June 21st, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Mute Swans - Royal vs Polish - (Comments Off on Polish and Royal Mute Swans)
( Just Color Variants)
The MUTE SWANS may be divided by Color Variation. The Black-Legged Swans are ROYALS and come from Great Britain. The Beige-Legged Swans are called POLISH Swans and they are from Eurasia.
Depending on the Parents Genetics.. you can have BOTH in the Same Brood.
From Late April through June, Mute Swan Cygnets are Hatching all over the Place.. and I get Questions about the Different Colors of the Cygnets.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
This Topic Page will Basically be Images – Examples.. To Read more about the Royal and/or Polish.. there are Topic Pages about them.
Polish Mute Swans have Beige/Light Brown Legs and Feet, their Beaks are more Orange then Red.
Polish Mute Cygnets are Light Cream to White with Pink/Beige Feet. Polish Mute Cygnets/Swans will have the Pale Foot Color for life. The Polish Males Feet are more Brown then Black.
The Cygnets below are from a Mixed Mute Pair.. Above is their Polish Dam.
Below is the Cygnets’ Royal Sire.
Royal Mute Swans have very Black Feet and almost Red Beaks.
Royal Mute Cygnets are a Smoky Blue-Gray-Brown Color their Beaks are Black and their Legs and Feet are VERY Dark to Black..
These 5 Cygnets are 5 Days Old. We Stopped to Help Pinion them.. Success.
When Polish Cygnets are Raised Out on the Water with their Parents they are the most Vulnerable to Predation.. They are EASY to See. – The Preying of One Animal on others.
A Red-tailed Hawk was Observed Carrying One Polish Cygnet Away.
Within a Few Days the Other Polish Cygnet was Gone.
Hawks and Owls are Feeding their Young at the Same Time of Year… that Mute Swan Cygnets Hatch.. Swans are Almost Helpless to Protect their Tiny Cygnets.
Two Days after this Visit we got a Call asking us to Come and Remove the Two Remaining Royal Cygnets…. to Save them.. These Tiny Royal Cygnets were 18 Days Old.
There seems to be a Fair Number of Polish Swans in Central PA..
The Cygnets below were Unrelated Rescues.. One Female – One Male.
They were able to Grow Together.. We Planned for them to be a Pair. Sadly, the Polish Female developed a Heart Infection.. and Died.
These are Other Unrelated Polish and Royal Mute Swan Cygnets..
I Personally like to have One of Each.. It is So Difficult to Tell many Swans Apart.. Their Knobs change Size during the Years.. Many Times Owners are not sure Which Swan is the Male or their Female. Especially, when they are Alone.
Having One Polish and One Royal.. makes this Easier.. You can SEE the Color of their Legs… just above the Water..
Then there are Same Sex Pairings.. These Swans REALLY Look Alike..
When we would Stop to Visit the Young Royal Male NestMates above… I could not tell them Apart. Their Family could not Either.. Just Calling them “The Boys.”
Driving Home after a Visit.. I kept thinking… they are Like Identical Twins.
I Started to Refer to them as “Castor” and “Pollux.” The Gemini Twins.
When there are Royal and Polish Male NestMates from the Same Brood.. it is Nice to keep them Together. For People who want a Same Sex Male Pair.
When I Pinioned these Rescued Cygnets.. I Sent their Removed Wing Tips for the DNA-Sex Determination. Each Cygnet was Color Banded to Identify them.. Leg Bands were Changed as they Grew. Make SURE Leg Bands do NOT get TIGHT !
Around 12 Weeks (80 – 86 Days) we can Send Feathers for the DNA-Sex Determination.
DNA Results are Back.. We can Start to Arrange for their Forever Homes.
During the First Winter the Royal Cygnet will become more and more White.
These Young Males were doing Well Together.. They Could have Lived together for Many Years.. Sadly, Fishing Injuries Ended this Pairing.
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Having Two Female… Do NOT Need to be NestMates.
Both the Royal and Polish Juvenile Females are White by 14-16 Months Old.
The Females below.. I can Tell them Apart by their Pinioned Wings.
The Main Concern when you have Two Females a Companions.. They can not Protect themselves during Nesting. They are VULNERABLE. You Need to Think of Ways to Improve their Safety from Predators..
HUM-M-m-m… The More Time I got to Spend with Swans.. I did Notice there are not Just Two Color Variants.. but a Third.. a Blend.
There is a Royal – a Polish – and a Cappuccino Colored Cygnet.
From Reading – No Special Designation is Made for the Cappuccino Cygnets. They are Classified as Royal – Their Plumage will be Similar to the Royals.
Our Little “Summer” has a DARK Beak and Pale Grey Legs..
“Meadow’s” Legs and Feet Stayed Light Grey.. Did Not Becoming Dark..
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I think ALL Swans are Wonderful.. – Including Hormonal Cobs.
They all have Different Personalities and Bring Much Joy to those who Love and Care for them.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& *********************************************************************** These are Swan and Cygnet Images Snapped over the Many Years we have been Enjoying Swans. Collected by Linda M. Sweger & Robert B. Job UpDated May 2021 *********************************************************************** Below are More Photo Images of Royal and Polish Cygnets. They were Fun.
June 10th, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Black Australian Swans - (Comments Off on The Australian Black Swans)
COMMON NAME: Black Swan KINGDOM: Animalia PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Aves ORDER: Anseriformes FAMILY: Anatidae SUBFAMILY: Anserini
GENUS SPECIES: Cygnus (swan) atratus (clothed in black) ”Atratus” translates into “Dressed in Black.”
My / Our Experience with the Black Australian Swans has been Limited.. We have Visited various Pair.. Enjoyed Observing them.
And we Tried to Rehabilitate Several.. without much Success. We did what we could to give them a Chance to Heal and Improve.
I have not Checked Various States if there are Any Prohibitions for having Black Australian Swans as Captive Pets.
In Pennsylvania there are NO Restrictions to Own or Breed them..
I am not Aware of Any States Restricting Ownership. If there is a Concern.. Check with your States Department of Agriculture. And, Or your State’s WildLife Services.. WaterFowl Specialists.
I am Going to Share some Basic Information.. Not much about the Wild – Free Black Australian Swans.
This Species of Swan has Dark-Black Plumage with White Feathers in their Wings easily seen during Flight.
Their Wing Span Averages One and a Half to Two Meters. ( Estimate – Five to Six Feet)
The Cobs have a more Pronounce Ruffling of their Back to Tail Feathers..
Female Black Swans tend to hold their Necks in a Slight Curve.
And the Mature Cobs tend to have the Longest Necks among the Swan Species.
The Elongated Neck enables the Black Swans to reach Deep into the Water to Feed on Algae and other Aquatic Vegetation.
Their Beak is more Red with a White Band near the Tip.
And the Iris of their Eyes is a Bright Red.
I Realized that I could Suspect Anemia by the Color of their Iris. Anemia may be Caused by External or Internal Parasites. Blood Loss after an Injury.. Chronic Infection or a Poor Diet..
Their Legs and Webbed Feet are Dark Grey-Black.
Males – Cobs Average 18 – 20 Pounds Females – Pens Average 10 – 14 Pounds
Life Span.. from Reading.. With Good Luck and Health. 40 Years is Possible. I have No Experience with this. 10 Years seems more Realistic.
Migrating Canada Geese Line the Rim of this Public Lake..
I have Never heard any Owner of Black Swans say they are Good for Controlling the Canada Geese that are a Problem on many Ponds.
The Black Swan is the most Social and least Territorial of all Swans. There are Exceptions.. All Swans have their Own Personality.
NATURAL DIET: Herbivores, Eating mainly Aquatic Vegetation In Captivity as Pets.. the General Swan Feed Mixtures is Good. They will Live on Ponds and Lakes with Natural Vegetation.
In the Colder Regions.. Pennsylvania Included.. The Black Australian Swans may need Sheltering during the Colder Nights. They are Smaller and more Willing to be inside out of the Direct Cold.
If your Swans, any Swans are Sheltering, be SURE to Secure the Door or Opening at Night.. Inside a Structure they are Trapped. Vulnerable.
Healthy Adults are OK out on Open Water during the Day… Happier Inside on Icy Cold Nights.
Cygnets that Hatch in the Fall will need Shelter at Night through most Cold Winter Months. Remember to RAISE the Heat Lamps as they Grow.
Heat Lamps make me NERVOUS !! Use with Great Care… Chances are you will not have Fire Detection in your Out Buildings.Shelter Swans
In the Wild they would EAT LOT of Water Insects and Small invertebrates. Feeding mostly from the Water’s Surface.
The Cygnet above is NOT WaterProof… he is WET !!!
When Cygnets are NOT Raised on a Pond.. They need Pool Time to Encourage Preening.. to Aid and Improve their WaterProofing..
Black Swans will Play in any Puddle of Water. They will do OK on a Slightly Small Pond then the Larger Mutes and Trumpeter Swans.
I have not had an Opportunity to Observe Black Australian Cygnets Raised on the Pond with their Parents.. Only Hand Raised Cygnets.
The Cygnets are Too Easily taken by Predators. The Spring Brood Hatch during Chilly-Chilly March Weather.
And the Fall Brood are not Developed enough to be Outside in our Cold Winter Months.
They need to be Sheltered. Hard to do with the Parent.. who will do better out on the Pond in Cool Moderate Weather.
If they were able to Live with their Parents, they will Ride on their Parent’s Back for Longer Trips around their Waterways.
The Cygnets have Gray Down for Three to Four weeks.
Then the Beautiful Smoky Black-White Tips Feathers Emerge.
Their First True Feathers are Dark Smoky Brown not as Black as the Mature Adults.
The Male Cygnet above is about 3 Months Old. Growing Nicely.
The Beaks of Black Cygnets seem to go through some Color Variations as they Mature to the Bright Red and White.
The Cygnets need to be Ready for Life on their Own by 14-16 Weeks.. Rehoming-Adoption at 5 to 6 Months is Workable..
Since there are Fewer Black Swans being Raised.. It is a Challenge to Arrange Young Unrelated Pairs.
It is a Good Idea to seek others who have and Raise Black Australian Swans.. then Network with them..
It is Common for Pairs to be from the Same Brood.. Not a Healthy Practice. Genetic Diversity Produces Healthier Swans.
When the Adults are Ready to Start another Nesting.. I have no Experience if Two Different Broods will be OK staying with the Parent.
From Reading, it is often Stated that Cygnets will Remain with their Parents for Nine Month before they Fledge and become Independent.. Suggesting Two Broods are in the Parents’ Care at the Same Time.
Most Folks who have Captive Pet Black Swans, Arrange for New Homes for each Brood of Cygnets..
It would be Reasonable to Spoil some Clutches of Eggs.. to Limit the Number of Cygnets. There are Options..
When Black Swans are Allowed to Pair at Will.. There are Frequently Two Females and One Male.
They seem to enjoy being a Threesome.
How & Who will Breed.. ?? I do not have that Experience..
It Suggests.. One Female is a Spare.?? A “Nanny.” If something Happens to the Nesting Female, the other Female will take over the Nest.
?? Both Females share Caring for the Cygnets. One being the “Nanny.”
I can not find anything in Reading about this.. so, this might have been my Observation Experience.
After their Breeding Season the Adults Moult and are unable to Fly for about a Month. The Females Moult First, several Weeks later the Males start their Moult.
I do not know if they Moult Twice a Year.. Or just after One of their Two Nestings… ??? Spring
The Right Wing of the Right Black Swan is Pinioned.. Most White Flight Feathers are Missing.
To Care for Captive Pet Black Swans Pinioning is Suggested. If they are able to Fly.. they may simply Fly Away.
They have Little Chance of Surviving a Feral Life in Pennsylvania..
The Black Australian Swans will Live and Build their Nests in a Colony if their Water Environment will Support their Numbers..
If their Water Environment is not Flushing with Clean Water and you see Fecal Material Floating on the Surface, this is not a Healthy Place. Too many Waterfowl… will FOUL a Smaller Pond.
Males do most of the Defending and Chasing off of “Enemies.”
Territorial Disputes seem Less Severe.. Not sure how to word this.. There is more Posturing between Rival Males then “Out and Out” Battling..
The Black Swan Cobs average Weight is 18 to 20 Pounds.. Mute Swan Cobs can be 28 to 30 Plus Pounds..
BUT, we have Witnessed and there are Internet YouTube Video Clips.. of the Black Cobs being more Fierce and Aggressive toward the Larger Mutes.
There is a “Pecking Order” on most Bodies of Water among the Waterfowl.. Black Australian Males like to the at the Top of Order.. They can be Surprisingly Aggressive. – The Pond Bully.
The Black Swan NestMate Males will also become Compatible Pairs. If you Prefer NOT to deal with Nesting Twice a Year, Two NestMate Males Might be worth Considering.
We / I have had Fun visiting with Black Australian Swans..
We have tried to Rehabbed / Cared for Several.. My Experience is Limited.
I Hope I have not Misrepresented their General Behavior.
As I Read various OnLine Articles, I can see that each Swan Owner has their own Experiences and Observations.
General Fact Articles about the Black Australian Swans, seem to be largely “Cut and Paste” Information.
The BeautyofBirds.com has a Nice Fact Article..
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& I am about to do the Same Thing…. Just a Little “Cut and Paste” History BackGround..
Before European Explorers had reached Australia, it was believed that all Swans were White.
Dutch Mariner, Antounie Caen, was the first to be Amazed at the Sight of Australia’s Black Swans on the Shark Bay in 1636.
Explorer Willem de Vlamingh Captured two Black Swans from Australia’s Swan River and Brought them back to Europe to prove their Existence.
During the Nineteenth Century, the original Western Australian Colony was called “the Swan River Settlement.”
In 1973, the Black Swan was Officially Proclaimed as the “Bird Emblem” of the Government of Western Australia and now appears on their State Flag.
Black Swans are still found Living Wild and Free in various Wetland Habitats in Australia and Tasmania. There are some Black Swans Living Free in the Regions of Sweden.
Within Australia they are Nomadic, with Erratic Migration Patterns dependent upon Climatic Conditions. Like other Swans they need Open Water during the Colder Months.
The Black Swans were Hunted to Extinction in New Zealand, but later Reintroduced.
In Victoria (Australia) and Tasmania they have caused enough Crop Damage that the Government has established a short Hunting Seasons to Control their Numbers.
In the United States, there is No Mention of Feral Black Swans. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The Australian Black Swan have a Rare Color Variation. It is known as Silver or Merle Swan.
Knox Swan and Dog has a Breeding Program in place to try and get a Pure Strain of Silver Swans.
The Plan is to get enough Swans with the Silver Gene to match up in Breeding Pairs to produce the Silver Swans.
If you know anyone who has an Australian Swan with this Rare Color Various Bob Knox would like you to Contact him..
The Few Images included are All from the Internet..
Knox Swan & Dog LLC (847) 875-3947 www.canadiangoosecontrol.com
https://www.canadiangoosecontrol.com/contact-us/ Send Message 75 Saddle Tree Lane, North Barrington, IL 60010
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**************************************************************** The General Information is a Blend of my Experiences and Reading. Compiled by Linda M. Sweger – June 2020 ****************************************************************
I Love this Image.. I Wish I could Identify the Photographer.. Lovely.
June 4th, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on FISHING and SWANs.. NOT a GOOD MIX)
I Understand that Fishing is an Activity Enjoyed by Many.
I am not Going to Bash or Complain about the Sport of Fishing.. It seems to be a Popular Way to Spend Time Outside.
To Enlarge Right Click Image – Open in a New Tab.
FISHING: If you Allow Anyone to Fish in Your Pond.. Ask them to be EXTREMELY Careful with Fishing Line, Sinkers and Hooks..
It is Safest for your Captive Pet Swans if NO Fishing is Allowed..
I am Always Happy to See Ponds Designated “NO FISHING.”
The BRIGHT Red Bobber… Someone was Fishing.. on a NO Fishing Pond.
The Pond or Lake Your Swans Live on.. is their Home.
What is Difficult to Accept is the Careless Disregard for the Environment by Some – Not All – People who Fish..
Fishermen Say they Love the OutDoors.. > > > Why do they Trash It. ? ?
Mute Swans get Blamed for All Kind of Negative Impacts on the WaterWays they Live on.. But, this is Not Swan Waste..
THIS is People TRASH ! !
