Feed both cygnets and adult swans, cracked corn mixed with poultry (chicken) layer pellets (50%-50%) year round. The cracked corn acts as a filler as well as provides the much needed Vitamin A. Without Vitamin A, neurological problems can arise, especially in cygnets.

The poultry layer pellets provide all of the necessary nutrients year round, regardless if the swans are producing eggs. Nutrients include phosphorous, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and other micro-nutrients which are needed as a supplemental food source to the aquatic vegetation that they receive from the lake or pond.

Be careful about using high protein feeds as high protein levels can produce a condition called: slipped wing, backward wing or angel wing, especially in young cygnets. This condition occurs because the young birds' wings grow too quickly in relation to the rest of their body and their wings cannot be supported which causes the wings to grow backward or slip from their normal position.

Lettuce can also be added to the diet to ensure that their vegetative nutrient requirements are met if there are no (or limited) grasses or aquatic vegetation available. Whatever the vegetation, ensure that there are no insecticides, fungicides or pesticides on the food source. The Regal Swan