Ask the Swan Specialist

swan feeding -- Karen -- 18 November 2008

Can you feed a swan cracked corn and, if so, do you just put it down or put in a bowl? Do they like lettuce? Much thanks.

winter shelter -- Margo S. -- 18 November 2008

The wind is howling and winter coming,we are concerned about a swan down the road in a good size pond. There is no shelter, only some weeds on one side. It is clipped so cannot go anywhere. It is the ...

Injured Swan-Please help! -- Kelly Giamperoli -- 13 November 2008

I live in Massachusetts (U.S.) and there is an injured swan living on the beach not far from me. Winter is coming and I’m very concerned about it’s well being. It appears to have a broken wing and ...

Re: Injured Swan-Please help! -- The Regal Swan -- 14 November 2008

Hi Kelly: You seem to have contacted the same agencies that we would have in your area. Since we are in Florida, we need to ask if there is anyone reading this post for assistance. DOES ANYONE HAVE A ...

nests and predators -- Andy -- 10 November 2008

Hi there, I'm afraid I'm a bit nature-dim, but have a question. swans nest in shallow water, near land. surely this make them relatively easy pickings for predators? I believe that parents and young ...

Re: nests and predators -- The Regal Swan -- 13 November 2008

Hi Andy: Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, but we were having some computer problems. The cygnets need to stay warm and dry. The only way that the mother swan can accomplish this is to ...

antibiotics in birds -- amy short -- 9 November 2008

In the swan keeper book they stated that swans love donuts and that is a good way to give them antibiotics. Do you have any other method that works for you? Thanks as always.... amy short

Re: antibiotics in birds -- The Regal Swan -- 9 November 2008

Hi Amy: Can you provide the dosage, type of antibiotic, size as well as the form (tablet, gelcap, liquid, etc.)??. This will give us a better idea on how to respond to your question. Generally, if ...

A very inactive Swan -- sarah -- 31 October 2008

In my local reserve there are 4 swans, 1 of which has not moved for approx 7 days. It is nesteled at the side of the lake, i have seen it moving as it pecks the water and reeds around it. Is this ...

Re: A very inactive Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 31 October 2008

Hi Sarah: Normally, most swans are very active. Is there a possibility that the swan is entangled in something and cannot move? Is there a possibility that the other swans (especially the ones with ...

swans -- Joanne Herbert -- 27 October 2008

Do swans have nerves and/or blood vessels..if not, they do not feel the cold correct? Much thanks.

Re: swans -- The Regal Swan -- 27 October 2008

Hi Joanne: Yes, swans are just like other birds, mammals and living things. Blood vessels and nerves make up their anatomical structure. Swans do feel cold and can easily get chilled if they do not ...

winter weather -- Maria Graziano -- 23 October 2008

Thanks so much for easing our minds..I have to add this swan has no choice but to stay put as we think it was bought as a "decorative" swan with the wings clipped. Its a beautiful bird; hate to think ...

Re: winter weather -- The Regal Swan -- 24 October 2008

Hi Maria: We don't think that the cold is going to affect him as much as if the pond/lake freezes. Just make sure he does not get trapped on a frozen body of water and that he has plenty to eat, ...

winter weather -- Maria Graziano -- 22 October 2008

There is a beautiful swan down the road in a pond (been there about 4 yeara)..is it alright in the cold winter weather with no shelter? Do swans feel the cold, ice and snow? Thanks as we feel bad but ...

Re: winter weather -- The Regal Swan -- 23 October 2008

Hi Maria: If the swan has survived fof 4 years in the area, then the habitat is probably very conducive to the swan's survival. Swans and other birds/animals will not stay or survive in habitats with ...

Lonely Female -- Dan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Guys! It's awesome what you're doing! We have a one-acre pond on a secluded 7-acre lot. In Dec 2006, I acquired 2 black Australian swans--supposedly a male and a female. Both had their wings ...

Re: Lonely Female -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Dan: There are any number of issues in your situation. We will try to address some of the possibilities. The webbing and phlange damage could have been any number of things such as being caught on ...

An Injuried Swan -- Jen -- 20 October 2008

Hi, We had a swan laying on the lawn for 5 hrs without moving last night. Her left feet was shrd up. She tried to walk steps but collapsed. Unfortunately no animal control came to pick her up after ...

Re: An Injured Swan -- Jennifer -- 28 October 2008

Shredding is common with snapping turtle bites. If that ever happens again and you can find help try looking up Duck Rescue Network www.duckrescue.org for someone in your area, many of the rescuers ...

Re: An Injuried Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 21 October 2008

Hi Jen: We are so sorry about this case. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing the outcome. If the foot is the only appendage involved (not the leg, ankle, etc.), then the swan should still be ...

swans memory -- lauren -- 8 October 2008

the other day i was canoeing and we had a weak canoer with us so had to wait for him to move from a swan who was marking his territory, making sure the swan didnt go for the canoer, but i was ...

Re: swans memory -- The Regal Swan -- 8 October 2008

Hi Lauren: Swans, like many animals, have pretty good memories, but it depends on the individual swan whether it will repeat its aggressive behavior. It also depends on whether someone in a canoe ...

Swan behaviour -- Nat -- 6 October 2008

I have observed adult swans racing about on our salt pond and holding wings high curving and recurving neck. Is this mating behaviour?

Re: Swan behaviour -- The Regal Swan -- 6 October 2008

Hi Nat: Great question. Actually, the English call this "busking" in that the swans are trying to make themselves look larger than normal and are trying to declare territory. This can be part of ...

Oct 18, 2008 Fund-Raiser for the Lake Eola Swans and Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 5 October 2008

On October 18, 2008, we are conducting a fund-raiser to coincide with our Swan Round-up. Here is the daytime event. It will run about 4 hours and then we move to the evening event (see next posts).

Lake Eola Park to Host Swan Festival and Swan Soiree Benefiting the Lake Eola Swans and The Regal Swan® -- The Regal Swan® -- 5 October 2008

Reprint of the March 13 Press Release about the October 18 Swan Festival and Swan Soiree The Regal Swan® contact: Shirley Bolin Tel.: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net www.theregalswan.com Orange ...

Oct 18, 2008 Swan Soiree in Orlando -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 5 October 2008

Here is the nighttime event. We are bringing in a bass baritone from the Richard Wagner Music Festival from Bayreath, Germany, a classical guitarist and soprano and a Broadway composer/pianist and ...

Behavior -- Donnanow -- 30 September 2008

The apartment complex is about to order the swan, and want ot know about aggression. A little is great since we don't wan the geese or too many ducks populating the pond, but their are children in ...

Re: Behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 30 September 2008

Hi Donna: Aggression depends on the individual swan, the species and mainly, how it is treated. If there is a lot of good human contact, i.e., no one chasing the swans, people feeding them and ...

supplemental feeding -- Jeffrey Mohr -- 27 September 2008

Hello, Here at Star Lake Camp we are investigating getting a pair of swans (born in April or May 2008) and were wondering how much supplemental food is required per day for just the two swans? How ...

Re: supplemental feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 27 September 2008

Hi Jeffrey: You will need a 25 lb bag of cracked corn and a 25 lb bag of poultry layer pellet. Mix together and place in a Blitz feeder. Once you fill the feeder, it may hold l/4+ bag, you will be ...

Use of term Swan in music -- Marvel McGuire -- 22 September 2008

I am studying a song by Samuel Barber called "The Crucifixion." It is one of a cycle of songs based on poems from Irish monks. In the song, Jesus is referred to as "O Swan." Do you have any idea why? ...

Re: Use of term Swan in music -- The Regal Swan -- 23 September 2008

Hi Marvel: We have also been conducting research on swan legends for another upcoming book that we are publishing. We found a reference link many months ago and here it is: ...

should I introduce a female? -- Karen Hewitt -- 18 September 2008

Hi, we just moved into a house in MI and have two resident swans that are just beautiful. The previous owner said that they have been here for about five years, but he has never seen any offspring. ...

Re: should I introduce a female? -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Hi Karen: There are several issues with trying to introduce a new swan. 1. Has anyone actually sexed the swans to find out the true gender? They may both be females or an infertile pair. 2. They have ...

small pond wanting swans -- Donnanow -- 18 September 2008

My apartment complex is hoping to aquire a pair of swans. The pond is small but nice. What is the amount of space a pair need?

Re: small pond wanting swans -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Two swans can live comfortably on any size pond as long as the birds have an ample area to swim, preen, graze and rest with shade, shelter and protection from predators such as domestic dogs, cats, ...

Angel Wing -- The Regal Swan -- 17 September 2008

Hi Jason: We have had a couple of recent posts regarding angel wing that you might wish to refer. The ultimate problem with angel wing is that the bird will be unlikely able to fly. There are ...

Re: Angel Wing -- Jason Smith -- 18 September 2008

Thank you very much for your speedy reply and the information you have provided me with, the swans are quite an attraction for visitors and are often fed white bread so this appears to be the cause, ...

Re: Angel Wing -- The Regal Swan -- 19 September 2008

Hi Jason: You are very welcome. Bread is usually not in itself the culprit of the angel wing. There has to be another source of too much protein in the diet. Also, there are other researchers who ...

Angel Wing -- Jason Smith -- 17 September 2008

There have been a bredding pair of swans on our local pond for many years now and they have had many cygnets, there is 1 out of the latest one's that has something wrong with its wing and i have ...

Cygnet wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 30 August 2008

A black cygnet has his left wing feathers sticking straight out for the last few days. Is this normal or could it be angle wing? We have been feeding him poultry layer pellets, but heard someone may ...

Cygnet wing feathers = Angel wing -- The Regal Swan -- 30 August 2008

Hi Marc: Yes this looks like angel wing. If in fact, someone was feeding the bird cat food, it is too high in protein. There are two causes of angel wing. Either it is genetic or the diet is too high ...

cygnet wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 3 September 2008

This is a better picture of the wing...Does it still look like angel wing or could it be an injury? I have not been able to confirm if and how much cat food it was fed.

Re: cygnet wing feathers -- DRN -- 11 September 2008

Its not too late to fix the wing, whether its broken or angel wing. If its broken you still want to pull the wing in so the wing can heal in a somewhat normal position instead of sticking out where ...

Trumpeter Swans wintering -- Mike -- 29 August 2008

Hello, I am taking care of 2 pair of trumpeter swans in western Wyoming. This will be their first winter here- it will get to 40 below, so leaving them out is not an option. So, in the barn they go. ...

Trumpeter Swans wintering -- The Regal Swan -- 30 August 2008

H Mike: Great question and what a care project you are undertaking! We would suggest an area of at least 8 feet wide and at least 12 feet in length. We use a large kiddie pool which will allow the ...

swan feed -- Jennifer -- 29 August 2008

Have you ever used Mazuri Waterfowl feed? Our swans were born 5/3/08 and I am thinking about switching to their maintenance formula. Until now they have been eating unmedicated poultry starter. I ...

swan feed -- The Regal Swan -- 29 August 2008

Hi Jennifer: We have heard of the product, but have never personally used it. We use poultry layer pellet and cracked corn. The layer pellets provide minerals, vitamins and other nutrients while the ...

3 day old swan - what do I feed it? -- Quack -- 28 August 2008

Hi, we have just rescued a three day old swan from our garden and it is not looking good. However we are concerned about it not eating and were wondering what exactly we should be feeding it. Please ...

3 day old cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 28 August 2008

Hi Quack: You should feed it lettuce and poultry mash. The best thing you could do for this young cygnet would be to get it to a swan rescue facility. One such facility is the Swan Lifeline Rescue ...

help! we have a swan chase here! -- sonia mesry -- 25 August 2008

dear regal swan project....hello once again. we have a 6 month old cygnet(we think is a female) she is soo sweet and a complete darling. her sibling died 2 months ago from a congenital condition. the ...

