Thank you for being a responsible swan caretaker. This will be the most important labor of love you have probably ever undertaken, and the most rewarding!

First, you need to get an aerator/de-icer for your pond. This most important piece of equipment will help mitigate botulism outbreaks in the summer that can kill the swans, fish and other waterfowl. Additionally, this device will prevent the pond from freezing which can lead to drowning, starvation, freezing and predation. For more information, on what you might need for your pond's as well as the swan's health, contact Sue Cruz (800-432-4302) (www.vertexwaterfeatures.com). She will have all the information and data you will need to make an informed decision and will be able to help you from the design to the implementation stage of placing such a water feature into your pond.

Most people think that this is going to be an overly expensive purchase, but Vertex can work with you to ensure that you are not buying something you do not need and they have experience with swan ponds.

Do NOT bank on the swans staying in the center of the lake or pond at night, nor that they will use the nesting platform. Some swans will use nesting platforms, others will not and will try to pull vegetation and reeds from the surrounding habitat to build their nests. The best thing you can do for nesting is to build a small enclosed pen (top to bottom so that predators cannot get into the pen below or above). The pen should be 1/2 in water and 1/2 on land with a feeder inside. The pen can be comprised of chain linked fencing covered top and bottom with poultry fencing to prevent predator from climbing into or digging under the pen. The poultry fencing should be placed on the outside of the fencing from the bottom and extending 4 feet up the pen so that the cygnets cannot go through the fencing and get separated from the parents.

The feeder should be mounted on a pole and placed in the water approximately 3 feet into the water to prevent predators from accessing the swans while feeding and prevention of pests such as ants, rodents, etc.
Nesting material (straw) should be placed in the pen. This pen can also be used to shelter the swans for veterinary medical care, nesting sites and also a safe environment for the summer months during nighttime. Yes, swans can be taught to go inside a pen or a small garage/shed area at night and go onto the pond during the daytime. Since most predators are nocturnal (hunt at night, you can NEVER rely on the swans to stay in the middle of the lake at night.

We have a new book titled: Swans of the World Habitats: Setting the Standard for Swan Conservation which will be available in 2 weeks. We actually sold out the first printing and will be reprinting in 2 weeks. You will be able to make a donation for the book on this website or our (www.theregalswan.com) website in two weeks.

We have specifically authored this book for swan and swan habitat owners. It will provide dimensions, design, development and other relevant information regarding the implementation of a suitable humane habitat for swans. All the information that I have provided you and more can be found in the book. We hope this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan