Hi Lynne:
If you can keep him fed and in an area of at least 20-30 feet in circumference, the predators should not be able to reach him and he should be safe. However, there are still no guarantees that a predator could still not reach him if they were really determined. For this reason, it would really be better for the swan if you can find him a temporary home during the winter months, such as a waterfowl/wildlife rescue facility, a barn, shed or garage protected from predators that might be able to dig under or access the enclosure. You would need to provide him with food, free from pests such as ants and mice, placed on a non-slick substrate such as straw, which must be mucked daily. As long as the swan is warm, placed in a ventilated area with no direct draft, sprinkled daily with warm water to maintain the health of his feathers and keep him water repellent by making him preen and dry himself, given a good watering down with warm water at least 3 times weekly, he can stay indoors for the winter with no problem. Is there a zoo in your area that might be able to keep him indoors during the winter? Again, this would be the ideal situation as too severe a winter can leave him susceptible to pneumonia or other diseases if he cannot stay warm or dry. The Regal Swan