Help! We have a swan chase here. -- The Regal Swan -- 25 August 2008

Hi Sonia: You need to keep all adult swans away from this cygnet. They will try to remove her from the pond even if it means hurting or killing her. She is way too young to be placed with the 5 year ...

TRUMPETER SWANS FOR SALE IN PA -- sonia mesry -- 24 August 2008

HI...I CAME ACROSS THIS AD ON EGGBID.COM THEY HAVE TRUMPETER SWANS FOR SALE. A PREVIOUS POST WAS LOOKING FOR BEWICK OR TUNDRA SWANS. DIDN'T KNOW IF TRUMPETER SWANS WERE OF INTEREST. INCASE..I POSTED ...

Looking for Bewicks or Toundras swans -- Patricia -- 24 August 2008

I am interested in exotic birds, specifically swans and think that the Bewicks or Tundras would be interesting breeds. Do you know where I might find a pair of either species from a breeder in the ...

Looking for Bewicks & Tundra Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 August 2008

Hi Patricia: We know of people who are also looking and even some people who have raised these two species. Unfortunately, we have come up dry on our search for these particular breeds. If anyone out ...

Mute swans -- amy short -- 22 August 2008

Hi, I don't know if I want to press my luck, but I was just offered the chance to purchase a pair of mute swans that are 1 year old. My black swans I recently purchased and have been on my pond now ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 23 August 2008

Hi Amy: Yes, each swan is an individual, so there is always the possibility of a good or bad scenario. First, how old are the black swans? If the black swans are also young swans, and they have only ...

Missing wing feathers -- Marc Balzac -- 21 August 2008

Twelve year old black swan has missing feathers on her right wing that never grow back...heard her left wing was broken several years ago...Any idea what would cause this?

Missing wing feathers -- The Regal Swan -- 22 August 2008

Hi Marc: Classic example of pinioning (the amputation at a very young age of the flight feather portion of the wing and usually required by law in most states if a bird is not indigenous to the ...

Swan Feeding: Dried Corn for Signets? -- colleen -- 21 August 2008

Hello, I live on the shore of easten Long Island, on a small canal, we have a pair of mute swans that live here year round, I started feeding the male dried corn one winter, which he seems to love, ...

Swan Feeding: Dried Corn for Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 21 August 2008

Hi Colleen: The best corn product is cracked corn. It is easily digestible as opposed to whole corn such as used to feed deer and other animals. The cracked corn is only a filler, meaning not much ...

mating behavior -- MBM -- 19 August 2008

I was told male swans do not have penises. If so, how do they mate?

Mating Behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 20 August 2008

Sorry it has taken so long to answer. We are under a storm watch with Fay which cannot seem to decide which way it wants to turn through Florida. In any case, yes, male swans have penises and are one ...

black swans -- amy short -- 10 August 2008

Hello, Mimi and Buck are doing well on the pond and seem to have attracted a mere 20-30 canadian geese as friends. Not that I wanted them to be killer swans, but I was hoping that they would not ...

Black Swans picture -- The Regal Swan -- 10 August 2008

Hi Amy: Great photo. How old is Buck & Mimi? How long have they been on your pond? Breeding season (twice a year for Black Swans) will increase the amount of territorialism. Just because they are not ...

older swan chasing cygnet!!! -- sonia mesry -- 10 August 2008

dear regal swan, hello once again with an important swan question. we have a 9 year old female mute swan named juliet. she has lost 4 mates over the years. we now have one of her babies back with ...

Older Swan Chasing Cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 10 August 2008

Hi Sonia: If Hope is a female, then this is the problem with Juliet. She does not want any competition on her pond. The male will not be an issue because Juliet will eventually pair up with him. The ...

Black swans -- amy short -- 2 August 2008

Well, I am happy to say that I released my swan last night at feeding time. I let the pen open and it took them 30 minutes to leave. Much to my delight, I woke up this morning(after a toss and turn ...

Black Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 2 August 2008

Hi Amy: We're glad the penning worked out. Just like humans, birds and animals need to know that they are safe and have a place to call home. Lucky for this pair of swans, they found you. Enjoy! The ...

black swan -- amy short -- 29 July 2008

I recently purchased 2 mated black swans. They are 3 years old. The day I go them, I release them on my pond. Sure enough, they wandered. After 12 hours and the fire department in Indianapolis, I got ...

Black Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 29 July 2008

Hi Amy: Yes, we have had the YouTube moments also! Three weeks should (again the operative word is should) be ample time for the swans to understand that you are their food source and they need to ...

Lone Mute Swan / saltwater - growing concerns -- Anthony R -- 24 July 2008

Hi, love your site. I'm in New York City/Queens area, and a avid boater. Next to the docks where my boat is kept are abandoned/damaged docks about 50ft away from where my boat is kept. A lone Mute ...

Lone Mute Swan/Saltwater -- The Regal Swan -- 24 July 2008

Hi Anthony: Great question. Obviously, the swan has found a friend!!! This may be keeping it in the area, but not likely. If there is not a suitable habitat, i.e., shelter, food, shade, water, etc., ...

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Jennifer -- 17 July 2008

Cygnets question -- The Regal Swan -- 17 July 2008

Hi Jennifer: Vent sexing at an early age in a swan is not reliable. Until the swans are approximately 1 year of age, this type of sexing is pretty inaccurate because the genitalia is not normally ...

Cygnets -- Jennifer -- 21 July 2008

Thank you for your time. I did find someone who was knowledgle about our swans conditions that was able to answer all of our questions. They are well taken care of now. I am going to delete my ...

Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 21 July 2008

Hi Jennifer: You are very welcome. Anytime that we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Regal Swan

Swan Newbie -- Elizabeth -- 17 July 2008

Hi there and thanks for your informative Q + A site. I live in south central TN and wish to purchase a pair of swans for my 1-2 acre spring-fed pond. (Pic attached) I do not know how deep it is, but ...

Swan Newbie -- The Regal Swan -- 17 July 2008

Hi Elizabeth: Nice pond! We can't really say how the swans are going to interact with the ducks. Some swans will do well with ducks, others will either chase or kill ducks in their territory. This ...

Swan Newbie -- Elizabeth -- 17 July 2008

Thanks for the info! I found a floating nesting platform on a website and feel that I could construct something similar. Would the swans like this? (Measures L 60" x W 46" x H 13") I ...

Swan Newbie -- The Regal Swan -- 18 July 2008

Hi Elizabeth: We have heard various outcomes with the use of floating nest boxes, so it may or may not work. The Blitz feeder is placed on an 8 foot pole so that you can adjust the height according ...

Oct 18, 2008 Fund-Raiser for the Lake Eola Swans and Regal Swan Foundation -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 12 July 2008

On October 18, 2008, we are conducting a fund-raiser to coincide with our Swan Round-up. Here is the daytime event. It will run about 4 hours and then we move to the evening event (see next post).

Oct 18, 2008 Swan Soiree -- The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc. -- 12 July 2008

Here is the nighttime event. We are bringing in a bass baritone from the Richard Wagner Music Festival from Bayreath, Germany, a classical guitarist and soprano and a Broadway composer/pianist and ...

Is whole wheat bread bad for the swans? -- Patrick Joseph Rourke -- 10 July 2008

Your site says that store bought bread, like whole wheat, is bad for them? We have been feeding them for years, and the ones we feed are bigger than the ones that just eat naturally... and they ...

Is whole wheat bread bad for swans -- The Regal Swan -- 10 July 2008

Hi Patrick: We have no idea where you are seeing the whole wheat bread on our website, (www.theregalswan.com). We have never stated that whole wheat is bad for them. It is white bread that is not ...

Are these what you refer to "Polish Mutes" -- Patrick Joseph Rourke -- 10 July 2008

Hi, here where I work we have many swans... one clutch of them produced nine cygets, two of which are white and the rest the normal brown... there are perhaps 30 cygets around the area, and only ...

Are these what you refer as polish mutes -- The Regal Swan -- 10 July 2008

Hi Patrick: Absolutely, these are the classic looking polish mutes. Taxonomically, all mute swans are really mute swans. However, swan keepers refer to either the "royal" or "polish" mutes as a way ...

re Polish Swans -- Patrick Joseph Rourke -- 11 July 2008

Thank you very much, FYI, these two Polish are in a brine river of the USA.

re Polish Mutes -- The Regal Swan -- 11 July 2008

Hi Patrick: You are very welcome. Glad we could help. The Regal Swan

swan cygnets weak legs -- sonia mesry -- 26 June 2008

hello again. i wanted to ask you about our now 3 month old cygnets. it seems like they both are wobbly on their legs. they were both doing fine and now the bigger one can't use his right leg. he has ...

swan cygnets weak legs -- The Regal Swan -- 26 June 2008

Hi Sonia: If the female was exhibiting the same behavior earlier, but is now normal, we would say that this is probably from their overweight bodies being supported by small legs. Again, swans are ...

Attacking their own? -- Ayumi -- 19 June 2008

There is a very large corporate lake that sits behind my house, and every year, the two or three swan couples that occupy the different areas nest there. This year, one of the couples had seven ...

Attacking Their Own -- The Regal Swan -- 19 June 2008

Hi Ayumi: Great Question! Unfortunately, we have personally seen this happen. If there is something wrong with the cygnet, and believe us, the parents will know, they will either try or actually kill ...

Do swans have capsaicin receptors? -- Marc -- 16 June 2008

I am having a problem with raccoons feeding from my swan feeder. [My feeder is quite a distance from where my swans go to sleep for the night. My feeder is mounted into my pond but is reachable by ...

Do swans have capsaicin receptors -- The Regal Swan -- 17 June 2008

Hi Marc: Good question. We are not sure. Two points to consider. Anytime you use "pepper" type substances, i.e., mace, etc., you are dealing with mucous membranes, eyes, nose, etc. So, the swans ...

Alpha chloralose? -- Bandit 1 -- 11 July 2008

Do you know if they were using alpha chloralose? We occasionaly tranquilize birds and I would be interested to know which drug the swan reacted to.

cygnet not walking -- sonia mesry -- 11 June 2008

hello once again! i am writing to you in regards to our female cygnet. i have written numerous times over the years. i love this site. the female cygnet, along w/ her brother have been doing great! ...

cygnet not walking -- The Regal Swan -- 12 June 2008

Hi Sonia: The cygnet needs to be taken to a veterinarian. Due to the awkward weight a young swan (even adult for that matter) the swans are not that graceful on land and already have a hard time ...

Wandering -- Michelle -- 8 June 2008

Do swans have a tendency to wander? My husband got home a little bit ago to find that our pair and their cygnet were wandering in the corn field about 1/4 of a mile away. We have gotten a lot of rain ...

Michelle -- The Regal Swan -- 9 June 2008

Hi Michelle: Yes, swans wander and for various reasons. During the winter and spring migration, they may feel the urge to migrate. This may mean a few feet, yards and even blocks. Other reasons ...

Wandering -- Michelle -- 23 June 2008

Thanks for addressing this for me and for taking time to discuss it over the phone. The swans have been home for about a week now and have stopped wandering. All three - cob, pen, and cygnet are ...

Wandering -- The Regal Swan -- 23 June 2008

Hi Michelle: Glad we could be of help. Great news that the swans have stopped wandering. The Regal Swan

one swan all alone -- M. -- 1 June 2008

I live in a town on the Ohio River. We have one lonely swan that arrived here early this spring. I would like to find it a mate. How can you tell the sex of a swan just by looking at it from a ...

one swan alone -- The Regal Swan -- 2 June 2008

Hi: Probably the best solution would be to leave this swan alone. If it is a male and possibly lost its mate, it will not necessarily bond with another female. If it is a female, she might bond, but ...

fertility/viability of eggs -- andy -- 31 May 2008

We live in a rural part of central Mexico and were just asked to incubate some orphaned black swan eggs. (Because we have an incubator we use for chickens.) The parents were killed by coyotes, the ...

fertility/viability of eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 1 June 2008

Hi Andy: Good question. We have had very little success in incubating eggs. There are some waterfowl conservation groups who would be able to provide you with data regarding this matter. Try Sylvan ...

fertility/viability of eggs -- andy -- 1 June 2008

Thanks so much for your help. Based on your response, I'm not sure we should try but I will take care of the eggs until the owners return and let them make the final decision. I am contacting the ...

