Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore
The Information for this Page is being Organized.
Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore
January 31st, 2015 | Posted by in Swans - Fun Facts, Legends and Lore - (Comments Off on Swans – Fun Facts, Legends and Lore)POND Management
January 31st, 2015 | Posted by in POND Management - (Comments Off on POND Management)POND Management
The Information for this Page is being Organized.
Swan Death Necropsy
January 31st, 2015 | Posted by in Swans Death Necropsy - (Comments Off on Swan Death Necropsy)Swan Death Necropsy
Swans Disease and Parasites
January 31st, 2015 | Posted by in Swans Diseases and Parasites - (Comments Off on Swans Disease and Parasites)Swans Disease and Parasites
Swans Bumble Foot Sores – OH NO
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in Swans Bumble Foot Sores - OH NO - (Comments Off on Swans Bumble Foot Sores – OH NO)OH NO – Swans Bumble Foot Sores
Feeding Swans in the Winter
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in Feeding Swans in the Winter - (Comments Off on Feeding Swans in the Winter)Feeding Swans in the Winter
NO Two Ponds or Water Environments will Experience
the Same Conditions in the Winter Months.
You may need to become Creative to Ensure Your Swans
are Getting Enough to Eat.
Click to Enlarge Images
Swans like all Birds and Animals need Food to Live.
During the Cold Winter Months Swans NEED Supplemental
Grains – Pellet Poultry Feeds – Vegetables.
Your Captive Swans are Pets – They Depend on You.
Trying to Rescue and Move a Swans in Frigid Temperature,
when Ice is on their Water Environment.. Lake – Pond, etc.
is VERY Dangerous.
The BEST Thing you can do for your Swans is Prepare for Winter during the Fall Months.
AND then Feed them Daily so they have the Calories for Quick Energy to Keep them Warm.
We Always want our Swans to Stay IN or Near their Water.
BE SAFE when you Feed your Swans !
Try to Find a Safe Way to Push Food Items out to the Swans.
In this Situation I used a Long Handled Pool Skimmer Net.
Whole Corn provides Extra Calories.
Whole Corn is Not a Complete Diet.
Add some Whole Grain Cereals.
MultiGrain Cheerios, Kix, Plain Corn and Bran Flake Cereals.
Select the Plainer Cereals
Mix in Vegetables – Lettuce, Chopped Apples, etc.
Choose Cereals without Yeast or Color Dyes.
Whole Grain Cheerios and Plain Corn and Bran Flakes.
Our Swans LOVED Honey Graham Squares.
Puffed Wheat – Puffed Rice – Kix Cereals.
Plain Graham Crackers are a Safe Treat.
This Only works with Mute Swans.
A Visual Indicator of Weight –
A Healthy Adult Mute Swan will have a Full Knob.
If they are Underweight their Knob will start to Shrink.
A Mix of Chopped Vegetables and Cereals.
When our Swans were on a Large Body of Water, I brought their Lunch in a Colorful Bucket that they would see from a Distance.
Having Water Close to their Food-Feed
makes Swallowing much Easier.
Swans are Grazers.. Many Wild Birds, Ducks and Geese are Gobblers. It can be a CHALLENGE to ensure your Swans are getting their Proper Share of the Food you Put Out for them.
You will need to be Creative..
The Type of Food-Feed Containers you use may help.
Every Situation is Different.
Duck and Geese will Clean-Up most Leftover Foods.
When Winter Nights Freeze their Vegetable Basket,
Put Vegetables that Float on their Water.
Swans will be Grateful for the Food you Bring to them.
Many Swans will Snort “Thank You.”
Winter Support = Healthier Swans.
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Information Compiled by (C) Linda M.Sweger November 2015
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To Shelter or Not in Winter
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in To Shelter or Not in Winter - (Comments Off on To Shelter or Not in Winter)To Shelter or Not in Winter.
Or at Other Times of the Year.
TO SHELTER Swans or NOT to SHELTER Swans.
CLICK Images to ENLARGE
SHELTERING your SWANs and CYGNETs is a JUDGMENT Call.
IF your Local Area is Expecting EXTREME or DANGEROUS Weather
Have a Plan to Shelter or Protect your Swans from Harm.