I Want to Share with Folks interested in Having Swans what Can Happen if Fishing Hooks, Lines and Sinkers are Left in the Water where your Captive Pet Swans and other Water Birds Live.
Your Domestic Ducks and Geese will Also Suffer Injuries that Mangle them.
This Female Mallard became Entangled in a SIX-Pronged Barbed Hook. She was First Hooked in the Webbing of her Foot. Trying to Free Herself with her Beak, her Tongue became Impaled. She was Lucky, Found, Helped and Released.
Discarded Fishing Line Around the Leg of this Goose was Cutting in so Deeply, Saving the Leg was Questionable.
One Hook can Destroy the Future of an Entire Family.
WHAT YOU CAN NOT SEE ! ! An X-RAY of a Duck that Swallowed a Fishing Hook. This would Required Risky Surgery to Remove. Outcome Unknown.
If an Unfortunate Swan/Cygnet Swallows a Fishing Hook OR any Bird or Waterfowl… The SOONER it is Removed the Better the Chance that no Long Term Harm or Death will occur.
One of these Young Cygnets Swallows a Length of Fishing Line.. The Owners CUT the Line at his Beak and Released him. NO Plan to Find Out if there was a Hook or to Help him.. “He is a Wild Creature. God will take Care of him..”
My Heart SANK, when I learned they turned the Cygnet out to their Pond.
DO NOT CUT FISHING LINE SHORT – there MIGHT be a HOOK… This will Aid finding the Hook.. Leave several Inches Visible.
VERY GENTLY – Touch the Neck all around to feel for any Lump that might be the location of a Hook.
The Bird or Animal will BEST be helped by a Veterinarian.
We Arranged with the County Cruelty Officer for this Cygnet to be Removed from the Farm. He was Taken to a Veterinarian for Help. His Weight was 40 % below what he should have Weighed.
There is NO WAY: WITHOUT an X-RAY No way to know how Large the Hook is.. No way to know how the Hook is Oriented.. No way to know how Far Down the Hook has Gone.. NO WAY to know how many Barbs the Hook has..
Fishing Hooks will Dissolve/Rust over time.. Depending on the Size, this can take Weeks to Months.. Dissolving Metals will S-L-O-W-L-Y be Absorbed.. Heavy Metal Poisoning.
This Tiny Cygnet was Barely OUT of the Nest and it is HOOKED !
In the MEANTIME: As the Swan/Cygnet moves about the Hook Barbs may change its Position and Location. Swans Twist their Necks to Drink, Eat and Preen.. It will likely cause PAIN as it Stabs into Tender Tissues.
Throat Tissues may become Swollen, Sore and Ulcerate. High incidents of Infection.. Bacteria – Fungus.. Necrosis.
A Swallowed Fishing Hook may cause Chronic to Severe Bleeding.. Especially, if it Punctures a Carotid Artery or Jugular Vein. Massive Bleeding, Loss of Blood to their Brain. Obstructive Blood Clots. Many Fatal Potentials.
Plant Material, which Swans Try to Eat, may be Caught and Choke the Cygnet/Swan. Prevent Eating – High Risk of Starving.
Hook Barbs may migrate to the Trachea – cause Airway Obstruction, Bleeding into their Lungs. Painful Fatal Outcome.
Hook Barbs may migrate to their Neck Vertebrae. Damage Nerves-Impair Function. Imagine the PAIN.
By the time the Swan/Cygnet is in Distress from a FISHING HOOK, it will be more difficult to Save them. The Longer the FISHING HOOK is in the Throat the more Treatment will likely be needed. Poor Prognosis.
This Young Cygnet was Lucky. He was Rescued and taken for Help. He did not have a Fishing Hook in his Esophagus.. BUT, he did have a Wad of Balled-up Fishing Line in his Gizzard. The Line was Abrading the Lining of his Gizzard, causing Bleeding. The Fishing Line was Removed, Treated with Antibiotics, Time to Recover and Gain Weight.. Adopted to New Home.
A FISHING Hook is Literally a TIME BOMB waiting to Kill any Bird or Animal that Swallows one.
Use GREAT CARE when Capturing a Swan/Cygnet that may have ingested a Fishing Hook. Do your BEST not to handle the Neck. Keep Stress as LOW as Possible.
If you SEE Fishing Line Hanging from a Swan’s Mouth… DO NOT CUT the Line. – Leave several Inches Visible. Find a Way to KEEP it from being SWALLOWED Further. Your VET will have a BETTER Chance of Removing the HOOK.
The Young Swan Cygnet Below was Rescued – Not Saved.. Died.
Carelessly Discarded Fishing Line, Hooks and Lead Sinkers have been Responsible for “Way Too Many” Waterfowl Deaths..
Painful Tissue Injuries might be Treated after Days of Bleeding when Infections have started..
What you are Seeing is a Result of FISHING.. and NOT being Responsible for Fishing Line.. and HOOKs !
The Pain and Stress the Swans Endure May Contribute to a Poor Outcome..
At a Pond that was to be Designated “No Fishing” – Public Fishing Continued.
The Young Swans on this Pond were Hooked and Injured Several Times.
We Arrange for a Rescue to Occur on a Wednesday.. A Veterinarian Appointment was Made for that Evening.
The Owner Arranged for Someone to Shoot the Juvenile Swan on Tuesday. They were Tired of all the Expensive Veterinary Bills..
The Young Swan was a Victim Twice.. through NO Fault of his. So Sad.
They did Allow the Rescuers to Collect his Brother. We found a New Home.
The Line was Caught on Rocks.. Luckily the Swan Pulled Free.. We Could Not get Hold of her.. The Hook Eventually Rusted Off.
The Saga of a Rescued Swan.. Who Knows how Long she was Hooked.
This Swan’s Leg was Not Ok.. She Struggled to Walk.. Victim of a Hook.
SINKERs: Lead Poisoning is a BIG Problem for Wild and Domestic Waterfowl.
Swallowed Lead will Slowly Cause Toxic Heavy Metal Poisoning. Difficult and Time Consuming to Treat.
Over the Years, we have Talked with Pond Families and Helped Rescue Way TOO Many Swans and Cygnets Entangled-Snagged by Fishing Hooks, Lines.. So Far No Sinkers or Shot Gun Lead.
Distressed Swan Rescued after having Tongue Impaled by Discarded Fishing Hook.
Some Hooks will Come OUT Easily.. Some Hooks Embed Deeply.. Cause Bleeding and Pain.
These are the Painful Punctures Suffered by a Swan in the U.K. after Swallowing Fishing Line attached to TWO Hooks.
Fishing Line Tangles Wings, Legs, Necks.. Tissue Damage and Permanent Injuries are Common.
One of their Four Month Old Cygnets was Tangled, Struggling Likely Broke her Wing. She Died during the Night, before she could get to the Vet’s Office.
There are many Sad Stories I could share.. “PiP” is Another One. -He was between 4 – 5 Months when Rescued. A Caring Team of People spent Months Helping him Recover. Thanks to All.
He was Lucky to Survive his Encounter with Fishing Line.
Any Waterfowl, Birds… and other Animals can become Tangled in Fishing Line left in their Living Environment.. Fishing Line is Strong and does not breakdown..
He was Found with his Foot Tangled with Fishing Line. His Struggling to Free himself caused Mutilation of his Left Foot’s Webbed Tissues.
When Rescued, the Damaged Tissues were Surgically Removed. All the Network of Blood Vessels between his Toe Digits were Damaged.
It was Over a Year before he was Ready for Adoption to a New Home.
The Primary use of Webbed Feet is for Paddling through Water.
Webbed Feet have more Surface Area to Push Water Backwards and thus Propelling the Waterfowl Forward.
The Large Network of Blood Vessels in the Webbing is Important to Aid Waterfowl Regulate their Body Temperature.
This Nasty Damage will Affect his Life.. He will Need to Adapt. His Foot will Sink into Soft Muddy, be more Easily Cut.
Entangled Waterfowl Can NOT Fly, Swim, Forage for Food or Protect Themselves from Predators. Tightening Constriction around the Body can cause Suffocation.
If Fishing Line gets Wrapped and Tight enough it can AMPUTATE Legs, Wings,etc. The Poor Helpless Tangled Animals can easily Starve if it does not get help.. While causing Gangrene as a Body Part Slowly Dies.
Another Young Swan’s Life has been Changed.. Forever.
Once Tangled in Fishing Line, the Line Tightens to the Point it Cuts through the Skin and into the Bone.
Infections incur, Circulation is Cut Off Resulting in Amputation.
A Little Local was Given to Finish the Amputation..
This is Where the Leg was Damaged – No Hope to Repair.
She will Not be Able to Walk.. Swans are Too Large to Hop on One Leg.
It is Hard to think about this Live Bird Suffering Endless Hours for over 2 – 3 Weeks – Alone in Pain and Scared. – I do not have Words..
A Series of Dedicated People Tended Tirelessly to Help this Young Swan Recover.
An Experienced Rehab Angel in Florida.. Welcomed this Young Female. Close to Round the Clock Care.. Weeks of Therapy.
In the End, the Swan kept Trying to Stand to Preen.. Then Plop-down on her Abdomen. The Abdomen Skin was Bruised Over and Over.. Damaged beyond Healing. If this Swan would have Stayed in the Water, she might have had a Chance. Her Loss was Heart Wrenching for Everyone who Tried so Hard to Save her.
Birds/Swans often Pick-up Fishing Line to put in their Nest. This may have a Fatal Outcome for the Cygnets.
The Trumpeter Swan Parents Could Do Nothing to Help their Cygnet.
***************** Do a Simple Internet Search for ** Images Swan Fishing ** *****************
WaterFowl Do NOT have TEETH..
They Ingest their Food in Bites that can be Swallowed. Swans are Vegetarians and Eat a Diet with Lots of Tough Fiber.
These Foods Need to be Ground into Smaller Bits that will Pass into their Digestive System.
Most Waterfowl Swallow Small Bits of Gravel that Act as “Teeth” in their Gizzard, Breaking Down the Tough Plant Fibers thus Helping Digestion.
Ingested Fishing Line can cause Intestinal Blockage and Bleeding. Balled-up Wads of Line will Churn in the Gizzard Muscle.. Pain and Bleeding..Slow Starvation..
Not Being a Person who Goes Fishing.. I am Using Wikipedia for the Following Information..
A Fishing Sinker or Knoch is a Weight used in Conjunction with a Fishing Lure or Hook to increase its Rate of Sink, Anchoring Ability, and/or Casting Distance.
A Lead Fishing Sinker is a Weight used to Sink a Lure or Bait to the Bottom of the Waterway.
Sinkers are Formed into many Shapes for Diverse Fishing Applications. Depending on the Metals.. Swallowed Sinkers will Poison Waterfowl.
Most Fishing Sinkers are made of Solid Lead. Lead are Inexpensive to Produce and Mold into a Large Variety of Shapes for Specific Fishing Applications.
Fishing Sinkers may be as Small as 1 Gram for Applications in Shallow Water, and even Smaller for Fly Fishing Applications, or as Large as Several Pounds or Considerably more for Deep Sea Fishing.
There are many Environmental Concerns Surrounding the use of Lead and other Materials in Fishing Sinkers. Lead in Fishing Sinkers causes Lead Poisoning in WildLife.
Anglers should be Careful when using Lead Sinkers and if at all Possible Never Leave Lead Sinkers in the Environment they are Enjoying.
Any Lead Fishing Items Swallowed by Waterfowl will Slowly Poison the Birds.. There are MANY Articles onLine..
Treating and Saving a Swan Suffering from Lead Poisoning is a Long Process.. if Successful.
When I see Fishing on a Pond or Lake where Swans are Living.. I feel myself Tense – Cringe .. Immediate Worry.. Too Many Sad Stories.
A Clean, Litter Free Environment Benefits All.
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WildLife would be Happy to See these Signs..
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Thoughts, Information and Memories Collected – June 2020 A Unfortunate Work in Progress. (C) Linda M.Sweger &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
We can Share the Great OutDoors.
Fishing, Boating, Enjoying Wildlife Safely.
Did you know you can Recycle your Used Fishing Line?
The Fishing Line Recycling Unit above was Installed by an Eagle Scout as a Community Service Project for a Large Lake Community. GREAT IDEA.
We hope more Fishing Folks will Use this Type of Recycling.
Do a Search for: Fishing Line Recycling Program
Fishing Line will be Sent Back to be Recycled into Fish Habitats.
There are Products to Help Fisher Folks Recover Line.. and Hooks.
I Learned that there are Effort to Provide Ways to ReClaim and Dispose of Hooks, Lines and Fishing Stuff… Please Help Reduce the Suffering.
May 21st, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Common Swan Injuries - (Comments Off on There are Common Swan Injuries)
Caring for an Injured Swans is a LOTs of WORK !!! Try to Avoid the Common Injuries.
There Can be Countless Types of Injuries. Many are JUST Bad Luck – Unforeseen.
This Cob was Hit by a Boat Oar Breaking his Wing – Compound Fracture, when a Person got TOO Close to his Female and Cygnets.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
Swans are Curious Creatures and will Find the Darnest Ways to get Hurt.
The Broken Window in this Shed is a Hazard.
Both of these Images are from a UNITED KINGDOM WebSite:
Below a Partial Discard Can was Lodged into this Swan’s Lower Beak and Tongue. The Swan’s Suffering Could Easily be Avoided. Please DISPOSE of Human Litter Responsibly.
Swans Have Very Good Eyesight. Swans Locate their Food by Sight – Less by Smell.
Swan Eyes are Located on the Sides of their Head, which Aids Spotting Predators.
But the Trade-off for their Wide Peripheral Vision is Limited Forward Sight, making them Vulnerable to Flying into Power Lines.
So Sad – the Life of this Beautiful Healthy Young Trumpeter was just beginning.
From: WORLD WIDE WOUNDS – Wound Management in Avian Wildlife Casualty. There was No Information on how this Swan’s Foot was Electrically Burned.
Wet Asphalt Roads and Parking Lots LOOK Like Water on Rainy Days.. Swans can Easily Injure their Feet or Break their Legs when they Glide in to these Hard Surface.
Between Hazards and Hunters…. “If a Swan Flies.. They are Doomed to Die.”
Fences can be as much a Hazard as a Safer Place.
Wire Fencing with Large Gauge Openings have Hung TOO Many Swans. If they can get their Head/Necks Through – their Feathers may make it Hard to Pull their Heads back Through.. Small Cygnets are Growing.. Get Stuck.
We Stopped to Visit.. Walked down to the Pond of this Nesting Swan. I found her Stuck in the Fence.. Head on One Side.. Body on the Other.. She was Struggling.. Very Stressed.. I got to her. Freed her – She was Ok.
We Think the Swan Below became Tangled in a Fence..
“Prince Harry” was a Full-Wing Rescue.. He was Clipped and Adopted by a Family Pond. He NEEDED to be Kept Clipped. That did not Happen.
“Harry” Started to Fly About his Local Area.
This Gentle Young Male Swans did not Survive his Freedom to Fly.
SWANs/Birds caught on Barbed Wire are likely to Struggle Violently in an Attempt to Free themselves.
We all know how Damaging a Barb Wire Fence can be..
Gates can be … Well, Not Safe…
Electric Fences are Common for Pastures. They can Cause Mouth Burns.
We Learned of One Female Mute Encouraging her Cygnets to Fly. She did not Clear the Pasture Fence.. and Broke her Neck.
During the Fall of 2020.. I Spoke with a Sad Swan Owner.. His Full-Wing Pen often Flew around their Property.. One Day his Pen did Not Clear their Fence and was Found Laying Dead on the Ground.
Sometimes, a Swan just Wanted to get to the Other Side of a Fence..
Fences – Can the Swan get their Head through.. ??? and NOT get it back through the Openings.. Sharp Metal or Wood Edges.. Loose Nails.
BUCKET HANDLES can be a Tangle Hazard with Swans.. REMOVE or SECURE Handles.
UnSecured Bucket Handles are a Tangle Hazard.
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Minor Injures can be Cleaned with a Gentle Soap. Room Temp Water ONLY.
Rinse Dirt and Blood with Clear Water as much as Possible. Only use a Little Soapy Water on the Injured Area.. (OR Oily Scum) You DO NOT Want to Removed the WaterProofing from Intact Feathers.
Washing Birds in Hot Water.. will Burn THEM..
The Skin on the Beak can be Scraped.. Watch for any Sign of Infection. This Tissue Heals Amazingly Quick.. !!!