Fertility/Viability of eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 1 June 2008

Hi Andy: You are very welcome. Anytime you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Regal Swan

readers of The Ugly Duckling -- andy -- 2 June 2008

O.K. - a couple of people have asked me this and at first I dismissed it but now I am wondering. Could a duck or goose be a surrogate mother for a swan? There is resort near us that has a pond ...

readers of the Ugly Duckling -- The Regal Swan -- 2 June 2008

Great Question Andy. Coincidentally, we have been receiving some information from around the world regarding various swan species, and today we received a comment from a swan researcher in Poland. He ...

wheatgrass for swans -- sonia mesry -- 30 May 2008

hi there. a fellow friend told me that wheatgrass is good for swans. i have the 6 week old cygnets here in atlanta. do you recommend me purchasing some of the wheatgrass for them to eat? many thanks, ...

wheatgrass for swans -- The Regal Swan -- 30 May 2008

Hi Sonia: Wheatgrass according to our horticulturist is a high nutrition aquatic plant food source for the swans. We are not sure if you can purchase it in Atlanta, but you might try. Although the ...

Supplemental Feeding -- Lisa Goodman -- 29 May 2008

We live on a small, man-made private lake. Over the last 10 years, the mute swan population has grown from 2 adults to at least 3 pairs of adults and babies each season, and teenagers from prior ...

Supplemental Feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2008

Hi Lisa: Please see the previous post. Dog Food IS NOT A GOOD Nutritional source for the swans due to the possibility of developing "angel wing". The Regal Swan

adult swan on nest. -- sonia mesry -- 27 May 2008

hello again and thank you for your prompt response on my previous question. i had mentioned thst juliet was on a nest and you told me that the eggs were valentino's. and that our young cygnet's sperm ...

adult swan on nest -- The Regal Swan -- 27 May 2008

Hi Sonia: With this new information, then yes, there is a possibility that these eggs are the mother's and young juvenile's. Only time will tell if they are viable. As for the little cygnets, by all ...

Moulting -- Jeanne Moore -- 26 May 2008

One our our mute swans, approximately 20 yeasrs old, has lost neck feathers in a strange pattern. It looks like he was given a poodle cut on his neck, the feathers are that short. It's in an area ...

Moulting -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2008

Hi Jeanne: Great question, unfortunately, with little information to go on, we're not sure that we can answer this one. Is the bird moulting feathers in other areas? This will be easily observed ...

5 wk old cygnets -- sonia mesry -- 26 May 2008

dear regal swan....hello again. i previously wrote to you regarding two 5 wk old cygnets that we obtained a week ago. they seem to be doing well. however, we have our older swan coming to feed every ...

5 week old cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2008

Hi Sonia: More than likely, the eggs are from Valentino, especially if they were nesting. The young swan would not usually be able to produce viable sperm this early in his life. Next nesting season ...

5 mute swans -- Aimee DuPree -- 25 May 2008

The 2 swans went back to the beach where their is a little lagoon..saw them their myself on the way to the beach. Came home and the other 3 were gone guessing back with them b/c of boaters! Hope they ...

5 mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2008

Hi Aimee: You are very welcome. Thanks for your kind remarks. Enjoy these great creatures! The Regal Swan

5 mute swans -- Aimee DuPree -- 25 May 2008

Thank you for the quick response! They are mute swans. Yesterday people on kayaks made them nervous and had them flying all over the lake(some people do not care)they all left but one. This morning ...

5 mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2008

Hi Aimee: Because these are wild swans and probably not too crazy about you getting in the water with them, a feeder may or may not work. You will need to train them on how to use the feeder. ...

New Swans -- Shawn Z. -- 25 May 2008

Hi, I have lived on a pond my whole life and have never had any swans on it until about a week ago when 2 adult swans and 4 babies showed up out of nowhere and have been on the pond since. I have no ...

New Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 25 May 2008

Hi Shawn: Because we don't know which species the swans might be, we would only be surmising about how they got to your pond. Look at the color of the beak of the parents. Is the beak orange? If so, ...

5 mute swans -- Aimee DuPree -- 24 May 2008

I have 5 swans in my lake. I live in Charleston SC, and I am curious where they came from? Last year it was only 2 then they left after a couple days. This year only the male came back for a few ...

5 mute swans -- The Regal Swan -- 24 May 2008

Hi Aimee: Good questions. We'll take each one at time. First, they may be mute swans or they may be tundra or trumpeters. Look at the color of the beaks. If they have orange beaks, then they are mute ...

feeding 5 week old baby cygnets -- sonia mesry -- 21 May 2008

dear regal swan, hello again! i have a couple of questions for you. we bought a pair of 5 week old white cygnets. they were taken from their parents @ an early age. they have been sexed & pinioned. ...

Feeding 5 week old cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2008

Hi Sonia: Our major concern would be why someone would give you 5 week old cygnets. We do not recommend taking any cygnet from its parents until approximately 5-6 months of age when the parents will ...

swan eggs/care -- michael morse -- 21 May 2008

In our community we have two swans that have nested and had eggs several times and each time the eggs have been destroyed by raccoons or rats or possibly vultures. We live in a community surrounded ...

swan/eggs care -- The Regal Swan -- 21 May 2008

Hi Michael: We're not completely sure that vultures or even rats would be the cause of your egg loss. Usually, vultures are carrion eaters and unbroken eggs, usually would not be considered a food ...

hurt swan -- Lori Savage -- 17 May 2008

I hope you get this soon and are able to answer. My Husband and I live a very small lake in Azusa CA. USA. Our wonderful resident swan was attacked by a coyote last night. Thankfully someone heard ...

injured swan -- Bandit 1 -- 11 July 2008

Its probably too late for this swan but you might want to get in touch with Terry Whatley. She works with a lot of waterfowl in the los angeles are and can recommend a vet and/or help you if the need ...

hurt swan -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2008

Hi Lori: If you can catch her, get her out of the water as soon as possible. The wound may not be as bad as you think, but it will need time to heal. Protect yourself from her wings and feet. Feet ...

Mute Swans (2 Females)? -- darlene dybas -- 16 May 2008

We have a pair of swans (king & Queen). They are three yrs old. This is their 2nd year laying eggs. The first year the raccoons did all the eggs in. This year we have successfully trapped about a ...

Mute Swans (2 females) -- The Regal Swan -- 16 May 2008

Hi Dorian & Darlene: Good question. Without seeing the swans or conducting sexing, we really can't tell you for sure the gender. But, at least one must be a female if eggs are being laid. We have ...

Brother and Sister Swans -- Darla Bragg -- 16 May 2008

Our swans just had babies and we are planning to sell them. If someone would purchase a brother and a sister from the same clutch, we are wondering if they would mate. If so, is that a problem or can ...

Brother and Sister Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 16 May 2008

Hi Darla: Good question. Many conservation breeders will try to keep track of blood lines when they send breeding pairs to various facilities. However, even in the wild, breeding between siblings and ...

not sure if our grown cygnet is a male/female? -- sonia mesry -- 16 May 2008

dear swan specialist...hello again. i have written several times in the past on your site. i once again need your help. back in jan of this year we were forced to get rid of our cygnets due to the ...

Not sure if our grown cygnet is male/female -- The Regal Swan -- 16 May 2008

Hi Sonia: Good to hear from you. Yes, same gender swans can mate with each other. Females will still lay eggs, obviously infertile. Also, young juveniles "practice" mating behavior. So, until the ...

mute swan v.s trumpet swan -- berko -- 15 May 2008

I live out in the rockaways.. Swans in the the area are not rare. But what i witnessed was a well prepared attack(they came from 2 diff. directions) by two mute swans(i know this bc of their orange ...

mute vs trumpet swans -- The Regal Swan -- 15 May 2008

Hi: We don't have enough information to really discuss this situation. Without knowing exactly what species are involved, we can only project what might be occuring. The swans could have been ...

Grieving -- Jeanne Moore -- 30 April 2008

Do swans go through a grieving process when their mate has been ill and died? If so, how long before a new mate can be introduced?

Grieving -- The Regal Swan -- 30 April 2008

Hi Jeanne: Good question. We doubt that anyone could be so presumptious to believe that animals cannot grieve for a mate. In swans, whether you call it grieving or something else, they do seem to ...

Want Swans to keep Canada Geese away -- Caroline Christie -- 27 April 2008

We have Wedding Facility with a 1 1/2 acre lake and a problem with unwanted Canada Geese. We would like to purchase some swans for the lake, and for our brides and us, to enjoy. Our thinking is that ...

Want Swans to keep Canada Geese away -- The Regal Swan -- 27 April 2008

Hi Caroline: Swans may or may not be the answer to chasing geese. We have heard varying outcomes to using swans for this purpose. Some say it works great and others say it works for a limited time ...

Determining Approximate Hatch Date -- Jeanne Moore -- 25 April 2008

How do you determine an approximate hatch date? All information refers to 30 to 35 days from the laying of the first egg, however our swans are going about 45 days.

Determining Approximate Hatch Date -- The Regal Swan -- 26 April 2008

Hi Jeanne: Great question. This is really a good luck in trying to find out the answer type question. We have had some of the same questions ourselves. Yes, research says between 30-35 days, but we ...

sexing swans -- Lisa Nogay -- 22 April 2008

How do you sex adult and baby Royal Mute swans?

sexing swans -- The Regal Swan -- 22 April 2008

Hi Lisa: Great question! There are two ways to sex, depending on how much money you want to spend, reliability or how long you want to wait. The first is DNA Sequencing in which you can submit a ...

Swan eggs -- Patty Butler -- 16 April 2008

Hello, There is a man made lake in my back yard with 2 islands. I saw a Swan about a week ago on the smaller island and it looked like it was nesting. No problem with that, but there was a big rain ...

Swan eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 17 April 2008

Hi Patty: Good question. There may be several possibilities: The rain may have appeared to be of such torrential magnitude but in fact, the nest may have been built up in such a manner, that flooding ...

Swan eggs, -- Patty Butler -- 10 May 2008

Thanks for the information and sorry for my delay in responding. Your information was helpful in understanding the movements of the Swan. The Swan stuck around for a few more days but we have not ...

Swan Eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 10 May 2008

Hi Patty: Not a problem. Glad we could help. Our guess is that the swan thought better of trying to build a nest in the area after the rainfall and sought higher ground. The Regal Swan

Swans not swimming or eating -- Gail -- 13 April 2008

Four days ago I came home to find two swans on the pond in the town home development where I live. Since that time I have not seen them move at all - they do not swim , do not feed, have not even ...

Swans not swimming or eating -- The Regal Swan -- 14 April 2008

Hi Gail: We're not sure what the problem might be. If it is extremely cold, they may be trying to stay in the middle of the pond where the water is deeper and presumably much warmer. Not eating would ...

Louise, Austrailan Black Swan -- Connie erwig -- 1 April 2008

Hi I wanted to give you an update on Louise, our injured black swan. She is still hanging in there, but progress is slow. The other swan volunteer and I are alternating every few days keeping her at ...

Louise, Black Australian Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 1 April 2008

Hi Connie: Glad to hear she is improving. Weight gain and eating on her own are good signs. It has been so long since the other bird recovered that we cannot even remember the recovery period. Also, ...

black swan -- Connie erwig -- 2 April 2008

We were thinking the same thing. We have actually prepared a protected area on the bank of their pond and hope to put her there with her mate George ASAP. He has started following the mallards ...

black swan -- The Regal Swan -- 2 April 2008

Hi Connie: Thanks for the update. Seems she may be getting a little stronger. The Regal Swan

Cub's behavior, Feeding and What to do before a Hurricane -- Anna -- 27 March 2008

Hello, I am an American residing in the Alsace area (Kembs, France) and have been delighted over the years with the beauty, grace, and tranquility of our non-captive mute swans. For the second year, ...

