Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Cygnet not eating well
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 24 October 2012
In Response To: Cygnet not eating well (S.Speers)

Hi The young swan may not be receiving adequate nutrition. All cygnets need to be fed poultry layer pellets snd cracked corn in a 1/2 to 1/2 ratio along with lettuce. The rice and other foods that are being fed need to be removed from the swans diet. Cracked corn provides Vitamin A which is essential for growth and the prevention of neurological oroblems associated with nutritional deficits. Poultry layer pellets provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium, vitamins and other micronutrients. Finely chopped lettuce provides supplemental vegetation. These foods need to be totally submerged in water so that the swans do not choke. Swans must have water to eat.

All cygnets must be weighed daily and at the exact same time daily to ensure that they are growing properly. If they do not seem to be increasing in weight they need to be seen by an experienced avian veterinarian to see if they need to be tube fed (which should only be conducted by an experienced vet) due to the possibiity if choking. Supplemental young bird food such as Exact or equivalent should be added to their diet. The major concern is that if the bird stops eating it is not a good sign and indicates something is wrong. Too much protein in the diet must also be avoided to prevent angel wing in which the wing droops or grows backward. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Cygnet not eating well -- S.Speers -- 24 October 2012
Re: Cygnet not eating well -- The Regal Swan -- 24 October 2012