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 settings are pinioned, they will still use their wings for lift to enter and exit the water from inclines. Three and one half feet should be sufficient to keep them in the water.

The size of the grassy area has several issues to consider.

1. What happens when the grass runs out? Where are the swans going to go or what vegetation will they have access? It will take little to no time for the swans to mow down a grassy area, so you may need to have 2 sites so that you can alternate the swans so that when the grass is eaten and destroyed in one area, the swans have another area to sit until the grass has a chance to recover.

2. What are your state laws regarding the fencing of birds, especially large waterfowl? This issue will dictate the size of the preening, walking, stretching, etc., needs as prescribed by state law.

3. Will you have a top to the fence? This will also be a major issue because if you do not place a top on the fence, (fence should be approximately 6 feet high with enough room for human access to care for the grassy area), predators will kill the swans if they decide to stay on the grassy area at night. If the fence does not have a top, you are inviting a disaster. We have had several sites that we consult that have had coyote, fox and bobcat attacks in a fenced in area with no protective top. Needless to say, the swans were severely injured or killed.

Also, you will need to insure that the treated lumber is safe for marine usage. If not, and the chemicals leech into the pond, the swans could be sickened or die from the chemical ingestion.

We hope that this information is of benefit. If you need more info, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Regal Swan