She is not going to hurt him, but he may suffer some stress from being constantly chased and pecked. If the two swans have been together for several weeks, the behavior should cease, especially once the breeding season begins and hormones take over. Most females, not always, but usually will accept another mate after losing their initial mate. We would suggest careful monitoring to ensure that the young bird is eating, pooping, bathing, preening and generally exhibiting normal behavior. As stated, the nipping and chasing should cease. This is one of the reasons that we recommend new swans be introduced to a new habitat slowly and in a controlled manner, especially with older swans by placing the new birds in a pen.. If the behavior continues, place the young male in a pen (enclosed top to bottom to prevent predators from getting to the bird. Place a feeder inside the pen and construct the pen so it is 1/2 in water and 1/2 out of water). This will allow the birds time to get to know each other. At this point, since they have already been introduced, we believe that they should settle down and get along. Again, careful monitoring should still be conducted to ensure that no injuries have resulted from the nipping and chasing and normal behavior is exhibited. The Regal Swan
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