The laws have changed in recent years regarding the importation, possession, maintenance and breeding of mute or black swans in various states. You must first check with your local fish & game commission. Secondly, some people swear by swans in that they remove or inhibit geese from lakes and ponds. We consult with various captive swan habitats and the geese and swans get along fine together.

So, there is no guarantees that the importation of swans will inhibit geese in your area. It totally depends on the species and the individual swan. Additionally, if you get a pair of mating swans, you will have cygnets (baby swans). Most states require that the cygnets be pininoned (surgical procedure performed so they cannot fly) 1-3 weeks of age. Do you have the means to capture the cygnets, an experienced avian veterinarian to perform the procedure and finally, what will you do with the cygnets once they get too old and the parents chase them from your pond?

Legally, since mute and black swans are considered feral species, the swans are also deemed an exotic which means the owners must provide veterinary medical care and humane daily upkeep of the birds. If all of these factors can be addressed legally and humanely, then the addition of swans onto a body of water can be undertaken. If these issues cannot be resolved, it is not fair to the birds and potentially places the owners of the swans into legal liability.

Knox Swans in Indiana would be a good starting point if you are looking to purchase the swans and all legal ramifications have been addressed. We hope that this information has been of benefit. The Regal Swan
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