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Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore

January 31st, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans - Fun Facts, Legends and Lore - (Comments Off on Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore)

Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore

The Information for this Page is being Organized.

Cygnus Northern Cross Map

POND Management

January 31st, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in POND Management - (Comments Off on POND Management)

POND Management

The Information for this Page is being Organized.

Pond Duckweed

Swan Death Necropsy

January 31st, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans Death Necropsy - (Comments Off on Swan Death Necropsy)

IN THE SAD EVENT YOUR SWAN HAS DIED

Swan Death Necropsy
OH NO ! ! WHAT Happened ! ! WHAT Happened ! !

This is a Topic that is also Important.. but, not the Fun Part of what I do…

As Sad as the Loss of a Pet/Swan will be..
This is Information Good to Know…before it Occurs.

This is a Topic Page I am Organizing the Best I Can..
So Many things keep Changing.. so, I will NOT have all Details..
Every State has a Department of Agriculture..
with an Animal Pathology Laboratory.
Each State’s Department of Agriculture will have their Own
Services, Policies and Programs to Help you.

When I get a Call that a Beloved Swan has Died..
I Hear the Disbelief and Anguish in the Person’s Voice..
Swan Death Necropsy

When their Swan has been Taken/Killed by a Predator..
They know what Happened.. a Violent End to their Beautiful, Pet Swan..

BUT, when their Swan is Found Unexpected.. without a Mark..
It is Bewildering.. So many Questions.. “WHAT could have Caused this” ??
Swan Death Necropsy

There are SO MANY Possibilities…

Was it Something they Swallowed..??  Something they Ate..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Was it Something in the Feed Mix..???   Is it Contaminated..??   Mold..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan Eat anything with Mold..??  Like Old Bread..??
Did the Swan Inhale a Fungi or Mold from Dusty Bedding..??
The Young Swan below Died of an Advanced Aspergillosis Infection.
Swan Death Necropsy

We Rescued this Black Australian Cob..  He was Starving due to Food Competition.
After Weeks of Slow Progress.. he Failed.. Several of his Internal Organs
had been Damaged from Lack of Nutrients..   ( So Sad.. he was a Nice Swan.)
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan have a Parasite Infestation..??
Did the Swan Drink Pond Water Infected by Wild Waterfowl..??
Many Waterfowl Diseases are Spread during Migration Season..
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan Succumb to a Mosquito Borne Disease..??
The Tiny Cygnet below had Necrotic Encephalitis from a Mosquito Bite.
Swan Death Necropsy
Has the Pond Water become Unhealthy.. Stagnant..??
When the Water does not Refresh..  Bacteria Counts get TOO High..
Swan Death Necropsy

Did a Venomous Snake Bite Kill your Swan..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Did a Toxic Substance Drain into the Swans’ Environment..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Did a Bumble Sore become Septic..???
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan Consume a Pest Poison like Rat Poison..??
The Cob below.. Died Suddenly… The Owner Feared he had Eaten Rat Poison
that was Tucked under the Feeder..  Testing Concluded, he Died of Avian Cholera.
Likely from the Rodent Saliva Contaminating his Feed..   Not the Poison..
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan have an Under Chin Impaction Preventing Eating..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan have a Birth Defect.. that became Fatal as it Grew..???
Swan Death Necropsy

The Cygnet below had a Neck Deformity that made Eating VERY Difficult.
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan Fly..??? Injury from a Difficult Landing..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Did the Swan Freeze – Frozen Out from any Open Liquid Water..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Was there FOUL Play.. Human Vandalism..??
BB Gun Pellets..??  Blunt Force Trauma..??
Swan Death Necropsy

Was it Possibly Electrocution..?? Electrical Leakage..??
Did a Faulty Electrical Cable in the Water Shock-Electrocute the Swan..??

Common with Waterfowl that Fly > Power-Line Collisions.
Swan Death Necropsy
Electricity Sources, Primarily Overhead Power Lines.
Swan Death Necropsy
Tissues are Damaged Directly and Via Burns.
Electrocution may cause Apnoea ( Cessation of Respiration )
and Ventricular Fibrillation ( Irregular Heart Beat )
Death may Not Occur Immediately..
but, Resulting from Internal Tissue Damage.. Days or Weeks Later.

A Lightening Strike..??    > Yes, this is Possible..
Swan Death Necropsy

Electro-Coagulation Injury or Limb Paralysis.
Lightning will Spreads in Water and Living Creature in the
Lightning-Charged Water may be Physically Damaged or Killed.

ETC. ????? Questions..?? Questions..??  Guessing, Guessing..

If you want to Know and NOT just Guess..
This Information will Help you Learn.
You can Submit your Swan for Necropsy.
So you are NOT Wondering, Wondering with No Answer.

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Your Immediate Action will Determine whether
you will have a Chance to have your Dear Swan Evaluated..

> > > When you find your Swan Deceased:
> > > DO NOT TOUCH the Body with your HANDS.
Swan Death Necropsy

> > > FIRST: Look at the Body for Signs of Trauma
-Blood – Feathers Torn Out – Body Parts Missing..

If the Swan was Killed by a Predator make some Notes of the Damage
to the Body.. Where it was found. Take a Photo or Two..
Anything that might be of help to Identify what Predator may have Killed
your Waterfowl/Swan. This is Gruesome, but this may Help ID the Predator..

Doing a Necropsy will not be of much Help
if your Swan/Waterfowl was killed by a Predator.
Swan Death Necropsy

If you have any Pet/Swan that Dies from an Animal Attack..
> > > Protect Yourself.. Hands, Arms, Eyes, etc.

Your Swan/Waterfowl may not have had any Diseases, but the Animal
that Killed it will have Bitten and left Saliva all over the Carcass..

Mammal Saliva MAY CARRY Rabies or other Contact Diseases.
Swans do not get Rabies.. In General Birds do not..

If you have ANY Pet that is Attack be sure to Protect Yourself..

> > > Carefully WITHOUT Touching the Body,
Put the Body into a Bag/Double Bag-Secure for Disposal.
> > > WASH your Hand WELL after Bagging the Body.
Swan Death Necropsy

**************************************************************
Once you have your Observation Notes:

If your Swan/Waterfowl Dies Unexpectedly.. Suddenly…
or after a Period of Declining Health – Weakness – Wasting.
Swan Death Necropsy

Did you Notice any Different Behavior in the Last Week or So..??
Swan Death Necropsy

IF you can not Determine the Cause of the Death..
and you want to Submit for a Necropsy.. Evaluation..

To Preserve Deceased Swan/Waterfowl for a Necropsy:

> > > Immediately, DO NOT Touch the Body with Bare Hands.

Swan Death Necropsy

> > > PROTECT Yourself..
         – Wear Gloves & Protective Gear..Protect your EYEs ! !
– No Safe Gloves > Use a Barrier such as an Inverted Plastic Bag.

> > > CAREFULLY Put Deceased Swan in Thick Plastic Trash Bag.
– Swans are Large and 2 Large Garbage Bags will be Needed.
– Secure Opening.. then Place the Wrapped Body in Second Bag.
> > > Tape a Note on inside Bag
– with Your Name, Phone, Birds Name, Date.
> > > Also Tape the Same Information on the Outside Bag.

> > Refrigerate until you Contact your State Animal Path Lab..
– OR Place in a Cool Place.  A Very Large Ice Chest with Ice/Cold Packs.
Swan Death Necropsy

> > > WASH your Hand WELL after Bagging the Body ! !

> > > Always Call the State Animal Pathology Lab for Instructions.
You will be asked Questions and to fill-out a Form
with General information about the Bird’s Age, Living Environment,
Feed, other Animals on your Property. Any Signs of Illness ??
A History to help the Lab know where to focus their Immediate Attention.
The Submission Forms are Usually Available OnLine.. or by EMail..

> > > If you Read the Link for the Avian Influenza Information..

DEADLY AVIAN INFLUENZA is on the Wing.
https://swanlovers.net/category/deadly-avian-influenza/
*************************
> > > If this is a Possible Cause of Death.. Do NOT Bury..
> > > Until you Speak with the State Pathology Lab.
Swan Death Necropsy

A Person from the State Path Lab Staff “may” Come to YOU..
You may not Need to take your Swan to them..
They will Collect Swab Samples for the Testing.
> > > Keep Body in a Cool, Dry Place in Large Plastic Bags..

Check on your Other Swan, Waterfowl.. Make some Notes..

> > > NEXT- Concern “HOW is your Remaining Swan..?? ” ???
Maybe Both Swans are Affected.. All Birds Hide any Illness
or Impairment until they are in Real Trouble.
Learning what Caused the First Swan’s Death may Save the Other..
Swan Death Necropsy

When I hear Folks say, the Old Wives Tale, which I will Loosely Quote:
> > > “If a Swan’s Mate Dies, the other will Die of a Broken Heart.”

Personally, I Believe… the Remaining Swan may have been Ill…
Swan Death Necropsy

And if you Learn what Caused the first Swan to Die..
You will have a Chance to Save the Remaining Swan..
Example: Parasite Infestations will Affect both…
Prompt Treatment will Help.

When a Bonded Pair have been Together for a Number of Seasons..
They are Bewildered when their Mate-Companion is Gone.
Swan Death Necropsy

Swans depend on each other for their Common Safety.
Each watching for any Sign of Danger. They take Turns Sleeping..
Swan Death Necropsy

WATCH for your Remaining Swan to go Wandering to Look for their Mate..
Walk them BACK to their Ponds..
Swan Death Necropsy

A Lone Swan feels more Vulnerable and you will Experience
a more Cautious Behavior.
They are more Guarded. They go into a Survival Mode.
Not wanting to come close to You now is Normal.
Sleeping at Night is Less Safe.. They will Nap more in the Day Time..
Swan Death Necropsy

You can Help your Swan.. by Spending Quiet Time near the Pond.
Make Extra Visits each Day, even 5 Minute Visits..
Take some Lettuce or Treats. Talk Quietly or Work Nearby.
Swan Death Necropsy
Swans do Grieve, become Subdued.. Quiet..
They are Different.. There is a Sadness about them.

A Lone Swan is a Lonely Swan
https://swanlovers.net/category/a-lone-swan-is-a-lonely-swan/

Your Company will be Comforting during this Lonely Time..
It may take Several Days or Weeks for Remaining Swan
to adapt to being Alone..
Swan Death Necropsy

Healthy Swans Adjust.. But, they are always Happier with another..
Given a Few Weeks to Mourn, Swans will Accept a New Companion/Mate.
Swan Death Necropsy

Then after that Time.. Introducing a New Swan is OK..
They will Accept a New Companion much Easier..