Prepare for the Worst Weather Conditions. 
Enjoy the Best Days with your Swans.
SHELTER – A BASIC DEFINITION
NOUN – A Place giving Temporary Protection from Bad Weather or Danger.
A Shield from something Harmful.
VERB – Protect, Shield, Screen, Cover, Shade, Save, Safeguard,
Preserve, Defend, Cushion, Guard, Insulate.
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To Shelter has so many Meanings..
I think of the many things we do to Protect – Shelter ourselves.
Homes, Garages, Barns, Sheds, Porches, a Lean-To, a Roof,
Walls, Doors, Windows, etc.
Swans Naturally do NOT Like to be inside any Structure.
The first Year of Swan Care is a BIG Learning Curve.
For YOU and the Swans, Especially for the Young Cygnets.
We have been doing this over 10-17 Years (2021) during the Winter Months.
Some were Feral Swans along the River.. Mostly for our Captive Pet Swans.
I have Worried and Planned.. and Worried.. and taken Steps to keep
our Swans as Safe and Happy during the Winter as I Possibly can.
I Plan for the WORST Conditions. And Enjoy the Best of Winter.
So Far, we have NOT lost any Swans to Nasty Winter Weather.
Nor to any Predators. We have been Lucky.. (Knock on Wood)
We have Lost Swans.. Sadly YES. Heart Breaking.
Doing this Project and Arranging Swan Connections..
I have heard some very Sad News.. Deaths due to Frozen Ponds..
and Unseen Night Predators.. Snapping Turtles..
SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTs
https://swanlovers.net/category/snapping-turtles-nasty-beasts/
Too many Sad Stories.. Too many Lost to Unknown Causes.
It is a Challenge to Keep Swans Safe..
So, if what I have Learned..might help others..
I want to share.. Especially to those new to Swan Care.
Swans look Fragile – Delicate… They look like Expensive Plush Toys
Gliding with Elegance on the Calm Mirrored Waters of a Pond or Lake.
Healthy Swans are Surprisingly Durable..
Every Place is Different.. and Swans will Adapt Differently.
To Plan for a Shelter.. is a Judgement Call…
Every Environment is Different.. the Risk Factors are Different..
This Topic Page is meant to Aid you Evaluating your Place.
Then make Plans that you are Comfortable with..
******
Try to have the Swans Floating over Water that is at Least 4 Feet Deep.
It would be Difficult for most Predators to Reach them.
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Wild Waterfowl will use their Wings to Fly away from Danger
or to Seek Open Water when your Pond is Covered with Ice.
Since Capture Swans are Pinioned or Clipped, they can not Fly Away from
Danger or Fly to Open Water. A Common Plan is to THINK Shelter..
IF You are Willing to Construct a Shelter for Your New Swans..
First LOOK at your Whole Picture.. and what you know about your
General Climate, Water Environment and Predator Population..
In PA, I hear more and more Accounts of Eastern Coyotes – CoyWolves..
These Large Wild Canine may travel in Packs.. may Stalk-Hunt
during the Day Hours. Their Numbers are Increasing ALL the Time.
I hear them Mentioned More and More as I Speak with Swan Owners.
Several Years Ago, I did a Search for the CoyWolves in Pennsylvania.
I Read that there are an Average of 40,000 Removed Annually ! !
The Coyotes – CoyWolves have been responsible for too many Loses
of Domestic Swans, Geese and Ducks..
Swans, especially the Trumpeters and Mutes do NOT like (HATE)
being confined in a Building or Shelter – they feel TRAPPED.
The Main Way Swans Protecting themselves is with their Wings.
Buildings have Corners and Limited Space. In a Structure it is
TOO easy for Swans to become Cornered-Trapped.
In a Building Swans can not Spread their Wings to (BEAT)
“FLOGGING” and Drive Off Predators, which is their Primary
Defense. They have NO Teeth and very little Bite Pressure..
During the Cold Months when the Temperature drop below Freezing,
Captive Swans NEED to be in Liquid Water to keep Warm.
Inside a Structure they are Out of the Direct Weather, Cold Wind or Rain..
But, depending on the Air Temperature it may still be VERY Cold.. TOO Cold.
