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Mute swan sharing a nest with a Toulouse goose
By:Sheryl
Date: 4 April 2014

Hi-
I have a mute swan, sex undetermined. I have 2 Toulouse geese. I thought male and female(actually mother and son). Out of the 3, someone started a nest with a few eggs in there. The one Toulouse has no more feathers on her neck due to mating. I noticed the other day the Toulouse that I thought to be the male (the one with all feathers on neck) sitting on the nest. The swan was also in the nest trying to get the Toulouse out by pulling on his/her neck. Everyone is taking turns sitting on the nest, however the swan seems to be there the most. Today I noticed the swan gathering straw and continuing on making the nest. I am very confused. Who's nest is it? Can my swan mate with a Toulouse? If the nest is the Toulouse nest and the eggs are fertile will the swan continue to take over and if the eggs hatch will the swan take on as parent? Also, does this determine at all my swan is a female?

Messages In This Thread

Mute swan sharing a nest with a Toulouse goose -- Sheryl -- 4 April 2014
Re: Mute swan sharing a nest with a Toulouse goose -- The Regal Swan -- 4 April 2014