Ask the Swan Specialist

Re: Aggressive swan
By:The Regal Swan
Date: 23 March 2013
In Response To: Aggressive swan (Heidi)

Hi Heidi:

He is not frustrated because he cannot fly. This is swan mating/nesting season. He is now of age to mate and his hormones are overwhelming. He will settle down once the hormones level. Until then, he will still be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. There are no guarantees that he will accept a female and this may cause a whole new set of problems as you may require a breeder's license and have to deal with new cygnets, where to place them once they are older, increased veterinary medical care, etc. So, we would suggest that he remain a loner!

Now, there is one thing that might work. However, you may need a couple of people who are agile and strong to help you. Let Henry chase you, in fact let him come right at you. Grab his neck and wings simultaneously. You can even use a pole net. Make him sit down and talk to him while you have his wings firmly secured. DO NOT GET HURT DOING THIS as YOU MUST BE VERY CAUTIOUS OF THE WINGS! Yes, he may bite you, but if you can control the wings so that he cannot swing, you will get him captured in no time.

After keeping him secured for about 10 minutes, let him go. He may try to come back and then, capture him again if he proceeds. Once or twice of being caught, believe us he will not want to have anything to do with anyone for a couple of days if not a week. He will learn that chasing and going after people has consequences, being captured which is very humiliating in that he no longer controls the pond, but you do. You can also use a white umbrella or towel if he chases to let him know you are the bigger swan. But, capture usually works wonders! Hope this helps. The Regal Swan

Messages In This Thread

Aggressive swan -- Heidi -- 23 March 2013
Re: Aggressive swan -- The Regal Swan -- 23 March 2013