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SWANs are Indicator-Sentinel Species.
Biological Species that can Help Monitor the Environment.
Swan Death Necropsy

To Study Animal Indicator-Sentinel Species Gathers Important Information
for a Given Region.  Especially around Annual Migration Seasons.
Swan Death Necropsy

An Indicator of Disease Outbreak, Pollution, Species Competition
or Effects of Climate Change.
Indicator Species are an Early Warning to Monitoring Biologists.

SEE Additional Information at the End of this Topic Page..

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Your STATE should have a Department of Agriculture.
You will be Contacting their Animal Pathology Laboratory.
Ask to Speak with the Poultry Inspector or Avian Specialist.
Check their Locations and Phone Numbers
– being Prepared is a Good Plan.
Your Depart. of Ag. can be helpful with Pond Environment Problems.

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I was a Hospital Laboratory Technologist during my Working Days..
It is an Environment that Looks for Answers when People are Sick or Injured.
Diagnosising and Monitoring Treatment or What Happened..??
If a Person Dies Suddenly/UnExpectedly, an Autopsy is Done.

With our Furry or Feathered Pets-Livestock.. a Necropsy is Done.
Refers to a Post-Mortem Examination on an Animal Species.

We have had many Dear Swans Necropsied over the Years..
Always a Surprise when the Reports were Finished.

You will have Help learning the Cause of Death
and will be able to Consult with the Pathology Lab Specialists
and get Advice from your State’s Department of Agriculture..
Some Problems can be Very Difficult to Resolve without their Help.
The Department of Agriculture Contacts are there to help you..

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Most Department of Agriculture Pathology Labs.
Basic Necropsy Services, Schedule and Procedures..

> > > CALL them FIRST – You will be Interviewed..
Follow Instructions If you Submit a Swan for Evaluation:

This is what may be Checked during the Necropsy.

Basic General History of the Swan
> > > You will be asked Questions when you call.

Avian Pathology – Necropsy – Interpretation
Gross Visual Observations – General Results
Preliminary Diagnosis – Comments

Depending on the Gross Morphology.. – Visual Findings..
> > > Samples that might be Collected for Testing.

Swan Death Necropsy

HistoPathology – Biopsy Slides – Micro Tissue Exam
Molecular Biology Trachea – Various Infectious Viruses
*****************************
Microbiology – Aerobic and Anaerobic Cultures

Test: Microbiology Aerobic Culture ( Where Blood Flows. )
*** This is to ID Bacteria that live in Oxygen Rich Environment..

Test: Microbiology Anaerobic Culture ( Oxygen Poor Wounds. )
*** This if for Infected Bites, Abscesses and Gangrene.
Many Anaerobic Bacteria produce Enzymes that Destroy Tissue
or sometimes release Potent Toxins.
Example: Assorted Clostridium Strains Untreated are Often Fatal..
C. tetani ( Tetanus) C. Botulinum ( Botulism )
Swan Death Necropsy

Test: Microbiology Antibiotic Susceptibility ( MIC )
*** This is to ID Bacteria Sensitivity to various Antibiotics
that should successfully Treat any Bacteria Identified
as the Primary cause of Illness.

Swabs of Liver – Brain – Intestine Tissue Pool – Salmonella Culture
Avian Serology Testing – Virology
Parasitology – Exam for Parasites
Mycotoxicology – Fungus Identification

They may Check for Insecticide or Herbicide Toxicity, other types of Poisons,
Heavy Metal Toxicity.. depending on the History you Provide.
Swan Death Necropsy

The Young Female below Died Suddenly.. NO Warning..
She had Ingested a Small Piece of Iron that was Dissolving in her Gizzard.
The Iron Toxicity had Severely Damaged her Heart, Liver and Kidneys.
Swan Death Necropsy

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You will get the Following Reports by U.S. Mail and/or EMail:

#1 Preliminary Report Same Day Report.. ( Visual Impressions. )
Occasionally within a few Days of Submission.

#2 Interim Report .. 3-10 Days.. with Some Sample Results-Findings.

#3 The Final Report.. Generally 3-6 Weeks..
When ALL the Tests Preformed have been Completed.
This will have the Conclusion.. a Summary of All the Findings.

I have Sadly Learned many things over the Years..
How Many Unexpected Things can Happen..

Submitting your Swan/Cygnet for a Necropy will have the Benefit of Learning..

If there is No Clear Reason for a Swan’s Death, I want to know,
so I have a chance to Correct a Problem that I am not aware of.
Valuable for Future Care – Knowing what Happened rather then just Guessing.

Considering what you may have Paid to Adopt your Swan/s.
Spending $50.00-$100.00 to learn what Happened may save the Life
of other Swans and Waterfowl in your Care.

” You become Responsible, Forever, for what you have Tamed.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
Swan Death Necropsy
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I am Always Sad to hear this Type of News..
I Appreciate your Heart Ache..
Swan Death Necropsy
It is Emotionally Traumatic when Something Happens
so Suddenly.. or Unexplained.
Swans become a Part of our Lives..
I Understand how Haunting their Memory is.. We have been there..
A Pond, Lake or River Never Looks the Same when Swans are Gone.
Swan Death Necropsy
…. Wish I could Say something Comforting..
*******************************************
Swan Death Necropsy

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IN THE SAD EVENT YOUR SWAN HAS DIED
Compiled by Linda M.Sweger February 2024

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SIDE NOTE – The Value of Testing Wild Swans..

Because of their Limited Diet in the Wild Environment, Mute Swans
are a Sentinel Species, concentrating Contaminants in their Livers
and Revealing the Presence of Chemical Toxicities in Fresh Water.
Rather than Eliminating Swans, we should Pay Attention to their Struggle
to Survive and What it can Tell us about the State of our Wild Areas.
Swan Death Necropsy

TESTING the Wild Swans:  2017 in Michigan:
A Health and Disease Surveillance Project was being conducted
in coordination with the Management of Mute Swans, which
received Funding through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant and a Cooperative Service
Agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The Avian Health and Disease Program provided Funding for Health
Monitoring and Disease Surveillance Activities.
Samples collected from Mute Swans are being tested for:
Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease Virus, Avian Cholera,
Duck Viral Enteritis, Intestinal Parasites, Toxoplasmosis,
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, LaCrosse Encephalitis.
Environmental Contaminants, Toxic Herbicides and Pesticides.

Results will help establish Avian Health Baselines that can then be
monitored periodically, identify existing and emerging Avian Health Risks,
provide for the early detection of any Introduced Diseases,
and provide guidance for Population Management.
Swan Death Necropsy

A specific Example of applied Research Results will be through
the Collection of Data on Ingestion of Environmental Contaminants
and Pesticides.
Feral-Wild Mute Swans feed on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation,
and are therefore more prone to Ingestion of Contaminated Sediments,
making the Species’ Ideal Biological Indicators of Ecological Health.
Heavy Metals and Pesticides will accumulate in Tissues over Time.
Swan Death Necropsy

By testing Year-old Swans, Researchers get an Indicator of the Current
Status of the Ecosystem, which may be of particular interest in EPA
designated Areas of Concern, where large Multi-Year Ecological
Clean-up Projects are currently underway.

Swan Death Necropsy

*********
Swan Death Necropsy
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Swans Disease and Parasites

January 31st, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans Diseases and Parasites - (Comments Off on Swans Disease and Parasites)

Swans Disease and Parasites

Cattle Louse

SWAN Tongue Color-Anemia Guide

Swans Treating for Lice

SWAN Open Mouth

Swans Bumble Foot Sores – OH NO

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans Bumble Foot Sores - OH NO - (Comments Off on Swans Bumble Foot Sores – OH NO)

OH NO – Swans Bumble Foot Sores

Swan Bumble Foot Sore

Healthy Webbed Swan Foot

Healthy Webbed Swan Foot

Feeding Swans in the Winter

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Feeding Swans in the Winter - (Comments Off on Feeding Swans in the Winter)

Feeding Swans in the Winter 

NO Two Ponds or Water Environments will Experience
the Same Conditions in the Winter Months.
You may need to become Creative to Ensure Your Swans
are Getting Enough to Eat. 

Winter Swan Care

Click to Enlarge Images

Swans like all Birds and Animals need Food to Live.

During the Cold Winter Months Swans NEED Supplemental
Grains – Pellet Poultry Feeds – Vegetables.

Your Captive Swans are Pets – They Depend on You.

Winter Swan Care

Trying to Rescue and Move a Swans in Frigid Temperature,
when Ice is on their Water Environment.. Lake – Pond, etc.
is VERY Dangerous.

The BEST Thing you can do for your Swans is Prepare for Winter during the Fall Months.
AND then Feed them Daily so they have the Calories for Quick Energy to Keep them Warm.

Feeding Swans in Winter

We Always want our Swans to Stay IN or Near their Water.

Feeding Swans in Winter

BE SAFE when you Feed your Swans ! 

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in WinterTry to Find a Safe Way to Push Food Items out to the Swans.
In this Situation I used a Long Handled Pool Skimmer Net.

Feeding Swans in Winter Whole Corn provides Extra Calories.

Whole Corn is Not a Complete Diet.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Add some Whole Grain Cereals.

MultiGrain Cheerios, Kix, Plain Corn and Bran Flake Cereals.

Select the Plainer Cereals

120708l-swans-cereal-mix-4bd4-6003bftxt

Feeding Swans in Winter

Mix in Vegetables – Lettuce, Chopped Apples, etc.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Choose Cereals without Yeast or Color Dyes.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in Winter

Whole Grain Cheerios and Plain Corn and Bran Flakes.

Our Swans LOVED Honey Graham Squares.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Puffed Wheat – Puffed Rice – Kix Cereals.
Swans Graham Crackers

Plain Graham Crackers are a Safe Treat.

Feeding Swans in Winter

This Only works with Mute Swans.
A Visual Indicator of Weight –

Feeding Swans in Winter

A Healthy Adult Mute Swan will have a Full Knob.

If they are Underweight their Knob will start to Shrink.

Feeding Swans in Winter

A Mix of Chopped Vegetables and Cereals.