In VERY Cold Weather the Knob may Freeze-FrostBite.. It will likely leave a Pinkish Scar on the Knob.
CHECK for ALL Types of TANGLE HAZARDS !
Memories of Sad Stories of Swans Dying due to Entanglement.. TOO MANY.
CHECK for TANGLE HAZARDs.
I have Heard TOO many Sad Stories of Swan Dying by Tangling in Ropes, Cables, Wires, Fishing Line.. Some have Swallowed these Items.
One Female Trumpeter Swan.. Decided to Eat a Length of Rope Tied to a Tree near her Pond.. She Swallowed the Rope all the Way to the Tree Bark. Stood there for an Untold Period of Time..before being Rescued.. The Rope was Cut.. and not Removed. – She Died Later.
If you have a Swan with a Piece of String, Fishing Line Sticking OUT of their Mouth, DO NOT CUT IT.. Stabilize IT. Tie Something Like a Kids TUBE SOCK to the Line. Most Vet will be Able to Gently REMOVE Once they Relax-Sedate the Swan..
Folks in Lancaster Co have had Swans for over 20 years. NEVER had a problem. Spring 2015 they lost one Female Swan to old age. They brought a young Female home.. everything was fine. The Lack of Rain that Summer caused their Pond Water Level to be VERY LOW, the Ropes that kept their Aerator-Fountain in place became Slack and the young Female became Tangled around her Neck.
“We have had so little Rain this Summer and Fall that the Ropes were Exposed and Loose.” – A Freaky, Sad Event.
This Seldom Occurs to People that the Ropes that hold Boats in place can also be a problem. ALL Cords, Cables, Wires can be Tangle Hazards.
Another Hazard around Motor Boats… Spilled Oil and Gas. YUCK !
Electrical Cables, Extension Cords.. Potential for Electric Shock. Running the Cables and Cords through PVC Conduit will Improve Safety.
Getting Caught in Exposed Roots.. will Break their Legs.
Steep Banks will Cause Friction Damage to Feet and Legs and Increase Bumble Foot Sores.
Add Lots of Rocks and Sharp Shale in Steep Banks.. Bumble Foot Sore are a BIG Problem.
Leg Bands that Slip UP Above the Ankle Joint… May become TOO Tight as Young Cygnets are Growing. Tight Bands can Prevent Circulation and Proper Bone Growth.
Frequently Check any Leg Bands – Especially on Growing Cygnets. Tight Bands can do Permanent Damage to Legs.
Young Swans have Fragile Legs.. Handle Carefully.
The Young Female below: Her Legs were Bent when she was Younger. A Mature Male tried to Kill her by Sitting ON TOP of her.. to Suffocate her.
The Black Australian Swan below has a Broken Leg and Bumble Sore.
Swans and Cygnets Hit by Vehicle on Roads are ALL TOO Common.
Swans Walk Slowly.. they should not be Crossing Roads.
More the One of the Swans at this Country Pond were Killed. One Young Male had Adopters coming for him.. He was Hit by a Car that Morning.
Driveways are a Dangerous Place for Swans..
Any Type of Motor Vehicles may be a Source of Unintended Injury.. Male Swans may Attack Golf Carts, Riding Lawn Mowers when Hormonal.
Best NOT to Encourage Swans to be in Areas where there are Vehicles.
The Cob below had his Legs Damaged Twice under Moving Truck Tires..
Busy Parking Lots – NOT SAFE… Several Swans we know of were Injured while on Driveways.
Swans can Easily be Unnoticed when Folks are getting into Vehicles.. They May Not be Seen by Visitors or Delivery Truck Drivers.
DO NOT place Feed Containers on HOT Surfaces.
Remember, in the Summer many Surfaces GET HOT!! Especially, Landscape Stones, Asphalt, Concrete Sidewalks, Lime Stones, Painted Wood, etc.
If you Can NOT put you Hand on the Surface Comfortably it may be VERY Uncomfortable for Tender Webbed Feet.
ASPHALT gets VERY HOT.. BURNS Feet. Concrete Walks and Sandy Beaches get VERY Hot in Direct Sun..
Many Ponds and Lakes Control Bank Erosion with RipRap Rocks.. These Rocks Not Only get HOT, but the Sharp, Irregular Rocks are Difficult for Swans to Walk on. Foot and Leg Injuries Happen. Their Legs can get Caught in Large Spaces between the Rocks.
Adding some Small Landscape Pea Stones will Create Comfortable Places for the Swans to Access the Water..
These Injured Toe Claws Happened when a Young Swan was Caught in a Doorway and was Struggling on a Concrete Surface at the Opening.
The Claws were Cleaned and Soak in a VERY Weak Betadine. Triple-Antibiotic Ointment and DRY Bandages for Several Days.
On Icy Winter Days, Very Slippery Surfaces can be Hard on a Swans Feet..
Standing on Ice for a Long Time the Swans may Develop FrostBite Blisters.
Frostbite is Rare if Swans/Waterfowl have their Feet in Liquid Water.
This Muscovy Duck did not Survive. Parts of the Feet and Legs Continued to Die.
It is SO Important that Waterfowl can have their Feet and Legs in Liquid Water during VERY Cold Weather.
When Winter’s Temperature Drop Below Freezing. WaterFowl – Swans CAN be TRAPPED in the ICE.
Swans that are Frozen into the Ice by their Feathers are VERY Easy for Predators to Kill the Helpless Swans.
It was Months before this Pen was able Walk on Land.
It is Eleven Months between these Photos of “Pretty Girl.”
It is VERY Important to Keep some Area of Open Water for them to Put their Feet in during VERY Cold Weather.
Keep a Watch for an Ice Collar to Form..
Swans Need to be Checked Frequently During Bitter Cold Weather..
Heat Lamps are Commonly Used to Keep Young Cygnets Warm..
As the Cygnets Grow…. RAISE THE LAMPS !!! We Found this Young Cygnet with his Head SMOKING !!!
Heat Lamps make me NERVOUS !! – Use with Great Care… Chances are you will not have Fire Detection in your Out Buildings.
Basic 80 to 100 Watt Light Bulbs will help to Warm the Still Air in a Building. Snuggle them into Fresh Straw and out of the Elements..
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As I Talked with Various Swan Folks over the Years.. I have Heard of the DRAIN PIPEs in the Ponds TRAPPING Swans and Cygnets.
THE DRAIN PIPEs that Allow OverFlow Water to Leave your Pond.. If the Pipe Diameter is Large Enough for a Swan or Cygnet to put their Head in….. When there is Heavy Rain that > > Drains.. These Drain Pipes become a Suction Trap..
The Drain Pipe Above is about 8 Inches in Diameter.. The Drain Below is about 18 Inches. The Large Drain Pipe would Easily Flush Smaller Swans ALL the Way Through and OUT !
The Swans get their Heads and Necks into the Opening and are Vacuumed in and Stuck !
The Most Common Time this Happens is When Heavy Rain Creates a Swift Current THOUGH the Pipes.
CHECK YOUR POND or LAKE DRAINAGE… Swans have a Curious Nature.. And Get into Fatal Trouble.
Several Accounts of Smaller Cygnets being Sucked through these Drainage Pipes.. Out and Gone.
Check the Grates in Spillwells. Tiny Cygnets and Ducklings.. Oops… >>>> There they GO !
Drain Pipes.. An Unexpected Hazard !
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A VERY COMMON SOURCE OF WATERFOWL INJURIES SNAPPING TURTLES.
The Helpless Swan below did not Survive her Jaw Injury.
This Young Cygnet Simply put its Little Head in the Pond to Eat.. SNAP !!!
If a Swan or Cygnet has a Salvageable Injury, it take WEEKs of Care in a Shelter, WEEKs of Medication-Antibiotics, Wound Dressing Changes and Several Veterinary Visits. A BIG Job !!!
We have worked with many Swans and Cygnets over the years.. LOVE THEM.. Things (gives me chills) have happened that you would NEVER Expect. Those Lovely Long Necks get into trouble. – They Swallow DUMB Things.
We were Never able to Determine What this Object Was/is.. It was there in the Gizzard for Months.. X-Rayed Three Times. The Young Swan was OK, Eating and Growing Normally. Several Veterinarians Recommended we Do Nothing.. Just Leave it.
Once a Year we would Visit a Large Community Lake in our County. Area Folks Enjoy Feeding the Ducks, Geese and Swans that Live there.
It was Disappointing to See Bread Bag Clips and Twist Ties Littering the Ground.
Swan are Attracted to Shiny Things.. Shiny Metal.. Hooks, Coins, Hardware like Nails, Screws, Soda Can Tabs, Rings, Jewelry, etc. Swallowed Metal will not Pass through their Gizzard,
OR Sharp Metal will Cut, Puncture the Gizzard Muscles, cause Bleeding, Infection, Death. – “Hardware Disease”
Metal Dissolves, is Absorbed and becomes TOXIC. Heavy Metal Poisoning.. The most common Heavy Metal Poisoning in Birds is Lead, then Zinc.
One of our Rescued Swans had Swallowed a small piece of Iron.. Iron is Water Soluble. She was Fine in the Morning, late Afternoon she was found floating on her Pond.
Her Necropsy Showed, “Kate” died from Iron Toxicity.. Five Times Toxic Level. She showed NO Sign of being Ill. Her Liver and Heart were Severely Damaged.. So Sad.
Try to Keep ALL Small Pieces of Trash Picked-Up.
THEY will EAT Small Things – Sorta Garbage Pick-up Experts. Bread Twist Ties, Cigarette Filters, Cigar Butts, Balloon Fragments, Candy Wrappers, Little Square Plastic Bread Bag Closures, Ribbon, Small Toy Pieces, SHINY Metal, Coins, ETC., Etc., etc……………………
Trying to List ALL the Things they Might Swallow would be ENDLESS.
Any Time there is Construction or Repairs around the Water or Buildings your Curious Swans may Walk around. Be Careful with Nails, Screws, Small Sharp Items. ANYTHING they WILL be ABLE to Swallow.
One Swan Owner Shared his Practice of Using his Metal Detector to Sweep his Pond Area Occasionally to Find any Small Metal Items Dropped About.
One Mature Female Died after Eating Styrofoam Packing Peanuts. She was often fed Bread tossed on her Pond. Kids tossed the Styrofoam Peanuts into her Pond. She ate several. She Stopped Eating and Wasted away. The Styrofoam was found during her Necropsy.
The Family remembered Picking-up the scattered Styrofoam floating along the Bank.
Another OOPs.. Pool Foam Flotation Noodles left on the Pond.. No One Expected that the Swans would Chew Holes.. into them..
Swans, Waterfowl EAT Small Stones to aid Digestion in their Gizzard.. Normal .. IF this were a Dog or Cat these Small Things might pass through in a few Days. With Birds anything Solid in their Gizzard stays there until it Breaks Down.
Broken Glass – CUTs Inside the Swans’ Gizzard or Outside to the Swans’ Feet.
For Whatever Reason, some Cobs Hate Lawn Care Equipment… Mowers, Weed Whackers, Anything with a Loud Motor.. Keep a Close Watch – Male Swans MAY Attack these Noisy Cutting Machines. This RARELY Happens with the Pens..
That Wrist Joint is SO Important.. You do not want any Infection to Form.. I have Seen these type of Injury.. turn Green with Infection.. Then the Swan might need 2 Weeks of Antibiotics..
I would do my Best to Clean this Joint Wound – Coat with Antibiotic Cream and keep it Dry for Several Days.. and let a GOOD Scab Form. Wait until the Scab is NOT OOZing.. KEEP Dry..
THESE LARGE, Time Saving ZERO TURN Mowers are becoming more Common. In One Year I have had THREE Stories of Cobs that were Killed Under the Housing. The Mowers are Noisy.. the Cobs are Quick and TOO Quiet.
I have heard of Two Instances of Swans trying to Mate on a Pool Cover. One Event Ended with the Female Dying. The Other, the Swans Could Not Figure out how to get back off.
Swans can Get onto a Swimming Pool Cover – but Getting OFF is a Problem.
Another Place to Get Hurt… Open Doors to Sheds, Garages and Barns. Curious Swans will Explore.. They can REACH Up and Pull Things Down.
Over the Years, this Feeder’s Leaning was Unnoticed.. Nothing Happened.
THEN there is NASTY Weather.. Hard to Predict what Might Happen.
High Wind Storms.. Blowing Debris and Falling Trees..
“Handsome Fellow” was our First Rescue.. That was not Easy.
Over Time and Many Miles we have Helped Care for Many Injured Swans.
We Knew SO LITTLE about Swans at that Time..
We Could NOT Watch this Wonderful Swans Suffer and Die.
This Dear Swan had a Terrible Wing Injury.. It became Infected.. He was Sick and Lost a Lot of Weight before we were able to Rescue him. We had NO Idea what we were getting into.. A Long Recovery Ahead.
Many Thanks to the Wonderful People who Helped “Handsome Fellow” Recovered.
“Handsome Fellow” was a Joy. I Miss him Every Day.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& These Images of Injuries have been Collected by (c) Linda M. Sweger I will be Very Happy if I do not need to Add More to this Page. OCTOBER 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Until I Worked on this Topic Page.. I had No Idea how Many Injured Swans we have Known or Heard their Stories. I Continue to Remember More.
April 22nd, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN CATCHING IDEAs - (Comments Off on HOW DO WE CATCH SWANS and CYGNETS ?)
THERE ARE AS MANY WAYs and IDEAs as SWANs.
SWAN UPPING is an Annual Ceremony in England. The Mute Swans on the River Thames are Rounded-up, Caught, Counted, have a Health Check, are Banded and then Released.
Those British Swan Lovers Make this Look EASY !! Take Note – They are Using Kayaks !
If you are Interested: Swan Upping – Wikipedia OR Search: *Swan Upping* – There are Many Website on this Topic..
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
Until you have a Need to Catch a Waterfowl-Swan on a Body of Water, Most People have NO Idea how Challenging it will be..
Every Situation is Different.. Any Body of Water is a Risky Unknown. A Frozen Pond in the Winter.. The Worst Time of Year to Catch Swans.
Especially, when your Helpers are Unfamiliar with your Body of Water.
Over the Years, we have had our Share of “Try this, then Try that.” My Husband has often said, “It is Better to be Lucky, then Good.”
Our Quickest Captures.. have been 5 Minutes.. “JUST GOOD LUCK.”
The Male Pictured Above was Sitting in a Shady Area with Dense Plants. He was EASY to Catch.. Bless him..
The Longest Time to Capture a Swan we wanted to Move took 8 Weeks. Multiple Visits, Several Failed Attempts.. Our “Brooke” made it HARD.
The Farm where our Swans had lived for Five Years was being Sold. We Found a Lovely Pond for them much Closer to our Home. Two of our Three Swans were Ambush Captured by the Farm Worker who Cared for the Animals. He Watched for an Opportunity, Placed those Two in the Barn.. We Drove there, Helped made a Feeble Attempt to Catch “Brooke.” She was the Winner that Afternoon.. We were the Stressed Ones that Day.
We Left with the First Two Swans.. Released them to their New Home Pond.
Once we Move her two Companions, “Brooke” went into Survival Mode.
A Lone Swan will Frequently become Many Times more Cautious. She did not Trust Anyone and Stayed as Far from us as Possible.
It took Several Weeks of Visits for her to even come to us for Treats.. A Thick Layer of DuckWeed was a GREAT Summer Diet. Forget the Treats.
After One or Two Bites of Salad Greens .. OFF she Went to the Far Side of the Pond.
Patience was not Working. My Husband had an Idea.. Why NOT ! He Played Vocals of the Other Two Swans Recorded on his Cell Phone.. “Brooke” heard the Happy Snorting.. and came Closer to Rob.
Just Close ENOUGH for Rob to FLOP our BIG Net Over her.. She was NOT Quite inside the Net.. and Started to Back OUT !! BY “Good Luck” her Pinioned Wing Joint SNAGGED in the Net. JUST Long Enough for Us to GET HOLD of her !!! It was NOT a Graceful Capture. WE had the Adrenalin RUSH !!
Finally ! We were able to MOVE “Brooke.”
Our Threesome was Together Again.. I LOVE this Happy Image of them.
Having our Mute Swan Threesome was Unplanned Luck.. (We were Lucky) Odds are Low for this Pairing to Work.. I will Explain more on a Topic Page about Three Swans Living Together..
