans -- The Regal Swan -- 22 December 2008

Hi Deborah: You should feed the birds lettuce, small amounts of bread if any and poultry layer pellets mixed with cracked corn. You might also want to check to see what your local and state ...

do swans hibernate -- Ann Corcoran -- 20 December 2008

There is a single clipless swan down my round in a good size pond. He is now in the middle of his pond which is frozen. Is he hibernating? Is there an organization I should call as this seems so sad. ...

Re: do swans hibernate -- The Regal Swan -- 21 December 2008

Hi Ann: Swans do not hibernate, they migrate to warmer areas. Are you sure this swan is clipped or that it is stuck in the lake and cannot fly because of take-off problems? If the pond is completely ...

high winds -- Doreen S. -- 7 December 2008

There is one swan down the road in a good size pond and has been there around 2-3 years. It is 24 degrees tonight with winds around 20-25...how does he survive? There is no real protection in this ...

Re: high winds -- The Regal Swan -- 7 December 2008

Hi Doreen: If the swan has survived at the pond for 2-3 years, it has found a good habitat and is able to handle the inclement weather. Normally, 20-25 mph winds aren't that bad as long as there is ...

More on Mute swans in Calif (legal aspects) -- Mike -- 3 December 2008

First I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and ideas regarding the legality of mute swans in California. Unfortunately it is looking very bleak. A new law was passed a few months back that ...

Re: More on Mute swans in Calif (legal aspects) -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2008

Hi Mike: Yes, this is unfortunately, the way that a lot of state laws are going. The reason behind this is that some purists believe that if a species is not native, it poses a problem to native ...

winter swan care -- Scott Boat -- 3 December 2008

My pond freezes solid in the winter and no other open water is availible ! How can I keep my swans safe and healthy for the winter ?

Re: winter swan care -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2008

Hi Scott: Are the swans pinioned (Can't fly)? Are they captive swans or did they find the pond on their own? What species? We ask these questions because of various state laws regarding the ...

Mute swans in California -- Mike -- 1 December 2008

Hi, I live in California and after a lot of research on the legality of bring mute swans into california I purchased a mated pair of mute swans. Now the local Fish and Game warden is telling me that ...

Re: Mute swans in California -- The Regal Swan -- 2 December 2008

Hi Mike: Yes, this rule is in most states regarding feral (non-native) species. Usually, there are several ways to address this issue: 1. Get rid of the birds which is what you do not want to do, ...

Re: Mute swans in California -- lisa sommer -- 3 December 2008

Mike try contacting Jack at www.creeksidebirds.com. He is a licensed breeder of exotics birds including swans and is located outside of Sacremento California. He may be able to provide you the ...

Re: Mute swans in California -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2008

Thanks Lisa. The Regal Swan

swans for sale -- sonia mesry -- 28 November 2008

dear swan friends from all over..........i received this email this morning. they have swans for sale for $250 each and they have been pinioned. i will attach the link below. if you like you can also ...

swans for sale -- sonia mesry -- 26 November 2008

http://www.agr.state.ga.us/mbads/results.aspx?PrintDate=11/19/2008 ...

Looking for Bewick and Tundra swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 November 2008

Hi Sonia: Thanks for the update. We are also looking for Bewick and Tundra swans if anyone knows about a breeder. The Lake Eola Park project, Swans of the World that we are presenting in Orlando ...

Black Swans -- Maile -- 26 November 2008

Hi, I work at a small lake in San Diego, CA and someone recently dropped off their pet Black Swan. It has been very friendly and it acknowledges all the staff and even swims to shore when we are ...

Re: Black Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 November 2008

Hi: Unfortunately, it sounds like botulism or lead poisoning. Either way, the swan will not be able to hold its head up because of involvement of the neck muscles and central nervous system. If the ...

relocating mute swans -- Jim -- 26 November 2008

I have a pair of 10 yr. old swans. They live in my pond in the Boston area. I am moving to the west coast of Florida and want to know if you think my swans would survive an air flight and the ...

Re: relocating mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 26 November 2008

Hi Jim: They would probably have no problem, especially if you are going to take care of them as you have taken care of them in Boston. The only caution is that you must have a lake habitat free from ...