Feeding Swans in Winter

When our Swans were on a Large Body of Water, I brought their Lunch in a Colorful Bucket that they would see from a Distance.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Having Water Close to their Food-Feed
makes Swallowing much Easier.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in Winter

Swans are Grazers.. Many Wild Birds, Ducks and Geese are Gobblers.  It can be a CHALLENGE to ensure your Swans are getting their Proper Share of the Food you Put Out for them.

You will need to be Creative..

The Type of Food-Feed Containers you use may help.
Every Situation is Different.

Feeding Swans in Winter
Vegetables for Swans

Ducks Clean Up Crew

Duck and Geese will Clean-Up most Leftover Foods.

Ducks Clean Up Crew

When Winter Nights Freeze their Vegetable Basket,
Put Vegetables that Float on their Water.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in Winter

Swans will be Grateful for the Food you Bring to them.

Feeding Swans in Winter

Feeding Swans in Winter

Many Swans will Snort “Thank You.”

Feeding Swans in Winter

Winter Support = Healthier Swans.

Feeding Swans in Winter
Feeding Winter Swans

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Information Compiled by (C) Linda M.Sweger November 2015
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To Shelter or Not in Winter

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in To Shelter or Not in Winter - (Comments Off on To Shelter or Not in Winter)

To Shelter or Not in Winter. 
Or at Other Times of the Year.

Shelter Swans

TO SHELTER Swans or NOT to SHELTER Swans.

            CLICK Images to ENLARGE

SHELTERING your SWANs and CYGNETs is a JUDGMENT Call.

IF your Local Area is Expecting EXTREME or DANGEROUS Weather
Have a Plan to Shelter or Protect your Swans from Harm.Shelter Swans

Prepare for the Worst Weather Conditions. Winter Swan Care
Enjoy the Best Days with your Swans.Feral Mute Swans

SHELTER – A BASIC DEFINITION

NOUN – A Place giving Temporary Protection from Bad Weather or Danger.
A Shield from something Harmful.Shelter Swans

VERB – Protect, Shield, Screen, Cover, Shade, Save, Safeguard,
Preserve, Defend, Cushion, Guard, Insulate.Shelter Swans

**********************************
To Shelter has so many Meanings..Shelter Swans
I think of the many things we do to Protect – Shelter ourselves.
Homes, Garages, Barns, Sheds, Porches, a Lean-To, a Roof,PA Grand Canyon CabinWalls, Doors, Windows, etc.

Swans Naturally do NOT Like to be inside any Structure.Feral Mute Swans
Shelter Swans

The first Year of Swan Care is a BIG Learning Curve.
For YOU and the Swans, Especially for the Young Cygnets.Shelter Swans
We have been doing this over 10-17 Years (2021) during the Winter Months.
Some were Feral Swans along the River.. Mostly for our Captive Pet Swans.Shelter Swans

I have Worried and Planned.. and Worried.. and taken Steps to keep
our Swans as Safe and Happy during the Winter as I Possibly can.Shelter Swans
I Plan for the WORST Conditions. And Enjoy the Best of Winter.Feral Mute Swans

So Far, we have NOT lost any Swans to Nasty Winter Weather.
Nor to any Predators. We have been Lucky.. (Knock on Wood)
We have Lost Swans..     Sadly YES.        Heart Breaking.Feral Mute SwansFeral Mute Swans

Doing this Project and Arranging Swan Connections..
I have heard some very Sad News.. Deaths due to Frozen Ponds..
and Unseen Night Predators.. Snapping Turtles..
 Snapping Turtle SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTs
https://swanlovers.net/category/snapping-turtles-nasty-beasts/

Too many Sad Stories..  Too many Lost to Unknown Causes. 

It is a Challenge to Keep Swans Safe..
So, if what I have Learned..might help others..
I want to share.. Especially to those new to Swan Care.Feral Mute Swans

Swans look Fragile – Delicate… They look like Expensive Plush Toys
Gliding with Elegance on the Calm Mirrored Waters of a Pond or Lake.Shelter Swans

Healthy Swans are Surprisingly Durable..Shelter SwansEvery Place is Different.. and Swans will Adapt Differently.

To Plan for a Shelter.. is a Judgement Call…
Every Environment is Different.. the Risk Factors are Different..
This Topic Page is meant to Aid you Evaluating your Place.
Then make Plans that you are Comfortable with..Shelter Swans

******Captive Mute SwansCaptive Mute Swans Try to have the Swans Floating over Water that is at Least 4 Feet Deep.
  It would be Difficult for most Predators to Reach them.
**************************************************
Wild Waterfowl will use their Wings to Fly away from Danger
or to Seek Open Water when your Pond is Covered with Ice.Shelter Swans

Since Capture Swans are Pinioned or Clipped, they can not Fly Away from
Danger or Fly to Open Water. A Common Plan is to THINK Shelter..Shelter Swans

IF You are Willing to Construct a Shelter for Your New Swans..
First LOOK at your Whole Picture.. and what you know about your
General Climate, Water Environment and Predator Population..

In PA, I hear more and more Accounts of Eastern Coyotes – CoyWolves..Shelter Swans
These Large Wild Canine may travel in Packs.. may Stalk-Hunt
during the Day Hours.  Their Numbers are Increasing ALL the Time.
I hear them Mentioned More and More as I Speak with Swan Owners.

Several Years Ago, I did a Search for the CoyWolves in Pennsylvania.
I Read that there are an Average of 40,000 Removed Annually ! ! 

The Coyotes – CoyWolves have been responsible for too many Loses
of Domestic Swans, Geese and Ducks..
Shelter Swans

Swans, especially the Trumpeters and Mutes do NOT like (HATE)
being confined in a Building or Shelter – they feel TRAPPED.Shelter Swans

The Main Way Swans Protecting themselves is with their Wings.Shelter Swans
Buildings have Corners and Limited Space. In a Structure it is
TOO easy for Swans to become Cornered-Trapped.Shelter Swans

In a Building Swans can not Spread their Wings to (BEAT)
“FLOGGING” and Drive Off Predators, which is their Primary
Defense. They have NO Teeth and very little Bite Pressure..Male Mute Swan

During the Cold Months when the Temperature drop below Freezing,
Captive Swans NEED to be in Liquid Water to keep Warm.Shelter Swans

Inside a Structure they are Out of the Direct Weather, Cold Wind or Rain..Shelter Swans
But, depending on the Air Temperature it may still be VERY Cold.. TOO Cold.Shelter Swans

The last several Winters, we have had Periods of VERY Bitter Cold Days and 
Nights.  Temperatures WELL into the Minus Degrees. Shelter Swans
Conditions that Worry MANY Folks with Ponds and Domestic Waterfowl… 
TO Shelter or Not to Shelter…” that is the Question I get.

Shelter Swans
A Fluffy Pile of Fresh Straw.. (NO Hay) can provide a Place to Snuggle in.
Straw to on Ice & Snow
Shelter Swans  DO NOT USE Wood Shavings or Hay for Shelter Bedding.
     Wood Shavings are TOO Dusty.  Hay has a Higher Risk of MOLD.

If Straw is not available Old Blankets or Towels to Snuggle into will Help..Sheltering Swan
Try to Keep their Feet off a Hard, Frigid Floor.Shelter Swans

I have Never used Hay for Bedding..  TOO Risky.. Too much Mildew-Mold.

https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/what-causes-fungal-infections-poultry/
There is an increased Risk of Diseases, such as Aspergillosis, caused by exposure to Moulds.

I have Never used Wood Shavings..  TOO Much Dust..  Read Article Below.

https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/08/straw-vs-shavings-my-choice-for-coop.html

Not ALL Out Buildings have Electricity Available..

Basic Water Tubs will Freeze..Shelter Swans

Shelter Swans

Heat Lamps make me NERVOUS !!  Use with Great Care… 
Chances are you will not have Fire Detection in your Out Buildings.Shelter Swans

452 Best Heat Lamp Fire Images in 2019 / Inside Chicken Coops
https://www.pinterest.com/TheChicknChick/heat-lamp-fires/

Basic 80 to 100 Watt Light Bulbs will help to Warm the Still Air in a Building.

*******************************************************
Predators tend to be Animals with Claws and Sharp Teeth..
Swans only have the Power Stroke of their Wings to Defend Themselves.Shelter Swans

But, Swans are Always at a Disadvantage & at Risk when
there are Humans intent to Harm them.Shelter Swans

You know if you have a Predator Problem.
Do the Ducklings and Goslings Survive or do they Disappear ??
To Shelter or Not
That will need to be Factored into your Swan Care Plan. 
Shelter Swans I do know several Swan Owners that keep their Swans inside every Night.Shelter Swans Making sure they are Secure with a Sturdy Door..

Opened in the Morning..Shelter SwansFeeding Swans
 It is Wise to Removed ALL Feed from the Pond at SunSet.
Small Rodents will Visit the Feed.. and Attract Large Predators.
You Do Not Want to Invite the Night Creatures that will Stalk your Swans.
Shelter Swans

Having to Clean-up for these LARGE Messy Birds is an Extra Chore.
If they can be Safely Cared-for out on their Pond – your Life will be Easier.Shelter Swans

Ponds with an Isolated Island have a Safer Place for Nesting in the
Spring, Roasting-Resting in the Summer and Fall Months.Island Mute Swan Nesting

Sitting out on these Islands will not keep them Warm in the Winter Months,
they will be Subject to the Air Temperature.

Plan ahead to Equip your Pond or Lake Side with DeIcing Equipment.Shelter Swans
Keeping an Area Open that is over Water at least 4 Feet Deep..
is where Waterfowl will Generally be Safe and Happy.
There are ALWAYs Exceptions.. I have Never had to deal with a Bear..Shelter Swans

WE Make sure our Swans have a Winter Wake.. And so Far,
the Swans we care for have been fine for 12 Winters Outside..Shelter SwansEvery Day they are OK.. I Count my Blessings.
We keep a Back-Up Plan Ready… just in case..Shelter SwansShelter Swans

IF the Electric Power goes OUT during a Nasty Winter Storm,
will you have a Back-up Plan ????Shelter Swans

WINTER CARE for Swans Has more General Info..
https://swanlovers.net/category/winter-care-for-swans/

Swans Winter Care

Liquid Water is NEVER Colder then 33 Degrees.. (there are exception.)Shelter SwansSheltering Swans
Healthy Waterfowl are VERY Well Insulated. All the Preening
you see them doing, is to Condition their Feathers for this Reason..Swan Preening
Having Adequate, Proper Food Daily gives them the Calories they need for Quick Energy.Winter Swan Care

Watch for Shivering.       A Little should be OK..
Shivering more then a few Minutes will Drain Energy too Quickly.
They are not Coping with the Cold.Shelter Swans
The Wind Chill may be what is too Much for them to Deal with..
It may be Wise to take the Swans inside and let them Rest for a while..
Shelter for Swans
******
Winter Swan CareCheck their Weight.. They may be Underweight and Need Shelter..Sheltering Swans

    It is Nice to have a Friendly Companion to Snuggle with.

