We bought our swans from a man that raises swans in Oklahoma. We did ask for a male and female. The bands on their legs, one was left and one right. My mother bought swans from the same person. Unfortunetly, her swans have all died. The original first two did last for about seven years, and then the female died. When we purchased our swans, she purchased another female. However, it died within a year and the the male died this last winter. My mother told me that the band on the right indicates a female and the band on the left indicates male, or vice versa. Do two females exhibit mating? I do agree that we will find out here shortly one way or the other. The remaining swan is looking better today. We provided it with shade yesterday and he or she immediately started looking better. He has been in the pond and is at least eating from the pond. Really does look better and I am so happy. If we do have to purchase another swan, how do we know that we actually are getting the gender we asked?

I am very excited about this web site. We have had many questions and concerns and just couldn't really find the answers. Thank you so much.