Swan breeder -- Steve -- 24 November 2008

Looking to put mute swans in my ponds. Need to know of any breeders in AZ. Thanks

Re: Swan breeder -- The Regal Swan -- 24 November 2008

Hi Steve: We do not know of any breeders in the Arizona area. This does not mean that there are no breeders, but just that we don't know about them. We have dealt with Howell Exotic Waterfowl in ...

Re: Swan breeder -- lisa sommer -- 25 November 2008

Steve, I recommend going to www.creeksidebirds.com which is in California. I purchased my female mute (as a companion to my male that was a rescue) from Jack the owner 3 yrs ago. The bird was shipped ...

Re: Swan breeder -- amy short -- 26 November 2008

Look at Craigs List too. That is how I found my black swans. Don't make the same mistake that I did and release as soon as you acquire your swans. You will have to pen them for several weeks so that ...

Re: Swan breeder -- The Regal Swan -- 26 November 2008

Hi Amy: Thanks for the suggestion. Also, how did your swan progress with the pouch under the beak? The Regal Swan

Re: Swan breeder -- amy short -- 29 November 2008

We took Romeo to a exotic bird vet and animal clinic. Needless to say, she had no idea what to do. Charged us alot of money to do nothing. So, being that I am a nurse and fortunate to have several ...

Re: Swan breeder -- The Regal Swan -- 30 November 2008

Hi Amy: Glad to know that the swan is well. The lack of veterinary knowledge regarding swans is unfortunately what we have found. It is for this reason that we try to get veterinary medical ...

What can i feed a swan. -- leah -- 23 November 2008

For 3 weeks now we´ve been having this young swan (but feathers are already white) at the small lake (say 75x50 meters wide) infront of our house. My daughter is so fond of the swan that she would ...

Re: What can i feed a swan. -- The Regal Swan -- 23 November 2008

Hi Leah: Yes, 1 loaf is too much. You might want to cut down to a couple of slices each time so that you are only giving 5-6 slices a day. Even whole grain bread can change the blood sugar of swans. ...

Re: What can i feed a swan. -- leah -- 26 November 2008

The next morning after I wrote here, the animal ambulance to the swan away to a bigger lake and to be united with other swans. It is more than a kilometer away from our house and we followed where it ...

Re: What can i feed a swan. -- The Regal Swan -- 26 November 2008

Hi Leah: Here is what we are surmising is occuring. Your swan is a juvenile, meaning mom and dad just kicked him out of the house. Now, he is supposed to go out on his own and find food, shelter, ...

depressed swan -- D Patton -- 19 November 2008

Last year there were two pairs of swans living on the pond beside my workplace - this year there is one pair and a single male. The single male has had some recent problems - he had a swollen neck ...

Re: depressed swan -- The Regal Swan -- 19 November 2008

Hi: There may be something wrong with the swan especially if whatever it swallowed will not digest. We would strongly urge you to contact Wendy Hermon at the Swan Lifeline Rescue Center in Eton. Even ...

swan feeding -- Karen -- 18 November 2008

Can you feed a swan cracked corn and, if so, do you just put it down or put in a bowl? Do they like lettuce? Much thanks.

Re: swan feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 19 November 2008

Hi Karen: Yes, swans can be fed cracked corn, but it needs to be mixed 1/2 and 1/2 with poulty layer pellets. Cracked corn is only a filler and does not supply the vitamins and minerals needed by the ...

winter shelter -- Margo S. -- 18 November 2008

The wind is howling and winter coming,we are concerned about a swan down the road in a good size pond. There is no shelter, only some weeds on one side. It is clipped so cannot go anywhere. It is the ...

Re: winter shelter -- The Regal Swan -- 19 November 2008

Hi Margo: How long as the swan lived on the pond? If it has been several years, then apparently it is doing quite well. If it has just recently been placed, then there might be a problem. Also, how ...

Injured Swan-Please help! -- Kelly Giamperoli -- 13 November 2008

I live in Massachusetts (U.S.) and there is an injured swan living on the beach not far from me. Winter is coming and I’m very concerned about it’s well being. It appears to have a broken wing and ...

Re: Injured Swan-Please help! -- The Regal Swan -- 14 November 2008

Hi Kelly: You seem to have contacted the same agencies that we would have in your area. Since we are in Florida, we need to ask if there is anyone reading this post for assistance. DOES ANYONE HAVE A ...

