Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Mother swan and cygnets in a pen
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 20 March 2015
In Response To: Mother swan and cygnets in a pen (Patty)

Hi Patty

The mother can protect the cygnets without placing them in a pen. But, no she won't intentionally hurt them, although the chances increase that she might accidentally step on them on a pen. You do not mention what happened to the dad. Was he killed by a predator? If so, then the family night be at risk, but you are going to have to deal with a lot of issues placing the birds in a pen. Size of pen is going to be an issue because the birds are going to grow and you need to plan for this, the pen must be enclosed top to bottom so predators cannot dig under or climb over to access the swans. The pen has to be 1/2 in water and 1/2 on land with a feeder inside of the pen. The outer walls of the pen have to be covered with plastic poultry fencing or windscreen from bottom of pen rail to four feet high to prevent the cygnets from climbing out of the pen. There should be a zero entrance from the land to water so that the cygnets do not hurt their legs or feet, no rocky, slick or hard surfaces to walk on as feet and leg injuries in waterfowl can be deadly. Finally, as much as this might keep the family safe, and may be the best answer, you increase the chances of injury and disease in the pen. So, you will need to monitor this setting closely. Nature will take its course and attrition will occur. You just need to consider the pros and cons and your experience raising swans. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Mother swan and cygnets in a pen -- Patty -- 19 March 2015
Re: Mother swan and cygnets in a pen -- The Regal Swan -- 20 March 2015