And there were Swans, Mostly Feral Swans that we were Never Able to Catch.. in Time..
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There are Various Capture Methods, that take Time.. Before you Need to Catch Your Swans.. Think about what you might Realistically do.. HAVE A PLAN.. or Two.. or Three.
We Make a Plan Depending on ALL the Factors. What we know about the Swans’ Routine Habits, the Body of Water, Obstacles, And How many Helping Hands we Will Have.
And How Urgent is it to Catch the Swans.. or do You have Time.. ?? &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Before I Share Ideas.. and they are Just that – Ideas..
I want to Impress it is Important to do Captures with as Little Stress as Possible. There is a Condition called “Capture Myopathy.” There are Various Website that will Provide Information.. Take a Few Minutes and Read a Few.. Does this Really Happen ?? A Small Percentage – Yes.
Capturing Healthy, Well Socialized Swans or Cygnets – this is Less of a Concern..
Hot Weather will add a Stress Factor.. It is Safest for Swans and People to Capture with as Little Stress as Possible..
It Does HELP if your Swans and Cygnets TRUST You.. They will often be Unhappy when you Move them.. Keeping their Distance for Days. Just keep a Close Watch.. Be Sure they are ON their New Pond/Lake at SunSet and SunRise. Adjustment Time will Vary. Watch Them..
We Visited our Young Male and just Sat with him.. Quietly..
It Took Weeks – Finally, “Meadow” was Happy to See Us Again..
Finally “Meadow” came Closer.. Nodded “Hello” and was Making Eye Contact. FINALLY !
The Trust you have Established with your Swans will Return after a Few Days. (Well, it might take Longer. Be Calm and Patient..)
Injured or Depleted Waterfowl-Swans are Very Fragile.
Their Stress Level must be Addressed or Capturing them may be your Final Act.
Do YOUR Best to be Calm, not Chase, have some Support Fluid.. A Thin Syrup of Honey or King Syrup to Drip a few Drops on or Under the Tongue. Only put Small Amounts of Fluid on or Under the Tongue IF the Swan is able to Swallow Normally. A Few Drops.. Be Careful NOT to Cause Aspiration.
Covering the Birds Head will help to Quiet and Reduce Fear.
If there is ANY Active Bleeding.. Carefully Apply Pressure to Stop Blood Loss.
Having a Safe Dark – Well Ventilated Container to keep the Bird in until you can take the Swan/Cygnet for Veterinary Helps. Call Ahead for Care Instructions. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Capturing Healthy Swans on their Water is a Challenge.. They have the Advantage.
If you are VERY Lucky, the Swans you want might be in an Area AWAY from their Water, so they are Easy to just Collect..
When you are “Not Lucky.” You will NEED a Plan.
It is SAFER for Everyone to “BAIT” them with Food – Treats.
Use a Small Temporary Fence.. Put “Treats” inside.
Sprinkle a “Hansel and Gretel” Trail of Salad Greens.
WET Poultry FEED has a GREAT SMELL….YUMMY !!! Place the Feed Bowl.. and LEAVE do NOT Stay with the Fencing.
Give the Swans a Chance to Explore with NO Human Nearby. Watch from a Distance until you see them Entering for the Food.
Repeat for Several more Days.. This is a NO Stress – Safer Way to Work with Swans.
This takes Time, but it will Work if you are Patient.
An Inexpensive Vinyl Garden Fence 25 or 50 FT Long. AT LEAST 3 1/2 – 4 Feet High… Several Stakes.
If you have Lots of Trees, you can use the Trees to Support Temporary Fencing. Anchor the Fencing as Close to the Ground as Possible. It is AMAZING how Swans and Cygnets will FIND the Weakest Spot in the Fence and Slip UNDER.. DARN ! Leave some Fence for a Gate.. Secure the Gate OPEN.
Check that there are NO Tangle Hazards..
Swans LOVE Lettuce and will Often go into a Fence Area for this Treat. Put the Treats by the Opening the First Day. Then each Day move the Treats Further Toward the Back. Walk Away for Several Days.. The Swans will Explore.. Finding their Treats. The Swans become Comfortable being inside the Fencing.
I have Two Examples: First a Swan Family with 8 Cygnets.
This was the First Summer ALL the Cygnets Survived. SO Cute !
It is Time to Get the Cygnets Ready to Collect their DNA Samples, and Band them with Colored Cable Ties. They are GROWING !! In Four to Six Weeks they will be Leaving for their New Lives.
After 5 Days getting them Familiar with the Fencing,
As we would Walk Down to their Pond, the Whole Swan Family would Swim Over and Walk Inside the Fence and Wait for us. “Treats.”
For Several Days we just Fed them inside, Visited and Left..
ALWAYs Making Sure the Gate is Secured OPEN when you are not there.
OR CLOSE and Secure the Gate until you want to Start Baiting.. Inside the Fenced Area Could be a Trap if there are Predators in your Area..
When we wanted to Work with the Swans.. We Closed the Gate. Best to have a Second Person there to Help. Put a Large Towel or Blanket around a Swan to Control Wings.
Be Extra Gentle with Cygnets, their Legs are Fragile.. Up to 18 Months.
When we wanted to Band and Collect Feathers for DNA.. We Closed the Gate.
It was Cooler to Do this Project in the Shade, but the Images are Bluish.
When it was Time for Rehoming.. We Closed the Gate.. Have your Transport Boxes or Carriers Ready..
Pick out the Cygnets for their New Owners.. Released the Rest..
ANY TIME you Catch your Swans.. Do a Quick Check.. Check the Color of their Tongue. REMOVE Any Under Tongue Impactions.. Feel Keel Bone.. for Body Condition.. Check Feet for Bumble Sores.
We used this Fencing Over and Over during that Summer.. Worked VERY Well..
Temporary Fencing can be Stored and Used Again and Again..
Yummy Treats are a BIG Help !
Catch Times: Less then 10 Minutes.. We Moved a Young Male to his New Home. Then Returned a Week Later and Moved a Young Female.. Time 5 Minutes.
We had a Chance to Visit “Snow White” with her Mate “PiP.”
We wanted to help Move Two of a Juvenile Group to their Permanent Lake. The Young Males are Nest Mates.. Banded with Red Bands.. Several Weeks before the Target Move Date, a Fenced Area was put up and ALL their Feed and Treats were put INSIDE the Fenced Area.. You can Barely… See the Fencing at the Far End of this Lawn.
The Grounds Staff at this Property Watched for the Young Swans to become Comfortable going into the Area for their Foods.
The Morning we Planned to Move the Two Juveniles, They were in the Catch Fencing when we Arrived and Parked our Van.. YEAH !!! Close the Gate ! All those Helping were Prepared to Move them.
The Young Swans were Greeting us with Lots of Head Nodding.. Cute !!
There was NO Attempt to Escape. We Closed the Gate – It was Stressless.
Transport Boxes were Ready – Loaded Safely with NO Stress. Everyone is Safe – OFF we Go to their New Home Lake.
The Young Swans are MOVED !! Now they will Explore this New Place. They WILL Need to be Watched Closely for Several Adjustment Days.
A Fenced Area can be used at Various Times. So think about having a More Permanent Fence-Gate Area Available.
If You Want or Need to Work Around your Pond in the Spring, it is Nice to have a Safe Place for a Hormonal Cob..
They are Easy to Net in the Spring, Contain and then Everyone is Safer.
When it is Time to Pinion Tiny Cygnets.. They will follow their Dam into the Fenced Areas.. Catch her and You have them..
IF you Need to Catch Small Cygnets on the Water.. Look for Nets with LONG Handles and Small Gauge Netting.
When it is time to ID Band the Cygnets and Collect Feathers for DNA-Sex Testing, Catch Fencing is a BIG Help..
When there are many Growing Cygnets there will be Poop all over the Place, that is expected. The Ground can get Slippy. Be Aware !
Birds-Waterfowl Poop as Defense due to the “Fight or Flight” Response: When Bird “Take to Air,” they Poop to Lighten themselves.
SOME SWANs HATE Lawn Mowers.. Especially Cobs-Males.. AND/OR Loud Motors.. like Chain Saws, Weed Whackers and Leaf Blowers. Being able to put them in a Fenced Area is a BIG HELP…
Catch Enclosures can be Half in Water or All on Land near the Pond. Temporary… or Set-up for Long-term Multi Purpose Use.. There are Many Times it would be Nice to be able to Contain a Swan.
If you do Set-Up a Permanent Fence Area.. Try to Avoid Right Angle Corners.
An Oval Type Design is Better.. If a Predator gets into a Fenced Area.. Swans can get Trapped in Right Angle Corners.
An Oval – Round.. Cornerless Design.. Allows the Swans to Move Side to Side. This Concept also Applies to Permanent Perimeter Fencing..
ANY Swan that has Learned to Fly is Trickier to keep in Place. Catching them is a BIG Challenge.. Keep the Fence NO Wider then 3 Feet.. It helps to have a Narrow Fence Area which make it Difficult for the Swans to Open their Wings..
We put Food inside the Narrow Fence Area.. First by the Entrance, then moving the Bowl further in each Day. Let the Swans or Cygnets go into the Area for several Days with NO One there.. Let the Swans Explore at their Own Pace… Patience..
After Several Days.. they Know their Food will be Inside.. The Fence is not a Threatening Place. HAVE all your Clipping Supplies Ready.. Try NOT to Look at the Swans, Walk Slowly, Speak Softly.. Close Gate. Have a BIG Towel or Large Net. And Extra Helper Hands..
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& There have been Times that Swans Needed to be Captured that for various Reasons the Temporary Fence was not Practical..
We have used the Sweeping Method with Some Success. The SIZE of the Water Area May be Unworkable to Sweep Swans Off the Water. Sweeping is Easier with a Smaller Pond.
Here Obstacles will Limit your Plans.. Trees, Bushes, Fences, Rocks, Plants.. Docks, etc..
A Rope to Slowly Sweep over a Small Body of Water so the Swans Walk-Out in a Location where there are People Waiting with Nets.
This will Work.. At Least One Pass Over the Water.. “Slowly” If the Swans Double Back Under the Rope, they Know how EASY it is to THWART this Method.
After a Few Times the Swans get Wise to this Method.. Swans have VERY Good Memories.. They Learn.
I Found this Idea on the Internet.. Worth a Try. It Might Work.. A Rope with Plastic Bags Tied on to Sweep over a Narrow Water Area to Move the Swans OFF to People waiting with Nets. The Fluttering Bags are a Little more Reason for the Swans to Move Away.
Again, One Pass over the Water and the Swans KNEW they Could Swim Under the Rope and it Rarely Worked Again..
We Tried a Rope with Empty Milk Jugs that Float on the Surface.. Seemed like a Good Idea.. Humm.. “Sorta” Solid Looking Objects for the Swans to Move AWAY from.. This Tangled Easily if the Rope was too Long. Not for a Large Pond. It was Difficult to Work with.. And, it was Wet and Messy to Take Home.
I Wonder if these Colorful Streamer that are Often over Car Lots might Work ??
One Women we know, uses a Long Length of Landscape Cloth.. It is about 3 Feet Wide.. Big and Black and Successfully Sweeps her Waterfowl off the Pond when she need them to Go in for the Night.
Another Sweep Idea… Is to use a Kayak or Canoe, a Surf Board or a Large Floating Object with Ropes tied on Each Side. Sweep Slowly over Surface.
No One in the Boat.. just use as a Sweep Object.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Chasing Swans around a Large Pond or Lake in a Boat – The Swans Generally Win..
Any Water Environment with Lots of Rocks. Forget Using Boats. Swans WIN ! !
You will not be able to Catch them.. unless you have several Boats.. and MANY Hands.. Row Boats, Canoes, Paddle Boats are too Slow..
Swans CAN Swim MUCH Faster then Most Boats can be Rowed !
Kayaks are the Most Agile in Pond. Having a Least TWO or Three Works Best.
A Kayaker is Trying to Encourage the Swan OFF Pond to People with Nets. Be Careful NOT to Over Stress the Swans..
Trying to Capture Full-Wing Swans by Chasing is Hopeless. They get Excited and KNOW that all they need to do is Fly Away from the Boat.. The BIGGEST RISK is they will just keep Flying.. This is Especially Challenging with Rogue and Feral Swans.
When there is LOTs of Confusion, Strange People, it is … Well, not a Great Way to Catch your Swans..
We Stopped this Crew of Helpers.. They did not Understand keeping Calm. Rob and I Returned a Few Days Later.. We had the Cygnet we wanted to Move in just a few Minutes.. NO Fuss.. NO Stress..
There is more Success if the Swans are Pinioned.. Flightless.
We have No Boats. When Necessary, we have Arranged for the Help of People in Kayaks to Slowly Work the Swans off the Pond. ALWAYS have Anyone in a Boat or Kayak Wear a Life Jacket.
Have Several People with Nets Waiting.. Give the Swans Space to Walk 10-15 Feet Away from the Water, then QUICKLY Net.
Large Nets are Available at Wal-Mart Sporting Goods… Less then $20.00 Frabill Fishing Nets – Telescoping Handle. For Adult Swans the Hoop Needs to be 20-24 Inches… Nets are VERY Helpful..
You can NOT Aggressively Chase Swans for more then a few Minutes.. Slow is Better.. They will become Tired and Go to Land..
Swans can develop “Capture Myopathy”.. which can be Fatal.. “The Fight or Flight Response” Pumps High Levels of Adrenalin into their System.. Quickly Depletes their Blood Glucose.. Over Stressing them, they may Collapse – “Faint.”
In Extreme Cases, they might Drop Dead – “Stress Death.” Prolonged Chasing is not a Good Plan… Take Breaks in the Action..
True Story: I will do a Basic Summary. There are many more Details to this Sad Saga.
A New Golf Course in North East Pennsylvania wanted to have Beautiful Swans on their Ponds. They acquired 5 Pair of Swans.
One Pair of Trumpeter Swans.
Two Pair of Black Australian Swans.
Two Pair of Mute Swans.
Each Pair was Placed on their Own Ponds Scattered through the 18 Hole Golf Courses.
The Swans did not Understand they were to Stay on their Assigned Ponds. They would walk to other Ponds.. There were Fights and Chasing between Pairs.
The Golf Course Owner wanted the Swans, Basically as Live Pond Ornaments. He wanted them on their Assigned Ponds..
So One Summer Afternoon, he Sent the Grounds Staff to Chase the Various Swans with the Greens Hole Flag Poles Back to their Assigned Ponds.
It was a Hot Summer Day that Ended Badly for the Swans.
A Call from the Angry Golf Course Owner,… Five of the Swans had Dropped Dead.. He Accused the Breeder (Not Me) of Selling him Sick Swans..
But, it was the Excessive Chasing that caused this Tragic Outcome.
Five Swans died that Day. Three more were Killed by Night Predators. Turned out, the Ponds were Shallow with NO Deep Water Safe Area for the Swans. The Remaining Two Swans were ReHomed to a Private Home Pond.
These Pond Images are Random, NOT from the Golf Course in this Story..
Many Swans will Come VERY Close to Eat from Your Hand..
A Different Person MIGHT Get Behind the Swans.. and Net One. Swans have a WIDE Peripheral Vision. This is Possible – Risky.
If you are Patient and WAIT for JUST the Right Moment.. You MIGHT be able to Get Hold of the Swan’s Neck.. JUST DO NOT YANK their Neck, Just HOLD IT !!
Have a Second Person READY to Step in and Help Bring the Swan Under Control. If you Try this Way to Catch you Swan… Be Prepared to get WET !! Their Wings and Feet will be Splashing the Water..
A Deep Feed Bucket.. has Worked Several Times. Wait for the Swan’s Head to be INSIDE the Bucket. You Must be Quick.. While they Can NOT See you Move.
In the Image Above, there is Whole Corn in the Bucket.. Our Little Female Put her Head into the Bucket.. After we did this for Several Days… I was Able to Reach Down and Get Hold of her Cute Little Neck.
DuckWeed can be Helpful !
A Pond Covered with DuckWeed has been Helpful at Times. Again Do this for Several Day. Have your BIG Net Close and Ready. We put some Corn in Water about 10-12 Inches Deep Close to the Bank.. The Swans Can Not SEE what we are Doing..
THIS IS BETTER ! !
For a Few Moments, you have a Chance to Flop a Net over the Swan. Make SURE you Aim for their TAIL !!! Push the Net DOWN to Solid Ground. Swans are Experts at Sliding Backwards and Out Under a Net. If you Miss, there is Little Chance you will get Another Chance that Day.
