I am looking for advise to help with a young males Mute Swan's puzzling behavior.

In the Spring of 2009 a Woman, we now know, was driving home from visiting her Mother... She noticed a fluffy something along the road. Pulling over and walking back she found a very young, maybe only a few days old Swan Cygnet.

By very good fortunte this Lady had a pair of Black Australian Swans on her Farm's Horse Pasture Pond. She had plenty of experience with the care and feeding of Cygnets. The "Tiny Cygnet" was hand raised in her home, in the bath shower for several weeks. Then on sunny days moved to a fenced area near the Pond. Once the Cygnet was several months old, it started to share the Pond with the Blk Australian Pair, taking turns.

We got to know this Lady Rescurer as she was trying to learn which type of Swan this Cygnet might be. It was a lucky internet contact for us... My Husband and I were caring for a little Mute Swan Cygnet (almost six weeks old) that we rescued after it was bitten by a snapping turtle, in August of 2009. We would eventually be looking for a "Forever Home." for our little "Meadow."

Over the Winter months, the Lady took the young Cygnet inside the Horse Barn and it lived with several Turkeys in one of the larger Horse Stalls.

In the Spring of 2010 we both sent for DNA Sex testing of our young Cygnets.. We were hoping we might have a future pair.

Results: Both are Male. DARN...

BUT, after some discussions.... we decided to try creating a small "Juvenile group." The found Cygnet has been named "Forrest."

For a short time this Spring, "Forrest" returned to the Pond.. The Black Australian Pair were moved to a new home... and "Forrest" had the Pond to himself. One day, a motorized piece of farm equipment was driven down the road by the Pond. "Forrest" left the Pond... and did not return.. "Forrest" moved about the Farm, the mountain fed stream and favored spending his days in the Barn.

Repeated attempts to return him to the Pond... seemed to just upset "Forrest" even more. Taking him to the Pond ended in his panicing and climbed into the brambles around the Pond's perimeter, then working his way back to the Barn.

This Spring and Summer we have combined several 14-16 month old Mute Swan Cygnets on the Horse Pasture Pond.. Hoping this would encourage "Forrest" to come back to the Pond. We started with just our young Male "Meadow." "Meadow" is very easy going... sweet, gentle. "The Boys" spent five day together in a stall of the Horse Barn. We wanted them to get to know each other and to give "Meadow" a chance to become familiar with the sounds and smells of his new home.

On a lovely day in May, we took both of "The Boys" down to the Pond. "Meadow" was very happy for the freedom and all that open water.... he splashed and bathed... he was good to go. "Forrest" was released in the same place a few minutes later... but, headed into the thick brush.. in a panic. "Forrest" eventually returned to the Barn.. "Meadow" stayed on the Pond for about six week by himself as we were making arrangement for two Females Mute Cygents to join the Pond.

In Mid-July, when one of the little Female Turkeys left the Barn and built a Nest close to the Pond, "Forrest" on his own finally returned to the Pond. On the Pond at the same time, the little Males Swans were not really interacting. But, at least "Forrest" was on the Pond once again.

At the end of July we transported two Female Cygnets, "Spring" and "Brooke" to join "The Boys." "Meadow" was very excited to meet "The Girls" he greeted each with vocal sounds and head turning.. Little "Spring" started toward "Forrest" on the other side of the Pond. She was going to "introduce" herself to him.. "Forrest" climbed out on the Bank and hid in the tall plants..... "Spring" vocalized repeated greetings. "Forrest" sat near the Pond watching. I am guessing he was waiting for these "New" creatures to leave.

"Meadow" and "The Girls" have been on the Pond together ever since. They play, swim, bath, preen....etc. They are basically doing all things we think of Swans doing. But, "Forrest" has not gone back to the Pond. Currently, he is "living" just outside the Barn Doors. Because he makes such a mess in the Barn... he is being kept outside, within easy sight of the Pond and "The Darling"(The Three introduced Swans all about 14-16 months old.). Several attempts to sit with him by the Pond and trying to get him in again have failed. He quickly climbs out and over a few hour moves back up to the Barn. All his Turkey companions are spending their time by the Pond. The general Farm animals, the Horses, Donkey, Goats are all out in the fenced areas circling the Pond.

The Pond has been equiped with a DeIcing Unit for the coming Winter. The hope is these healthy young Adult Swans will spend most of the Winter months in the Pond's Winter Wake.

Several days ago, we once again attempted to enourage "Forrest" to join the otherSwans on the Pond. As he was carried down to the Ponds edge, "Meadow" was vocalizing little sounds and moved along the Pond with him. We sat on the bank holding "Forrest" for about 20 minutes... All three Younsters, "Meadow", "Spring," and "Brooke" came to visit with him. They were nodding "Hello" greetings, floating near him... nothing hreatening. "Meadow" said "Hello" many times, very interested in "Forrest." "Forrest" seemed not to understand he was being "welcomed" to the Pond.

Once "Forrest's" heart rate calmed, I allowed "Forrest" to sit in the shallow water between my feet for a bit... he started to pull away twisting his neck and I let him go.. Sadly, he quickly climbed out again...as the other three just watched. "The Girls" followed him along the bank.... until he had move to an area out of their sight.

We have no idea where "Forrest" came from.. No one knew of a Swan's Nest in the area he was found. He was very young. I know just how important communication from the Swan Parents is for the newly hatched Cygnets. We watched our Mute Pair start teaching their tiny Hatchlings almost immediately. "Meadow" was almost six weeks old when the Snapping Turtle severely injured his one foot. He at least had that time with his Parents. Plus over this past Winter, "Meadow" spent three months on a different Farm where there were a variety of Swans.

Is it possible "Forrest" does not understand the Mute Swan's vocal and/or body language..??? We have a "little" suspecion, just a little that he is not a pure Mute. There are a few things about his appearance, and some of his postures... that are not typical of Mute Cygnets. He retained many dark smoky feathers late into the Summer... and his bill has retained a dark blue/grey color. The other Three Swan Cygbets are various shades of pale peach to oranges. "Forrest's" neck seems longer and he holds his neck much straighter then "Meadow." He is very cute, generally accepts humans close to him.. I have been able to simply walk up to him and hug him on several occasions.

My Husband notice that "Forrest's" vocal sound are more like the "Naying" of the Horses, and "Braying" of the Donkey... and some throaty chirping of the female Turkeys. He does not have the vocal sounds and head movement we have become familiar with, with the Mute Swans. He does Nod "Hello."

With Winter coming, we would all be releaved to see "Forrest" on the Pond, for his safety and for him to have the companionship of the other young Swans. We are concerned if he waits too long to join them, "Meadow" may not allow him to join the Juvenile Group.

We need suggestions on what we might do to encourage "Forrest" to return to the Pond... AND, so he will be off his feet. I had a chance to look at his feet several days ago... He is developing thick hard tissue on his heels... I do not think they are Bumble Foot Infections.. but, they are not good to see. He is on soft ground, grass, etc.

I have been trying to think about what might have happened to this Dear Male Mute to cause this aversion to the Pond. ??? Or why he is so fearful of the other Cygnets...??? They have not been agressive toward him.

Any suggestion will be appreciated... Linda

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