Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Feeding swans on ice
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 23 April 2015
In Response To: Feeding swans on ice (Ruiping T)

Hi Ruiping

Raw rice will kill a bird regardless of being on the snow or ground. This is one of the reasons they do not want people throwing rice at weddings. The birds pick it up and the rice swells. This process can kill the birds. The best food to supplementally feed swans is cracked corn mixed with poultry layer pellets. This provides the swans with much needed Vitamin A, other vitamins and minerals along with micronutrients. The swans should also be fed lettuce to help when aquatic or other vegetation is scarce. Bread can also be provided. It does not hurt the birds in small amounts. Many cities will tell people not to feed bread because it is harmful to the birds. Actually, bread is not that harmful. It has no nutritional value so you should not use it as a main diet or in large amounts. The reason cities don't like bread is because it attracts many birds and cities with feeders don't receive money from the feeders when people bring their own bread or other swan food. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Feeding swans on ice -- Ruiping T -- 23 April 2015
Re: Feeding swans on ice -- The Regal Swan -- 23 April 2015