There are several possibilities:

1. Could have sustained a soft tissue injury trying to keep up, so you might try some light rehab in the water with you stand you by. Do 2-3 times a day for approximately 10 minutes each session. See if he can use the legs in water.

2. May have an infection, fungal (aspergillus), parasite (ear mites), viral or bacterial infection so may need antifungal, anti parasitic or antibiotic. Need to do blood test to determine if either of these are the problem and have licensed waterfowl veterinarian exam and treat.

3. Might be undernourished. Feed him mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. He needs the cracked corn for Vitamin A or he can develop a neurological problem which can cause him to not be able to walk. You might have the vet give him a tube feeding and support for dehydration in the event this is the issue. Vets use a bird tube feeding such as Exact. In any case, one tube feeding will give him some quick nutrition and give him a leg up on energy. As long as he is eating and pooping it is a good sign, but the legs have to be strengthened and he has to be protected from slippery or abrasive surfaces to prevent spraddle legs, other leg injuries or bumble foot (a staph infection). The most important issue is to have him seen by a veterinarian, check his blood and treat appropriately.

If you or the vet do not have the normal blood panels for swans, please contact this website and our webmaster will get your contact info (will not be posted publicly) to us and we will get you the info.

Please let us know how his situation progresses. The Regal Swan
« Hide