Winter Swan CareHealthy Swans generally do Fine in a Winter Wake.Shelter Swans

The only Swans I have seen use Shelter in Cold Weather willingly,
are the smaller Black Necked and Black Australian Swans.Shelter SwansShelter Swans

Once they go inside for the Night – the Door must be Secured
and then Opened again in the early Morning.Shelter SwansCygnets that Hatch Late in the Year are Too Small to be Outside in Colder Months. Sheltering Swans
The Black-Necked and Black Australian Cygnets will Need to be
Sheltered as they Grow.   Tiny Cygnets are Eating-Pooping Machines.Shelter Black Australian Cygnets******Sheltering Swan Cygnets

All Swans and Cygnets are VERY MESSY…LOTs of POOP.
Life is easier if the Swan are able to stay on their Pond.Shelter Swans

Putting either an OLD Plastic Shower Curtain, OR Large Trash Bags,
or a Thick Plastic Drop Cloth or a Cheap Tarp on the Ground, Decking,
Concrete Surfaces as a Barrier will help with Clean-up and avoid Staining.Shelter Swans
Any Place the Swans would be Pooping.. and Spilling Food..Shelter Swans

Then LAYERs of NewsPaper with a Flake of Straw spread about for a Soft
Bedding-Substrate. You want to keep their Webbed Feet off the Hard Floor.
The Layers of NewsPaper let you just ROLL-up Most of the Soiled Straw..Shelter Swans

Putting your Swans in a Barn, Shed or Garage – Check for Hazards.Shelter Swans
Sharp Objects, Glass, Things that Might Fall, Places to get Stuck in.Shelter Swans

Shelter Swans

Shelter Swans

******Shelter Swans

If Swans get Bored, they will get into Trouble.

Check if they could Reach any Broken Windows.Shelter Swans  Check the Shelter will be Safe from Predators Coming IN ! !
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Cygnets with Parents to Raise them Generally Live on their Pond.Captive Mute Swans
Young Cygnets are VERY Vulnerable to Hawks, Owls, Snapping Turtles.. Shelter Swans
It will increase their Survival to Hand-Raising them.. Sad, but True.
The Cygnets Below are the Survivors of a Brood of Five. 
Three Taken by Hawks.
 Hand Raising Swan CygnetsHand Raised means without their Parents.   
**************
When Hand Raising Cygnets.. (without Parents)Hand Raising Swan Cygnets
Tiny Cygnets need Supervision when out in the Yard or Pool during the Day. Hand Raising Swan CygnetsShelter Cygnets
They NEED to be Sheltered until they are at least 6 Pounds..Hand Raising Swan Cygnets
And after that depending on your Predator Population.Shelter Swans

       Except for Hawks, we had a Low Risk of Predators in our Back Yard.Shelter Swans
Hand Raised First Year Cygnets will March into a Structure for
Safety and Shelter every Night, Once it is their Regular Routine.Hand Raising Swan Cygnets

Healthy Cygnets 4 Months Old (12 to 20 Pounds) may do Very Well
over Deep Water at Night.Hand Raising Swan CygnetsWinter Swan Care     Thin Ice was Forming along the Bank.  “Hannah” is Biting at the Ice. 
***************************************************

Swans Generally do not Eat a Night..
Unless there is a Pecking-Order Problem – Competition for Food.
It can be an Extra Safety Factor to take their Feed inside at Night..Shelter Swans
This will Reduce Small Night Rodents which in turn may Attract
the Larger Predators..Groundhog

Plus, Small Rodents, Chipmunks, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Moles, Voles, Groundhogs, Opossums, Skunks, Muskrats, ETC, Etc, etc.. may carry Diseases in their Poop and Saliva.Shelter Swans

These Sneaky Nocturnal Rodents Love Raiding your Swans Food Containers at Night.Pond Muskrat Hole

*********************************************************************
*********************************************************************
There are a few Situations when Sheltering is Safer for Waterfowl..

A Hurricane BLOWING Through is a Good Reason to Shelter Swans.Shelter Swans
We have Rescued Several Lost-Wayward Swans after High Wind Storms.. Mostly Full-Wing Swans..  This Female was Found after Hurricane Irene.Rescued Mute Swan      This Young Full Wing Male was Rescued after a Nasty Summer Storm.
Rescued Mute SwanShelter Swans
Full Wing Swans may “Take to Air” and be Blown Far Away from their Homes.Shelter Swans   
  This Summer Storm Developed with Noisy, Rolling Thunder.
Shelter Swans
Spring and Summer Storms can Fuss-up Quickly..  What to Do ??Shelter Swans
If there is a Storm with HIGH Winds.. and or HAIL..  OR ICE…    Maybe ???Shelter Swans  An Icy Winter Storm will Coat EVERY Thing, Including the Swans.

 A Forecast for a Severe Lightning Storm. Shelter Swans

There will likely not be enough Time to Safely do Anything.. 
Be Aware, Waterfowl can be Electrocuted from a Close Lightning Strike.  Rare but Possible.             Here Weigh Human Safety vs. Swan Safety.

In the 17 Years we have been Involved with Swans, I only know
ONE that was Killed in a Summer Storm.  A Pair of Swans were put in a Shed to Protect them during a Nasty Storm. Shelter Swans Sadly, a Tree Fell on the Shed and Killed the Female.   So Sad… 
 AGAIN a Judgment Call..

******************************************
Another Time a Shelter is Necessary..
is to Recover an Injured, Weak – Swan whose Health is Compromised.Shelter Swans
When Wound Bandages need to be kept Dry..Shelter Swansand Medications are Prescribed.  It is GOOD to have a Plan Ready.

For Long Periods of Time INSIDE…
Bring them Pond Water Twice a Week to Keep their Immunity Active.
Shelter SwansShelter SwansSheltering SwanSheltering Swan  Inside – Inside Kennel Fencing – in a Dog House..  Resting and Healing.
   He needed Surgery for Debridement of Painful Bumble Foot Sores. 
******************************************
Some People like to Keep a New Swan inside a Safe Place for a few Day..
For an Adjustment to a New Home.Shelter Swans
***********************************************************************Shelter SwansShelter can be Shade where there is Lots of Summer Sun..Sheltering Swanand few Natural Shade Structures like Trees or Shrubs.Shelter Swans
Pool Water in Full Sun can become HOT..Shelter Swans

During the Winter a Kidde Pool will Freeze.. This Bucket Heater Worked.
Shelter for Swans
******************************************
Another GOOD Reasons to have a Shelter..
For Protection during Nesting – Especially with Two Female Pairings.
They have NO Male to Protect them.Shelter Swans
Two Females are Very Vulnerable – Female Nest Mortality is HIGH.
************************
Nesting Female Swans like a Solid Structure on One Side of their Nest.Captive Mute Swans
A Hill, Bank, Thick Tree Trunk, Fence.. or a Wall ..Shelter SwansSheltering Swans
***********************
Few Swans want to Nest inside a Structure.. a Few Might.

Black Australian Swans will Nest Inside.. Frequently.Shelter SwansCalf Hutches might be used..  They have NO Door ..
You will need to Improvise.  They should be Anchored to the Ground.
These may Blow OVER in a Stiff Wind.  They get HOT in the Sun. 
Sheltering Swan

Always Secure the Opening for the Over Night Hours.Shelter SwansPersonally, I do not think Plywood and Cinder Blocks are Adequate.Sheltering Swans

  The Thick Layer of Straw in this Calf Hutch was Not Changed for Months. 
I Stopped to Visit with Injured “Little Cutie.” 
During the Warm Summer Days, Spider Nests Matured and HATCHED ! ! 
I Found the Cygnet COVERED with Tiny Spiders.   EEEEEKKKK   !!!   
She was Moved >>>>>>> and Rinsed THOROUGHLY.
Sheltering Swans

The Calf Hutches Look Nice.  Attractive Landscape Features. Sheltering SwansSheltering Swans
***********************************************************************
A Shelter might be needed to Move Swans to a Safe Place…
IF there are any Dangerous Chemicals released to their Water Environment.Shelter Swans
Unexpected Chemical or Oil Spills do Happen..
The Pond above is a Reservoir Impoundment along a small Stream that Flows through several Housing Developments.  Around 150 Homes are up Stream. Swan Shelter

People along the Stream can dump almost anything into the Water that Flows past the Swans.  ALL Lawn Care Chemicals will Drain to Pond.

Sheltering Swan   Summer Heat, Organic Waste, Lack of Rain….
This Pond became a Toxic Soup of Hazardous Algae Bloom and Bacteria. Sheltering Swan

The Swan Family moved to a Cool, Flushing Stream on the Farm.
Not all Properties have a Stream. 
The Shallow Stream Provided NO Protection from Predators at Night.

******************************************
Pond Water with Little to No Flow Through can becomes too Toxic due to Organic Decay..or INCREASED Pathogenic Bacteria Concentrations.Shelter Swans Ponds with Poor or No Flow Through will become Stagnant during Periods of Drought.  Foul Smelling Pond Water is NOT Safe for Waterfowl.
This is a REAL Concern for Retention Ponds.
Shelter Swans

Sheltering Swan
OR if there is a Disease being Spread during Migration Season. 