Cob's behavior, Feeding & What to do before a hurricane -- The Regal Swan -- 27 March 2008

Hi Anna: Great questions and photo! First, there is no telling why the cob did not strike out. Some cobs, after contributing to the nesting/mating process, settle down and lose their territorialism. ...

Brown tipped feathers -- Jeanne Moore -- 22 March 2008

We have a male mute swan with light brown tipped feathers. It looks like he got them dirty going into bushes or rubbing against something, however, it has not washed off in the lake during his ...

Brown-tipped feathers -- The Regal Swan -- 23 March 2008

Hi Jeanne: Good question. Sounds like either the pink feather syndrome or just some grass/mud stains. The pink feather syndrome will usually moult out, but some residue may stay and interact with ...

Brown tipped feathers -- Jeanne Moore -- 23 March 2008

Thank you for your prompt response. We will wait till nesting season is over, then attempt to clean his feathers. I have a small parrot that gets this from time to time and usually goes away on it's ...

head & neck shaking before death -- sonia mesry -- 18 March 2008

dear regal swan.....i was wondering if you could help me with an answer? as you know from a past post i lost our big, brave valentino, he was 7 years old and juliet's 4th mate in 9 years. we think a ...

Head and neck shaking before death -- The Regal Swan -- 18 March 2008

Hi Sonia: Without a necropsy, we would only be hypothesizing about the cause of death. There could be a number of factors, internal trauma, neurological damage, the list could go on. If he was in ...

swan swimming in circles -- Connie erwig -- 17 March 2008

Please help! We have a yound Australian Black Swan swimming in circles and slamming her head on the water. She will not eat. She is one year old. She was attacked 3 weeks ago by a coyote with no ...

swan swimming in circles -- The Regal Swan -- 17 March 2008

Hi Connie: We have experienced something similar. A young mute swan was attacked by an alligator and the wound extended from the neck to the breast. Prior to our veterinarians' intervention, the swan ...

Black swan -- Connie erwig -- 18 March 2008

Thank you for responding. The good news is Louise made it through the night. The doctor is testing her for bacterial infection from the coyote attack a few weeks ago. We are happy she is still alive, ...

Black Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 18 March 2008

Great news Connie. Thanks for the update. Keep us posted. The Regal Swan

De-sexing a female swan -- sarah -- 16 March 2008

Hi Again, I have asked a woman I know who runs an animal rescue her opinion of de-sexing a female swan. She contacted a vet she has worked with for many years, and he can perform what he calls a ...

De-sexing a female swan -- The Regal Swan -- 16 March 2008

Hi Sarah: Again, we agree with the veterinarian. This is not a good way of handling the situation. If you place two females swans, un-neutered on the pond, how are the going to produce fertile eggs? ...

Desexing the female swan -- Sarah -- 17 March 2008

Well, this was another point that I brought up with the neighbor who insists on getting the swans neutered. I think it kind of scared him when I said mute swans happily pair for life and have ...

Swans for Small Lake -- Kate -- 14 March 2008

Dear Regal Swan, I live on a small lake in Orange County NC (approximately 200 acres). Currently we have lots of waterfowl, but mostly Canada Geese, Mallards, Wood Ducks (other wild ducks) and a ...

Swans for Small Lake -- The Regal Swan -- 15 March 2008

Hi Kate: Great question. There are several factors that need to be considered in your situation. First, you need to contact the North Carolina Fish & Wildlife Commission to see if you can place swans ...

Mute swans in apt. complex -- Sarah -- 14 March 2008

Regal Swan, I guess my name has gotten out within my area as the person who loves to care for swans. I got a call from an apartment complex today from an employee who works there. She's very worried ...

Mute Swans in Apartment Complex -- The Regal Swan -- 14 March 2008

Hi Sarah: You are dealing with several legal issues in this instance. We will not provide any legal advice on what you should do, but can provide some generalities of issues you might be facing: 1. ...

Mute swans in apt. complex -- sarah -- 15 March 2008

Hello, I suspected as much with the criminal liability issue. Thanks for reminding me. I went to survey the situation yesterday. Basically, there is an apartment complex built around a very small ...

Mute Swans in Apt. Complex -- The Regal Swan -- 16 March 2008

Hi Sarah: Basically, you are correct in your assessment. Angel wing can be caused by too much protein in the diet and can "usually" be corrected by adding alfalfa to the diet. However, alfalfa, like ...

re: apt swans -- sarah -- 16 March 2008

Thanks for your response. I visited the complex again yesterday and talked to some of the apt. residents about the swans. I met one woman who was particularly concerned about their care and ...

re: apt swans -- The Regal Swan -- 16 March 2008

Hi Sarah: We are in agreement with the veterinarian. Neutering is not a great answer for a swan. The following is the reasoning behind states trying to eradicate the Mute Swan: Mute swans are not ...

apt. swans -- Sarah -- 17 March 2008

Thank you!! I am so totally in agreement with everything you said in your last post!! In fact, I am going to take the alligator argument to my state with the goal of getting an exception in the state ...

apt. swans -- The Regal Swan -- 17 March 2008

Hi Sarah: Glad to help. The Regal Swan

Press Release - October 18 Swan Festival and Swan Soiree -- The Regal Swan® -- 13 March 2008

For Immediate Release The Regal Swan® contact: Shirley Bolin Tel.: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net www.theregalswan.com ________________________________ Orange Lake contact: Stacey Sutherland ...

captive swan feeding,care -- Jackie -- 11 March 2008

The facility that I work for purchased 2 swans for adornment and to discourage canadian geese from taking over the lake. The lake, is not actually a true lake, but somewhat of a man made lake from a ...

captive swan feeding,care -- Jackie -- 12 March 2008

Thank you so much for your response. I plan to take your information to our administration, so we can start taking care our 2 mute swans the way they should be taken care of. They are so beautiful ...

captive swan feeding,c are -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2008

Hi Jackie: You are absolutely correct. If the birds are pinioned, they are no longer wild and are considered "captive", therefore, they must be supplementally fed and maintained. Instead of duck ...

Lone male mute swan's behavior/sounds he makes -- Sarah -- 9 March 2008

Hi there, I have written before about lone male swan who lost his female mate in December. I have had him on a steady diet of poultry pellets and cracked corn, as instructed in your Swan Keeper's ...

Lone Male Mute Swans/ Behavior/Sounds He Makes -- The Regal Swan -- 10 March 2008

Hi Sarah: You actually stated the obvious in your letter. Mr. Lovey Dovey thinks you are now his swan mate!! Yes, swans imprint and this is one of the drawbacks of imprinting in that swans can ...

RE: Swans -- Rosa S. Gaona -- 27 February 2008

who owns the wild swans in the United States?

Re: Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 28 February 2008

Hi Rosa: Great question. There is no real ownership of wild swans in the U.S. The indigenous (native) trumpeter and tundra swans fall under the Federal Migratory Bird Act and are provided protection ...

father swan has passed away. -- sonia mesry -- 27 February 2008

dear regal swan experts, here i am again needing your help. sadly..we lost our big brave father swan valentino this past sunday. we are not sure what caused his demise..we think a coyote or turtle. ...

After father swan's death -- The Regal Swan -- 29 February 2008

Hi Sonia: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The best scenario in this situation is to bring back the daughter. Although a male will be much stronger to protect a female, you would need to find a ...

Nesting -- Michelle Melton -- 24 February 2008

We have a 4 year old pair of mute swans. This will be the first nesting season that we have had them. When should we put out nesting supplies for them, and how soon can we expect them to nest? We ...

Nesting -- Admin -- 25 February 2008

Hello Michelle, The Regal Swan group is traveling this week; they asked me, from the road, to post these notes in response to your question: "Our Mute Swans are also getting restless. We have already ...

Nesting -- Michelle Melton -- 2 March 2008

Thanks for the advice. We put a ble of straw out for our swans yesterday. They have been exploring and arranging it.

Nesting -- The Regal Swan -- 3 March 2008

Hi Michelle: The swans should start arranging the hay into a nest very shortly. Good luck. The Regal Swan

More nesting questions -- Michelle Melton -- 11 March 2008

My cob is getting increasingly aggressive. He never was aggressive before, so I assume it is due to mating season. How long will this be his disposition? Will he begin to settle down once the pen is ...

More Nesting questions -- The Regal Swan -- 12 March 2008

Hi Michelle: Oh yes! Welcome to our world. Mr. "I now own the lake and anything around it" is showcasing proper swan behavior for the mating and nesting season. This will continue until the cygnets ...

More nesting questions -- Michelle -- 12 March 2008

Thanks for the advice. I have tried swinging a white towel, but seems to make him more agitated. I will try having my husband help.

Nesting update -- Michelle -- 7 April 2008

Thanks for your great advice and guidance as we experience our first nesting season! We are excited that our pen has laid 6 eggs. In addition to being able to ask questions, I enjoy reading what ...

Nesting update -- The Regal Swan -- 7 April 2008

Hi Michelle: Great photo and nice clutch. Hopefully, you will get a good number of hatchlings this year. Thanks for the nice comments. The Regal Swan.

introducing a female cygnet to a new adult male -- sonia mesry -- 10 February 2008

dear regal swan....hello again. we need some serious help here in atlanta. ga. you have advised me many times over the years and i am again in need of your expertise.recently, I had a female cygnet ...

introducing a female cygnet to new adult male -- al cook -- 12 February 2008

Regal Swan, I'am the family that has taken on Sonia's female cygnet. I understand the mating issues/problems between the the male adult and young cygnet. The remaining questions I have are when to ...

Introducting a female cygnet to new adult male -- The Regal Swan -- 12 February 2008

Hi Al: Great question. No, you do not need to continually reintroduce the female. Even though swans will mate throughout the year, mating/nesting season (for mute swans- February-March) is the most ...

Introducing a female cygnet to a new adult male -- The Regal Swan -- 11 February 2008

Hi Sonia: It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to keep them separated. The male will try to mate and if she is only 1 year of age, he can hurt her. She is not ready to mate. You need to keep them separated ...

thanks again for your advise -- sonia mesry -- 11 February 2008

dear regal swan project.....many thanks for your help. you are always quick to respond.. i will forward this information to the new owners. should we have given the female cygnet to the new owners at ...

thanks again for your advice -- The Regal Swan -- 11 February 2008

Hi Sonia: No, timing would not have changed this situation. It is mating season and the cygnet would still be too young to have the male try to mate with her. He needs a female swan about 3+ years of ...

swan behavior -- Kay -- 8 February 2008

I lost my male mute swan last July. The female has been by herself since then. I have been looking for a male mute swan and finally found one. The new male came as a pair with a female Australian ...

Swan behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 9 February 2008

Hi Kay: Glad to heard that your female swan has found a new mate. Unfortunately, the mute swans are not going to be too kind to a lone female. You have two options, find a mate for the Australian ...

Swan behavior -- Kay -- 10 February 2008

Thank you so much for the answers. I have also ordered the Swan Keepers Handbook, which should be arriving any day. I had the previous pair for almost 4 years before the male died and did not have ...

Swan Behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 11 February 2008

Hi Kay: Each swan species and individual swan has different personalities, so we're not sure that the two female species would accept each other. In most cases, they would probably pal around ...

Average life span of a swan -- G. Combs -- 4 February 2008

What is the average life span of a typical swan?

Average Life span of a swan -- The Regal Swan -- 4 February 2008

Great question. A captive swan with very good care can live up to 30 years. We're not sure that the life span of a wild swan could be readily documented due to lack of record keeping, predation, etc. ...

Lone male swan questions -- Sarah -- 1 February 2008

Hi there, I wrote you a couple of months ago when our male swan's mate passed away. We have not reintroduced another mate or friend for him because of the change in laws in my state. What my question ...

