The band from Texas is intriguing. Is there any type of number on the band? Usually, bands are placed on exotic species (which non-native swans are considered)to identify their breeder and/or bloodline. The band does not necessarily indicate gender, but it could. We are just not familiar with this type of banding system.

The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the bird is in fact a female. She needs to be sexed by an avian veterinarian. If they are still unsure, then DNA Sequencing can provide 100% gender identification.

Secondly, if you get another swan as its mate, you will need to slowly introduce each of the swans. This can be accomplished by building a pen (1/2 in water 1/2 on land with a feeder inside, top and bottom enclosed from predators). The new swan can be placed in the pen for approximately 2 weeks. At this time, the swan you now have will know that the lake is its home and will have time through the pen fencing to talk to the new swan and make the appropriate introduction. If you observe aggressive behavior, constant hissing, wings erect and nipping at each other through the pen, you might ascertain that this relationship is not going to work. If none of this behavior is present, or only occurs for the first several days and then ceases, it usually means that they are friendly toward each other. However, you will still need to watch for any overly aggressive behavior once the pen door is opened and the swans are allowed to be together without the pen.

A reputable dealer is Bob at Knox Swans (847-875-3947).

Black swans are southern hemisphere swans (warm weather swans) but they have been kept in cold temperatures. You may need to bring them indoors for the winter such as a well ventilated shed or barn with protection from predators. If they stay on the lake, they will die from exposure from not being able to eat or feed. If the swans get caught in the ice, they can drown, but more importantly, predators such as foxes and coyotes can walk on the ice to get to them.

The indoor facility will need hay and a water source for the swans to bathe and drink. Pests such as rats and ants will also need to be controlled from the food (cracked corn, poultry layer pellet and lettuce) that must be kept readily accessible to the swans during this indoor captive period.

If you think that this is way too much work and you cannot take care of the swan, you might see if Bob (Knox Swans) may take the swan or the local zoo or wildlife educational facility. The Regal Swan