First, you did exactly what needed to be done. Corner the cygnet and then try to capture. Sheets, blankets or towels will not injure the swan as long as it does not get caught in the fabric, go back into the water and drown because it is still wearing the material.

In the future, we would suggest having a specific area which can be cordoned off with temporary fencing (sheets, blankets, etc. and use a kayak or canoe and gently chase the cygnet into that area. If you do not have any of the above items, then, try to befriend the cygnet by feeding bread. Keep feeding and each time move a little further onto the land away from the lake. Now, eventually the swans will get smart and may not have anything to do with you for about 2 weeks, but you just keep feeding them in a certain area away from the water until they are used to coming up for food. If they get used to feeding in the same area, several times a day, the swans will keep coming to the area. This way, they will never know when or if you are going to capture them. Eventually, the swans will know that even if you capture them, you are only helping not hurting them and they will be released. Even if your "pen" is a corner of a house or group of bushes, use your surrounding habitat. Just make sure that wherever you feed a swan, it does not come up into an area that predators such as domestic dogs, cats, or wildlife can pick it off while you are not watching.

Swan hooks are not good. We have seen them used overseas, but this is because they have done this for centuries and many areas do not have boats or other rescue items and this is the only way to help. However, the swan hooks can be very detrimental and cause injuries if used incorrectly or if they break, so we do not advise that you use this instrument. Kayaks, canoes, pens and nets are the answer, but creative fencing, sheets, blankets, etc., mounted on temporary poles are also adviseable.

Now, as far as trading out your flock due to DNA diversity. First, birds are not like mammals in that interbreeding causes genetic defects or anamolies. Defects may occur, but do not seem to happen as prevalent in mammals. We know of flocks by the 1,000's in the wild that have bred with their parents or siblings for decades and no genetic anamolies or defects have occurred. This occurs in the wild and the captive setting, so this should not be an issue, especially if you are going to give away the new cygnets anyway.

Secondly, do you have a breeder's or seller's license? In California, new laws prevent breeding, selling and even in some cases possessing mute swans without a permit. So, if you start shipping, especially outside state lines, you could be in violation of some state and federal laws. We have two reputable breeders that may be able to help you as far as new cygnets, they are Jack Long's Exotic Waterfowl (California) and Bob Knox -Knox Swans (Illinois). They should be able to advise you about breeding and shipping. In our opinion, if you have had the adult swans prior to these laws, you may be grandfathered (but YOU STILL NEED to find out through your local, state or federal wildlife offices). If you are, you would be better to maintain the flock you have and not worry about importing or exporting any of the flock as you then would not fall under the grandfather clause (if you even fall under this clause).

We have pioneered the use of two vaccines to mitigate swan deaths due to Botulism and West Nile Viruse. There are also vaccines for Duck Viral Enteritis (DVE) and some other viral infections. If you need information on the above vaccines, contact this website and the webmaster will get us your information and we can put your veterinarian in contact with our swan veterinarians for dosages and administration procedures. As far as the H1N1 in swans, we have not heard of any vaccine, but this is not to say that someone has not tested a vaccine (if there is one) on swans or in waterfowl. You might need to ask local wildlife authorities.

We hope that this information if of benefit to you. The Regal Swan