An 8 acre lake could possibly host 100 swans, however, realistically, this would be too many swans in such a crowded area, especially since they will need nesting and preening areas. In the case of 100 swans, you will need a minimum of at least 25 acres of open water and at least 25 acres of land for grazing, preening and resting. Additionally, you will need at least 10 feeders throughout the swan area to ensure that they are adequately supplementally fed (1/2 cracked corn mixed with 1/2 poultry pellet). Lettuce can also be used to supplement the aquatic and habitat vegetation to ensure that the swans have enough vegetation to eat.

The above recommendations can be used for the same breed of swans or a mixed breed. However, it is important to understand that some species of swans are more aggressive even though much smaller than other breeds (Black Swans) and can chase and/or wreck havoc with the other breeds.

Additionally, you will need to capture the swans on an annual basis for medical exams and vaccinations. If you are going to have a mixed flock, you will need to try and keep the smaller sized swans together and the larger swans together as well as keep in mind their personality attributes.

For example: Small swan species include the Black-Necked and Coscoroba swans which can be placed with the Black Swans because they are smaller swans, however, the Black-Necked Swans are the most fragile of the species. Even though the Black Swan is a small swan, it can kill a Black-Necked or Coscoroba Swan due to its aggressive behavior.

Some individuals will say that they disagree with this aggressive behavior portrayal of the Black Swans. However, in all of the consultations that we have conducted through the years, there are few and far between Black Swans that are not aggressive. Black swans also are the only species that produce a brood of cygnets twice a year, and this may be part of their aggressive/territorial behavior.

If you are planning on designing and developing a swan habitat, we just published a new book: Swans of the World Habitats: Setting the Standard for Swan Conservation that will provide you with the necessary dimensions of feeders, fencing, nesting areas, veterinary medical pens, etc. You can go to (www.theregalswan.com) website for more information. We hope that this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan