If they are just starting the nest and no eggs, we would suggest removing the nesting material and placing it on the platform as long as you can prepare the platform in the next few days.

If not, you will need to build a pen (1/2 in water and 1/2 on land, zero entrance (no abrasive substrate or steep incline), and totally enclosed top to bottom so that no predators can dig under, reach through or climb into the pen. The outside perimeter of the pen should be covered with poultry fencing from the bottom rail up to four feet high on the outside of the pen. This will prevent predators from reaching in or the cygnets from trying to escape from inside of the pen.

Nesting material should be placed on the land inside the pen and a feeder placed in the water to prevent pests such as ants and rats. The feeder should be cleaned weekly, checked daily for sufficient food supply (1/2 cracked corn with 1/2 poultry layer pellets), checked for moisture and if food is wet, scooped daily. If rainy, scooped often and feeder cleaned more frequently. The Regal Swan