The swans need approximately 20-30 feet of open water so that they can easily enter and exit the water onto the ice. Anything less, may cause the birds to drown by not being able to climb onto the ice. Additionally, the swans need an open area to not only feed, bathe and drink, but also escape any predators that might climb onto the ice.

We would use a feeder in an area away from the shore in the open part of the water. This will prevent predators from climbing onto the ice and accessing the swans as they feed. If the swans feed from the shore, this will also allow for predator attacks. Placing food onto the ice with a bowl or scattering the food will also invite predators onto the ice.

We feed swans a mixture of 1/2 poultry layer pellets mixed with 1/2 cracked corn. This mixture provides the swans with minerals and micro-nutrients from the pellets and essential Vitamin A from the cracked corn. We also provide lettuce (this may be an acquired taste), but will provide the swans with the necessary vegetation requirements which are missing during winter months. The Regal Swan
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