Re: Injured Swan-Please help! -- Jennifer -- 21 November 2008

Here is a list of people who accept waterfowl (domestic or non native like mutes) MASSACHUSETTS Nevins Farm http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MA147.html http://www.nevinsfarm.com/ Wild Care, Inc. ...

nests and predators -- Andy -- 10 November 2008

Hi there, I'm afraid I'm a bit nature-dim, but have a question. swans nest in shallow water, near land. surely this make them relatively easy pickings for predators? I believe that parents and young ...

Re: nests and predators -- The Regal Swan -- 13 November 2008

Hi Andy: Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, but we were having some computer problems. The cygnets need to stay warm and dry. The only way that the mother swan can accomplish this is to ...

antibiotics in birds -- amy short -- 9 November 2008

In the swan keeper book they stated that swans love donuts and that is a good way to give them antibiotics. Do you have any other method that works for you? Thanks as always.... amy short

Re: antibiotics in birds -- The Regal Swan -- 9 November 2008

Hi Amy: Can you provide the dosage, type of antibiotic, size as well as the form (tablet, gelcap, liquid, etc.)??. This will give us a better idea on how to respond to your question. Generally, if ...

A very inactive Swan -- sarah -- 31 October 2008

In my local reserve there are 4 swans, 1 of which has not moved for approx 7 days. It is nesteled at the side of the lake, i have seen it moving as it pecks the water and reeds around it. Is this ...

Re: A very inactive Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 31 October 2008

Hi Sarah: Normally, most swans are very active. Is there a possibility that the swan is entangled in something and cannot move? Is there a possibility that the other swans (especially the ones with ...

swans -- Joanne Herbert -- 27 October 2008

Do swans have nerves and/or blood vessels..if not, they do not feel the cold correct? Much thanks.

Re: swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 October 2008

Hi Joanne: Yes, swans are just like other birds, mammals and living things. Blood vessels and nerves make up their anatomical structure. Swans do feel cold and can easily get chilled if they do not ...

winter weather -- Maria Graziano -- 23 October 2008

Thanks so much for easing our minds..I have to add this swan has no choice but to stay put as we think it was bought as a "decorative" swan with the wings clipped. Its a beautiful bird; hate to think ...

Re: winter weather -- The Regal Swan -- 24 October 2008

Hi Maria: We don't think that the cold is going to affect him as much as if the pond/lake freezes. Just make sure he does not get trapped on a frozen body of water and that he has plenty to eat, ...

winter weather -- Maria Graziano -- 22 October 2008

There is a beautiful swan down the road in a pond (been there about 4 yeara)..is it alright in the cold winter weather with no shelter? Do swans feel the cold, ice and snow? Thanks as we feel bad but ...

Re: winter weather -- The Regal Swan -- 23 October 2008

Hi Maria: If the swan has survived fof 4 years in the area, then the habitat is probably very conducive to the swan's survival. Swans and other birds/animals will not stay or survive in habitats with ...

Lonely Female -- Dan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Guys! It's awesome what you're doing! We have a one-acre pond on a secluded 7-acre lot. In Dec 2006, I acquired 2 black Australian swans--supposedly a male and a female. Both had their wings ...

Re: Lonely Female -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Dan: There are any number of issues in your situation. We will try to address some of the possibilities. The webbing and phlange damage could have been any number of things such as being caught on ...

An Injuried Swan -- Jen -- 20 October 2008

Hi, We had a swan laying on the lawn for 5 hrs without moving last night. Her left feet was shrd up. She tried to walk steps but collapsed. Unfortunately no animal control came to pick her up after ...

Re: An Injuried Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Jen: We are so sorry about this case. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing the outcome. If the foot is the only appendage involved (not the leg, ankle, etc.), then the swan should still be ...

Re: An Injured Swan -- Jennifer -- 28 October 2008

Shredding is common with snapping turtle bites. If that ever happens again and you can find help try looking up Duck Rescue Network www.duckrescue.org for someone in your area, many of the rescuers ...

swans memory -- lauren -- 8 October 2008

the other day i was canoeing and we had a weak canoer with us so had to wait for him to move from a swan who was marking his territory, making sure the swan didnt go for the canoer, but i was ...

Re: swans memory -- The Regal Swan -- 8 October 2008

Hi Lauren: Swans, like many animals, have pretty good memories, but it depends on the individual swan whether it will repeat its aggressive behavior. It also depends on whether someone in a canoe ...