.. Listen to News Reports..
Or Check with State Agriculture Website.. for Updates on Avian Diseases.
They may Advice Sheltering your Domestic Waterfowl and Poultry.
Shelter SwansAvian Influenza in Wild Migrating Birds.
Avian influenzaA  Viruses are Very Contagious among birds and some of these Viruses can Sicken and even Kill certain Domesticated Bird species including Chickens, Ducks, Waterfowl and Turkeys. Infected birds can shed Avian influenzaA  Viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

Avian Influenza in Birds | Avian Influenza (Flu) – CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm

***********Another Nasty Avian Virus Spread during Migration.

Duck Viral Enteritis – (DVE) is an Acute, Highly Contagious Disease
of both Wild and Domestic Ducks, Geese, and Swans of all Ages.
Characterized by Sudden Death, a High Mortality Rate,
(Particularly among Older Ducks).Muscovy Ducks

Muscovy Ducks are Most Susceptible.Muscovy Ducks

Prevention includes Biosecurity and Avoiding Contact
of Captive Waterfowl with Wild Birds.  Especially During Spring Migration.Sheltering Swan

I Know of One Confirmed Back Yard Pond that was Affected.
They Lost 4 of their 5 Muscovy Ducks within Several Days. 
Their Pond is in an Area where Waterfowl are Migrating North in the Spring.
Sheltering Swan

And One Farm Pond that had Several Muscovy Died after a Feral
Muscovy Visited their Pond.  Not Confirmed, but Fits the Pattern.Sheltering Swan

 We had a Scare with DVE when One of our Female Swans Died in May.
Tests Determined it was Clostridia and Not Duck Viral Enteritis.. 
I HOLD my Breath every Spring.. Watching Ducks Flying North..Migrating Mallard Ducks
..that our Domestics will be OK… 
*******************************************************************
There are some Reasons for Shelters that I have likely forgotten to List.
********************************************************************    Sheltering Swans                ******************************************************************
There are Not Any 100% Correct Reasons for Sheltering..

There are so many Variables.. these are ALL Judgement Calls.
You must Decide how Your Environment may affect your Swans.
Safety.. Comfort and Both your Happiness..
And YOUR Worry Factor..  How Worried are You ? ? ?

PLAN AHEAD….  Instead of Panicking.

Shelter Swans  This Shelter Worked Well for a Rescued Swan Waiting for a Forever Home.
**********************************************************************
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Several Times, I have Sheltered Swans and Cygnets for a Few Days in our Downstairs Shower.  It was Great for Clean-ups.   Messy, Messy, Messy.

Shelter Swans

God made Little Creatures SO Cute..Shelter Swansso we will take care of them despite the Mess.. (-;
******************************************
This is a Work In Progress.                                UpDates  February 2021
COMPILED by PA SwanLover Linda
******************************************

SHELTERs COME in MANY Forms.Sheltering Swan

******Sheltering SwanSheltering Swans
******Sheltering Swan
Sheltering Swan

   The Igloo Shelters were Used by the Chickens.. Not the Swans..
Sheltering Swans

******Sheltering Swans

  An Animal Rights Group INSISTED this Golf Course Provide a Shelter for their Swans.  This Tiny Structure with a Ladder-like Stairs was Built.
Sheltering Swans

       In Over 25 Years, this Might have been Used by Rodents.
Sheltering Swans

******Sheltering SwansSheltering Swans******Sheltering Swans
Sheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering Swans******Sheltering Swans
Sheltering SwansSheltering Swans*******Shelters for Swans
*******Sheltering Swans
******Sheltering Swans
Sheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering Swans*******Sheltering Swans
Sheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering SwansSheltering Swans
*******Sheltering Swans
Sheltering Swans        It is your Judgement Call..  To Shelter or Not to Shelter.
Sheltering Swans
********
SWANLovers

This was Fun to Organize.. I HOPE Some of this Information will be Helpful.
Compiled from our “Out and About” Experiences

Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans - (Comments Off on Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans)

Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans

Swan Care Carriers Nets******

Click Images for Enlarge.

I am going to List Like-Items Together.

# 1.  NETs  ALL Sizes of Nets.. Some for Adult Swans and Some for Cygnets.

# 2.  TRANSPORT CARRIERs ..  Various Sizes are VERY Helpful to Have.

# 3  TRANSPORT BOXES.. These are Helpful if you Do Not have Carriers.

# 4  TRANSPORT BAGS..  These are Good for Emergency Transport.

# 5. BODY SLEEVES are a BIG HELP to Control POWERFUL WINGs.

# 6.  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs.. It is a Good Idea to have these Ready.

# 7.  SWAN BARRIERs & REPELLING Tools..
> > > Fewer Bruises Working with Hormonal Cobs.

# 8.  HELPFUL THINGs for WINTER..

# 9.  KIDDE POOLs for Rescued Cygnets and Swans

#10.  FENCING – Temporary

VARIOUS MISCELLANEOUS THINGs that are HELPFUL.
> > > > SWAN First Aid Kits

**************************************************************************

# 1.  NETs  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I Do NOT Know How Anyone can Work with Swans WITHOUT having Nets !

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing

******  Nets are Helpful as a Barrier as well as when you Want to Catch a Swan.

SWAN Net Ranger

******  Having a VERY Large Net is Basic.. Choose the Nylon Netting.

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing
******  Stores that Carry Sporting Goods will have an Assortment of Fishing Nets.

SWAN Net FRABILL
******  Frabill Nets are Well Make..  We have Several..

With Each Passing Year, just like Cars, the Fishing Nets Change..
The Nets I have on this Topic Page are Over 10 Years Old..
Some Close to 20 Years Old.  These Models are Not Available anymore.

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing
******  Many of the Larger Nets have Collapsible Handles to Fit in you Vehicles.

I LOVED the FraBill Net Below..  The Tear Drop Shape was Perfect.
I Purchased Dozens of these Over the Time we were Actively Working with Swans.
I would Give many of the Folks Adopting Swans for the First Time a Net.

IN 2022, This Net ( Great Value ) has been Discontinued..  BOO !
BUT, this is a GOOD Example of what Type of Net Works Well.
The Major Sporting Goods Stores have ALL Types and Brands.
Watch for Sales..

AND When you Store your Nets.. Handle DOWN-Net UP.
 > > > > Or Hang them UP Off the Floor..
If there are any Mice-Rodents in your Storage Area
> > > > they may CHEW the Netting.

Large Frabill Net for Swans
******  When you Net a Swan… GET the Hoop Down as Far as Possible.
IF Possible Put your Foot on the Handle/Hoop.. Keep it DOWN on the Ground.
Swans are Great at Backing Out Under a Net.. Get Hold of their Neck ASAP.
And they GET Toe Claws, Beak and Feathers Caught in the Large Net Gauge.
Take your Time Untangling..

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing

******  As Soon As Possible Get HOLD of their Neck.. Then you will have Control.
Try to Hold from Behind their Neck.. This will Allow them to Breathe Freely.
If you Hold the Swan from Behind.. You can Position your Legs to Help Control.
One Hand on their Chest..  Be Still for a Little to let the Swans Calm Down.
Most Mute Swans Calm Down Surprisingly Quick.  Basically Submit.
Trumpeters – NO.. Expect a Struggle.

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing
******  For Cygnet 2-3 Months Old.. Medium Size Nets are Great.

NET MEDIUM for Cygnets
******  For Adult Swans you will Want the Hoop to be 20 X 24
 > > > > or Larger if Possible.
There are MANY Different Sizes and Styles.. Collapsible and Fixed Handles.

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing
******  We Interacted with Swans in Many Different Places and Circumstances.

SWAN NET MEDIUM SIZE for CYGNETs

******  There are Times when Having Longer Arms is a BIG Help.. Lighter Nets Work.
Hold your Nets Out to Help Guide a Swan to their Pond or a Location to Corral them.

Assorted SWAN NET Collection
******  We Traveled with Our Nets.  I Sleeved them with Large Plastic Bags.
This Kept them from Getting Catch on Things in our Van.
And I could Put Any Wet Nets Back in the Bags until I Got Home.
We Washed All Nets between Ponds..  Allowed them to Dry Well.
> > I DID NOT Want to Carry Any Problems from One Pond to Another.

SWAN NETS LARGER Fishing

******  POOL Leaf Skimmers have VERY LONG HANDLEs
> > > > and Small Pocket-like Nets.
THESE are GREAT for Scooping UP Tiny Cygnets that are Out on the Water.

SWAN NET POOL LEAF SKIMMER
******  Several Years we Found these Pool Skimmers at Ollie’s.

SWAN NET POOL LEAF SKIMMER
******  The Long Handle Net Below is a Simple Pool Skimmer..

SWAN NET POOL LEAF SKIMMER
******  This Net was Helpful for Placing Piles of Feed and Vegetables
> > > > OUT to Icy Areas.
Areas Too Risky to Step Closer to the Waters Icy Edge..

SWAN NET POOL LEAF SKIMMER ******
# 2.  TRANSPORT CARRIERs &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  There are LOTs of Sizes and Styles.
We Purchased our First Travel-Aire Carrier in 2007.. It has Held-up Well.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  I Lucked-Out and Found Several other Pet Carriers at Second Hand Stores.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
****** We are Able to Put TWO Large Carriers in our Van..
> > > > with the Back Seats Removed.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******
> > > Always Check that the Gate Latch is Well Seated..
> > > NO Loose Swans Please !

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  These Carriers Come Apart to Make Washing Easy.
Many of the Newer Carriers have Coated Wire Gates.. LESS-RUST.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire

******  I have Washed our Carrier Too Many Times to Count.
Cygnets and Swans are MESSY Birds..  ( Lots of Good Memories. )

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  So Far this Size Carrier has been Good for Mute Swans Up to Mature Cobs.
This Carrier would be a Good Size for an Adult Golden Retriever Dog.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  The Crate Gate is Nice to be Able to Check on the Feathered Passenger.
The Female below is a Two Year Old Mute Swan.. an Adult Swan.  Lots of Room.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  By a Pond or Lake.. the Swan can See, Smell and Look Around.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  We have Kept Several of the Swans in these Carriers OverNight..

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  The New Swan can Meet the Resident Swan while in the Carrier..
Watch for Aggression, Stalking, Biting.  Have another Plan Just in Case.
Not All Introductions are Immediate Acceptance.  Be Ready to Keep a New Swan Safe.
They may need to be Placed in a Secure Shelter for Several Days & Nights.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  You can get a Pretty Good Idea if the New Swan will be Accepted..