Working with Swans will Test your Patience and Creative Thinking.
Swans CAN Easily Out Maneuver a Person Walking in the Pond.
Catching Swans is Tricky. But, WHEN Successful, it Feels GREAT !!
MAKE a PLAN.. BE as SAFE as POSSIBLE.
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April 15th, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in PINIONED or FULL Wing - (Comments Off on How to Tell if your Cygnets and Swans are Pinioned)
I Frequently Speak with Swan Owners who are not Sure if their Swans are Pinioned. Properly Pinioned means the Swans are Grounded – Flightless. If you have Acquired a Cygnet or Swan from a Rescue Group, it is VERY Common for the Rescued Swans to be FULL-Winged. Able to Fly !!! It is Sad to hear the Anguish of these Folks, who are Excited to have a Swan, then the Swan Suddenly Flies Away.. I have heard this Story Too Many Times. I WISH the Rescue Groups would Share this Information with People New to Swan Care.. I Wish ALL Rescue Groups would CLIP to Keep their Rescued Swans Grounded. When these Cygnets and Swans Fly Away, they are out in Feral Conditions AGAIN.. And in Peril. These Swans were Lucky to be Rescued the First Time. A Second Rescue … Poor Odds..
This Topic Page will Mainly be Images for you to Study and Learn what to Look for.. Basically ONE Wing Missing the Primary Flight Feathers.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click and Open in a New Tab.
It does Help if you Watch for your Swans to Stretch and Flap. This is Usually Part of the Preening and Bathing Activity.. FLAPPING.
Flapping will Allow ALL the Wing Feathers to Shake Out and Lay in Order.
View these Photo Images and then Watch your Swan to see if you can Tell if they are PINIONED or NOT When a Swan is Properly Pinioned Part of One Wing is Removed. Comparing the Swan’s Wing to a Human Hand and Arm.
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Lets Start with the Basic Wing Anatomy – the Beautiful Feathers.
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BEST Time to Pinion a Swan is before they are Two to Three Weeks Old.
IF you want to see if your Swans are Pinioned… Gently Extend their Wings… IF the Wings are BOTH the Same Length… with Three Distinct Sections.. . . . . . . . . . NOT PINIONED ! IF Pinioned – ONE Wing will be Shorter. . . . . . ( The Distal Section will be Missing. )
I Love the Beautiful Colors of a Royal Mute Cygnet’s Plumage !
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Now Look at the Wings from Behind and See what is Different..
ONLY ONE WING SHOULD be PINIONED – NOT BOTH ! ! ****** ****** Same Young Pen.. Now you can SEE her Left Wing.. it is Pinioned. The Ideal Side to Pinion – is Males on the Left Wing – Females on the Right. ******
The Swan Below is Pinioned. She is Grounded – Unable to Fly. There are a Few Primary Flight Feathers on her Right Wing.
Here is an Example of a Pinioned Black Australian Swan. The Black Australian Swans have BRIGHT White Primary Wing Feathers. ****** ******
There are Lots of Poses and Times when it is Impossible to Tell…
A Moment of Just Plain Cuteness – Nap Time
These Swans are Both Pinioned – One the Right Wing – One the Left Wing.
Looking at the Same Swans when they Changed Places… Their Pinioned Wings are Now on the Far Side.. You can See their Primary Flight Feathers in this View. Now you can See the Difference as they Swim in the Same Direction.
****** It does Help when the Swans Hold their Wings Up in Display.
Look Close – Do You SEE the Difference ???
****** ****** Now Look Closely – What do you See with the Swans Below ??? ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ****** ******
****** ****** ****** This is a True Sad Swan Story. This is a Summary of the Events.
A Person who Found an AD on Craigslist for a Free Swans.. had No Experience with Swans.. He Arranged to Pick-up this Young Male Swan..
He was Told the Swan was Pinioned.. That the Original Farmer had done the Pinion and Said the Swan was Permanently Grounded.
The Family Advertising to Rehome this Young Swan had Never Seen this Swan Flying while Living on their Pond.
He was Adopted, Transported to the New Home/Pond.. Released the Same Day.. Lots of Happy Smiles. Looks Great on the New Family’s Pond..
Next Day, the Swan was Missing.. ?? He >> Flew << Away to a Nearby Neighbor’s Pond. Several Days Later, a Stiff Wind during a Summer Storm.. and OFF this Young Male Flew.. GONE.. This Young Swan had NO Trust with the New Family or their Pond.
Apparently, this Swan was Only Clipped by the Original Farmer.. It is GOOD TO CHECK the Wings when you are Adopting any Swan. Check their Wings YOURSELF. ****** I hope these Examples will Help you SEE What is Missing or Not Missing.Pinioned or Full-Wing.
To Keep a Full-Wing Cygnet or Swan Grounded and Safer from the Perils of Flying.. PLEASE Consider Annual Clipping.
There was a Sad End for this Beautiful Female Swan that was Full-Winged. She is the Title Picture on this Topic Page.. We were Never Able to Get Hold of her to Clip.. “Sweet Harmony” was a Feral Mute Swan. She lived most of her Life on our Local River System. We shared many Delightful Hours with her. She is the Dam of our “Meadow.”
She Flew to an Area where Hunting was Allowed. A Public WaterWay. “Sweet Harmony” was Shot on a Fall Day during Hunting Season. The Hunter was Bragging about Shooting her, while he ate Dinner at a Nearby Restaurant. We were Heart Broken.. and Learned this Lesson.
If your Cygnets or Swans are Full-Wing they are Not Safe.
************************************************************************ Images Collected as of April 2022 by (C) Linda M. Sweger ************************************************************************
April 6th, 2020 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Mute Swans - Polish - (Comments Off on Mute Swans – Polish)
The POLISH MUTE SWANs ( Just a Color Variant)
There is a Color Variation in Mute Swans. Cygnus immutabilis (changeless Swan).
Right Click Images to Open in New Tab to Enlarge
From the Swan Keeper’s Handbook: “Polish Mute Swans (Cygnus olor immutabilis) are a Leucistic form of Mute Swans.
A Leucistic Animal has a reduced intensity of Pigmentation while an Albino lacks all Pigments…
Polish Mute Cygnets are Creamy White to Light Beige when they Hatch. Their Tiny Beaks are varying Shades of Light Brown.
Their Legs and Feet are Pinkish/Beige.
The Adult Polish Mute Swans have Apricot to Orange Beaks.
Many have Beige/Light Brown Legs and Feet.
The Polish Male’s Legs and Feet may be Shades of Dark Orange to Chocolate Browns.
The Pale Webbed Foot of a Polish Mute Swan.
The Immutabilis Form is less Common in the Mute Swan Populations than the Royal form, and there tends to be more Female Polish then Male Polish Swans.
Records suggest this Mute Swan Variant was first seen along the Baltic Sea Coast of Poland (hence the “Polish” name) and then brought back to England to Breed for the Color Variant as a Novelty Swan.
In the Middle Ages of Europe, the Polish Cygnets were Highly Prized for being (almost) White from the time they Hatched.
As their Numbers increased, it was noted they had a more Stocky Breast Muscle.
Averaging 15-20 Pounds at 6-7 Months Old. Not all Swans were in England, where they were Protected by the Royal Crown – (Today Queen Elizabeth.)
Imported to Eastern England and Raised as a Meat Bird, they became the Preferred Swan Cygnets for Winter Holiday Feasts.
In the 1800s, both Royal and Polish Mute Swans were brought to America.. The Polish were often raised on Farms as a Meat Bird.
The Royals were more likely to be for Show on Estates Ponds and Lakes.
As the American Settlers found they liked the Taste of the Wild American Turkey, the Polish Swans gradually Stopped being raised as Food and became mostly Pets – Poultry LiveStock.
Today, most Swan Breeders prefer to Raise a Pure Royal Line.. They Command more when Sold.
Royals are Preferred for their Stricking Black Feet and Rich Orange-Red Beaks.
Both Royal and Polish Adult Swans have White Plumage.
I like the Polish Swans, I find them to be less Aggressive. My Sample is Too Small to say this is a Fact… just my Experiences. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
You may find mention of the Polish Variant Swans given the Species Name – Cygnus immutabilis.
The “Polish Mutes” are not a Different Species, just a Color Variation, which is the Result of a Sex-Linked Recessive Inheritance. A Pigment (Melanin) Deficient Gene in the Sex Chromosomes is what causes the Whiteness.
The Fuzzy Down of the Tiny Polish Cygnets is Creamy White rather than Grey.
Their Beaks, Legs and Feet are Pale.
Depending on the Parents Genetics.. You may have BOTH Polish and Royal Cygnets in the Same Brood.
I do not Understand how this Genetic Trait Demonstrates.. it is Confusing. Mammals have Genetic Dominant and Recessive Traits.. Predictable Outcomes.
But, Birds Genetics are like Reptiles.. I have not found a Good Explanation..
The First Five Years, I was Learning about Swans, an onLine Article (Since Removed) Stated that all White Cygnets would be Female.. ( THIS IS NOT TRUE )
I LIKE to Collect Data. We send DNA for Sex Determination for all the Swans we work with… Surprise ! There are Polish Male Swans.
Fewer Males then Females, but Sending DNA for Sex Determination on ALL Swans and Cygnets has put that Old Claim to Rest.. There are Newer Articles that have Corrected the Information..
Years Ago, I Read an Anecdotal Article that some Royal “Sires” will not tolerate their White Cygnets..
Hormonal Male Swans are Very Territorial, and they React AGGRESSIVELY toward White. (Do not wear White near a Swan Pond in Early Spring.)
This may have been a Unique Story: A Farmer noticed his Male Cob was killing the White Cygnets and Raising the Grey Ones.. One Spring when the Cygnets Hatched, he Quickly Scooped-up the White Ones.. and Stained them with a Safe Cloth Dye.. The Darker Color Dye Faded as the Cygnets Grew.. The Account said, the Cob was Caring for all his Cygnets as the Dye was Fading and some became Pale… (-;
Personally, I have Notes of the “Dams” going after their Polish Cygnets.. Whatever the Reason, Avian Infanticide does Occur with Swans. There are Probably many Reasons.. ??? Do the Parent Swans see these Pale Cygnets as Defective.. ?? There may not be enough Reasons for this to be Studied.
The Creamy White Cygnets are EASILY Seen by all their Natural Predators.. Hawk, Owl, Snapping Turtles, Cats, etc.
The Polish Cygnets tend to be the First to Disappear from a Mixed Brood..
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March 26th, 2019 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs - (Comments Off on REPLACEMENT EGGs for Your Nesting Swans.)
AND > Basic Procedure to Swap-Out Eggs when Needed.
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TO ENLARGE Images: Right Click on Image – Open Images in New Tab.
Over the Various Swan Nesting Seasons that we have Experienced, there have been a Number of Times having Replacement Eggs has been Helpful.
If there is No Cob/Male to Fertilze a Pen/Female’s Eggs:
Most Healthy Swan Pens/Females are Mature by Age Three will Nest and Lay Eggs with or without a Male/Mate.
An Average Clutch of Mute Swan Eggs = 6 to 8 to Maybe 9 BIG EGGs. If the First Spring Clutch is Lost – to Flooding – or Nest Raiding Raccoons.. the Second Clutch will have Fewer Eggs..
When Swan Eggs are NOT Fertile, they will often Start to Rot before 42 Days and SMELL TERRIBLE before they can be Removed from the Nest. (42 Days AFTER the Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time to Prevent Recycling. )
If you See Flies Around the Nest/Pen.. the Eggs are Likely Rotting.. Try to REMOVE these Rotting Eggs.. and Replace with Dummy Eggs. This is a Common Practice with House Birds and at Zoos.
It is NOT Hard to Locate the Rotting Eggs – THEY SMELL TERRIBLE !
There are Nest Raiders.. Likely Raccoons Stealing Eggs. Some Times People.. take the Eggs before Nesting is Finished. This will Likely Cause the Pen to Recycle and Lay more Eggs.
Heavy Spring Rain may Soak and Spoil Eggs. The Eggs Turn Blue once they are Too Wet.. Many Times the Developing Embryos will Drown.
When the Female is not Ready to “Sit” Full-Time in Early Spring, while still Laying her Clutch, a very Frosty Night may Freeze the Eggs. Little Chance these will Hatch. Some of these will be Cracked and LEAK ! ( If any Eggs Freeze and Crack… REMOVE and Discard them. )
If for any Given Year, you want to Prevent Eggs Hatching. Maybe you do not want to Deal with Cygnets.. Lots of Work. The Eggs can be Spoiled by Spraying or Oiling..
OR you can Replace the Real Eggs with Life-Like Replacements.
In States where there are “Permit” Mute Swans, the State Policy may NOT Allow their Eggs to Hatch.
If your Swan Pair are from the Same Brood and you Determine it is more Responsible to Prevent their Eggs Hatching. Often Young Swans are Acquired from the Same Parent Swans.. Reducing Genetic Diversity.
We Rescued the Young Cygnets below. They were Male and Female Nest Mates. It would have been Easy to find them a Home Together. To Prevent Inbreeding, we Arrange Different Forever Homes.
OR as in the Example Below: The Mature Pen had Died. The Cob Bonded with his Female Offspring.. ( His Daughter ). The Owners decided to Rehome them to Different Homes after they had been Mating and Nesting. Their Eggs were Not Allowed to Hatch.
Now they are Both with Unrelated Mates for Healthier Cygnets.
Having Replacement Eggs can be VERY Handy.. Use them – then Wipe them off and Store for Future Years.
The Information below is ADDED.. May 2023
We have Used our Wooden Replacement EGGs for 5 Nesting Seasons. Washed and Dried.. Ready to Store.. they Look Great ! There are NO Cracks in the Finish.. NO Discoloration.. None Stolen.
We Swapped-Out “Brooke’s” Real EGGs.. at 14-15 Days.. NONE were Fertile.. She Finished her Incubation Time on Wooden EGGs.. that did no Stink or Attract Flies !! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
My First Swan Egg Replacements were: The UnHatched-Unfertile Mute Swan Eggs that I Drained and Filled with Sand and “Great Stuff” Foam. These were a Little Light Weight.
I Painted a Sorta Feather over the Plugged Hole. To Sorta Hide the Spot.
All but One Real-Filled Eggs was Accepted by our Nesting Pens.
TO my Disappointment, a Raccoon started to Steal my Real Replacement Eggs and Chewed them into Pieces.. DARN.
My Next Plan: WOODEN Eggs.. I Called a WoodCrafter Store. Explained I wanted to have Large Eggs Turned. They were Happy to Help.
I took a Gentleman One of my Real Eggs for the Template.
Below are the Measurement of an Average Size Mute Swan Egg. The Craftsman did a GREAT Job. Now it is Up to Me to Paint & Seal them.
He used Heavy Dense Wood.. BIRCH. The Weight is Pretty Good. Birch Wood is a Hardwood that is Extremely Strong.
The WoodCraftsman advised me on the most Durable UnderCoat Sealer and the Outer Finish Product for Outside Wood Items.
If you do not have a WoodCraft Resource.. I Located this WoodCarver. I Sent him a Real Mute Swan Egg.. and he will be Able to Help Swan Folks.
Greg Dorrance Co. / Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Wood Carving Tools, Decoy Carving and Art Supplies
When you Order your Wooden EGGs.. Ask for DENSE Wood.. It is Difficult to get the EGGs to be as Heavy as the Real Mute Swan Eggs..
Most Important is the Size and General Shape. The Pen will NOT be Lifting the EGGs to Check the Weight.. They ROLL the EGGs Multiple Times a Day.. to Incubate them Evenly.
Half of our Wooden EGGs are Only a Few Ounces.. and ARE Accepted !
For the Mute Swan Egg Colors I used the Small Bottles of Acrylic Craft Paints to Tint the Sealer.
The Colors will Vary with the Different Species of Swans. The Color Samples below are from Regular House Paint Color Samples.
GLIDDEN PPG SOFT SAGE is Pretty Close.
These Files Show the Colors I tried to Match in Craft Acrylic Paints.
AND GLIDDEN PPG FRESH THYME GREEN 70YY 46/160 Is a Good Choice..
My Goal with the Color Samples Above is to Get As Close as Possible to the Shade of Green that will Stain to the Color of a Mute Swan Egg.
