Hi Jane. The time for hatching is dependent upon incubation. This means the time that the last egg is laid and then 35-40 days after that is when the cygnets begin to hatch. The first eggs laid will hatch first and then the last eggs laid will hatch, so it is in order of when the eggs were laid.

Swans will mate for about two weeks. Once mating begins, the nest will be built and then as mating continues, eggs will be laid.

In swans, mating can occur throughout the year as a means to bond the pair. If it is not time to breed, then all that will occur is the mating and no nesting will occur and no eggs produced. The Regal Swan