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  Then there are Times when it is Helpful to Put the Cob in a Safe Place..
> > > > An Aggressive – Protective Cob is Easy to Catch.
Have a Net Ready.. They Come to You. Always Put him in the Shade.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  There have been a Number of Times I Put a Swan in the Carrier
when there was Nasty Weather or High Winds..  Just to Keep them Safe.
Putting the Carrier in a Protected Place.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  The Swans are Always Happy to be Released Back to the Water.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  The Carriers are Two Shell Like Sections..
> > > > They Work as Shelters for Tiny Ones.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  Put Together We used them as Shelters
> > > > Until the Cygnets did NOT Want to be Inside.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  These Young Cygnets were So Cute.. They would Snuggle in the Carrier.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  More then Once we Had to Keep a Cygnet/Swan Quiet after Surgery.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  “Meadow” had a Toe Removed in February.. It was Too Cold Outside at Night.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  We would Take “Meadow” Outside during the Day as Much as Possible.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  He Stayed in the Carrier at Night for EIGHT Weeks.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  The Carriers Come Apart for Easy Washing.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
******  We Sat One Half Flipped Over and the Other Half Flipped Up on Top..
To Use as a Work Station for Giving Medications and Changing Dressings.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Travel-Aire
These Travel-Aire Carriers were/are Very Handy.

******  Many Folks have the Typical Wire Dog Carriers.
Use Ones Large Enough for a Golden Retriever.

SWAN TRANSPORT CARRIER Wire Dog
******  Extra Care is Suggested when Cygnets/Swans have Blood Feathers.
Line with CardBoard to Help Prevent Broken Blood Feathers.

Large Wire Dog Carrier

# 3  TRANSPORT BOXES  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

There are Many Times that Swans are Relayed from One Person to Another.
Using a Large CardBoard Box is a Good Alternative to the Carriers.
Prepare the Box for the Comfort of the Swans..
Once the Swans are at their New Home.. Toss the Messy Box Away..

Transporting Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/transporting-swans/

LARGE MUTE COBs and Trumpeter Swans May NEED EXTRA Large Boxes.

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES
******  These Boxes Work Well for most Female Mute Swans
> > > > and Cygnets 4-10 Months Old.
Some Older Male Cygnets can be BIG.. Needing LARGER Boxes..
ONLY ONE Large Swan PER BOX.

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES
******  Transport Boxes are Nice to Use and then Discard.. Swans are Messy Birds.

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES
******  To Keep a Water/Food Container Secure..
A Gallon Milk Jug Tied into the Corner WORKs !

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES
******  A Large Polyvinyl Tub Works.. Again Tied into the Corner.

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES
******  Swans are ALL Neck and Feet..
They will Knock Over an UnSecured Water Container.

SWAN TRANSPORT BOXES

******
# 4  TRANSPORT BAGS.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  These are Good for Emergency Transport.

SWAN TRANSPORT BAGS
******  The Images Above are from the United Kingdom..
They have these Swan Bags.  We need to Improvise..
A Large Duffel Bag.. Sturdy Laundry Bag.. Extra Large Gym Bag.
******

Catching a Swan and Using a Transport Bag..  This is a Helpful Video..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS17K40IVU8

******  OR Use the Idea and MAKE Your Own Transport Sacks..

SWAN TRANSPORT BAGS
******  I have Frequently Seen these Swan Wraps in YouTube Video
> > > > of U.K. Swan Rescues.

SWAN TRANSPORT BAGS

******
# 5. BODY SLEEVES &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I have a Tip to Share with You..
When we take our Swans to the Vets..
I put them into a Body Sleeve to Keep their Wings in Check..
Our Vets ALWAYs Smiles when they See our Swans in them..
Makes taking XRays Easy.. and Basic Exam Time Calm.

******  These Cloth Material Tubes are a BIG HELP to Control POWERFUL WINGs.
These Body Sleeves make our Veterinarian Visits Calmer-Safer for EveryOne !

SWAN BODY SLEEVES
We Slip these ON.. before Going into the Veterinary Office..
Take them OFF for the Ride Home..
Makes it Easier for Every One.. No One gets Whacked !
I Run these Up on my Sewing Machine..

******  It is Important to Watch for Signs of OverHeating..
> > > > Open Mouth Panting.

SWAN BODY SLEEVES

******  I USE Stretchy Knit Materials..
So it Stretches Side to Side – To Allow the Swans to BREATHE.

SWAN BODY SLEEVES
******  I Made Various Sizes..  They were a BIG Help…
I Do Miss Working with the Swans. ( 2022 )

SWAN BODY SLEEVES

******  Yep, We are Off to the Vets to have a Little Foot Checked
> > > > before Adoption to New Home.

SWAN BODY SLEEVES

******  The Body Sleeves made it Easier to Change Wound Dressings.
> > > > Especially when Treating their BIG Feet.

SWAN BODY SLEEVES

I have Found !!!  a TEE Shirt will Work.. Stitch Sleeves Shut.
Play with Different Sizes until you find a Good Fit.
You want it to Cover, Contain the Wings.. NOT TOO Tight.
WASH when Soiled and Keep for Next Time.

******  Large Bath-Beach Towels are a Big Help Controlling Wings
> > > > when Carrying a Swan.

SWAN LARGE TOWEL Multi Purpose

******

# 6.  SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 The Topic Page Below has Lots of Information about Replacement Eggs.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-replacement-eggs/

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
******  This can be a Nice Winter Craft Project.
> > > > Be Prepared for Spring Nesting.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs******

# 7. SWAN BARRIERs & REPELLING Tools  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Fewer Bruises Working with Your Hormonal Cobs.

There are Several Months During Mating and Nesting Season.. THESE HELP.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs

******  My First Attempt was an Eye Opener..  It Failed and I Learned.
The Handle was Screwed into the Padded Window Washer.. It Worked – Sorta..
It Kept the Cob from Whacking me.. He Flogged the “White” Feed Bag Cover.
The Padded End Came OFF !  And the “White” Bag Cover became his Victim.
> > > > I was Safe.. It was a Learning Experience !

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs

******  Angry Swans Try to Stomp the Air out of the Lungs
> > > > of a Weaker Swan.

******  It was Time to ReDesign my Idea..  Second Generation..
> > > > Much Better.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  A Cheap Garden Rake – With Secure Handle. < < <

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  I Trimmed this Rake.. To Fit Inside a Standard Pillow Case.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******
  Layers of Bubble Wrap – Secured with Duck Tape.  I Added an Inside Cover.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
*******  This Time I Used a Bright Busy Patterned Pillow Case for the OutSide Cover.
This was Distracting to the Cobs.  Waving these Slowly in Front of you is Distracting.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  Mature Hormonal Swan Cobs are Strong and Focused on Protecting..
Their Wings have a Powerful WHACK.. These Padded Rakes HELP !
Never HIT your Swans.  Their Bones are more Fragile then Mammals.
Use these Padded Tools to Keep the Cobs Away.. or for them to Attack..
Let the Swan WHACK the Padded Repelling Tool.. HOLD on Tight. 

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  This is the Third Generation.. A Larger Padded Repeller.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  Wrapping Handles with Some Rubber Shelf Liner IMPROVES the GRIP..

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
****** ADD EARTHTONE  Washable Material Covers..  Ready to Use.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  Just Tie the Corners.. Easy to Remove to Launder when Needed.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  We Kept these with us During the Hormonal Mating-Nesting Season.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  We Learned HOW to Work Around our Hormonal Cobs..

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  “Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Swan Cob. ”

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  It is Also Helpful to have SOMETHING to Use as a Barrier..
> > > > MY Supply Cart Worked.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  These Larger Trash Cans would be Great for a Cob to WHACK !
Plus > > You could Carry-Roll your Feed and Supplies to the Pond..

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******  WE Used a Folding Lawn Chair as a Barrier when Checking the Nest & Eggs.
I Realize I have No Images while Checking the Nest.. I was Busy Checking.

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs

******  Using an Umbrella as a Shield.. Worked with the Turkey..
BUT NOT for a Hormonal Cob.  They will “Whack” an Umbrella into Submission..

SWAN BARRIERS & REPELLING TOOLs
******
# 8.  HELPFUL THINGs for WINTER  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  Knowing the Temperature by the Water..
> > > > We know when to Turn the DeIcers ON!

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs

******  Walking on Ice Crusty Snow and Icy Areas around the Water..is Risky.
Ice Cleats that Attach to Boots and Shoes are Available at Sporting Goods Stores.
THESE Work.. Tiny Spike Grip into the Ice.
DO NOT Walk on Solid Smooth Surfaces with these.. then they are Slippery.

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs
******  A Sturdy Walking Stick is Always Helpful for Balance on Uneven Surfaces.

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs

****** TREKKING POLES are GREAT YEAR Round !

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs

******  Heated Water Dishes are Helpful when Caring for a Sheltered Swan.

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs

******  I Found this Bucket DeIcer.. It Kept our Kidde Pools from Freezing.

SWAN HELPFUL WINTER THINGs

******  These Heated Kitty Pads – Put INSIDE a THICK TRASH BAG..
> > > > are Safer then Using Heat Lamps..  These Heat to 100-101 Degrees..
Put a Little Straw on Top for the Swans to Sit on.
They Normally Regulated their Temperature through their Webbed Feet.
******
SWAN K&H HEATED PAD
******

******  A Garden Cultivator is a Sturdy Walking Stick..
> > > > and Helps to Grab Things/Trash in the Water.

SWAN CULTIVATOR POND TOOL

******
# 9.  KIDDE POOLs for Rescued Cygnets and Swans  &&&&&&&&&&&&

******  SWANs WANT to be IN WATER !   It Encourages Preening.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  I Made Step-Up Bags with Material Feed Bags Half Filled with Straw.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  The Water in Kidde Pools in Hot Summer Sun will Get Hot.. Create Shade.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  I Used a Siphon Hose to Drain the Pools..
Sink the Length of Hose IN the Pool until it is Full of Water.
Put your Thumb on One End.. and then Stretch that End to a Lower Place.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  We Modified Several Kidde Pools for Injured Swans..

