Ask the Swan Specialist
Date: 28 May 2015
Hi If the cygnet canot get out of the water onto the bank, then this is a major issue as it will likely drown or be eaten by a predator such as egret, hawk, owl, fish and turtles.
We could not see the photo as it did not seem to be attached to your email, so at this point in time, we can't tell how much damage was done. If the webbing is torn and no toe involvement, it should still be able to get in and out of the water. If you can safely capture the cygnet, it would be best to have an experienced waterfowl veterinarian exam the cygnet. The veterinarian may need to trim, debride, and/or suture the injury and then give the bird an antibiotic injection. You will need to get the cygnet back to the parents within 4 hours so the parents accept the baby swan. Any longer, and the parents may abandon the cygnet and then you will need to find a wildlife/waterfowl rehabber to raise the cygnet. Swans will imprint in a captive setting, so if the parents reject the young bird, it will never be able to live in a wild habitat or one that is not fenced and protected against predators. The Regal Swan
Messages In This Thread
- Turtle bit off foot of baby swan -- Concerned -- 28 May 2015
- Re: Turtle bit off foot of baby swan -- The Regal Swan -- 28 May 2015
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