Recently, One of the Gals in my Swan Network Called and Share that she is going to Use > Annie Sloan’s – Chalk Paints. I did a Bit of Reading.. Product Reviews Sound Great.
I have Not Used Chalk Paints.. They Sound Interesting. LMS
AND ANOTHER.. Crafty Swan Lady Painted Replacement EGGs.. She was Surprised how Quickly her Swans Accepted the Wooden EGGs.
First Step.. Sand the Bare Eggs until all Rough Spots are Gone. Wipe Away any Dust.
Coat with a Good Quality Primer – Sealer.. White Interior/Exterior Water Base Primer.. Coat – Dry – Sand Smooth. White Coat AGAIN – DRY WELL..
I Used the Little Take Home Container Lids to Keep the Eggs from Rolling.
I Added Acrylic Craft Color to Tint an Aliquot of the Sealer. ( NOT Entire Can. ) BASE Color Coat Twice..
Time to “Stain” the Eggs. Using Medium Brown Craft Paint.
Dilute the Color until it will Stripe and Smear on the Egg. I had to Wet my Hands to Coat the Entire Egg with Uneven Coloring.
Then WIPE Dry with a Paper Towel to Remove MOST Paint.
The Mute Swan Eggs should have an Uneven Mottled Pattern.
There is a Fluff of Small Feathers in the Swan’s Nest to Cushion the Eggs. “Feathering the Nest.”
I Painted to Small SemiPlume Feather on One End.. To be Sure Which are REAL Eggs Which are Wooden Eggs.
Once the Eggs are VERY Dry, I Completely Coated Three Times with the SATIN Exterior Seal & Protect Finish. DRY Well.
The Satin Finish was too Glossy.. On a Very Damp Terry Cloth, I Generously Sprinkled Fine Grit Bon-Ami & Coarser Ajax Scouring Powder.
Generally Rubbing-Buffing all over until the Eggs had the Same Dull Surface as the Real Mute Swan Eggs.
RINSE Well, Dry Immediately. Dry Well before Storing.
After using in a Spring Nest, DO NOT SOAK IN WATER. Wipe with Soapy Water, Rinse, Dry Well. Store for Next Year. > > > REMEMBER Where you Put them.. Maybe you will NOT Need them for Several Years..
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How to SWAP-OUT Swan Replacement Eggs.
IF your Goal is to Prevent ALL EGGs Hatching.
NOTE: When the Swan Pen Starts to “Sit” Full-Time. Mark Your Calendar. She Needs to “Sit” for 42 Days.
OR IF she Abandon her Eggs on her own. Then Watch for Recycling.
Wait Until the Female/Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time for at least a Week To Ensure she is Truly Finished Laying..
Be Sure it is the Pen at the Nest “Sitting” Full-Time. Most Cobs will Sit with the Clutch as it is being Laid. For a Clutch of 5 Eggs it will take 9 Days. For 8 Eggs 15 Days for Laying.
He will Protect the Eggs, but he CAN NOT Incubate them. Only the Pen can Incubate the Eggs… ALL Eggs at the Same Time.
During the 8 to 17 Days the Female is Laying her Eggs, she is EATING. NOT “SITTING !! ” – NOT Incubating !
Fertile Mute Swan Eggs SHOULD Hatch on Day 37 Plus – Minus 1 Day.
It is an Interesting Time. But, a Lot Like Watching Paint Dry. The Pen will hardly Eat during this Time… Quick Breaks on the Pond to Drink and Relieve herself. Average 6 Minutes. Most Cobs will Watch the Nest during this Time. Not All.
If the Eggs are Fertile on Day 35 the Cygnets inside the Shell start to Wiggle. The Pen will be OFF and ON the Nest Frequently.. STARTING to EAT ! The Pen’s Hungry Behavior is a VISUAL SIGNAL Hatching is about to Happen. The Cygnets are Pipping. IF you can safely get Close you can hear them.
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If the Eggs are Spoiled or Replaced, the Pen will not have this Signal. She will continue to “Sit.” If the Eggs are not Removed some Pens Starve to Death. It is for her Health and Safety, REMOVE all Eggs at 42 Days.
The Topic Page Below will Provide more Information.
Arrange for 3 People to Help with this Project. Supplies.. One or Two Large Nets.. Maybe a Large Beach Towel..
A Bucket Lined with Two Plastic Grocery Bags.
Working Together this will Only take a Few Minutes.
FIRST: Contain the Male.. Either keep him at a Safe Distance Across the Pond. OR when he come up to the Nest AFTER YOU – Net him.
SECOND: Net the Pen Or Wrap her with a Large Towel. Move her off to the Side. Try NOT to Scare Her. OR Encourage the Pen off her Nest and into the Pond.
Calmly, Slowly, I use a Lawn Chair to Encourage the Female off her Nest. Turned Around this Also Protects me from being Whacked.
IF there are 5-8 Eggs:
Check for any Cracked or Smelly Eggs that are Attracting Flies. Remove these first.
This Female became VERY Sick from Eating the Pesty Flies. She died Nine Days after Hatching her Only Cygnet. Then Sadly it Disappeared.
Remove ALL but Two Real Eggs that are OK.
Place only THREE Wooden Replacement Eggs in the Nest.
Release the Pen. Then Release the Cob. Check the Swans are OK.. Someone Watch that the Pen goes back on the Nest and Tends to the Eggs in her Nest. That she Accepts the Replacements.
If any of the Removed REAL Eggs are Cracked or SMELL Nasty – DISCARD THEM. Rotting Eggs may Explode !! ( Gas PRESSURE ) – KEEP in Plastic Bags. I had ONE Stinky Egg that I placed in the Bucket Bags. Put the Replacement Eggs in the Nest. Stood Up. Picked up my Bucket. BOOM !!! ONE Egg was that Close to Exploding under our Pen.
THE NEXT Day: Do a Basic Check from a Safe Distance that the Swans are still in Normal Nesting Behavior Mode.
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ONE Week Later.. Repeat: Remove the Remaining Real Eggs.
DO NOT Add any more Replacements. UNLESS there are Eggs Missing.. !!!!
Swan Pens frequently Lose Eggs during the Nesting Season. They need several Eggs ( Two or Three) to “Sit” on for the 42 Days to Prevent Recycling.
KEEP the Extra Wooden Replacement Eggs as Spares. There may be some Losses over Time by Raccoons or People..
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ON Day 42 – Remove ALL Eggs from the Nest. This way the Pen will Start to Eat Again.. and Avoid Starvation.
Wipe Replacement Eggs with Soapy Water on a Terry Cloth. DO NOT Soak Wooden Eggs. Rinse, DRY Well. Store for Next Year. Remember WHERE they ARE !
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BELOW are Real Mute Swans Eggs.. Drained, Filled, READY to Use. !!
BRAD You did a Great Job.. Thanks for Sharing..
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The Winter Months are a Good Time to be Crafty and Make Replacement Eggs.
I Must Decline ANY Request to Make Replacement Eggs for you Folks. I would have to make Hundreds for All the People who have Asked.. (-;
Hopefully, You or Someone in your Network of Friends, Family and Neighbors.. is Crafty.. You will Need the Eggs by March.
The Wooden Eggs above were Painted to Create a Decorative Mute Swan Nest for her Flower Bed. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
This is an EXAMPLE of a Mute Pen that had Rotting EGGs.
Trail Cams are becoming Common so Swan Folks can WATCH their Nesting Swans.
This Pen had an Egg that Cracked from the Pressure of Rotting Gas. She Repeatedly TRIED to Pick-up the Stinky Egg Shell. You can See her Beak Marks in the Shell.. Finally she was Able to Remove the Nasty Egg from her Nest.
Rotting Swan EGGs are STINK BOMBs. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
REPLACEMENT EGGs Painted Fall2018 Information UpDated July 2021 (c) SwanLover Linda M.Sweger &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
An Example of a Replacement Egg Swap-Out.
Take a Few Minutes to Observe the Nesting Swans.. Walk Slowly – Get Closer a Little at a Time..
It is Typical for the Cob to be Patrolling Near the Nest Site.
This will be the Pen’s Fourth Spring to Nest. She is Dedicated to her Eggs.
Our Helpers were in Place, Ready to Start this Swap-Out.
I Walked BETWEEN the Nest and the Pond to see if the Cob would come out to Protect his Female.
Giving the Cob a Little Space to Come up to the Lawn-Nest Area.
So Sweet, the Cob goes to Make Sure his Female is Safe.
Now it is TIME for him to CHASE Us OFF.. So Predictable.
The Cob was EASY to Net. He came Directly to Us. OOPs !!
Be Sure the Net Hoop is Securely on the Ground. Swans are Good at Wiggling out UNDER any Open Spot . Check his Neck is Not Twisted and he is Breathing OK.
We Slowly Move the Pen off the Nest with a Lawn Chair. Do this Slowly, give her Time to Stand-up and Move Away.
The Nest contained a Large Clutch of 8 Eggs. Working Quickly, I did not Snap Photos that were Focused. DARN !! The Clutch below is an Example from a Nest in 2017 !!
We Removed 5 Real Swan Eggs and Placed 3 Replacements in the Nest.
SNAPPING One last Photo…. We Stepped back so the Pen could Return to her Nest.
These Image Tell the Story.
The Cob was Release and Went Back to the Pond. We Watched for about 5 Minutes. The Pen Settled Down on the Nest.
This Mute Swan Pen will Need to Sit on the Nest for 4 more Weeks.
In One Week the Remaining REAL Eggs will be Removed. She will Continue to “Sit” on the Three Replacement Eggs. She will Accept them as hers. They will Smell like her and the Nest.
Swan of Beauty, Swan of Grace. A Queen among her Ancient Race. The Swan – by Susa Morgan Black.
March 20th, 2019 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform - (Comments Off on A FLOATING NEST BOX – PLATFORM for SWANS)
These will GREATLY improve Survival for Nesting Swans.
Toward the End of this Topic Page I am Adding Images Shared by Swan Folks Far and Wide of their Swan Nesting Platforms.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click – Open in a New Tab.
As Hints of Spring are ALL Around. IT is that Time Again. NESTING for Most Birds and Swans.
Many Native WildLife will have Young to Feed. Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Bears, Coyotes, Coywolves, Fox, etc.
Unfortunately this means Vulnerable Swans will become Prey.
Watching Swans through their Nesting Season is Interesting.
Each Species of Swans have Different Timing and Nesting Behaviors.
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In Early March Mute Swans are Checking for a Nest Location.
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They Gather Piles of Materials for One to Two Weeks. The Cob Builds a BIG Messy Nest.
And/Or the Pen will Pull together a Soft Cavity Nest.
The Pen will be EATING as she Prepares for Nesting.
Egg Laying takes 8 to 15 Days on Average. (Male Guards Eggs)
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The Pen will “Sit” Full-Time 37 Days for Fertile Eggs to Hatch.
A VERY Vulnerable Time for Female Swans.
Concern for our Nesting Swans has Increased. Several Time Large Predators have Dug Under the Pasture Fencing ..and Attack the Field Sheep and Goats.. Life is Scary for our Swans. Most of the Year they Spend their Night Hours Floating Quietly out on their Pond. It is Nesting Season that puts our Swans at Greatest Risk.
I decided to Pursue this Floating Nest Platform Project Several Months Ago.
The Pond where our Swans are, has a Sheep Pasture on One Side. During the Last Months of 2018, some Large Predators dug under the Pasture Fence and Attacked ALL and Kills several of the Sheep. It was SO Sad. And a Real Eye Opener for All of Us.
I have been Hearing More and More about the CoyWolf Hybrids as I Talk with other Swan Folks. This is Occurring ALL Over PA and Many other Eastern States.
There has been another Attack in March 2020. These Large Canine are Hungry.. WE are Worried.
These Large Hybrid Canines are Increasing in Numbers Every Year. There are Lots of Websites that Discuss the Coywolves.
Mute Swan Cob Trying to Protect his Family from a Coyote. The location was Fall Brook in Freetown Massachusetts Photographer (C) Dennis P Durette This Link may Not Work. But, if you Search * Swan Coyote * the WebPage can be Viewed http://lakevillewiildlife.com/coyote–swan.html
While Searching for Examples, I Found this YouTube Video…
The DNA of the Eastern Coyotes-Coywolf shows they are a Hybrid of the Smaller Western Coyotes, the Remaining Grey Wolves in Canada and Domestic Dogs (Hunting Dogs) that are Tied Outside.
They are not Solitary Animals like the Western Coyotes. These Larger Canines will Travel in Packs and Hunt in the Day Time. Their Fur Color, Pale to Dark, has Lots of Variation. They LOOK like a German Shepherd with a Bushy Tail.
I hardly Speak with Anyone anymore that does not mention hearing the Howling at Night and their Farm Pets being Attacked.
This WILD Trumpeter Swans was not Pinioned. But, it was NOT able to Escape being Snatched by this Clever Canine.
If a Pond has an Island, Swans Nesting on these Isolated Areas have a Much Better Chance of Surviving Nesting Season.
A Gate will be Needed at the Far End of the Bridge.
During the Majority of the Year, our Swans have been Faithful at Spending their Night Hours Floating OUT in their Pond Water.
But, Spring Nesting is Different. The Swans will do their Best to “Sit” and Stay with their Nest & Eggs Day and Night.
Totally Vulnerable. Our Cob “Meadow” can NOT Defend against these Large Pack Canines. Our Swans are NOW at HIGH Risk.
“Brooke” and “Meadow” will be 12 Years Old in 2021. They have Nested each Spring starting in 2012.
We have been Lucky, they have not been Injured or Scared from their Nests.
Many of their Eggs have been Stolen over the Years.
The likely Culprits are Raccoons.
I have made Replacement Eggs.. to Place in their Nest when Needed.
It is Marvelous to Find Tiny Cygnets have Hatched.. So Cute.
Once the Swans can take their Tiny Cygnets out on their Water they ALL will be Safer. At least from the Land Predators.
From the Air there may be Hawks and Owls to Snatch the Tiny Fuzzy Cygnets.
In the Water there may be Snapping Turtles and Water Snakes.. Or Large Mouth Bass.
SO>>>> I Decided I could not just allow them to be Killed. I wanted to Try Adding a Floating Nest Platform to their Pond..
This May not Work. They May not be Willing to Use it. We are Trying and Hoping this Floating Nest Platform will Protect them.
My Husband and I felt we could NOT do this Project ourselves. We hired a Professional Craftsman. I Drew the Plans and he used his Skills to go from Paper Plans to Construction.
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It was Fun to See my Paper Plans become Three Dimensional Wood. ******
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On the Day the Platform was Delivered, we Put our Cob in a Carrier to keep Everyone Safe from his Spring Macho Male Hormones.
Helpful Hands joined the Effort and the Team did a Great Job getting the Platform into the Pond. THANKs Guys !
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My job: Stay out of the Way. And try to get some Photos to Document this Project.
The Man who Built the Nesting Platform did a Wonderful Job.
For his First time, it is PERFECT. Floats at the Proper Height. The Ramp Rests just under the Water for Easy Slide Up..
I am SO Pleased ! !
******
Now we need to get “Brooke” up on it. She is SO Close to Laying Eggs. Within the Week.
The Swans are Ignoring the “NEW Furniture” in their Pond.
We are ALL Brainstorming how to get them to go UP on the Platform. and Realize all the Nest Material they needs is THERE.
After Loading the Platform with Nesting Materials, we Placed a Dish Pan in the Back with WET Feed Mixture.
I am Hoping the Waterfowl Pellet Feed will Smell Good. When it is Wet it Smells like Fresh Dog Food.
We have used Wet Feed to “Bait” Swans with Pretty Good Success. I am Hoping if they can not get Feed from their Normal Container the Smell will get their Attention.
“Brooke” is Eating LOTs to get ready for Nesting. I am HOPING she will Smell the Wet Feed and GO Up on the Platform.
Tossing Floating Pellets into the Water by the Platform. Flopping Lettuce on the Ramp and in the Water. After Several Days.. NO Interest from the Swans.
The Next Idea we are doing is to Put One of my Garden Decoy Swans on the Platform.. These are Pretty Close to Life Size..
WE Need the Swans to Climb up and Explore.. Fingers Crossed.
I Hoped “Brooke” would want to Check the Swan on the Platform. But, she Realized very Quickly that it was a Decoy. NO Interest.
“Meadow” did not Like seeing this Intrusive “WHITE” Swan on HIS Pond !