Swan behaviour -- Nat -- 6 October 2008

I have observed adult swans racing about on our salt pond and holding wings high curving and recurving neck. Is this mating behaviour?

Re: Swan behaviour -- The Regal Swan -- 6 October 2008

Hi Nat: Great question. Actually, the English call this "busking" in that the swans are trying to make themselves look larger than normal and are trying to declare territory. This can be part of ...

Oct 18, 2008 Fund-Raiser for the Lake Eola Swans and Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 5 October 2008

On October 18, 2008, we are conducting a fund-raiser to coincide with our Swan Round-up. Here is the daytime event. It will run about 4 hours and then we move to the evening event (see next posts).

Lake Eola Park to Host Swan Festival and Swan Soiree Benefiting the Lake Eola Swans and The Regal Swan® -- The Regal Swan® -- 5 October 2008

Reprint of the March 13 Press Release about the October 18 Swan Festival and Swan Soiree The Regal Swan® contact: Shirley Bolin Tel.: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net www.theregalswan.com Orange ...

Oct 18, 2008 Swan Soiree in Orlando -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 5 October 2008

Here is the nighttime event. We are bringing in a bass baritone from the Richard Wagner Music Festival from Bayreath, Germany, a classical guitarist and soprano and a Broadway composer/pianist and ...

Behavior -- Donnanow -- 30 September 2008

The apartment complex is about to order the swan, and want ot know about aggression. A little is great since we don't wan the geese or too many ducks populating the pond, but their are children in ...

Re: Behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 30 September 2008

Hi Donna: Aggression depends on the individual swan, the species and mainly, how it is treated. If there is a lot of good human contact, i.e., no one chasing the swans, people feeding them and ...

supplemental feeding -- Jeffrey Mohr -- 27 September 2008

Hello, Here at Star Lake Camp we are investigating getting a pair of swans (born in April or May 2008) and were wondering how much supplemental food is required per day for just the two swans? How ...

Re: supplemental feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 27 September 2008

Hi Jeffrey: You will need a 25 lb bag of cracked corn and a 25 lb bag of poultry layer pellet. Mix together and place in a Blitz feeder. Once you fill the feeder, it may hold l/4+ bag, you will be ...

Use of term Swan in music -- Marvel McGuire -- 22 September 2008

I am studying a song by Samuel Barber called "The Crucifixion." It is one of a cycle of songs based on poems from Irish monks. In the song, Jesus is referred to as "O Swan." Do you have any idea why? ...

Re: Use of term Swan in music -- The Regal Swan -- 23 September 2008

Hi Marvel: We have also been conducting research on swan legends for another upcoming book that we are publishing. We found a reference link many months ago and here it is: ...

should I introduce a female? -- Karen Hewitt -- 18 September 2008

Hi, we just moved into a house in MI and have two resident swans that are just beautiful. The previous owner said that they have been here for about five years, but he has never seen any offspring. ...

Re: should I introduce a female? -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Hi Karen: There are several issues with trying to introduce a new swan. 1. Has anyone actually sexed the swans to find out the true gender? They may both be females or an infertile pair. 2. They have ...

small pond wanting swans -- Donnanow -- 18 September 2008

My apartment complex is hoping to aquire a pair of swans. The pond is small but nice. What is the amount of space a pair need?

Re: small pond wanting swans -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Two swans can live comfortably on any size pond as long as the birds have an ample area to swim, preen, graze and rest with shade, shelter and protection from predators such as domestic dogs, cats, ...

Angel Wing -- The Regal Swan -- 17 September 2008

Hi Jason: We have had a couple of recent posts regarding angel wing that you might wish to refer. The ultimate problem with angel wing is that the bird will be unlikely able to fly. There are ...

Re: Angel Wing -- Jason Smith -- 18 September 2008

Thank you very much for your speedy reply and the information you have provided me with, the swans are quite an attraction for visitors and are often fed white bread so this appears to be the cause, ...

Re: Angel Wing -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Hi Jason: You are very welcome. Bread is usually not in itself the culprit of the angel wing. There has to be another source of too much protein in the diet. Also, there are other researchers who ...

Angel Wing -- Jason Smith -- 17 September 2008

There have been a bredding pair of swans on our local pond for many years now and they have had many cygnets, there is 1 out of the latest one's that has something wrong with its wing and i have ...