The last several Winters, we have had Periods of VERY Bitter Cold Days and
Nights. Temperatures WELL into the Minus Degrees. 
Conditions that Worry MANY Folks with Ponds and Domestic Waterfowl…
“TO Shelter or Not to Shelter…” that is the Question I get.
A Fluffy Pile of Fresh Straw.. (NO Hay) can provide a Place to Snuggle in.
DO NOT USE Wood Shavings or Hay for Shelter Bedding.
Wood Shavings are TOO Dusty. Hay has a Higher Risk of MOLD.
If Straw is not available Old Blankets or Towels to Snuggle into will Help..
Try to Keep their Feet off a Hard, Frigid Floor.
I have Never used Hay for Bedding.. TOO Risky.. Too much Mildew-Mold.
https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/what-causes-fungal-infections-poultry/
There is an increased Risk of Diseases, such as Aspergillosis, caused by exposure to Moulds.
I have Never used Wood Shavings.. TOO Much Dust.. Read Article Below.
https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/08/straw-vs-shavings-my-choice-for-coop.html
Not ALL Out Buildings have Electricity Available..
Basic Water Tubs will Freeze..
Heat Lamps make me NERVOUS !! Use with Great Care…
Chances are you will not have Fire Detection in your Out Buildings.
452 Best Heat Lamp Fire Images in 2019 / Inside Chicken Coops
https://www.pinterest.com/TheChicknChick/heat-lamp-fires/
Basic 80 to 100 Watt Light Bulbs will help to Warm the Still Air in a Building.
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Predators tend to be Animals with Claws and Sharp Teeth..
Swans only have the Power Stroke of their Wings to Defend Themselves.
But, Swans are Always at a Disadvantage & at Risk when
there are Humans intent to Harm them.
You know if you have a Predator Problem.
Do the Ducklings and Goslings Survive or do they Disappear ??
That will need to be Factored into your Swan Care Plan. 
I do know several Swan Owners that keep their Swans inside every Night.
Making sure they are Secure with a Sturdy Door..
Opened in the Morning..
It is Wise to Removed ALL Feed from the Pond at SunSet.
Small Rodents will Visit the Feed.. and Attract Large Predators.
You Do Not Want to Invite the Night Creatures that will Stalk your Swans.
Having to Clean-up for these LARGE Messy Birds is an Extra Chore.
If they can be Safely Cared-for out on their Pond – your Life will be Easier.
Ponds with an Isolated Island have a Safer Place for Nesting in the
Spring, Roasting-Resting in the Summer and Fall Months.
Sitting out on these Islands will not keep them Warm in the Winter Months,
they will be Subject to the Air Temperature.
Plan ahead to Equip your Pond or Lake Side with DeIcing Equipment.
Keeping an Area Open that is over Water at least 4 Feet Deep..
is where Waterfowl will Generally be Safe and Happy.
There are ALWAYs Exceptions.. I have Never had to deal with a Bear..
WE Make sure our Swans have a Winter Wake.. And so Far,
the Swans we care for have been fine for 12 Winters Outside..
Every Day they are OK.. I Count my Blessings.
We keep a Back-Up Plan Ready… just in case..
IF the Electric Power goes OUT during a Nasty Winter Storm,
will you have a Back-up Plan ????
WINTER CARE for Swans Has more General Info..
https://swanlovers.net/category/winter-care-for-swans/
Liquid Water is NEVER Colder then 33 Degrees.. (there are exception.)
Healthy Waterfowl are VERY Well Insulated. All the Preening
you see them doing, is to Condition their Feathers for this Reason..
Having Adequate, Proper Food Daily gives them the Calories they need for Quick Energy.
Watch for Shivering. A Little should be OK..
Shivering more then a few Minutes will Drain Energy too Quickly.
They are not Coping with the Cold.
The Wind Chill may be what is too Much for them to Deal with..
It may be Wise to take the Swans inside and let them Rest for a while..
******
Check their Weight.. They may be Underweight and Need Shelter..
It is Nice to have a Friendly Companion to Snuggle with.
Healthy Swans generally do Fine in a Winter Wake.
The only Swans I have seen use Shelter in Cold Weather willingly,
are the smaller Black Necked and Black Australian Swans.
