Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: injured swan
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 17 February 2009
In Response To: Re: injured swan (Kerri)

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. The scratch diet is not for waterfowl but poultry. This is why she needs cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. The Horse grain may be too high in protein which can lead to angel wing (also known as slipped wing, backwards wing, etc.). A female mute swan should weigh from 17-22 lbs. It is understandable that she lost weight due to the trauma and her recovery. If you can supplement her food with the EXACT baby bird food, she will use this supplement as an added energy supply. You can add the EXACT to her diet by adding to the water or mixing it in the water with her cracked corn and layer pellets. It may also help her gain weight and strength. Let us know how she progresses. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

injured swan -- Kerri -- 15 February 2009
Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 15 February 2009
Re: injured swan -- Kerri -- 17 February 2009
Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 February 2009
Re: injured swan -- Kerri L. Burg -- 22 February 2009
Re: injured swan -- The Regal Swan -- 22 February 2009