Thank you for your reply. Our male mute swans are demonstrating territorial and defensive behaviors; not only in the breeding season but throughout the year.

However, we have been offered from a local park a pair of 8 years old females. From our observations they have more suitable dispositions for our gardens and situation. However, unlike our current males, this pair has not been pinioned. If we find a new home for our males, would we be able to introduce the females to our pond without having them pinioned. Will they fly away? The previous owner has said they have never learned to fly and have never had any problems with the swans leaving.

Because of the age of this pair we wouldn't want to pinion these swans, unless absolutely necessary. However, we wouldn't want them to fly away from our pond also. What do you think? Please advise.