Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Cygnet with abnomalities to head, neck and bill; cygnet remains small and does not eat much
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 5 July 2009

Hi Fiona:

Dr. Gardner looked at the photos as well as Dr. Brown. He is in agreement that this is congenital. The beak almost looks like it is twisted and does not sit under the top beak, which would also explain why the cygnet was not eating. Birth defects do occur. In any case, this was probably an anomaly so it does not necessarily mean that you will see it again. Hope this helps. The Regal Swan