No, the swans are not building a new nest, just arranging some vegetation on the sand so that the young cygnets can dry out and rest. It would be best if you could protect them from the dogs as they will be killed if bitten or seriously injured. However, if there is enough noise, disruption, etc., the swans will take their cygnets to an area that is safer and quieter. But, if you can keep the dogs away until the swans move, that may be a better answer.

Finally, the feeding of the dog or cat food can seriously harm the cygnets, even kill them. There is too much protein and not enough nutritional value in the cat or dog food. Too much protein can damage their wings as they grow too fast for their supporting tissue resulting in a condition known as angel wing, slipped or backwards wing. This condition keeps the birds from ever flying and therefore, they must live in a very controlled captive setting as they cannot escape predators.

The swans need to be fed a mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. The cracked corn provides necessary Vitamin A which prevents neurological problems. The poultry layer pellets provide much needed vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. A little bread and chopped lettuce will round out a very healthy diet. The bread acts as a treat and the lettuce supplements their vegetative needs. The Regal Swan
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