There are several considerations regarding your purchase of the swans and the fencing requirements. First, the fence will keep the swans in, but the fence will not keep predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and above all humans out of the swan habitat.

When you purchase swans, most states now require a permit and they also require that the swans be pinioned which means that the swans cannot fly. In the fenced in area, you are basically setting up the swans to be preyed on by predators with no means to escape. The only way to prevent this possibility is to edge the fencing on the outside with poultry fencing on the bottom so nothing can dig under the fencing. An electric fence (check with your local and state authorities to determine if this is legal in your area) can be placed on the outside bottom and top perimeter of the chain fencing. The only other alternative is to enclose the fenced in area on top so that predators cannot access from above.

Cygnets produced by your male/female pair will be extremely easy targets for predators. State laws now also require permits to breed species of swans not indigenous to the U.S. Once the swans breed and the juveniles are chased by the parents, a new home must be found for the cygnets. Do you have a plan in effect for the cygnets? What swan species are you planning on procuring? Mute swans have one clutch a year with Black swans producing two clutches of cygnets a year. This is a lot of swans considering swans can live up to 30 years of age.

Finally, the species will determine the swans' ability to survive in cold inclement weather. Black swans are native of the southern hemisphere (Australia) and may not be able to take severe winters. Even then, Mute swans may not be able to survive in a frozen pond habitat due to lack of food an shelter. Usually swans will not go in a small house such as the size of a dog house, etc. They must be taken into a barn or other secure area (garage, etc.) for the duration of the winter. We hope that this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan