There are three ways to protect the cygnets although there are no guarantees. Foxes and minks, especially minks are voracious diggers. One possible solution would be to place the swans in a chain link pen wrapped on poultry fencing top to bottom. Both of these predators can dig under and climb over into the pen. Minks can squeeze into chain link fencing which is why it has to be covered with poultry fencing to make the openings smaller. You need a small water feature with feeder inside. Add straw and let the swans nest inside. If you do not want to have a man made water feature, you can construct the pen 1\2 in the pen and 1\2 on land. The pen still needs to be covered in the poultry fencing especially at the bottom to keep turtles from entering. The swan family should stay in the pen for approximately 3 months to allow the cygnets time to grow and be taught how to protect themselves by the parents. If you choose the dry land pen, you could use electric fencing outside the pen approximately 2 feet from the pen. The poultry fencing will also keep the cygnets inside the pen with the parents.

A garage, shed, barn or other large secure indoor facility with ventilation, lighting and water can also be used. Whatever man made water feature you use must be cleaned , drained and filled with clean water on a daily basis.

Another alternative is a floating nesting box. You can see a photo and order a box from Knox Swan & Dogs if you Google his site.

Lighting will help but will not totally solve thd problem. The Regal Swan