Lone Male Swan Questions -- The Regal Swan -- 1 February 2008

Hi Sarah: Great questions. This is one of those cases that no matter what you do, it may be the wrong thing. So, let's look as some options and see if we can come up with some viable alternatives. 1. ...

Cold weather but no lake freeze -- Sarah -- 2 February 2008

Dear Regal Swan, Thanks so much for your counsel on swan care for our lone male, Prince. It doesn't appear that the lake will freeze again this season, fingers crossed, but the weather is now very ...

Cold weather but no lake freeze -- The Regal Swan -- 3 February 2008

Hi Sarah: God gave the animals and birds fur, down and feathers to keep them warm. 35 degrees may seem cold to us, but if this is the weather that is normally found in your area during the winter, ...

Swan winter care -- Sharon Palmeter -- 28 January 2008

I live in the Cincinnati area of OH. Our neighborhood has a swan and I am not sure what kind of swan it is. Over the past few years, the swan has had a temporary straw shelter which is open on both ...

Swan winter care -- The Regal Swan -- 28 January 2008

Hi Sharon: Thanks for the great question. First, regardless of species, all swans, birds and animals need shelter from wind, rain or extreme heat. If there is no natural shelter, i.e., trees, bushes, ...

younger male cygnet and aggressive father. -- sonia mesry -- 18 January 2008

hello again! thanks for all of your swan advice over the years! as you suggested...i have found a temporary home for the young male cygnet. so far, daddy swan has not been mean to the 10 month old ...

Reply from The Regal Swan - 8-10 acre lake -- Admin -- 18 January 2008

Hello Sonia, The Regal Swan mentioned the following about your last post Sonia: They did not know that your lake was as large as 8-10 acres. They believe that you could keep the young male and female ...

Breeding -- Betty -- 15 January 2008

We have had our first and only cygnet. Hatched May 10, 2007. My pond is one acre. Must I get rid of our first born before breeding season? I don't know the sex and it was pinioned. Many thanks for ...

Breeding -- The Regal Swan -- 16 January 2008

Hi Betty: A one acre pond can probably sustain 2 pairs of swans, but then you will have a bigger issue within the next few years: What to do with all of the cygnets? Our best advice would be to find ...

black swans needing relocation/rescue -- lisa sommer -- 17 January 2008

Duck Rescue source has passed this along. "there is a rehabber in ohio known as the swan lady. That is The Swan Lady (330)468-5238 Even if she is too far to travel too, she will advise and help you, ...

Listings *Link* -- Duck Rescue -- 15 July 2008

There is a listing of people willing to help with waterfowl on the Duck Rescue Forums www.duckrescue.org there is also a listing of people willing to adopt birds and help with placement if you have ...

father swan being MEAN to young cygnet -- sonia mesry -- 14 January 2008

dear regal swan, please help me!! i am confused as what to do. we have a pair of swans that had babies in the spring of 2007. the cygnets are now almost 10 months old. the father swan is being VERY ...

father swan being Mean to young cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 14 January 2008

Hi Sonia: Unfortunately, you will need to not only give away the male, but also the female juvenile. Unless your lake is extremely huge like Lake Morton (40 acres), there is going to be consistent ...

swan rescue -- lisa sommer -- 16 January 2008

Sonia, I dont know where you are but this gentleman JACK LONG'S Exotic Birds and Waterfowl jack@creeksidebirds.com 415-663-1650 (phone) 415-663-1968 (fax) P.O. Box 162, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 ...

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Cockrum -- 14 January 2008

Incubation period -- The Regal Swan -- 14 January 2008

Hi Cockrum: Great questions!! 1. The pen is probably not intentionally smashing the eggs. Swans are notorious for their clumsy heavy big feet. As they walk around the nest, it is not unusual to have ...

Prince Picture -- Sarah -- 8 January 2008

Victory posturing....

Princess swan -- Sarah -- 8 January 2008

This was Prince's mate whp passed away on Dec. 4th.

How many pounds of food do swans require per day? -- Sarah -- 6 January 2008

Hi there, This is a question about "lone male swan" again. Actually his name is Prince. Prince's mate has been deceased exactly a month now, so I have made regular trips to my dok to see him. The ...

How many pounds of food does a swan require per day -- The Regal Swan -- 7 January 2008

Hi Sarah: Great question, although there is probably no real answer. Swans feed continuously day and night. They eat supplemental foods in captive settings such as the poultry layer pellets, cracked ...

Swan behaviour @ Lost Lagoon -- Greg Valou -- 2 January 2008

Hi, Recently I started visiting the Lagoon regularly in the evenings, and every time I notice, or am noticed by, a swan which proceeds to swim up to wherever I am standing. I'm farily certain it is ...

Swan Behavior at Lost Lagoon -- The Regal Swan -- 2 January 2008

Hi Greg: Fiona would know more about the specific swans at Lost Lagoon than we, however, what she has described is pretty much true to swans in various captive habitats. As Fiona explains, no one ...

Swan behaviour at Lost Lagoon -- Fiona -- 2 January 2008

Hi, Greg, It sounds as if the swan thinks you may have food to offer, if you're spending any length of time along the shore. The swans are fed twice a day in the Winter under the direction of the ...

Congratulations Greg -- Sarah -- 6 January 2008

Hi Greg, It sounds to me like the swan has definately taken a liking to you and what a wonderful thing. I only "discovered" swans two years ago when my husband and I moved into a lake community. ...

Mute swan lost his mate -- Sarah -- 27 December 2007

Hello, We live in a lake community with a pair of bonded mute swans. The female passed away three weeks ago and the male is having a hard time. It is illegal in our state to replace the swan, so ...

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Brandon -- 26 December 2007

Proper food? -- The Regal Swan -- 26 December 2007

Hi Brandon: Thanks for the question. Go to a local feed store and buy some cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. Mix 1/2 cracked corn to 1/2 poultry layer pellets. We are assuming that these might ...

Feeding Swans -- Gordon -- 29 May 2008

Our pair is back gain for the fourth or fifth season (I forget) and this year they have eight cygnets. We are feeding them dog food again - is this wrong? On another subject - the male has been ...

Feeding swans -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2008

Hi Gordon: Dog food is NOT the best food for them. It is too high in protein and many think that this is what causes "angel wing" also called "slipped wing, reverse wing", etc. The birds will develop ...

Enquiry on building a floating swan nest -- Lucy -- 17 December 2007

I have a breeding pair of mute swans on an 80 acre lake. Over the past 5 years, coyotes have killed 15 swans defending their nests. I want to build a floating swan nest about 20 feet from shore but I ...

swan protection -- lisa sommer -- 17 December 2007

http://www.niteguard.com/index.html i am thinking about this product in addition to a floating island of some sort.... will be interested to see if anyone has a solution to your problem

Inquiry on building a floating swan nest -- The Regal Swan -- 17 December 2007

Hi Lucy: Good question. We think we have a couple of answers for you, but before we reply, we need to know more about your lake and the surrounding habitat. How deep is the lake? How wide is the lake ...

Humane winter standards for mute swans -- Letitia -- 5 December 2007

I was wondering if you could tell me what would be minimum humane requirements for a mute swan in the winter. I am writing from Brattleboro, Vermont, where a hotel keeps a lone mute swan on a small ...

Humane Winter Standards for Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 5 December 2007

Hi Letitia: Great question as we hear this repeated more than once during the course of the winter. Although we are not legal experts and state laws differ from state to state, we do not wish to even ...

Mute Swans -- Doris -- 2 December 2007

I have 3 young swans on my lake. 2 males and 1 female. They are approximately 6 months old. Will they be able to live together or, will one of the males be killed by the other, when they are old ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2007

Hi Doris: Great question. The major issues are whether these swans are captive or wild? Are they pinioned/clipped in other words, can they fly? Where are you located? Are you located near ...

Mute Swans -- Doris -- 3 December 2007

Thanks for the quick response. All three swans are pinioned. They live on a 5 acre lake in Wichita, Kansas. No other swans are in the area. I would be willing to get another female but, have heard ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 3 December 2007

Hi Doris: Not likely that they will destroy each other. 5 acres is more than ample to host 4 swans. However, there will be an issue as you get more cygnets if you have two mating pairs. Even if you ...

Mute Swans -- Doris -- 3 December 2007

None of the three are from the same nest. Would that matter if we remove the female? If we did have 2 pair, could the cignets be pinioned at 1 day old and moved to a safe pond/lake at about 4 months ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 4 December 2007

Hi Doris: As long as the males are about the same age and are hanging around together right now, there should not be a problem in keeping the males and removing the female. There would also not be a ...

Mute Swans -- Doris -- 4 December 2007

You have put my mind at ease!! Thank you so much for your help. I'm sure I'll be in touch again. Doris

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 5 December 2007

Hi Doris: You are very welcome. Anytime you have a question, please feel free to write. The Regal Swan.

winter care -- Rick Osborne -- 12 November 2007

We live in southern Michigan near Lansing. We have a two acre pond, and a mute swan (one) showed up here about three months ago. She seems to be fairly tame, and looks like she is planning on staying ...

winter care -- The Regal Swan -- 13 November 2007

Hi Rick: Good question. We spoke with one of our swan veterinarians, Dr. Geoffrey Gardner. It seems that the swan is more used to people providing its supplemental food and care and not entirely ...

The highest height mute swans fly to -- conor fitzsimons -- 30 October 2007

Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to know the height Mute Swans fly at, normal flying heights and the highest height the fly to?? Do they pose a threat to aircraft? Thank you for your assistance Conor ...

The highest height mute swans fly to -- The Regal Swan -- 30 October 2007

Hi Conor: Great question. Right off the bat, we have no specific answers to these questions unless we do some research. We deal primarily with captive swans therefore, the birds are pinioned or ...

Lake Eola Park Swans Given Veterinary Exams by The Regal Swan® -- The Regal Swan® -- 30 October 2007

PRESS RELEASE Contact: Shirley Bolin The Regal Swan® Phone: 407-931-6838 E-mail: bolin.s@att.net www.theregalswan.com ORLANDO, FLORIDA—October 30, 2007—The 1st Annual Veterinary Medical Exam ...

swan behavior -- Ron Thomas -- 27 October 2007

On the stretch of river I walk every day(about 1/2 mile) there are usually 1 pair of swans. Every year about this time, about 30-40 other swans appear overnight, and all gather together. They stay ...

swan behavior -- The Regal Swan -- 28 October 2007

Hi Ron: Great question. The swans are migratory birds and may be leaving eastern Europe for the U.K. or other favorable wintering locations. If they spot other swans, they may come in for a visit ...

Wildfires & Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 22 October 2007

Today, Sarah, Stanley-Park-Swans website administrator, was contacted by Colleen regarding the current wildfires in California. Both inquired as to what should be done for captive pinioned swans in ...

GREAT ADVICE, Thank you -- Colleen -- 23 October 2007

Fortunately the fire near our lake has been 100% contained and we just took a drive around (2am here but I couldn't sleep until I knew how close these fires actually were)... we are getting a ton of ...

Great Advice. Thank You! -- The Regal Swan -- 23 October 2007

Hi Colleen. You are very welcome. Just glad that you all are safe and did not have to evacuate. The Regal Swan

swan fathers and babies -- Ann-Marie -- 22 October 2007

Someone told me that the male swans often kill their young due to jealousy and attention from the wife/mother. Is this true?

swan fathers and babies -- The Regal Swan -- 22 October 2007

Hi Ann-Marie: Great question. In our experience, this is not true. A male swan will try to kill a cygnet if the cygnet is from another brood and gets too close to the male's family members ...

Incredible Website!! -- Judy Bauer -- 17 October 2007

\-|"> This site is wonderful! I have had a pair of mute swans for the last four years. I stumbled onto your website two days ago and have learned more about them in those two days than I have since I ...

Incredible Website -- The Regal Swan -- 17 October 2007

Hi Judy: Thank you for the great comments. However, all the credit goes to Sarah & Fiona at the Stanley-Park-Swans website. If they had not persevered to continue this educational outlet, we would ...

Duck Rescue Network -- Jennifer Gordon -- 12 October 2007

If this post is inappropriate please feel free to delete it. I just cant help but noticing that many people are trying to care for birds by themselves. Its always best to take a sick animal to a ...

Duck Rescue Network -- The Regal Swan -- 12 October 2007

Hi Jennifer: We probably have already addressed this issue in the previous email, but would like to clarify some topics. First, it is usually illegal to possess any wildlife, birds or otherwise in ...

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Jennifer Gordon -- 15 October 2007

Duck Rescue Network -- The Regal Swan -- 15 October 2007

Hi Jennifer: Not a problem. Thanks for the clarification. The Regal Swan

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Jennifer Gordon -- 12 October 2007

Swan placement -- The Regal Swan -- 12 October 2007

Hi Jennifer: Without seeing the injury, many questions come to mind before we even discuss the possibility of turning this bird over to any facility or specific location. Tonight, one of our swan ...

swan placement -- Jennifer Gordon -- 15 October 2007

Thanks this situation is resolved.

swan placement -- The Regal Swan -- 15 October 2007

Hi Jennifer. Great to hear. Thanks. The Regal Swan

cygnets beaks changing color. -- SONIA MESRY -- 1 October 2007

hi there! i recently had to capture two 5 month old cygnets here in atlanta. they had a vet appt the next morning to have their wings pinioned. we kept them in the garage overnite with a fan and our ...

cygnets beak changing color -- The Regal Swan -- 1 October 2007

Hi Sonia: Great photo and question. Did the beaks go back to the grey color once they returned outside? If so, we're not sure why this happened. Most of the time, the beaks do turn the reddish/orange ...

Swan Feeding -- Gary Warren -- 17 September 2007

Is there any seed that we can feed some swans? Would pregerminated seed be best?

Swan Feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 22 September 2007

Hi Gary: Swans are basically grazers (grasses and aquatic plants) and will inadvertantly pick-up seeds while feeding. However, unlike the pssiticines (cockatiels, parakeets, etc.), seeds are not a ...

Swans needing fresh water -- aimee -- 16 March 2008

I have 2 swans that are wild on a salt water lake...Ifeed them cracked corn and poultry pelets but they do need fresh water. Can I give it to them some how or do they go get it on their own? Will ...

Swans needing fresh water -- The Regal Swan -- 16 March 2008

Hi Aimee: Since we are not sure exactly where you are located or the swans species, we are going to respond in general terms. If the swans are black-necked swans, from South America, they sometimes ...

Swans flight -- Argyris Argyrou -- 17 September 2007

Dear Sir/Madam, Let me first congratulate you for your web-page. I have a simple question. Can swans take off from solid ground? I think they can take off only from water, but I am not sure. Thank ...

Swans flight -- The Regal Swan -- 17 September 2007

Hi Argyris: Thank you for the interesting question. Usually, most people see swans in water and therefore, consider that the birds exclusively stay in water. However, swans are grazers and will eat ...

Feeding and Veterinary Medical Program at Lake Eola, FL -- The Regal Swan® -- 20 August 2007

Contact: Shirley Bolin Phone: 407-931-6838 E-mail: Bolin.S @att.net www.theregalswan.com The Regal Swan® to Implement Feeding and Veterinary Medical Program for Swans at Orlando's Lake Eola ...

swan feeder -- SONIA MESRY -- 22 August 2007

i have a question? how high does the feeder need to be in the lake and also...how do you train the swans to eat out of the feeders?? i have bought one here in ga...just need to know what to do next? ...

swan feeder -- The Regal Swan -- 22 August 2007

Hi Sonia: Great question because we are dealing with this one for Lake Eola. First, the feeder pole must sit 3 feet from the bank in the water so that predators can't get to the food. The pole needs ...

Day #5 - Swans at the Moscow Zoo -- Journal of Shirley Bolin, Member of the Regal Swan®, Traveling in Moscow -- 20 August 2007

I’ve managed to photograph a good deal of the zoo’s swans today along with some added shots throughout the city. One swan really captured my enthusiasm. It’s a Bewick that has attached itself to a ...

Day #4 - Patriarch Pond and Gorky Park -- Journal of Shirley Bolin, Member of the Regal Swan®, Traveling in Moscow -- 20 August 2007

The sun has finally started to break through the clouds, but it is still raining sporadically. Nikolai is taking me to both Patriarch Pond and Gorky Park today. Although, as a photographer, I wish I ...

winter shelter -- wilma cury -- 17 August 2007

Hello, I am thrilled to have found your web site. Please tell me what type of shelter we should use for winter. My husband and I have had our swans since March and we love them! Their names are ...

winter shelter -- The Regal Swan -- 19 August 2007

Hi Wilma: Thanks for the great question. Swans do not like boxes like ducks, bats, etc. Therefore, they are not going to be too crazy about going into something the size of a large dog kennel. ...

Raising Swans -- Laura Johnson -- 15 August 2007

We are looking into buying 2 mute swans. In the past, we have tried raising ruan ducks, however, raccoons and coyotes have killed them. Will we have a problem with them attacking the swans? We also ...

Raising Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 16 August 2007

Hi Laura: Thanks for the questions. Yes, you will have the same problem with the raccoons and coyotes. They will eat the swan eggs and kill the cygnets. A large coyote will also kill the parent ...

your response -- connie erwig -- 7 August 2007

To let you know all 5 cygnets in question are still with their parents, growing fast and very healthy. We decided not to move them until they get their adult feathers. The vet has taught us to ...

your response -- The Regal Swan -- 16 August 2007

Hi Connie: This is great news. Glad you are having so much success. The Regal Swan

BIG SWAN is out of sorts -- Colleen -- 5 August 2007

I'm worried about Big Swan. When I go out to feed he doesn't get up anymore, and when I go to deliver food to him he does get up but he doesn't talk to me, and when he tries to talk it sounds STUFFY. ...

BIG SWAN IS BETTER -- Colleen -- 8 August 2007

He seemed to have a very good day... He had a very long grooming and diving session and everything seemed normal again. Also the heat subsided today, so I'm certain it was a heat-induced issue. ...

Big Swan is Better -- The Regal Swan -- 16 August 2007

Hi Colleen: Glad to hear that Big Swan is much better. It probably was a combination of heat and the moult. The Regal Swan

BIG SWAN Hissing again -- Colleen -- 17 August 2007

Yes... he's much better lol

Big Swan is out of sorts -- The Regal Swan -- 6 August 2007

Hi Colleen. The weather and heat does affect the swans. They get lethargic just like the rest of us in the heat. If he is moulting, he has no desire to get into a fight with you or anyone else. This ...

WHEW -- Colleen -- 6 August 2007

Thank you so much... I feel so much better hearing that!! -Colleen

Day #3 - Meeting with the Curator of the Moscow Zoo -- Journal of Shirley Bolin, Member of the Regal Swan®, Traveling in Moscow -- 26 July 2007

It has been raining all morning. I am scheduled to meet with the Zoo's curator this morning. We are going to look at some of the swan areas on the 22 hectare property. Sorry, I don't have my ...

Day #2 - Veterinarian Hospital And Breeding Station Of The Moscow Zoo -- Journal of Shirley Bolin, Member of the Regal Swan®, Traveling in Moscow -- 26 July 2007

I have a 9:15 a.m. meeting with Moscow Zoo head veterinarian, Michael. I wander around the zoo for a few minutes before heading over to the veterinary hospital. There isn't anyone around. I wait for ...

Day #1 - Meeting with Moscow Zoo Officials -- Journal of Shirley Bolin, Member of the Regal Swan®, Traveling in Moscow -- 26 July 2007

It is very hot here in Moscow, unlike the weather we had in England which was cold and rainy. This is already turning into quite and exciting trip. My friend, Dr. Nikolai Puchkov and the Moscow Zoo ...

Day # 5 - Swan Upping At The Abbotsbury Swannery -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 21 July 2007

Up Early: Well, our trip to England is coming to a close. We have packed all of our gear and set it aside at the hotel so that it will be ready for the bus later this afternoon. It is now 5:30 a.m. ...

Swan Round up 2007 -- Lyn Roe -- 21 June 2008

My friend & I were priveledged to be asked to help with this event last year and we both agreed that it was one of the most wonderful experiences of our lives. We saw that a film was being made and ...

Swan Round-up 2007 -- The Regal Swan -- 21 June 2008

Hi Lynn: There were many cameras there for the event, especially from Europe and specifically England. So, if they ran the program, we would not have an idea. We haven't heard from anyone regarding a ...

oh my god in heaven -- Colleen -- 5 August 2007

and I thought I was the swan whisperer managing one agressive male... i can't even believe my eyes. I want to come help next year, but would it impede the process to have to save one clueless kayaker ...

Day # 4 - Using Kayakers to Round Up Swans for Capture, Medical Exams -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 20 July 2007

Heavy Rain: It is 6:30 a.m. Outside it is pouring down rain and quite cold. Sheila and Shirley have decided to take a chance and are heading to the Abbotsbury swannery. David Wheeler had stated last ...

Day #3 - At The Abbotsbury Swannery -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 19 July 2007

Trip From London to Abbotsbury: We packed up our gear and headed to Abbotsbury today. The trip took about three hours and we dropped our bags in the hotel at Dorchester and immediately grabbed a cab ...

Day #2 - The Royal Swan Upping along the Thames -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 19 July 2007

Royal Swan Upping: It’s another early morning. The centuries-old tradition of holding the Royal Swan Upping along the Thames is scheduled for this morning. Shirley is on the Queen’s media boat down ...

Day #1 (Part 1) - Visiting Windsor Castle and The Swan Lifeline Rescue Ctr *Link* -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 17 July 2007

We are headed to Windsor Castle this morning and then over to Swan Lifeline Rescue Center. Swan Washing - BBC Show: We are going to meet Andy and Shirley there along with Wendy Hermon, from the ...

Day #1 (Part 2) of the trip - Emergency: Oil Spill in Reading *Link* -- Journal of The Regal Swan® Group Traveling in the UK -- 17 July 2007

The Oil Spill: During the ceremony (toast to the Queen), Wendy alerts Sheila that there has been an emergency and they need help. An oil spill was just reported with about six swans affected. She ...

Swan Feeding? -- Nancy -- 13 July 2007

I have read the answer to the feeding question but if I am coming to the park to enjoy hand feeding the swans, (I did this as a young woman in the 70's and felt like a princess, or Snow White in the ...

What to Feed Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 17 July 2007

Hi Nancy; Thanks for the question. We would suggest cracked corn and layer pellets (mixed) and/or lettuce. Lettuce may be an acquired taste and the swans may take a while to get used to it. ...

The Regal Swan Group will respond during their trip overseas -- Site Admin -- 13 July 2007

Hello Nancy The Regal Swan Group is presently traveling (we will post some pictures of their travels within a few weeks) and they will be responding to each post on this message board during their ...

Swans Resting Leg on Back -- alex moran -- 12 July 2007

recently i observed swans swimming in a bay in Long Island. They lifted their left legs to rest them on their backs. Why? Our theories: swan yoga, solar collection, fish tickling toes.

Why Swans Rest Leg on Back -- The Regal Swan -- 12 July 2007

Hi Alex: Great question. There are two possible normal reasons that swans place one of their legs on their back. The first reason would be for resting. The second reason would be possible heat ...

Staying too long on the nest. -- Shirley Jones -- 3 July 2007

My husband and I purchased a pair of Swans this spring. The pair built their nest in a 3/4 surrounding nesting box. The front is open to the water. All was well and the Pen laid 6 eggs. Around mid ...

Staying too long on the nest -- The Regal Swan -- 3 July 2007

Hi Shirley: Thanks for the question. It is highly unlikely that a raccoon ate the cygnets. Raccoons, opossums, skunks, snakes and foxes will eat the eggs. Foxes and other predators such as coyotes, ...

