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 blitz feeder mounted on a pole approximately 4-5 feet into the water is a good system to use for feeding the swans especially in the winter. If you are not using this type of feeder, do not place or leave any food on or near the banks especially later in the afternoon or evening. To do so will set the swans up for predators as they will be easy pickings when the water is icy and they hang toward the banks instead of staying in the middle of the pond where it is warmer and safer.

If you can train the swans to sit by you and eat near you or go into the garage and have them follow you, they will learn that this is not a bad place to be. You do not want them coming up to this area while you are not present because they may find a domestic dog or cat or unfriendly person in the area while you are not watching. But, if you can train them to come to you and hang out in this environment, they will learn to trust the garage and you will be able to house them during inclement weather. Good luck. Let us know how this progresses. The Regal Swan