It kept him busy Stalking and Studying the Decoy.
The Swans have been doing their Mating Dance. And today was the End of the Fake Swan’s Life. Her Head was Separated from the Body and the Body was Dragged from the Platform.
OH “Brooke” Please Walk-Up and Check-Out the Platform.
Here we Tossed Yummy Lettuce Leaves OUT onto the Platform… Hoping to Tempt with Favorite Salad Greens.. NO Luck.. The Swans will NOT Go up onto their Nest Platform.. ” I WISH I Could Talk to them Five Minutes a Month.”
We did NOT Get the Platform into the Pond Early Enough for the Swans to “Maybe” Understand what it was for.. “Brooke” had been Gathering her Nest Material for about a Week before the Platform was Finished and in the Pond.
She Started to Lay Eggs Three Days after the Nesting Box was in the Pond. We will have to Hold our Breath and Worry through their Spring Nesting.. I know the Last Date we will Allow “Brooke” to stay on her Eggs.. They Rarely Hatch.. After 42 Days we will Remove all Unhatched Eggs.
We Tried Everything we Could Think of… Our Pen had Already Picked her Nesting Site for Spring 2019. She Laid her Clutch of Eggs.. and Started to “Sit” to Incubate. She wanted to Nest Against a Fence, just Feet from her Pond.
Our Cob, “Meadow” did his Job Patrolling and Protecting… We were all Lucky.
While our Pen was “Sitting” on her Big Messy Nest, the Little Duck on the Pond started to use the Swans’ Platform for their Nests.. They were Safer.
We Checked the Swans’ Nest Weekly. Checking if Eggs were Missing. There were Two Eggs Stolen from the 2019 Nest. Checking for Rotting Eggs. And Checking for any Signs “Brooke” had Injuries.
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I Like to Bring more Nesting Materials when we Visit and Check her Nest. I put these Fluffy Dried Grasses Near her Nest and “Brooke” will Incorporate it after we Leave.
Our Beautiful Pen looks Good.. Fingers Crossed the Nesting Season Ends and she is Safe.
Nine more Days to Check and Worry…..
On Incubation Day 43 we Encourage our Pen into the Pond.. and Removed all the Eggs. None were Fertile.. Most Close to Exploding. Now “Brooke” can go and EAT !!
I am Adding Notes about the Following Days.. “Brooke” has not been Interested in the Nesting Platform.. I am Glad we Tried..
Summer Passed Peacefully. Platform is Floating in Place.
The Little Pond Ducks LOVE the Platform.. They Feel Safe there.
We are Glad the Little Ducks are Safe.. They are Very Cute.. Time to Think about Next Spring.
2019 Comes to a Close for this Part of our Story….
This First Year was “Try This and Try That.”
2020 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform. 2021 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform.. Sigh. 2022 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform..
2023 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform…
I do Smile when I See the Pond Ducks Napping on the Platform. Mid-May our Swans Finished Nesting and are Both Safe..
THEN a Miracle Happened.. “BROOKE” is UP on the Platform ! During the Month of June 2023.. Our Stubborn Pen has FINALLY Walked up ONTO the Platform.. NOT just Once.. but, TWICE.
Maybe….. Maybe NEXT Spring.. she will NEST on it.. Maybe..!!! ( Never Give Up ! )
THEN on a Beautiful November 2023 Day.. BOTH Swans ! ! We Got to SEE our Pen on the Nest Platform !
They JUST Might Use the Platform Next Spring ! FINGERs CROSSED !! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Another Benefit of a FLOATING Nest Platform. If there are Heavy Spring Rains, the Platform will Rise as Flood Waters Swell. Each Year Many Swan Eggs are Lost during Spring Flooding.
****** ******It was Very Sad to see the Swans Lose their Precious Eggs to Heavy Rain Flooding.
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If you do an Internet SEARCH for: “Swan Floating Nest Box” or “Swan Floating Nest Platform” There are Several Images onLine. Several Commercially Available. I have Added Images Below..
If you are a DIY Person, there are Ideas.. These can be Built.
Our Structure is Mainly Pressure Treated Lumber. I had the Exterior Covered with TimberTech AZEK Composit. We have AZEK Material on our Deck – NO Painting. LOVE the Stuff. Much more durable then Wood. NO Splinters.
We added Plastic – PVC Lattice on the Walking Surface. This will Allows their Toe Claws to Grip and for Good Drainage. We Planned for the Ramp to be Stable with 65 Pounds of Weight = 2 Adult Swans.
Various Floatation would Work.. Attached on the Under Side of the Platform.
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This One has Large PVC Pipe Tubes with Heavy Duty Rubber Caps Double Sealed to Prevent Water Leaking in.
ALL the Hardware is Stainless Steel.. ALL Screws, Screw Eyes and Quick Link Connectors.
We Purchased 2 – 75 Foot Reels of Stainless Chain. Chains are better – Swans will Chew on Ropes.
The Excess Length will allow us Freely to Move the Platform. We will want to Clean it after Nesting. And, we might need to Check the Eggs without someone going out in a Boat.
The Platform needs to be Anchored/Positioned out in Deeper Water. Try to have SOME Shade during Afternoon Hours.
REMEMBER Raccoons can Swim. So, this is not a Solution for these Nest Raiders.
Our Swans had Eggs Stolen while Nesting on a Gated Island. When we checked the Eggs over the Five Weeks, there would be about ONE Big Egg missing each week.
And they Lost MANY more Eggs while Nesting on Land.
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Below: I am Adding Images of Swan Nesting Platforms shared by other Swan Folks. And Nesting Platform Images I Found while Searching OnLine. ***************************************** THANK YOU SWAN FRIENDS for Sharing YOUR Swan Nesting Platform Images..
First are of the Swan Platform Images from Oranmore, Ireland. These Wild Swans were Flooded out Year after Year, until a Nice Man make this Platform for them.
Hope Floats for Irish Love Birds 25.05.15 May 25, 2015 A PAIR of Irish Swans have Mated successfully for the first time Thanks to a Special Man-Made Raft built to prevent their Nest Washing Away. The Mute Swans, who have been together for Eight Years, Lost all their Clutches of Eggs to High Tides and Flooding in Oranmore, Co Galway since 2007. ****** ******
Against all the Odds the 12-year old WaterBirds are now First-Time Parents to Five Fluffy Cygnets THANKs to a Team of Volunteers led by Mechanical Engineer Peter Butler, who Built them a Floating Love-Nest.
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In the Netherlands, the City of Amsterdam Built Platforms along their Canals for their Wild Swans to Nest on.. No Images of any Swans on these Platforms..
But, One Pair of Swans were Nesting by a Busy Marina.
During the Nesting Time, the Cob became Aggressive to a Boater. Several Days Later he Disappeared.. The Pen-Dam Hatched most of her Eggs and Raised them for several Months alone.
*********** NOW to our Southern Swan Friend in Sunny Florida Built with a Good Friend on a Warm Afternoon. ****** This Coated Hardware Cloth will Allow for Great Drainage under the Nesting Fluff. ****** At First there was No Ramp.. The Swans Showed NO Interest. TEN – 10 Minutes after the Ramp was Added the Young Female Cygnets were Exploring the Platform.. I am SO Jealous ! But, Happy for DL and her Swans.
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OHIO BUCKEYE BIRDs.. Breeder of ALL Swan Species..
“At Buckeye Birds we Specialize in Raising Exotic Birds. Our Primary Focus is on Wild Waterfowl with a Focus on the Various Species of Swans.”
They have Mutes – Trumpeters – Whoopers Black Australians – Black-Necked – Coscoroba
www.buckeyebirds.com (Please Copy into Search ) Buckeye Birds Breeds and Sells Swans – Ships in the Continental USA
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Then to a Lake in OHIO.. and a Platform Built for their Beloved Swans..
This is Cute.. A Canada Goose took up Nesting almost Immediately.
Not sure How ?? In May the Lake Swans were Using the New Nesting Platform.
From Pierre – To Build Basic Specs: The Top Platform is 5 feet by 5. The Skirt adds another two feet all around.
There are 6 PVC Pipes 7 feet long by 4 inch, Water Proof Sealed Caps at each end. This make it float perfectly. Be Sure to ADD Stainless Straps to keep the Sealed PVC Pipes in Place.
The Surface is Stable in the Water and will hold Two Adult Swans Easily with Nesting Material and Cygnets.
To keep in a Fixed Location in the Water.. Consider Large Rust Proof Stainless Eye Screws and Stainless Chain. (Rope is a Tangle Hazard).
Take Platform in – Store for the Winter to Prevent any Damage from Ice. Thanks for Sharing Pierre..
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Another Swan Nesting Platform from GEORGIA.. THANKs Folks. They shared a Series of Images – Fun Project.
The Swans will Supervise this Building Project. ****** ******
****** Now for a Little Adjustment to the Ramp..
This Swan Nesting Platform is not Floating.. It is on Support Posts. It will stay in Place regardless of the Water Level or Weather Conditions. Now the Challenge is to get the Swans UP On the Platform. Will they be Tempted with Favorite Foods and Treats ??? Will they Explore and Understand that this is for their Eggs. OH GOOD, YEAH One Swan is ON the Ramp. Good Job !!! Yeah ! This Time it was Easier.. “Your Treats are UP Here !” There is Time to become Comfortable with the Platform. Nesting Season is about a Month Away… WE are READY !
OH NO !! There are Squatters ! Canada Geese and Turtles Like this Spot !! The Swans have a Mind of their Own.. We Tried..
They Picked this Spot.
We Love our Swans, we Want them to be Safe..
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ANOTHER SWAN PLATFORM… A Large Community Lake.. They Love having Swans on their LARGE Lake.. Want them Safe. The Folks who Watch Over and Care for the Swans have Built Nesting Platforms.
I Love to See Swans Naturally Nesting. But, it is too Often Unsuccessful.
Their Swans have Nested several Years.. with Few Cygnets Surviving. Seasonal Water Level Changes have Flooded Nests.. Wet Eggs – Spoiled.. SO, this Nesting Platform is Stationary.. AND Rises with the Water Level.
Yep !!! A Swan has Moved Onto the Platform… Maybe will Nest There.. FINGERS CROSSED for Next Spring..****** Great Job… I Wish our Swans would at Least Try their Platform..
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This Mute Swan Pen had a Hero who Helped her have a Safer Place to Nest.
************* A Swan Lover Shared these Images..
************** These Plastic – PVC Pallets are on the Small Size.. I would think Two Securely Connected would be a Good Start to a Floating Platform.. Some Pallets are Structured to Add Floatation Support. *************** WARNING: Styrofoam as Floatation Material is Risky.. !!
*************** A Large Chuck of Styrofoam Floated UP.. The Swans were Chew at it.. HOW much did they Swallow.. OH NO ! The Swans are OK.. but, this was a BIG Worry..
************* This Smaller Platform was Not for Nesting.. But, for Resting. ******************** BREEDERs Find these a Good Idea..
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Lots of Creative Ideas.. Thanks to All For Sharing.
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Midwest Floating Island . . . . . . . I Found this Idea while doing a Search. www.MidwestFloatingIsland.com . . . . . . .BioHaven Floating Wetlands for Habitats.
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I will Add more Examples as they are Shared.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& This is a Topic Page in Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UpDated February 2024 (C) Linda M.Sweger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I Will Add more..Fingers Crossed.
This was my Fortune Cookie Days before the Platform was Finished.
August 2nd, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SNAPPING Turtles - NASTY Beasts - (Comments Off on SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTS.)
SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTS. Try to REMOVE THEM.
There are Photo Images on this Topic Page That are Unpleasant to View. But this is What Snapping Turtles Do. They BITE – They Destroy Our Waterfowl ! !
Click to Enlarge Images
Common Snapping Turtle Common Snapping Turtles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_snapping_turtle I have used Information from this Wikipedia Article in this Topic Page. If you want more info.. Read this and other Articles.
Nature has its Cruel Side.. One Animal-Bird-Fish needs to Eat another Animal-Bird-Fish to Survive.
Bringing Captive Pets to our Homes, Properties and Pond.. We try to Prevent Losing our Chosen Pets to Predators.
We DO have Some Control over SNAPPING Turtles..
Fences are NOT going to Keep them from your Ponds and Lakes.
The RANGE for Common Snapping Turtles..is:
In Pennsylvania, Common Snapping Turtles are the ONLY Turtles that Folks with Domestic Waterfowl need to be Concerned with.. *****************************
Our Swans had a Number of Perfect Summer Days..
Their Perfect Summer Days Ended with a Nasty Snapping Turtle Bite. The Swans’ One Precious Cygnet had a Terrible Foot Injury.. He was Lucky to be Alive.
Taking their Only Cygnet was a Horrible Moment.. I will Never Forget hearing the Swans Screaming. Little “Meadow” would have Suffered and Died..
It has been Quite an Adventure.. “Meadow” will be 13 Years Old – Mid-July 2022.
Snapping Turtles will Show-up without being Invited.. Destroying the Peace. You Need to Watch and Check for Snapping Turtles EVERY Spring ! They can Crawl into your Ponds and Lakes During Warm Weather Months. During their Reproductive Season – they are On the Move ! Snappers are a Major Predators of Young and Adult Waterfowl..
All other PA Turtles are Harmless and Beneficial to your Water Environments. We Frequently see the Painted Turtles Basking and Swimming Quietly about. They will often Surface for Chopped Lettuce.. and Floating Feed Pellets.
Thank Goodness we do NOT have these in Pennsylvania.. *****************************************************
I am NOT a Fan of ANY Snapping Turtles.. I have NO Good Words for Snapping Turtles..
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****** ******* We have MANY Pitiful Memories of Snapping Turtles.
Both Times there were People READY to Help her.
The Snappers that Bit her were REMOVED ASAP.
This Topic Page will not be a Pretty Picture Tour..
Snappers CAN BITE People and Pets, like Dogs that want to Walk and Play in a Pond, Creek, Stream, Lake or River. OUCH ! ******* The Swan Above Died before she could be Rescued.
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****** This Cygnet was Rescued around Eight Weeks Old.. She had Two Toe Claws Cut-Bit OFF.. and Torn Webbing.
Recovery was Questionable.. She Might be Lucky..and OK. This Injured Foot will Always be a Concern. LOTs of Dedicated TLC. Eight Weeks Later, she has Healed Well.. and Adopted to New Home.
The Cygnet Below is Only 3-4 Months Old. Its Beak is Damaged. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
SNAPPING TURTLEs.. BEST to Remove all you Find.. I am NOT making any Suggestion on what you do with them. That is between You and the Snapping Turtles. ********
For Folks who ENJOY Waterfowl and their Young, Snapping Turtles are a Constant Source of Nasty Injuries and Death for Smaller Ducklings, Goslings and Cygnets.
The Tiny Cygnet Below.. was BIT.. and Died.. Slowly.
A Swan Owner did not Understand “Why ?” the Parent Swans were not with this Little One Hiding in the Water Iris Blades. She took a Quick Photo, Sent it and Called me. My First Thought.. It is Hurt.. Hiding.. Scared.. I Suggested if she could get to the Cygnet Safely >>> Check its Feet and Legs for Wounds. Yes !! It was Bleeding. Off to the Vet’s Clinic ASAP..
Evaluated: This Tiny Cygnet 8 Days Old might Weigh a Pound.
Snapping Turtle Bites are Not Straight Cuts. They are Sharp V Shaped Rips.. Chunks of Flesh & Skin Cut-Ripped Out. VERY Dirty … This One Caused Multiple Organ Damages.. Ripped Skin, Exposed Muscle, Broken Ribs, Punctured Lungs, Blood Loss – (BIG SIGH). It would take a “Magic Wand” to help this Precious Tiny Life.
Parent Swans will not Linger with Injured or Weak Cygnets.. They Focus their Care on the Healthy Cygnets that have the Best Chance of Surviving. ****** The Swan Family had to Remain OUT of their Pond, Until the Snapping Turtle was Removed. ****** The Dam Below has a Nip Out of her Beak. She has Lost most of her Cygnets the Past 3 Spring-Summers. ****** ****** Snapping Turtles will BITE Feet and Faces of Waterfowl. These Turtles Quickly Learn where you are Feeding your Waterfowl.. Place their Pond Food in Shallow Water where they can SEE. ****** They will LURK close-by.. Waiting for Leftover-Spillage. Do NOT Feed where Plants will Create a Hiding Spot.
