Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Mute Swan Cygnet Left Alone
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 16 July 2015
In Response To: Mute Swan Cygnet Left Alone (Sandy)

Hi Sandy

It is difficult to say if the young bird will survive as there are several factors to consider.

1. Is it old enough To fly? If so, the parents may be taking a break and will return to junior shortly.

2. Did something happen to the parents, i.e., predator or Michigan DNR killing the swans? Yes , your taxpayer dollars are going to an unsustainable killing program which falsely claims that Mute Swans are invasive so that a larger species, the Trumpeter Swans can be introduced for Trophy Waterfowl hunting purposes.

3. Do you know what killed the other cygnets? If the cygnets had something wrong with them, i.e., sick and the illness spread, the parents will abandon the cygnet (s) knowing they will not survive. Wildlife will not risk spreading a disease to the entire flock/herd.

If the cygnet cannot fly, is not old enough, or there is something wrong with it, then it's chances of survival al are greatly diminished. There is still the possibility that the parents were chased, scared off or wanted to take a break and will return. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Mute Swan Cygnet Left Alone -- Sandy -- 15 July 2015
Re: Mute Swan Cygnet Left Alone -- The Regal Swan -- 16 July 2015