As long as the parents are with them, you don't need to do anything. The parents will teach them how to feed, bathe, preen, protect themselves from predators and how to be a swan in general.

Feed the parents (in the water) 1/2 mixture of cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. The cracked corn will act as a filler (beef them up a little) and will provide them with the necessary Vitamin A. Otherwise, they can get neurological problems from not having the Vitamin. But, again, you want to use cracked corn so that they can get little pieces.

The poultry layer pellets will provide them with needed nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium (all for bone growth and good health) as well as other micronutrients.

You can also chop up fine bits of lettuce to give the family which will help supplement their aquatic vegetation, especially in months which the vegetation is sparse. A little piece of bread as a treat will not hurt them, however, too much can change their blood chemistry. But, bread, although it serves no nutritional needs, is a great treat to allow the family to know who you are and that you are their caretaker and source of food.

Generally, mother will take them out on the pond within 24 hours of hatching, but will not keep them out too long because their feathers are not water repellent for several weeks, which means they could stay wet, drown and/or succumb to illness for being wet too long. Mother knows best and will also allow them to climb on her back when they get too tired. Once the cygnets (baby swans) get to a certain age/size, mom will kick them away and deter them from climbing on top of her. Enjoy! The Regal Swan
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