Once they go inside for the Night – the Door must be Secured
and then Opened again in the early Morning.
Cygnets that Hatch Late in the Year are Too Small to be Outside in Colder Months. 
The Black-Necked and Black Australian Cygnets will Need to be
Sheltered as they Grow. Tiny Cygnets are Eating-Pooping Machines.
******
All Swans and Cygnets are VERY MESSY…LOTs of POOP.
Life is easier if the Swan are able to stay on their Pond.
Putting either an OLD Plastic Shower Curtain, OR Large Trash Bags,
or a Thick Plastic Drop Cloth or a Cheap Tarp on the Ground, Decking,
Concrete Surfaces as a Barrier will help with Clean-up and avoid Staining.
Any Place the Swans would be Pooping.. and Spilling Food..
Then LAYERs of NewsPaper with a Flake of Straw spread about for a Soft
Bedding-Substrate. You want to keep their Webbed Feet off the Hard Floor.
The Layers of NewsPaper let you just ROLL-up Most of the Soiled Straw..
Putting your Swans in a Barn, Shed or Garage – Check for Hazards.
Sharp Objects, Glass, Things that Might Fall, Places to get Stuck in.
******
If Swans get Bored, they will get into Trouble.
Check if they could Reach any Broken Windows.
Check the Shelter will be Safe from Predators Coming IN ! !
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Cygnets with Parents to Raise them Generally Live on their Pond.
Young Cygnets are VERY Vulnerable to Hawks, Owls, Snapping Turtles..
It will increase their Survival to Hand-Raising them.. Sad, but True.
The Cygnets Below are the Survivors of a Brood of Five.
Three Taken by Hawks.
Hand Raised means without their Parents.
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When Hand Raising Cygnets.. (without Parents)
Tiny Cygnets need Supervision when out in the Yard or Pool during the Day.
They NEED to be Sheltered until they are at least 6 Pounds..
And after that depending on your Predator Population.
Except for Hawks, we had a Low Risk of Predators in our Back Yard.
Hand Raised First Year Cygnets will March into a Structure for
Safety and Shelter every Night, Once it is their Regular Routine.
Healthy Cygnets 4 Months Old (12 to 20 Pounds) may do Very Well
over Deep Water at Night.
Thin Ice was Forming along the Bank. “Hannah” is Biting at the Ice.
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Swans Generally do not Eat a Night..
Unless there is a Pecking-Order Problem – Competition for Food.
It can be an Extra Safety Factor to take their Feed inside at Night..
This will Reduce Small Night Rodents which in turn may Attract
the Larger Predators..
Plus, Small Rodents, Chipmunks, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Moles, Voles, Groundhogs, Opossums, Skunks, Muskrats, ETC, Etc, etc.. may carry Diseases in their Poop and Saliva.
These Sneaky Nocturnal Rodents Love Raiding your Swans Food Containers at Night.
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There are a few Situations when Sheltering is Safer for Waterfowl..
A Hurricane BLOWING Through is a Good Reason to Shelter Swans.
We have Rescued Several Lost-Wayward Swans after High Wind Storms.. Mostly Full-Wing Swans.. This Female was Found after Hurricane Irene.
This Young Full Wing Male was Rescued after a Nasty Summer Storm.
Full Wing Swans may “Take to Air” and be Blown Far Away from their Homes.
This Summer Storm Developed with Noisy, Rolling Thunder.
Spring and Summer Storms can Fuss-up Quickly.. What to Do ??
If there is a Storm with HIGH Winds.. and or HAIL.. OR ICE… Maybe ???
An Icy Winter Storm will Coat EVERY Thing, Including the Swans.
A Forecast for a Severe Lightning Storm. 
There will likely not be enough Time to Safely do Anything..
Be Aware, Waterfowl can be Electrocuted from a Close Lightning Strike. Rare but Possible. Here Weigh Human Safety vs. Swan Safety.
In the 17 Years we have been Involved with Swans, I only know
ONE that was Killed in a Summer Storm. A Pair of Swans were put in a Shed to Protect them during a Nasty Storm. 
Sadly, a Tree Fell on the Shed and Killed the Female. So Sad…
AGAIN a Judgment Call..