The little cygnet didn't make it -- Colleen -- 24 June 2007

Just wanted to let you know, he didn't make it. My friend at animal control says he caught cold, and shouldn't have been swimming, since he probably had the cold when I took him in... he'd been ...

The little cygnet didn't make it -- The Regal Swan -- 25 June 2007

Hi Colleen: Sorry to hear the sad news. We know how you feel. Unfortunately, even with the best of care, outcomes that we would not anticipate or wish do happen. We had a case like this many years ...

Sickness -- Alex -- 23 June 2007

I am a new swan owner and just like to know what are the common ailments and the preventive measures that you would advice me to be on the look out when raising swan?

Sickness - Various Swan Ailments -- The Regal Swan -- 23 June 2007

Hi Alex: The ailments are too numerous to mention, but we will try to provide you with the most common ailments which you may readily see. It would also be beneficial to know where you are located ...

Feeding swan cygnets + other waterfowl -- judy plater -- 13 June 2007

i work in a theme park which has a new area, including a lake. A pair of swans have breed and hatched all 6 eggs - cygnets all ok. To encourage swans to nest initially we put down proper feed - ...

Feeding Swans & Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 13 June 2007

Hi Judy: Great questions. One of the all time favorite misconceptions that we hear all of the time is that one should try and get a couple of swans to remove the Canada Goose problem in areas where ...

Nesting Swans Egg Incubation -- jamie -- 4 June 2007

We have had swans on our pond here in CT for about 5 years. During year 2 and 3, the cygnets were successfully hatched and the grown birds eventually left the area. Last year and this year floods ...

Timeline: Swans Egg Incubation -- The Regal Swan -- 5 June 2007

Hi Jamie: Thanks for the great question. It is an issue that we had this year only we had a drought, not a flood. Our swans laid eggs, began to sit on the the eggs, got off, kicked some away, started ...

Update on nesting swan -- jamie -- 17 June 2007

Hi. Thanks for the great information. I have an update. As near as we can figure, the mama swan has been on the nest for a minimum of 75 days. Usually, the eggs will hatch during the last week of ...

Timeline Swan Egg Incubation -- The Regal Swan -- 18 June 2007

Hi Jamie: This is indeed a strange case. We know in research that the eggs should only take 45 days to hatch. However, with the extenuating circumstance of the flood, the human timeline may be off ...

Injury to Cygnet's Foot and Leg -- SONIA MESRY -- 3 June 2007

hello there! we have a 6 week old cygnet here in atlanta, ga. 3 days ago...mom swan was making a distressed sound and was diving her head into the lake around her. finally..the swan family came to my ...

Injured Cygnet's Foot: Treatment Guidelines -- The Regal Swan -- 3 June 2007

Hi Sonia: Great question. Thanks. We actually had a turtle shred one of our swan's feet when he was only 12 weeks of age. Our veterinarian cleaned the wound, stitched him up and the swan is now 5 ...

Injured Swan *Link* -- Jennifer Gordon -- 12 October 2007

Probably too late for this baby but you can also try the Duck Rescue Network. They have a listing of waterfowl rehabbers in the united states and many will take swans. One in GA Laura Swanson works ...

Injured Swan Link -- The Regal Swan -- 12 October 2007

Thanks Jennifer: However, we received an email from the individual regarding the cygnet and a waterfowl wildfowl trust facility has taken the cygnet into their facility. In the past few years, we ...

no kill facilities -- Jennifer Gordon -- 15 October 2007

Our shelter is no kill and takes all birds. If anyone on our list was found to have killed a swan for being non native they would be removed. I have worked at wildlife facilities that kill pigeons, ...

Injured Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 15 October 2007

Hi Jennifer: Again, thanks for the clarification. We also did not want to imply that all waterfowl rescue centers or even wildlife rehabiltation centers will kill non-native species. However, in our ...

Leaving Cygnets With Parent Swans -- Connie erwig -- 28 May 2007

We live in AZ in a retirement community and have over 30 swans on our golf courses. I am one of the volunteers that feed and care for these swans. We have several cygnets, and have been told that the ...

Cygnets and Parents, Pinioning -- The Regal Swan -- 29 May 2007

Hi Connie: Good questions! Although the mother swan may have some uropygial gland (preen) oil on her feathers, this is not the reason that she carries her young. Just like some ducks and geese, this ...

Fertility of Remaining Swan Eggs -- Colleen -- 22 May 2007

I live on a lake in Calif and we have mute swans nesting under our deck. I THOUGHT THEY WERE INFERTILE as eggs failed to hatch last year. Suddenly we have A CYGNET. Mother is clueless, dad is ...

Swan Egg Fertility: Guidelines -- The Regal Swan -- 22 May 2007

Hi Colleen: Good question. We usually wait approximately 1 week after the last hatching and then remove the eggs. If they were going to hatch, by then, they should have. Mother swan knows best. DO ...

cygnet watch -- Colleen -- 22 May 2007

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Well this pair has been together 8 or 9 yrs I'm told, and usually critters get to the eggs and they don't hatch. Because our neighbor walled-off their usual nest, we encouraged ...

Swan Parenting of New Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 22 May 2007

Hi Colleen: You are very welcome. As far as the mother helping them, she knows when they are hatching. We're not sure enough is known about swans to say that she will actually help open the egg or ...

ANOTHER RESCUE -- Colleen -- 23 May 2007

I just rescued this poor little guy from being attacked by HERONS while the idiot parents sat idly by... good LORD. Will look for your ramp system thread. No they don't stomp him or anything... they ...

Another Rescue -- The Regal Swan -- 23 May 2007

Hi Colleen: Yes, if the parents are ignoring him and yoiu don't want to see nature take its course, then rescuing him might be an answer. But, you are in for an unbelievable parenting experience for ...

Nature doesn't always go my way -- Colleen -- 25 May 2007

Yes, I did duck rescue for a few years at another lake so trust me, I know they aren't a parakeet but i'm absolutely unable to let nature take its course But I usually had the mothers or A mother ...

HAD TO ADOPT BABY CYGNET -- Colleen -- 31 May 2007

The situation above did not get better. I finally brought baby inside after fishing him out of lake almost dead, dried him, got cracked corn, lay pellots, greens chopped finely, also feed store said ...

Caring for Orphaned Cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 1 June 2007

Hi Colleen: First things first. Get him/her off of the poultry mix. Too high in protein and he may develop angel wings. Monitor his feeding and his pooping. He should be doing a lot of both. Weigh ...

POOP REPORT -- Colleen -- 1 June 2007

Yes lots of poop, will get out my digital scale and increase his swims tomorrow, thank you so much for guidelines!! I will have to choose a vet so will work on that!

Would like to buy a male mute swan. We live in Bellingham WA -- Linda Thorsteinson -- 21 May 2007

baby swans -- Lisa Sommer -- 22 May 2007

Hi. May I recommend www.creeksidebirds.com based out of Northern California We had a very good experience with the owner Jack who shipped a mute to the east coast about two years ago. The bird was ...

Swan Ownership Issues to Consider -- The Regal Swan -- 22 May 2007

Hi Linda: Thanks for the question. Many states consider Mute Swans deleterioius exotic wildlife. Washington state has such a law and therefore prohibits the introduction, sale, possession, holding, ...

Questions on Raising Swans -- Brian -- 5 June 2007

Hi Regal Swan, I live in Australia and got an interest in raising swan. However, I have a few questions pondering at my end. 1) Do I need a permit or licensed to raise a swan? 2) Do you recommend any ...

Feasibility of Raising Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 5 June 2007

Hi Brian: Good question. We are not sure about the permits and licenses regarding breeding and keeping of swans in Australia. We do know that any swan species other than the native Black Swans would ...

Challenges: Raising Swans From Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 17 May 2007

Hi Carol: Thanks for your question. Obviously, by now, you realize the daunting task that awaits you in this new endeavor. Sometimes as hard as it is, it is actually better not to intervene. This is ...

baby swans -- Carol Nelson -- 16 May 2007

We have 6 baby Swan. Something or someone got the mother and we put the 6 eggs in an incubator. Please tell me when they can be introduced to the water,how long to let them stay,and if the father ...

Cygnets down: When does it become waterproof? -- Debbie -- 13 May 2007

how soon do cygnets dow become waterproof?

Cygnets down: When does it become waterproof? -- The Regal Swan -- 13 May 2007

Hi Debbie: Great question, although we're not sure that we are going to be very specific in our answer. But, here is what we do know based upon observation. The mother swan does not take the cygnets ...

pinioning swans -- SONIA MESRY -- 11 May 2007

hi there. we have 3 baby cygnets about 3 weeks old. we know we need to have them pinioned. we are afraid to take them away from the parent swans to take them to the vet. what do you recommend? do we ...

Cygnets: Pinioning & Removal from Parents -- The Regal Swan -- 11 May 2007

Hi Sonia: Thanks for this great question. It is one we answer very frequently. In fact, when we first started working with swans many years ago, this was the question of most concern. The cygnets ...

Swan enemies -- cody burch -- 10 May 2007

Do swans have any enemies? If they do, what?

Swans : Predators and Dangers -- The Regal Swan -- 10 May 2007

Hi Cody: Thanks for the question. Swans have many enemies. A short list would be any predator and man. Eggs are predated by raccoons, armadillos, opossums, foxes, snakes, ect. Very young cygnets are ...

Our "sterile" swans have an egg -- Andrea Williams -- 28 April 2007

We have a pair of mute swans in our pond in Kentucky. They were purchased by our homeowners asso. to keep away the canadian geese. We were told they were a sterile pair. We have had them about 2 ...

Mute Swans: Breeding, Eggs, Feeding -- The Regal Swan -- 29 April 2007

Hi Andrea: Thanks for the question. We'll answer one question at a time. First, it is physically impossible for the mallard to have done any thing with the swans. Species don't usually have this ...

Mute Swans -- Andrea Williams -- 26 May 2007

Thanks so much with the info. Its now May 25 and the eggs had disappeared from the nest. Yesterday the swans seemed to be nested and my husband went out today and all were gone. A couple of weeks ago ...

Mute Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 26 May 2007

Hi Andrea: With the presence of tennis balls in the nest, we would presume that the predator in this case is human. Swans will not place tennis balls or other such objects in their nest. The only ...

WOW -- Colleen -- 23 May 2007

Sitting still AND not biting anyone... amazing haha

Florida Swan Researchers Identify Bacterium Causing Swans To Turn Pink -- The Regal Swan ® -- 7 April 2007

April 9, 2007 For Immediate Release Contact: Shirley Bolin Telephone: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net Florida Swan Researchers Successfully Identify Bacterium Causing UK Wild Swans Along The ...

How to feed new born cygnet -- clueless -- 7 March 2007

what would you feed a swan when it hatches?

What to Feed Swans and Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 7 March 2007

Dear Clueless: You only think you are clueless, but you probably have a better grasp than you think!! Before we can answer this question, there needs to be an understanding of the setting in which ...

Swan population control -- Lisa Sommer -- 28 February 2007

I could use some guidance in caring for a pair of 3 yr old Mute swans, for which I am the main caregiver. I have consulted with you on feeding/habitat issues and have purchased your book, The Care of ...

Swan Population Control Guidelines -- The Regal Swan -- 28 February 2007

Hi Lisa. Thanks for the question and the update. Yes, it is sad that Maryland is still trying to cull the population, but they have been thus far unsuccessful since 2000. Most of the court suits and ...

population control -- Lisa Sommer -- 1 March 2007

Sheila, Thanks for your prompt response. Our swans have never produced offspring. The pair did begin to exhibit mating behavior last season (age 2)-a neighbor noted that one was mounting the other- I ...

Population Control -- The Regal Swan -- 1 March 2007

Hi Lisa. You are very welcome. Please let us know how the swans progress. And yes, heaven forbid that someone or something that makes millions for a state or region would have any negative statement ...