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  The Tiny Cygnets could NOT get In and Out of the Regular Kidde Pool.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  Placing the Pool on a Down Hill Slope.. They have Water and Access.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  This Dear Cygnet had Severe Deformities..  We Gave it a Chance.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  The Instinct to Splash and be Wet was there..
> > > > the Cygnet Enjoyed this Play Time.
We could NOT Leave this Cygnet Alone..
She would Get UPSide Down.. and become Helpless.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  Swans LIKE their Water Dirty.. ( I Like the Water Clean. )
And the Swans would DIG HOLEs and Put the Ground in the Pools.
Finally a Heavy Tarp Helped.. Our Lawn was a Mess..  ( Which was OK.. )

SWAN KIDDE POOLs Tarp TUBs

******  We Borrowed this STEP-2 Splash Pool… It was Great for the Larger Swans.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  The Swans could Stretch and Splash.. It was Fun to Watch their Happy Bathes.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  A Vinyl Dish Pan Works as a Floating Vegetable Feeder.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  These Sister Swans.. “Brooke” and “Spring” became our Adopted Swans.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  The Girls Learned to Get Out and Drop Down on the Step-Up Bags.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  We had this Vinyl Kids Toboggan and Put it to Uses.
> > > > Just Deep Enough for the Tiny Cygnets.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs TOBOGGAN

******SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs TOBOGGAN

******SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs TOBOGGAN

******  I Found this Ducks Foot Bath Tub…  Too Cute.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs FOOT TUBs

******  We had Several Vinyl Snow Saucers.
> > > > Any Puddle of Water Works for Tiny Cygnets.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs SNOW SAUCER

******  In a Kitty Litter Pan they can GET Wet to Encourage Preening.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs KITTY LITTER PAN
******  These Storage Tubs Work..
> > > > Deep Enough to Keep the Cygnets from Climbing Out.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs STORAGE TUBs

******  These Deep Storage Tubs are Useful when Moving a Brood of Tiny Cygnets.

SWAN Cygnet Storage Tubs
******  I Know a Lady that had One Precious Cygnet Hatch..
She Gathered the Cygnet to Pinion it.  Put the Cygnet in a CardBoard Box.
After the Cygnet was Pinioned.. her Plan was to Put the Cygnet in a Shed
to Rest for a few Hours.  Sat the Box Down.. Turned to Open the Shed Door.
In that Brief Moment the Cygnet JUMPED Out of the Box.
> > > > It Crawled under the Shed.
The Distressed Woman was Never Able to Find the Cygnet.  GONE..
When we are Working with Tiny Cygnets OutSide,
> > > > we Put them in the Cat Size Carriers.

******  And then there is the Under Bed Sweater Storage Container.
> > > > This Got a Lot of Use.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs
******  This Storage Bin was Surprisingly Water Tight..

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  I did not Want our Cygnet to be Bumping or Scrapping his Damaged Foot
when Getting IN and OUT of the Regular Kidde Pool..
> > > > This Low Container was Perfect.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs

******  Often “Meadow” would Sit and Soak with his Bandaged Foot over the Side.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs SWEATER STORAGE

******  The Sprinklers Added a Little Fun..

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs SPRINKLER

******  We Enjoyed the Sprinklers as much as the Swans.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs SPRINKLER

******  This was Fun Play on HOT Summer Days.

SWAN KIDDE POOLs TUBs SPRINKLER

******  When you NEED to Get Swans OFF the Water..
> > > > Two to Three Kayaks Work the Best.
Row Boats, Canoes and Paddle Boats are TOO Clumsy.
> > > > Motored Boats ADD Injury Risks.

SWAN KAYAK CATCH RESCUE

******  Slowly Work the Swans to the Shore where there are People Waiting with Nets.

SWAN KAYAK CATCH RESCUE

******  It Can Take a Team to Safely Round-up Swans.

KAYAK SWAN CATCH
******  These Shock Alarms are a Safety Addition to any Water Environments
where there are Electric Cables in the Water..
> > > > Warning of Leaking Current in the Water.

SWAN POND SHOCK ALARMs
******
#10.  FENCING – Temporary  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  Our BackYard Enclosure was a Work in Progress.
We Needed a Temporary Safe Place to Care for our Rescued Cygnets/Swans.

SWAN FENCE WOODEN SNOW FENCING

******  “Meadow” was the First to Live with us for Months..
> > > > Many more Swans Followed.

50 Foot Rolls of this Wooden Snow Fencing are Available
> > > > at many Tractor Supply Stores.
This is 4 Foot High.. Held up Well to the Weather for 4 Years.
> > > > Then Showed Signs of Wear.

We Paid an Average of $40.00 for Each Roll.. Garden Stakes 4 to 5 Feet Apart..
One Warning.. Wear Old Clothing while Putting this Fencing Up..
> > > > When New, the Rust Colored Stain COMEs OFF !

SWAN FENCE WOODEN SNOW FENCING
******  Another Fencing we Used.. Rolls of Green Vinyl Garden Mesh Fencing.
This was Easy to Set-Up for Temporary Projects.  Like Bait and Catch Times.
Several Sizes are Available from 3 to 4 Foot High.. Rolls come in 25 Foot Lengths.

SWAN VINYL GARDEN FENCE
******  This North State Fencing System is Great if you want to Avoid Stakes..
It Comes in 6 Panel Packages.. Can be Adapted and Moved Easily..
Stands Alone on most Level Surfaces.  A Little Support is Needed on Slopes.
The Sturdy Panels can be Folded and Stored when not Needed.
With Several Years of Outside Exposure to the Sun.. these DO become Brittle.

SWAN NORTH STATE FENCE PANELs
******  The North State Fence Panels are for Land and Water..  Wash and Store.

FENCE SWAN North State
******  These Dog Play Pens will Work when you Need to Bait-Catch your Swans.
Or you Need a Temporary Barrier to Introduce a New Swan..
Or a Place for Cygnets that are about be Adopted..  Lots of Uses..

SWAN Temporary Dog Fencing

******  This is a Dog Kennel Yard Pen.. There are a Growing Selection of these OnLine.
This Needed to be Lined with a Smaller Gauge Material to Keep Small Cygnets Inside.
Free Standing.. it can be Moved to Different Areas of the Lawn as Needed.

SWAN BACKYARD DOG Cage Enclosure

******  Do a Search for “Dog Play Pens for Large Dogs.”
> > > > There are Many Types Available.

SWAN – MISCELLANEOUS  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  THE First Miscellaneous Item.. A Swan First Aid Kit.

SWAN FIRST AID KIT
******  I Keep Supplies in a Plastic Sewing Storage Box..
Various Things that Might be Needed in a Hurry.
> > > > Rubber Gloves, Assorted Bags, Scissors, Pliers, CLEAN Napkins,
> > > > Tape, Corn Starch, Antibiotic Cream..Etc.
And an Extra Pair of Glasses..  Tape Measure, Paper, Pens…Etc.

SWAN FIRST AID KIT

******  Various Sizes – Multi-Color Cable Ties are the Easiest Way
> > > > to ID Band the Swans.

SWAN CABLE TIE BANDs

******  When the Cygnets are Growing it is Good to know if they are Gaining Weight.
I Found it was Easier to Put the Wiggly Cygnets in a Plastic Bag for a Quick Weigh-in.

SWAN WEIGHING
******  This Idea Works..  The Large Dog Harnesses Allowed for a Leash.

SWAN DOG HARNESS
******  We were Able to take “Meadow” to other Ponds for a Visit
> > > > and Bring him Home.

SWAN DOG HARNESS
******  We used the Harness with Several Swans for Controlling their Movement.

SWAN DOG HARNESS
******  We do not have a Fence Around our Yard..
> > > > With the Harness I could Use a Long Lead.
> > > > I NEVER Left Any Swan Alone..
I did NOT Want to Risk them Tangling if I was Not There.

SWAN DOG HARNESS
******  The PET STEPs are Generally for Dogs Accessing a Vehicle.
But they are Workable for Pond Ramps for Swans and Cygnets Walk In and Out.
This will Reduce Erosion from the Swans Toe Claws Gripping into the Banks.

SWAN PET STEP RAMP
******  Assorted Size Bungees are VERY Handy..
> > > > REMOVE the Tiny Rubber Tips.. Discard..

MISC SWAN BUNGEE
******  A Few Lengths of Small Diameter Rope may be Useful..
******  Brushes to Clean Buckets, Bowl, Feed Containers, Muddy Shoes and Boots.

MISC SWAN BRUSHES ROPE

******  Medium Size Cable Ties are VERY Useful..  Carabiners Clips Also Helpful.

MISC SWAN CABLEs CLIPs

******  There are a Growing Number of WebSites with Swan Crossing Signs.

SWAN CROSSING SIGNs
******  These Swan Nesting Warning Signs were Privately Created..

SWAN NEST WARNING SIGNs
******  Were Ever you Visit Swans..  Along a River, Creek, Stream, Lake or Pond..

MISC VISITING SWANs
******  Take Healthy Treats for them..
> > > > I Use Empty Coffee Jars for Corn, Oats, Cereal, etc.

******  The Blue Buckets from Dollar Tree are Perfect to Carry Supplies.
Plastic Bags to Gather Trash, a Hand Towel, Pack of Tissues, Pliers, etc.
One of these Buckets is a Clean Place to Put my Camera and Extra Batteries..
There is a LOTs of Poop on the Ground where we Visit Swans – Waterfowl.

MISC BUCKETs HAT
******  Most of the Places we Visited Swans had Other Pets..
> > > > Take Treats for them TOO!

MISC SWAN TREATs
******  AND of Course.. Carry a Camera or Cell Phone with Camera.

MISC SWANs CAMERAs
******  I am So Glad we Took ALL the Photos that we Did.. Great Memories.

MISC SWANs CAMERAs
****** Having Binoculars Allows you to Watch Nesting Swans at a Distance..

MISC LOOKING for SWANs
******  Observe the Nest from a Distance..  Generally Checking them.

Help Things Caring for Swans
We Collected our Swan Care Items Over Time.. from Many Sources.

Some from WalMart  > > > >  Kidde Pools.
Sales at Sporting Goods Stores > > >  Assorted Nets.

Ollie’s… Never Know what you might Find there..
Ollie’s is where I found the Poly Vinyl Snow Saucers and Toboggan.

Garden/Nurseries Stores.. have Smaller Pond Nets..
> > > > Good for Small Cygnets.

Some Items from Second Hand Stores..
> > > > I Found Several of our Carriers there.

OH, and Dollar Tree..
> > > > Great for Poly Vinyl Dish Pans, Bowls, Scoops, etc.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Working with Swans has been a Challenge and a Joy !
Organized December 2021      (c) Linda M.Sweger
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******  Just for a Lighter Moment.  (-;   “The Pond Putter.”
An Old Golf Club to Whack Poop into the Pond.

SWAN POND POOP PUTTER
******  And Finally, “A Feather in your Cap.”

SWAN POND POOP PUTTER

” That ALL Folks.”

Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Get to Know Your Swans - Watch Them - (Comments Off on Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them)

Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them

The Information for this Page is being Organized.