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Another Time a Shelter is Necessary..
is to Recover an Injured, Weak – Swan whose Health is Compromised.
When Wound Bandages need to be kept Dry..
and Medications are Prescribed. It is GOOD to have a Plan Ready.
For Long Periods of Time INSIDE…
Bring them Pond Water Twice a Week to Keep their Immunity Active.
Inside – Inside Kennel Fencing – in a Dog House.. Resting and Healing.
He needed Surgery for Debridement of Painful Bumble Foot Sores.
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Some People like to Keep a New Swan inside a Safe Place for a few Day..
For an Adjustment to a New Home.
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Shelter can be Shade where there is Lots of Summer Sun..
and few Natural Shade Structures like Trees or Shrubs.
Pool Water in Full Sun can become HOT..
During the Winter a Kidde Pool will Freeze.. This Bucket Heater Worked.
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Another GOOD Reasons to have a Shelter..
For Protection during Nesting – Especially with Two Female Pairings.
They have NO Male to Protect them.
Two Females are Very Vulnerable – Female Nest Mortality is HIGH.
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Nesting Female Swans like a Solid Structure on One Side of their Nest.
A Hill, Bank, Thick Tree Trunk, Fence.. or a Wall ..
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Few Swans want to Nest inside a Structure.. a Few Might.
Black Australian Swans will Nest Inside.. Frequently.
Calf Hutches might be used.. They have NO Door ..
You will need to Improvise. They should be Anchored to the Ground.
These may Blow OVER in a Stiff Wind. They get HOT in the Sun. 
Always Secure the Opening for the Over Night Hours.
Personally, I do not think Plywood and Cinder Blocks are Adequate.
The Thick Layer of Straw in this Calf Hutch was Not Changed for Months.
I Stopped to Visit with Injured “Little Cutie.”
During the Warm Summer Days, Spider Nests Matured and HATCHED ! !
I Found the Cygnet COVERED with Tiny Spiders. EEEEEKKKK !!!
She was Moved >>>>>>> and Rinsed THOROUGHLY.
The Calf Hutches Look Nice. Attractive Landscape Features. 
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A Shelter might be needed to Move Swans to a Safe Place…
IF there are any Dangerous Chemicals released to their Water Environment.
Unexpected Chemical or Oil Spills do Happen..
The Pond above is a Reservoir Impoundment along a small Stream that Flows through several Housing Developments. Around 150 Homes are up Stream. 
People along the Stream can dump almost anything into the Water that Flows past the Swans. ALL Lawn Care Chemicals will Drain to Pond.
Summer Heat, Organic Waste, Lack of Rain….
This Pond became a Toxic Soup of Hazardous Algae Bloom and Bacteria. 
The Swan Family moved to a Cool, Flushing Stream on the Farm.
Not all Properties have a Stream.
The Shallow Stream Provided NO Protection from Predators at Night.
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Pond Water with Little to No Flow Through can becomes too Toxic due to Organic Decay..or INCREASED Pathogenic Bacteria Concentrations.
Ponds with Poor or No Flow Through will become Stagnant during Periods of Drought. Foul Smelling Pond Water is NOT Safe for Waterfowl.
This is a REAL Concern for Retention Ponds.
OR if there is a Disease being Spread during Migration Season.
.. Listen to News Reports..
Or Check with State Agriculture Website.. for Updates on Avian Diseases.
They may Advice Sheltering your Domestic Waterfowl and Poultry.
Avian Influenza in Wild Migrating Birds.
Avian influenzaA Viruses are Very Contagious among birds and some of these Viruses can Sicken and even Kill certain Domesticated Bird species including Chickens, Ducks, Waterfowl and Turkeys. Infected birds can shed Avian influenzaA Viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
Avian Influenza in Birds | Avian Influenza (Flu) – CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm
***********Another Nasty Avian Virus Spread during Migration.
Duck Viral Enteritis – (DVE) is an Acute, Highly Contagious Disease
of both Wild and Domestic Ducks, Geese, and Swans of all Ages.
Characterized by Sudden Death, a High Mortality Rate,
(Particularly among Older Ducks).
Muscovy Ducks are Most Susceptible.