Update (disappearing eggs) -- Lisa Sommer -- 14 May 2007

Good Morning Sheila, Update on our swans: Our female laid one egg which disappeared...she then set up a second nest and dropped two eggs. We placed netting around the next area in a half circle from ...

Update Disappearing eggs -- The Regal Swan -- 14 May 2007

Hi Lisa: Sorry to hear about the eggs, but more than likely a raccoon, fox, snake, opossum, armadillo, even large birds such s fish crows, etc. took or ate the eggs. The predator will carry off the ...

WInter Care for Swans on Lake -- Audra -- 7 February 2007

There are two swans that live in a lake near my office year round. They always seem to be in the same lake and never leave, but I am not sure if they are captive swans being cared for by someone. Now ...

Winter Care - Captive or Wild Swans -- The Regal Swan -- 7 February 2007

Hi Audra: Thanks for the question. It would help us to know a little more about the area that you are located, state, country, etc., because we would be able to offer possible alternative solutions. ...

Imprinted Canada Goose in Atlanta -- sonia mesry -- 15 September 2006

hi there! i have swans, ducks and wild geese here in the atlanta. ga area. recently, i acquired a 4 month old canada goose. A client found him/her in their swimming pool as a tiny baby. They thought ...

Pinioning Imprinted Canada Goose -- The Regal Swan -- 16 September 2006

Hi Sonia: Yes, you should have one of his wing's clipped. He is probably too old to be pinioned without having him placed under anesthesia. This is an option, but there is always a chance under ...

Departure of Male Adult Swan -- patrick lynch -- 2 August 2006

The small lake in front of the house where I reside is home to two adult mute swans and four cygnets who are about nine weeks. About three weeks ago the male adult flew off and has not returned. How ...

Departure of Male Swan: Possible Causes -- The Regal Swan -- 2 August 2006

Hi Patrick: Well, this is good question, and I'm not sure that we will ever find the true answer, but here are some possibilities. Usually, a swan parent will care for the cygnets if something ...

How do swans attack? -- Scott -- 27 July 2006

Hi, Bit of a dispute.... Do swans attack with there wings or Neck/head? The real question is whether a Swan can break somones bone with there neck? Some say they attack with their neck others laugh ...

Swans' Attack Methods -- The Regal Swan -- 27 July 2006

Hi Scott: Thanks for the question. Actually, both sides of the dispute have more inaccuracies than truth. First, a swan can strike with his wings which can literally break someone's arm, leg or ribs. ...

Captive Swan Care During Extreme Weather Conditions -- The Regal Swan® -- 11 July 2006

Geoffrey R. Gardner, DVM Christopher W. Brown, DVM Fanchon F. Funk, Ed.D. Sheila A. Bolin, M.S. Rebecca Webb Wilson, J.D. Shirley A. Bolin, A.G.S Swans are regal birds adding beauty and elegance to ...

wobbly neck cygnet -- melissa -- 20 June 2006

I have four cygnets, 3 are thriving, and one seems to have no coordination. His neck goes round and he cant seem to hold his head up, it will throw its head back and fall on his back. this is very ...

Wobbly neck cygnet -- The Regal Swan -- 20 June 2006

Hi Melissa: We can only guess what might be wrong with the cygnet without having any veterinary examination. It could be some type of neurological anomaly based upon a developmental problem or it ...

Baby Swan Legs -- Edwin -- 11 June 2006

My Mom's retirement home has a pond with a pair of adult swans and four baby swans. Yesterday we were fortunate enough to be there at feeding time and enjoyed watching them eat. We noticed that after ...

Treatment of Swan Leg and Foot Problems -- The Regal Swan® -- 11 June 2006

Hi Edwin: Thanks for the question as this is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Many folks think that the cygnets and adults have leg or foot problems, that they might have been ...

male or female? -- natalie dutfield -- 20 May 2006

hi i was just wandering if you would be able to reply back via email for me wiv the answer to this quiestion? where i live there is a lake right in front of my house and along with geese, mallards ...

How to Tell a Swan Male From Female -- The Regal Swan® -- 21 May 2006

Dear Ms. Dutfield: A very good and common question. Usually, you can tell male swans from female swans due to the following: The male will have a larger knob (the bump on the bill) than the female. ...

Male Swan missing -- George Stiles -- 8 May 2006

Hi; In the Gorge Inlet at Christie Point in Victoria i have watch a pair of Mute Swans nest and the Male has never left it's Mate. There are six eggs on the nest with the Penn sitting on them but the ...

Male Swan Missing - Non-Interference -- The Regal Swan® -- 8 May 2006

Hi George: Usually, swans will mate for life. However, Whooper Swans have a 6% divorce rate. It depends on the individual swan as well as the swan species if the mating for life continues. Having ...

Sudden Aggressiveness -- Terry Teague -- 7 May 2006

Hi, I could use some help about my trumpeter swans I have. They are solid white female swans that when I got them their wings were clipped. Don't really know their age. I have had them now almost 4 ...

Sudden Aggressiveness - Possible Causes -- The Regal Swan® -- 7 May 2006

Thanks for the question Terry. IT IS MATING SEASON!!! We just had another swan keeper in the area tell us that her swan (usually extremely docile) and now sitting on the nest, hit her so hard that ...

Problem of Swans in National Park -- Krystal Glingle and Brooke Hershberger -- 3 May 2006

To Whoever it may concern, We are doing research over mute swans that has been causing harm to a national park, Potato Creek, and are supposed to come up with a solution to solve or eliminate the ...

Considerations: Mute Swan Populations -- The Regal Swan® -- 3 May 2006

Hi Krystal & Brooke: Thank you for your email. We deal more with captive swans, but have been in contact with many swan experts/wildlife managers etc., worldwide who have feral Mute Swan populations. ...

Florida Governor's Points of Light Award to The Regal Swan® -- The Regal Swan -- 13 April 2006

For Immediate Release Contact: Shirley Bolin Telephone: (407) 931-6838 Email: Bolin.S@att.net U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney Presents the Florida Governor's Points of Light Award to The Regal Swan®. ...

Award to The Regal Swan® re: Humane treatment of captive swans -- Admin -- 20 January 2006

. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stacey Sutherland Phone: 407-905-1914 E-mail: ssutherland@orangelake.com www.orangelake.com . Orange Lake Resort & Country Club Hosts U.S. Daily Point of Light Award ...

Circling Swans? -- Will -- 10 March 2006

My wife and I along with about 6 other people were strolling around the lagoon today and were treated to quite a sight. Two swans, with their wings up, were spinning around in the water in a kind of ...

Swans circling - Vying for Territory -- The Regal Swan® -- 14 March 2006

Hi Will: Good question. What you and your wife observed were probably two male swans exhibiting extremely aggressive territorial behavior. The swans will let each other know where their section of ...

Thank you -- Will -- 15 March 2006

Thank you, Regal Swan. Your first answer fits with the scenario. We weren't the only ones there and the whole show was quite impressive.

Thank You -- The Regal Swan® -- 15 March 2006

You are very welcome. Anytime we can help, we are very glad to do so. The Regal Swan®

Spinning Swans - the Players -- The Happy Wanderer -- 15 March 2006

Hi, Will Loved your description of the spinning swans -I knew right away who the players were! These are the "Two Brothers" (see their page on website). Both are feisty, but one is by far the most ...

Why Are Cygnets Dying? -- KR -- 6 January 2006

Hi, I have a question about baby swans. I live in Chicago and 2 Mute Swans have been returning here every winter for the last few years. This time was different though as they returned with baby ...

Cygnets Dying - Possible Reasons -- The Regal Swan® -- 7 January 2006

This is an interesting question and I am forwarding this to our veterinary medicine staff to see if they may have some thoughts. There are a couple of thoughts that I have because of previous ...

Cygnets Dying - Lead Poisoning -- KR -- 8 January 2006

Hi, Oh no.:( This must be lead poisoning. 3 have died now, 1 is sick. We have 2 whole bodies. The third one is missing at sea. Yes, the sick one has been convulsing and doesn't eat. It also has been ...

Lead Poisoning - Cygnets -- The Regal Swan -- 8 January 2006

Unfortunately, it is probably too late. This does sound like some type of poisoning and with the news of a skeet club, lead poisoning may be the prime culprit. I am again forwarding this to our ...

Can Swans Land on Shore and on Water? -- Aynsley Morris -- 2 November 2005

Hi there, Can Swans land on land as well as water? Do they land on land only in exceptional circumstances?

Swans Landing -- Dorothy Beeson BEM -- 7 November 2005

Yes they can land on both land and water - perfectly normal, although landing on man-made surfaces is usually accidental and often a consequence of overshooting the intended landing spot.

A Swan Yawn? -- Marilyn Kerr -- 31 October 2005

I sometimes see a swan repeatedly open and close his bill over several minutes. It looks as if he's yawning. Is this the case, or does it indicate a health problem?

Why Swans Yawn -- Dorothy Beeson BEM -- 2 November 2005

Very often swans do that when they are bathing, as if to clear their ears. It can sometimes indicate a problem. If the swan seems well otherwise I doubt it is anything to worry.

To Dorothy Beeson: Lead poisoning of Judson Lake *Link* -- Concerned -- 31 October 2005

Hello Dorothy Would you like to comment on the question about lead poisoning of Judson Lake (see link to the question below)? Thank you.

To Dorothy Beeson: swans -- Darran -- 31 October 2005

Hi Is it true that swans will stick to the same partner all there life? Thanks Darran, From Leeds.

swan pairs -- Dorothy Beeson BEM -- 2 November 2005

Yes they do, as far as is possible. If part of a pair dies then, just like people the other may find a new mate or may go on to enjoy the rest of its life single. It is also not unheard of for a cob ...

To Regal Swan: Annual mass lead poisoning of migratory trumpeter swans in the Judson lake -- Concerned -- 30 October 2005

There is a serious problem of annual mass poisoning deaths of Trumpeter Swans at Judson Lake, which is at and near the USA/Canada international border in the State of Washington: The migrating swans ...

lead poisoning -- Dorothy Beeson BEM -- 2 November 2005

We will come back to this as soon as we have had the time to consider all the information. Briefly lead poisoning in swans is easily treated these days and it is shocking that so many swans are ...

Lead poisoning in Swans -- The Regal Swan®, Inc. -- 30 October 2005

Dear Concerned: Yes, you and many folks around the world are concerned about lead poisoning, not only in your neck of the woods, but worldwide. The Regal Swan® staff has no first-hand experience with ...

The Regal Swan® Awarded Prestigious U.S. Daily Point of Light Award -- The Regal Swan® -- 30 October 2005

October 28, 2005 For Immediate Release Contact: Shirley Bolin Tel: (407) 931-6838 E-mail: Bolin.S@att.net Website: www.theregalswan.com The Regal Swan® Awarded Prestigious U.S. Daily Point of Light ...

To Regal Swan: Suggestions welcome about protection of nests -- The Owl -- 19 October 2005

As all the visitors to Lost Lagoon know, the swans nest a couple of feet from the path that circles the Lagoon, easy prey to the few bad elements that destroy the eggs every year. The Management of ...

Protection of Nests -- The Regal Swan®, Inc. -- 19 October 2005

Thanks for the question, we get these types of questions frequently from around the world. We would suggest several options: If the lagoon provides nesting materials, try to get the swans to nest in ...

Plastic sheet/windscreen -- The Owl -- 30 October 2005

Thank you for the excellent suggestions on how to protect the nests. I have a question about the windscreen/plastic sheet: The wind and the rain on the plastic sheet, mostly the one on the top/roof ...

Plastic sheet -- The Regal Swan®, Inc. -- 30 October 2005

Thanks for your question. Plastic sheeting should not be used on the nesting pen. The reason behind this is two-fold. Even a moderate wind storm could cause the plastic to rip and tear in the wind. ...