Great questions:

1. You cannot estimate a swan's age by appearance. Records and observations of when the bird was hatched and copious record keeping is the only way to determine age.

2. Some people call poultry pellets and others poultry laying pellets. The pellets are the same.

3. The best type of swan feeder is the Blitz dog feeder which you will see if you go to our site (www.theregalswan.com) or look at earlier questions on this website. These websites will provide you with information on how to purchase, construct and maintain this type of feeder. Placing food in shallow water only encourages other waterfowl and aquatic life (turtles, fish, etc.) to partake of the nourishment leaving the swans with very limited access to several feedings. Placing the food in a container or on the ground only invites unwanted pests such as rats, ants, etc.

4.Swan breeding seasons are dependant upon the species of swans. Black swans breed twice a year (Jan and summer), Mutes, Coscorobas and Black-Necked swans breed in the spring while Trumpeters, Tundras and Bewicks nest late spring/early summer/fall.

5. The swan could either have been bathing or was in distress. If it was in distress, it may have drowned. However, if this was the case, you would have probably found the carcass by now. More than likely, the swan was bathing and flew off after preening itself. Please let us know if the swan reappears. The Regal Swan