If the cygnet cannot climb in and out of the water, it is going to make it extremely difficult to survive. It will not be able to escape a predator or reach dry land to dry out and preen. Now, having said this, we have seen waterfowl that will butt scoot onto land and back into the water. Once they are in water, there is no problem. However, if the bird can fly, landings are going to be especially tricky for the bird. As long as it is in no discomfort and the other cygnets are not picking on it, we would let nature take its course to see if it can survive. If you intervene and it cannot survive even in a captive setting, it will probably be euthanized which is why we say let nature take its course. It may be a temporary condition with no future problems with mobility. The Regal Swan
« Hide