Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Swan
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 24 September 2014

Hi Dianna

Yes, you need to contact the swan's caretaker. Two things must then be done. First, the swan needs to be examined by an experienced bird/waterfowl veterinarian. The veterinarian may need to conduct a skin scraping to determine if the swan has an infection or parasites which can be easily treated. The bird may have be placed in a pen at the veterinary facility for a couple of days depending on the treatment. Ointments should not be used because they are hard to get out of the feathers and may hamper the swan in getting dry, warm or remain water repellent.

The second issue that needs to be addressed is the mirror. Yes, the reflection of seeing another swan can be stressful. The mirror needs to be covered by planting a tree or shrub so the swan cannot see its reflection or the area needs to be enclosed so the bird cannot get near the mirror to see itself. It should only take one to two times not seeing the reflection to stop his visits to the area. If the swan is looking for the other swan and it is no longer there, the stress should also be mitigated. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Swan's reflection in a mirrored window makes swan pluck its feathers -- Dianna -- 24 September 2014
Re: Swan -- The Regal Swan -- 24 September 2014