The swans will start to bob their heads and form the heart shape. Then, they will begin to mate. Usually, the swans will start mating approximately 1-2 weeks prior to actual nesting. When the swans seek dry land and start pulling at the reeds, weeds or other grasses, then you know that they are ready to nest.

The distance from the pool is not too long, but if the parents leave the barn area, a predator could access the nest. Once the cygnets are hatched, 50 feet could be the distance that a hawk, owl or other predator could grab the cygnets. Additionally, the cygnets may not be able to climb in and out of the water which could cause feet or leg injuries.

Other possible solutions would be to place the straw in the barn. Using chain link or other fencing material, attach the fence to the front of the barn and form a pen (protected top and bottom). Keep the bottom covered from the bottom of the fencing using plastic poultry layer fencing up to 4 feet on the fence line. This will prevent the cygnets from escaping from the pen and being separated from the parents. This way the swans can be protected in the barn and use the fenced in area as their outdoor water pen.

Dig a hole within the pen area and place a small kiddie pool into the hole (forming a zero entrance water feature). Ensure that the water level is always such that the entrance is zero. This will allow the young cygnets to go swimming with their parents and be safely protected from any predators while they leave the barn. You will need to provide a small bowl of food near the water for feeding or place the food in the water feature. The parents will teach the cygnets how to eat and they will be able to access the zero entrance water feature without sustaining any foot or leg injuries. This is just a suggestion, but young cygnets are not going to be able to walk for great lengths for the first few months.

Keep the family in this area for approximately 3-4 months at which time the cygnets will be big enough to walk longer distances, get to the swimming pool and be less likely to be picked off by owls, hawks, egrets or herons, etc.

If you do not want to use another water feature, then try to build a fenced in pen area closer to the swimming pool. Once springtime/summer hits, the swans will not need to worry so much about cold inclement weather and will no need the barn. We hope this helps. The Regal Swan