Usually, the parents begin to chase the young birds between 5 .5 -7 months of age, although we have seen cygnets removed as early as 5 months and as late as 10 months.

At 3 months, the cygnets are probably not going to survive. Predators, inclement weather, lack of food source, etc., will take a toll resulting with either illness or death to the young birds.

If the birds are mute swans, many states require that they be pinioned (physically rendered incapable of flying) between 1-3 weeks of age. If the pinioning has not been conducted and the birds can fly, many states will shoot them if found in the wild and if the owner can be found, the owner will be fined for having flying non-native species. You need to check with your local fish & game commission.

Also, if the birds are considered non-native, permits may be required to possess them as well as breeding. So, ultimately, in this case, not only the owner of the swans may be liable for any damages incurred by a non-native species, but the recipient of the cygnets can also be held responsible. Good Luck. The Regal Swan
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