Hi Jean:
There are several issues that need to be considered prior to developing the size of the pond.
1. Which species of swans are you planning on housing? Some swan species need smaller or larger habitat areas than other swans.
2. What type of predators are in your area? (Alligators, bobcats, fox, etc.).
3. What size pond can you feasibly fence so that predators cannot access the pond (i.e., digging under or crawling over)?
4. What size pond can you feasibly dig so that there is a minimum of 3 feet (depth) of water throughout the pond?
5. What size pond can you feasibly dig so that each side of the pond has a zero entrance to prevent foot and leg injuries from the swan pond?
6. Do you have the means and land to dig a pond so that a small island can be built in the middle of the pond so that the pond acts as a moat and the island used for nighttime shelter?
7. Are you planning on having a male and female swan that produces a brood of 1-10 cygnets a year?
8. What are you going to do with these cygnets? Every year, there will be more and more pressure on the pond and its habitat as the swan numbers increase. This is why we would strongly suggest that you get the same gendered swans (male/male or female/female) so that you do not have to worry about the licensing permits for breeding and the other veterinary, monetary and habitat concerns dealing with swan offspring (cygnets).
9. Do you have the means to safely wire the area around the pond so that an aerator can be hooked up to keep the pond's water oxygenated to prevent botulism or other anaerobic bacterial outbreaks?
10. Do you have the means to provide a garage, shed, barn or other safe structure that cannot be penetrated by a predator to house the swans during nighttime, inclement weather, veterinary care or other times when the swans may need to be housed?
If you can answer these questions and use the parameters of a 3 foot deep pond with zero entrance, fenced and approximately 1/8 acre or more as your base, then you will be able to determine the appropriate sized pond. All swan species should be able to live in this size pond, but smaller species may need even less than 1/8 acre. We hope that this information is of benefit and will allow you to use these questions to adequately and safely provide a habitat for you new swans. The Regal Swan
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