******
Snapping Turtles like to Walk along the Bottom of a Pond Scavenging for Food. They may Bask Out of Water. More frequently we see them in the Water Floating on the Surface with just their Snout and Top of their Carapace Exposed.The HARM they do to our Wild and Domestic Waterfowl is DREADFUL.. This Young Cygnet did Survive with Months of Daily Care. And MANY Visits to the Vet’s for Treatments and Check-Ups.
It Amazes me How Well our Cob has Adapted to his Damaged Foot. This Young Feral Swan was NOT so Lucky. I have Images and Images of Swans Bitten by Snapping Turtles.. Once Bitten it is a Difficult Process to Help your Pet Waterfowl. Her Leg and Foot were Infected and FULL of Maggots. A Mess. These Young Swans could not be Saved.. BOTH Euthanized. This Little One would not be able to Eat or See… Tragic End.
Too Many are Mortally Injured beyond Realistic Hope for Recovery.&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
We have had TOO MANY Sad Experiences.TOO MANY Permanently Disabled Birds. I Love WildLife.. but, the Pond Swans, Ducks and Geese take Priority.
I STRONGLY Suggest the Removal of Snapping Turtles if you have Swans. Many Folks have Noticed that their Waterfowl will NOT go on the Pond When there is a Snapping Turtle Swimming Below them. ******* BE VERY CAREFUL if you are REMOVING SNAPPING TURTLES.
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This Breeding Swan Pair started with four Cygnets..
This was the Last One.. So Sad. We offered to take it to a Safe Place.. The Owner did not care.. Said, “This happens every year.. “ He Sells any Cygnets that Survive until Fall. I left this Roadside Pond with a very Heavy Heart. This Pond is along the Road. People bring Snapping Turtles here and ADD them to this Small Pond.
PLEASE DO NOT Put Snapping Turtles in Someone Else’s Pond !
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SNAPPING TURTLEs.. BEST to Remove all you Find.. THESE BIG SNAPPING TURTLES are OLD !!!! ****** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
This Dam Started with Six Cygnets.
If you Lose a Waterfowl Pet or One of their Young.. Be Suspicious. ??? What Predator is Taking the Young ??? ???? Snappers or Hawks or Owls or Blue Herons, etc.
You can do Something about the Snappers.. the others mentioned are more Difficult to Protect from.
Check and WATCH for Snappers along your Pond Edges. or Floating Quietly in the Water. If your Waterfowl, Swans are Reluctant to Enter the Water… Check around… they may be Trying to Warn you..
Put Food and Treats in Clear, Shallow Water. At Least they have a Chance of NOT being Bitten in the Face.
Snapping Turtles are an Unwelcome Problem in many Areas.
### A Family Memory Story.. ### When my Mother was a Girl.. (Late 1920s) She would Catch the Snapper Turtles from their local Creek. Sell them to Folks who would make Turtle Soup. The Bigger the Snapper the more she was Paid.
Times have Changed.. Fewer are Harvested for a Soup Ingredient.
There has been an EXPLOSION of Snapping Turtles ALL Over..
In their Environment, Snapping Turtles are at the top of the Food Chain.
Common Snapping Turtles have few Predators when Older due to their Formidable Size and Defenses.*****************************************************
Common Snapper Habitatsare Shallow Ponds, Creeks or Streams. They are often seen Basking along the Banks, sometimes on Fallen Logs. Snappers lay in Shallow Muddy Water with only their Nose or Head Exposed. Their Nostrils are Positioned on the Very Tip of their Snout.
They are Active, Opportunistic, Omnivorous, Eating almost ANYTHING: Insects, Spiders, Crayfish, Clams, Snails, Earthworms, Leeches, Frogs and Toads, Salamanders, Small Turtles, Snakes, Fish.
Snapping Turtles Consume lots of Aquatic Vegetation. Basically, ANYTHING they can get in their Mouths. Anything Alive or Dead. They are Efficient Aquatic Scavengers.
They are Ambush Hunters of Aquatic or Semi-Aquatic Birds and Small Mammals. Snapping Turtles are Considered a Nuisance, since they Consumes many Game Fish, Ducklings and Goose Goslings.*****************************************************
Snapping Turtles Mate from April through November. These Turtles come out on Land to Court, making them more Visible in the Spring.
Snapping Turtles Travel Extensively over Land to Reach New Habitats or to Lay their Eggs. You may not have any Snapping Turtles in Early Spring.. but, this Roving Behavior may Introduce a New Snapper to your Pond. Watch for them Floating in your Pond.
Fences do not Stop them..
The Cygnets above were ALL Eaten by a BIG OLD Snapping Turtle on a Friday Morning while the Family was away at Market. *****************************************************
Peak Turtle Egg Laying is May, June into July.. Female Snapping Turtles leave the Water and Travel to find Soft Mulch or Sandy Soil to lay their Average Clutch of 30 to 50 Eggs. Golf Course Sand Traps are a Great Place for Incubating their Eggs. Incubation Time is Temperature-Dependent, Ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. Their Unprotected Nest is Vulnerable to Predation.
The Baby Snapping Turtles Hatch in Late Summer and Instinctively know to Head for Water. The Temperature makes a Difference as to how many of each Gender are Hatched.
Turtle Hatchlings are the Size of a 50-Cent Piece. Many Fall Prey to Raccoons, Skunks and Opossums. Those that Survive are Generally Long-Lived — 30 to 50 to 100 Years.“HE” is Likely Older them Most People Alive Today.
**************************************************** Turtles have a Complicated Metabolic Process that Allows them to Hibernate through the Cold Winter Periods. They Dig and Snuggle Down into the Lower Muddy Areas and Wait for Spring.
For a Few Colder Months the Snappers are NOT a Problem.
They will be BACK.. When your Tiny Innocent Cygnets want to Play and Explore.
****** This Mother Duck Started with Seven Ducklings. Five Ducklings Lost in 12 Days. So Sad. *****************************************************
AND, if you have a Pond that is Visible from the Road. You are likely to have People bring Snapping Turtles they find Crossing the Road to your Pond.Their “Good Deed” becomes your Nasty Headache..
This Female’s Beak was Bitten by a HUGE Snapper Dropped into her Pond. The Pond Owner saw the Truck STOP, Open the Tail-Gate and Slide the BIG Snapper into their Pond… And, just Drive Away. THANKS BUDDY !!! *****************************************************
2019 ON a Local Private Pond.. SNAP Another Cygnet with a Foot Injury.
This Young Male needed Surgery and Weeks of Recovery Time. Lucky.
Spring brought Two Tiny Cygnets to their Pond. Young Mature Swans Hatch their First Cygnets.
The Adult Swans took their Tiny Cygnets to a Swampy Area where there would be Lots of Natural Insects and Water Plants.. And Snappers !
SNAP !!!
For Several Days her Pain was HeartBreaking.. One of her Tiny Cygnets was Gone…
The Remaining Cygnet stayed Close to its Dam. After Weeks of “Sitting” Two Tiny Cygnets only Survived a few Days.
Both the Cygnets were Gone. Taken by the Swamp Creatures..
Unable to Eat for Days – Unable to Preen.. Just Surviving. Slowly, this Brave Pen started to Eat and Care for Herself. She had a Very Dedicated Owner to Help her Survive and Recover. Pens – Dams are VERY Hungry when Nesting Ends.. SNAP….
This Terrible Injury to her Beak will Affect the Rest of her Life.
These Images are after a Month of Healing. This Female was/is Lucky.. She has a Loving Owner who has helped her – Lots of TLC.. there is Hope. It is Important that she is able to Eat and Maintain a Healthy Weight. AND, that she is able to Preen to WaterProof her Feathers..
The First Full Year after this Injury will be a Challenge and Concern.
With Help – This Swan Owner has had over 70 Large Snapping Turtles Removed. The Swamp is 35 Acres.. Removing Snappers will be Endless.. ********* In Early June 2023 “Juliet” had her Foot Bit. One Week Later a Snapping Turtle Killed her. ********************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& **********************************************************
***** FOR PRIVATE Land-Pond Owners..
June 18, 2018 – I Spoke with a Person at the Harrisburg Fish & Boat Commission Office. (717) 787-4250
I Explained the Dilemma of Several Pond Owners with Domestic Waterfowl.. having their Pet Waterfowl Injured or Killed… And they Read Snapping Turtles can not be Removed until July 1st. This Regulation is for People who Trap for Commercial Sale of Turtle Meat.
IT is OK for the Person who Owns the Pond to REMOVE Snapping Turtles ANYTIME they are a Problem for You, Your Family, Your Pets, Your Waterfowl. NO Permit Needed.. NO Time to Wait.. Anytime.. *** JUST do not Sell the Turtles. Snapping Turtle Meat can NOT be Sold before July 1st.
IF you NEED to Remove Snapping Turtles for the Safety of your Waterfowl, make sure you have Identified them Properly.
Species Description: The Common Snapping Turtle has a LARGE Head with a STRONG Beak. The Edges of their Jaws have SHARP Edges to RIP Apart Food.
Males are Larger than Females. Snappers Grow throughout their Life Time. Snappers Weighing in Excess of 22 Pounds are likely to be Male and OLD. Snappers that do the Most Harm will Range from 10–35 Pounds.
Do a SEARCH for a Website to help you Identify Turtles. Most States’ Fish and Boat Commission Websites have a Page. Search Example: Pennsylvania Turtle Identification.
If you are Not Sure you have a Snapper in Your Pond.. You can Check with a Simple Method.. Tie a Raw Chicken Leg (or Chunk of Raw Meat) to a Strong Cord. Tie the Cord to a Stake or Post along the Edge of the Water. Put the Meat into Shallow Water…. Wait… Check… If you have a Snapper.. the Meat will be Consumed.
Sigh.. No One WANTs this Result..
The Best Thing to do to Protect your Pet Waterfowl.. Is Remove Snapping Turtles.
************************************************
There are WildLife Control – Removal Services that will Come, Set Traps and Remove Snapping Turtles..
Snapping Turtles are the One Wildlife Species in Pennsylvania that you can Legally Harvest and Sell Commercially for their Meat. Commercial Trapping to Sell Snappers for their Meat has a Restricted Season. WildLife Control Services MUST Follow State Regulations. In PA a Permit is Required.. Legal Season begins July 1st.
IN PA – Any Company or WildLife Removal Service that Traps Snapping Turtles for Commercial Sale MUST WAIT for the Date Set by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. In 2018 the Date is July 1st. This Allows the Female Turtles Time to Lay their Eggs.. Which Generally Happens during May-June.
An Annual Permit is Required through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Completed Application shall be Forwarded to: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.
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There are Various Meat and HOOK Methods of Snagging the Snapping Turtles.
If you use One of these Methods.. The HOOK NEEDs to be DOWN at least Five-Six (5 to 6) Feet from the Surface..Out of Reach of the Waterfowl. Swans can REACH Down to Graze on Under Water Plants. You do not want to SNAG your Swans.. or have them get Tangle with Bare Lines or Cords.
I have NEVER done this Myself ************************************************** These are Notes from a Swan Friend.. who has done this MANY Times.
HOOKING THOSE NASTY SNAPPING TURTLES Supplies and Instructions by J.Ford
One EMPTY Gallon Plastic Milk Jug Sealed with Cap. * 4-5 foot Steel Leader (Add Weight so this Sinks.) or Narrow Pipe or Metal Conduit.. Something with Weight. # 6 or 7 Steel Bluefish Hooks 40 to 50 feet of Nylon Rope. Chicken Necks, Legs or Wing Parts for Bait.
* Secure the Nylon Rope to the Weighted Steel Leader. OR Thread the Nylon Rope through the Pipe/Conduit.. Attach Hook very Securely… Secure the Rope to the Empty Milk Jug.
Have a Second Line Attached to the Jug.. Attached to the Shore.
Bait the Hook and then Throw the Milk Jug with the Leader or Pipe as far into the Pond as you can and WAIT for the Snapping Turtles to Hook themselves. The Bobber (Milk Jug) will MOVE.
Pull the Milk Jug in when the Turtle is HOOKED.
Use a Shovel to PUSH Turtle into LARGE Trash Can.
Use Wire Cutters to Cut the Steel Leader.. DO NOT Try to REMOVE the Hook from the Turtle.
Take Turtle to Stream or River FAR FAR Away and Release. The Turtle’s Digestive Juices will Dissolve the Hook.
************************** Repeat Until you have Snapping Turtles OUT of your Pond. If there is ONE there are Very likely MORE….
One Pond we Visited thought they did not have Snapping Turtles. In ONE Week they Caught 25 Assorted Size Snappers.
Be Vigilant for New Snappers and/Or “Chicken Leg” Check Several Times a Year. *****************************************************
There are Snapping Turtle Traps.. Commercially Available.
Depending on the Problem in your Area.. These are Worth the Investment. AND there is NO HOOK to Worry About.
There are Methods of Snagging Snappers with a Line and Hook.. The Swans can get Tangled in a Line, Rope or Cord.. If they Find the Hook and “Get HOOKED ! ” It can mean a Trip to the Vet’s Clinic..
The Price of a Turtle Trap is Cheaper then ONE Visit to a Vet. Or the Cost of Replacing a Swan.. and All the HeartAche.. ****************
Search Various WebSite to Compare Traps and Prices.
Catching Snapping Turtles by ANY Method is Time Consuming.
Seeing your Sweet Faced Waterfowl Chewed into Pieces is Heartbreaking. ********************************
*************************************************** How you Plan to Dispose of Snapping Turtles is for you to Decide. *************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
*************************************************** Before you can Eat Snapping Turtle Meat: You need to take them Home ALIVE. Put the Angry Beast in a Large Escape Proof Tub of Water – ALIVE. Change the Water Several Times during the Next 5-7 Days. This Cleans the Turtle Out before you Kill and Butchered it. (Nope Not Me ! ) This is more than many People are Willing to do.
This is the Basic Idea.. Search and Read for Better Instructions. ************************************************** Snapping Turtle Meat can be Consumed in Small Amounts. Snapping Turtles do retain PCBs in their Fat and Internal Organs.
If you choose to Eat Snapping Turtle Meat, you can Reduce your Exposure by Carefully Trimming Away all Fat and Internal Organs and Discarding these Tissues before Cooking the Meat or Making Soup. ***See the Annual Fish Consumption Advisory for more Snapping Turtle Consumption Information. ************************************************ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ************************************************ A Brief Account I found several time while Reading.. (SIGH)
Assault with a Turtle???? This is from a Collection of Notes..
“The Police use them (snapping turtles) to find Drowning Victims. They tie ’em on a line, and the turtle will lead ’em to the decomposing body every time. Only problem is, the embalmer has to figure out how to hide the chunks the turtle bites out of the corpse.” “GROSS” ! !
***************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ***************************************************** Collected and Organized by Linda M. Sweger This is a Sad Work in Progress.. I Really DISLIKE Adding to it. UpDated November 2023
***************************************************** The Following Photos Tell their Own Stories. ***************************************************** This Sweet Gentle Swan had the Damaged Beak for the Duration of her Life. Grassy Plants would get Caught in the Cut.
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“Meadow” and the Nasty Snapping Turtle Bite. Young Mute Cygnet – Just Four Weeks Old. Life was Good. …For a Few More Days.Rescued at 40 Days Old.. Right Foot Badly Injured. All the Bones of his Foot and Toes are Broken. Many Veterinary Visits and Weeks of Antibiotics. We can not put a Brace on his Injury. After Six Months his 4th Toe became Infection. Within Days it had to be Removed to Save him. ****** “Meadow’s” Surgical Wound Oozed Blood for Weeks.. he became Seriously Anemic. Soaking and Wrapping EVERY Day.
“Meadow” Tolerated all the Intervention Well. Sweet Cygnet.We were Helpless to Prevent his Foot Turning Inward & Sideways. It is SIX Months Since he was Bit. ***** ***** He is Ready to Go to Live on a Pond. ***** I Cringe Every Time I See his Foot.
****** Our Male Swan is doing FAR Better then we had Hoped.
Every Other Part of “Meadow” is PERFECT ! Rescued in August of 2009 – “Meadow” is NINE Years Old in July 2018. A LOT of Work.. Worth Every Minutes. With Each Passing Year – We Count our Blessing. ******* ******* *******
We are Grateful to ALL the Folks who have Help him ! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** ****** ****** She is a Very Lucky Swan.
*************************************************** Most Turtles are Harmless and Fun to Watch.
