Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Can a male swan be fertile at 10 months of age?
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 28 April 2016

Hi Jamie:

Most research states that swans do not mate and produce eggs until they are approximately 3 years of age. However, we have witnessed on many occasions one-2 year old swans mating, nesting and producing eggs.

In our research, even though this mating occurred at less than 2 years of age, the eggs were infertile. If the swans "practiced" at one year of age, usually the eggs were fertile the second year.

Now, having said this, there are probably cases throughout the world in which researchers do not witness every swan, species of swan etc., and exceptions to these rules can occur. It is for this reason, that you may just have to wait and see if the female nests and anything hatches. If the eggs are infertile, she will not sit for too long and will start kicking the eggs out of the nest. You do not want to disturb the eggs as she can count and will try to replace any disturbed eggs (double clutch) which can be detrimental to her health. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Can a male swan be fertile at 10 months of age? -- Jamie -- 27 April 2016
Re: Can a male swan be fertile at 10 months of age? -- The Regal Swan -- 28 April 2016