Watch Your Swan

Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond

January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Before You let a Swan onto Your Pond. - (Comments Off on Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond)

Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond

Bringing Swan Home

To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.

BEFORE YOU LET GO.. Releasing New Swans to your WaterWay.
***These are just Suggestions: For you to Think About.

When we were First Caring for Swans, it was a BIG Learning Curve.
There were SO Many Things we did not Know.. It was SWAN 101
After Many Years and Many Swans, we are Still Learning..

THIS may be the Only Time you will have to Check
the General Health/Condition of your New Swan.
OR This is a GOOD Time to have a General Check-up by an Avian Veterinarian.

Bringing Swan Home

IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO KNOW AN AVIAN VETERINARIAN
Who will See Your Swans !

Bringing Swan Home

Whether you Acquire-Adopt a Swan from a Farmer, Breeder,
Private BackYard Pond or a Rescue Group..
Swans may have Injuries or Conditions that you should be Aware of..
Many Minor Conditions are Correctable.

Bringing Swan Home

*** CHECKING BASIC HEALTH AND CONDITION:
Be Gentle, Talk Softly, be CALM..
BE SURE YOU HAVE CONTROL of the New Swan. (Two People)

Bringing Swan Home
  1. Check for any Bleeding.. Cuts. STOP ANY Bleeding !
    DO NOT RELEASE A SWAN that is Bleeding ! !

A Broken Blood Feather should be Pulled..
For Minor Injuries. Apply a Little Triple Antibiotic Ointment.
For ANY Large Injury.. Ask a Veterinarian’s Advise.

Bringing Swan Home

As you Look from Head to Tail to Toe Claws…
Make sure there are NO Strings, Tape, .. Fishing Line.. HOOKs ! !

Bringing Swan Home

>>> Check that any Leg Band is NOT TOO Tight. ETC..
  REMOVE and/and or REPLACE .. if Becoming Tight..
You SHOULD be Able to Put your Little Finger Inside the Band.

BEFORE you Release Swan to your Pond
Check LEG BAND
REMOVE Anything that should NOT be Attached.

Bringing Swan Home

Gentle Pressure on each side of Mouth Hinge will Open Beak.
Check Under the Tongue – it should be a Nice Baby Pink.
If the Tongue is Light- Pale to Creamy-White Suspect Anemia.

Bringing Swan Home
Bringing Swan Home

Poor Diet may be the Cause..
YOU Can Correct with Proper Feeding

Bringing Swan Home

Parasites are a Common Reason for Anemia..
ASK VET to CHECK. A Fresh Stool Sample for Intestinal Parasites.

Internal and External Parasites are Common to Waterfowl.
It is a Good Idea to have Your Swans Treated for Parasites.

Bringing Swan Home

You Might Start by Taking a Fresh Stool Sample to your Vets to be Checked.
CALL For Instructions.

Bringing Swan Home

ALL Birds have Lice.. If there are LOTs of Body Lice.. Take Action.
A Heavy Infestation of these Blood Sucking Insects will Cause Anemia.
(Most Do not Infest People)

When you Look down into the Feathers you will see MANY Tiny Brown-Black Insects
Scurry through the Down.. The Example Below is Severely Infested.

Bringing Swan Home  Lice
Bringing Swan Home

If the Tiny Lice are Hard to Find.. Should be OK…
Good Clean Water will Help the Swan WASH these Away.

Bringing Swan Home

Bathing and Preening Healthy Swans Control the Lice Numbers.

Bringing Swan Home

For a Heavy Infestation..
We Spray Under the Wings and Down the Back with Dilute Peppermint Oil.
> > > 3-4 Drops of the Peppermint Oil in a Pint of Fresh Water.

Bringing Swan Home

OR An Organic Pet Spray.. Containing Safe Oils..

Bringing Swan Home

Do NOT Spray their HEAD or EYEs..
The Swan will Preen the Oil through their Feathers.

Bringing Swan Home

The Peppermint Oil will not Kill the Lice..
The Lice do not like the Peppermint Odor and JUMP OFF..

Bringing Swan Home

Check the Vent/Cloaca.. if there is a Crusty Yuck..
Not just Poop from being in the Transport Carrier..

Bringing Swan Home

Gently Wash with * Room Temp Water..
If the Cloaca looks Sore or Swollen.. Ask your Vet for Recommendations..

Bringing Swan Home
  1. Check for an Impaction under the Tongue… if Present – Remove.
    These lift out. Gently push up under Chin.. LIFT OUT. (Discard)
    These are Wads of Tough Grass Fibers, Mud, Sand, Tiny Stones.
    They cause a Bulge under the Chin. These are NOT Tumors.
    If these Impactions get TOO Large, it makes Swallowing Difficult.
Bringing Swan Home

Under Tongue-Chin Impaction
https://swanlovers.net/category/under-tongue-chin-impaction/

Bringing Swan Home
  1. Look at Both Eyes – They should look Healthy, no Sores or Swollen Tissues or Cloudiness.
Bringing Swan Home

Some Swans have very Pink Conjunctiva and this will show around the Eye.
This is Normal as long as it is not Swollen.

Bringing Swan Home
Bringing Swan Home

When the Swan Blinks, you will see the “Third Eye Lid.”
The Nictitating Membrane Closes during Flight to Protect their Eyes.
It also Closes when they are Grazing under the Water.

Bringing Swan Home
Bringing Swan Home
  1. Check the Wings that they are OK. No Strange Bends or Trauma.
    A few Damaged Feathers are to be Expected.
    If any Feathers are Bleeding Pull them OUT.
Bringing Swan Home
  1. Check the Wing that is Pinioned. Be sure One is. Note Which.
    I Get Calls from Anguished Swan Folks that their New Swan Flew Away ! !
    They were TOLD the Swan was Pinioned. OOPs !!!
Bringing Swan Home

PINIONED or FULL-Wing This Page will Help you become Familiar.
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioned-or-full-wing/

Bringing Swan Home

If not Pinioned: Clip Most of the Primary Flight Feathers.. ONE WING !
(Unless done) to keep the Swan from Flying off. Grounded

*** BE SURE YOU Know when to Clip/when to Pull.
NEVER Cut a Feather with Blood in the Shaft – Pull it.

Clipping/Pulling is only a Temporary Grounding Method.

Bringing Swan Home

New Flight Feathers will Grow-in Over Time
and Your Beautiful Swan may just Fly Away on a Breezy Day ! !

Bringing Swan Home

It is WISE to Purchase Swans that are Properly Pinioned. When Possible.
Full-Wing Swans also Need Homes.. If you are Willing to Keep them Grounded.

Clipping Captive Swan Pets
https://swanlovers.net/category/clipping-captive-swan-pets/

  1. Check Legs… any ID Leg Bands… Record Information.
    Make sure the ID Band is NOT TOO TIGHT !
    If you are Planning to place a Leg Band or Wing ID Clip
    .. DO it NOW. Having Some ID on your Swans –
    Especially New Ones.. A Bright Colored Cable Tie. RED is Easy to See.
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Having a Leg Band HELPs if you need to Look for a Wandering Escapee.
Hopefully, if Someone Else Finds your Swans they will Know it is a PET..

> > > and NOT a Feral – Rogue Swan to be Destroyed.

OR Put some GREEN Magic Marker on WING FEATHERS.
Stay with the New Swan the First Day… CHECK OFTEN..
Just in Case the Swan would Leave.. YOU Need to Prove it is a Pet.

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A Chaperon Fence for a Few hours.. Help New Swans to Settle in..

(Some Breeder/Owners have “Micro Chips” put in.. by their Veterinarian.)
I would not be Surprised in the Future to learn Tiny GPS Devices
may be used to help locate Domestic Swans.
Some Day… as this Technology becomes more Available..

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Look at the Feet.. any Cuts..?? Damage ?? Missing Claws.??

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  1. Check the Heels and Bottoms of their Big Webbed Feet.
    Look for Bumble Foot Sores.
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These may Need to be Treated. DO NOT IGNORE these Sores.

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  1. Feel Under the Breast Curve toward the Abdomen.
    The Keel Bone should not be Prominent, when a Swan’s Weight is OK.
    The Breast Muscles should be even or a little Rounded..
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It is Good to See Water Beading on the Feather.. Water Proofing Looks Good.

The Cygnet Below has Lost most of his WaterProofing.
He will Chill Easily.. you may see Shivering.
May NEED Sheltering on Cold Days and Nights.
Daily Bathing and Preening will Help to Restore the WaterProofing.

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When the Keel Bone is Prominent/Protrudes the Swan is Underweight.

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Minor Conditions will Correct with Time and Good Care.

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  1. This is a GOOD Time to give at least One Dose of Worming Medication.
    You might consider taking a Fresh Stool Sample for an Ova & Parasite Evaluation.
    -The Fresher the Better.
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Watch for ANYTHING to MOVE in their Stool.
You DO NOT Want to Introduce an Unknown Problem to your Environment.
The LIST of Possible Parasites is TOO Long for this Topic Page.
Swans can become Infected with the Same Heart Worms Folks Treat their Dogs for.
Humm.. Think about Annual Check and Treatment if Needed.

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For One Move of our Swans: They had been Spending Time on a Pond
that had been used for 30 Years for Shot Gun Hunting of Ducks and Geese.

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I KNOW how the Swans like to Dig into the Mud for Tiny Insects and Tender Plants..
They can Easily Ingest Shot Gun Pellets. A Potential of Lead Poisoning.

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I Arranged for a Veterinary Visit between Ponds when we Moved them..

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AND had all of them XRayed to Check for any Metal in their Gizzard.
Lead Shot will not Pass through their Intestines.
Metal Stays in their Gizzard and Slowly Dissolves Poisoning them..

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They were Treated for External and Internal Parasites, Oral and Injections..

YEAH ! ! NO LEAD SHOT.. OFF to their New Pond..

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***These are just Suggestions: For you to Think About.

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If your Swan came Across State Lines.. or by Air Shipping..
If there is a “Health Certificate” and/or DNA-Sex Certificate
keep these with other Papers about the New Swan.
Where the Swan Came from, Age… etc.
Years from now, you may want to know these things.

Keep a Record of Your New Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/keeping-a-record-for-your-new-swans/

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This is a Work in Progress. Organized – UpDated (c) May 2021
Linda M. Sweger – PA SwanLover Linda
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