Cygnet wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 30 August 2008

A black cygnet has his left wing feathers sticking straight out for the last few days. Is this normal or could it be angle wing? We have been feeding him poultry layer pellets, but heard someone may ...

Cygnet wing feathers = Angel wing -- The Regal Swan -- 30 August 2008

Hi Marc: Yes this looks like angel wing. If in fact, someone was feeding the bird cat food, it is too high in protein. There are two causes of angel wing. Either it is genetic or the diet is too high ...

cygnet wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 3 September 2008

This is a better picture of the wing...Does it still look like angel wing or could it be an injury? I have not been able to confirm if and how much cat food it was fed.

Re: cygnet wing feathers -- DRN -- 11 September 2008

Its not too late to fix the wing, whether its broken or angel wing. If its broken you still want to pull the wing in so the wing can heal in a somewhat normal position instead of sticking out where ...

Trumpeter Swans wintering -- Mike -- 29 August 2008

Hello, I am taking care of 2 pair of trumpeter swans in western Wyoming. This will be their first winter here- it will get to 40 below, so leaving them out is not an option. So, in the barn they go. ...

Trumpeter Swans wintering -- The Regal Swan -- 30 August 2008

H Mike: Great question and what a care project you are undertaking! We would suggest an area of at least 8 feet wide and at least 12 feet in length. We use a large kiddie pool which will allow the ...

swan feed -- Jennifer -- 29 August 2008

Have you ever used Mazuri Waterfowl feed? Our swans were born 5/3/08 and I am thinking about switching to their maintenance formula. Until now they have been eating unmedicated poultry starter. I ...

swan feed -- The Regal Swan -- 29 August 2008

Hi Jennifer: We have heard of the product, but have never personally used it. We use poultry layer pellet and cracked corn. The layer pellets provide minerals, vitamins and other nutrients while the ...

3 day old swan - what do I feed it? -- Quack -- 28 August 2008

Hi, we have just rescued a three day old swan from our garden and it is not looking good. However we are concerned about it not eating and were wondering what exactly we should be feeding it. Please ...

3 day old cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 28 August 2008

Hi Quack: You should feed it lettuce and poultry mash. The best thing you could do for this young cygnet would be to get it to a swan rescue facility. One such facility is the Swan Lifeline Rescue ...

help! we have a swan chase here! -- sonia mesry -- 25 August 2008

dear regal swan project....hello once again. we have a 6 month old cygnet(we think is a female) she is soo sweet and a complete darling. her sibling died 2 months ago from a congenital condition. the ...

Help! We have a swan chase here. -- The Regal Swan -- 25 August 2008

Hi Sonia: You need to keep all adult swans away from this cygnet. They will try to remove her from the pond even if it means hurting or killing her. She is way too young to be placed with the 5 year ...

TRUMPETER SWANS FOR SALE IN PA -- sonia mesry -- 24 August 2008

HI...I CAME ACROSS THIS AD ON EGGBID.COM THEY HAVE TRUMPETER SWANS FOR SALE. A PREVIOUS POST WAS LOOKING FOR BEWICK OR TUNDRA SWANS. DIDN'T KNOW IF TRUMPETER SWANS WERE OF INTEREST. INCASE..I POSTED ...

Looking for Bewicks or Toundras swans -- Patricia -- 24 August 2008

I am interested in exotic birds, specifically swans and think that the Bewicks or Tundras would be interesting breeds. Do you know where I might find a pair of either species from a breeder in the ...

Looking for Bewicks & Tundra Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 August 2008

Hi Patricia: We know of people who are also looking and even some people who have raised these two species. Unfortunately, we have come up dry on our search for these particular breeds. If anyone out ...

Mute swans -- amy short -- 22 August 2008

Hi, I don't know if I want to press my luck, but I was just offered the chance to purchase a pair of mute swans that are 1 year old. My black swans I recently purchased and have been on my pond now ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 23 August 2008

Hi Amy: Yes, each swan is an individual, so there is always the possibility of a good or bad scenario. First, how old are the black swans? If the black swans are also young swans, and they have only ...

Missing wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 21 August 2008

Twelve year old black swan has missing feathers on her right wing that never grow back...heard her left wing was broken several years ago...Any idea what would cause this?

Missing wing feathers -- The Regal Swan -- 22