Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Tracking Cygnet Growth
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 19 August 2014
In Response To: Tracking Cygnet Growth (Andy)

Hi Andy:

Yes, the resource is The Regal Swan Foundation's research. Our research team followed Mute Swan cygnets from the time that they hatched until they reached the age of 6 months of age. The weight and height research showed that the cygnets gained and average of 1/2 lb of weight and 1/2 an inch in height every two days.

Even though this was an average between all the cygnets, some did weigh a little less or were a little smaller based upon their gender, swan species, individual attributes, order of hatching, (runts will be smaller) and the availability of food resources. So, in captive settings, these measurements may be much higher than in the wild, as you will not be able to actively capture and weigh/measure on a daily basis wild cygnets. To do so, would interrupt the bond between the parents. We hope that you can make some semblance of an estimate of their age using the 1/2 lb, 1/2 inch baseline.

Again, please take in to account all of the above variables that can affect weight and height and do not be too concerned about meeting the baseline exactly. As long as the cygnets are eating, growing and behaving normally, they will catch up on growth spurts when needed. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Tracking Cygnet Growth -- Andy -- 19 August 2014
Re: Tracking Cygnet Growth -- The Regal Swan -- 19 August 2014