Prevention includes Biosecurity and Avoiding Contact
of Captive Waterfowl with Wild Birds. Especially During Spring Migration.
I Know of One Confirmed Back Yard Pond that was Affected.
They Lost 4 of their 5 Muscovy Ducks within Several Days.
Their Pond is in an Area where Waterfowl are Migrating North in the Spring.
And One Farm Pond that had Several Muscovy Died after a Feral
Muscovy Visited their Pond. Not Confirmed, but Fits the Pattern.
We had a Scare with DVE when One of our Female Swans Died in May.
Tests Determined it was Clostridia and Not Duck Viral Enteritis..
I HOLD my Breath every Spring.. Watching Ducks Flying North..
..that our Domestics will be OK…
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There are some Reasons for Shelters that I have likely forgotten to List.
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There are Not Any 100% Correct Reasons for Sheltering..
There are so many Variables.. these are ALL Judgement Calls.
You must Decide how Your Environment may affect your Swans.
Safety.. Comfort and Both your Happiness..
And YOUR Worry Factor.. How Worried are You ? ? ?
PLAN AHEAD…. Instead of Panicking.
This Shelter Worked Well for a Rescued Swan Waiting for a Forever Home.
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Several Times, I have Sheltered Swans and Cygnets for a Few Days in our Downstairs Shower. It was Great for Clean-ups. Messy, Messy, Messy.
God made Little Creatures SO Cute..
so we will take care of them despite the Mess.. (-;
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This is a Work In Progress. UpDates February 2021
COMPILED by PA SwanLover Linda
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SHELTERs COME in MANY Forms.
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The Igloo Shelters were Used by the Chickens.. Not the Swans..
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An Animal Rights Group INSISTED this Golf Course Provide a Shelter for their Swans. This Tiny Structure with a Ladder-like Stairs was Built.
In Over 25 Years, this Might have been Used by Rodents.
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It is your Judgement Call.. To Shelter or Not to Shelter.
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This was Fun to Organize.. I HOPE Some of this Information will be Helpful.
Compiled from our “Out and About” Experiences
Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans - (Comments Off on Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans)Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans
******
Click Images for Enlarge.
I am going to List Like-Items Together.
# 1. NETs ALL Sizes of Nets.. Some for Adult Swans and Some for Cygnets.
# 2. TRANSPORT CARRIERs .. Various Sizes are VERY Helpful to Have.
# 3 TRANSPORT BOXES.. These are Helpful if you Do Not have Carriers.
# 4 TRANSPORT BAGS.. These are Good for Emergency Transport.
# 5. BODY SLEEVES are a BIG HELP to Control POWERFUL WINGs.
# 6. SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs.. It is a Good Idea to have these Ready.
# 7. SWAN BARRIERs & REPELLING Tools..
> > > Fewer Bruises Working with Hormonal Cobs.
# 8. HELPFUL THINGs for WINTER..
# 9. KIDDE POOLs for Rescued Cygnets and Swans
#10. FENCING – Temporary
VARIOUS MISCELLANEOUS THINGs that are HELPFUL.
> > > > SWAN First Aid Kits
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# 1. NETs &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I Do NOT Know How Anyone can Work with Swans WITHOUT having Nets !
****** Nets are Helpful as a Barrier as well as when you Want to Catch a Swan.
****** Having a VERY Large Net is Basic.. Choose the Nylon Netting.
****** Stores that Carry Sporting Goods will have an Assortment of Fishing Nets.
****** Frabill Nets are Well Make.. We have Several..
With Each Passing Year, just like Cars, the Fishing Nets Change..
The Nets I have on this Topic Page are Over 10 Years Old..
Some Close to 20 Years Old. These Models are Not Available anymore.
****** Many of the Larger Nets have Collapsible Handles to Fit in you Vehicles.
I LOVED the FraBill Net Below.. The Tear Drop Shape was Perfect.
I Purchased Dozens of these Over the Time we were Actively Working with Swans.
I would Give many of the Folks Adopting Swans for the First Time a Net.
IN 2022, This Net ( Great Value ) has been Discontinued.. BOO !
BUT, this is a GOOD Example of what Type of Net Works Well.
The Major Sporting Goods Stores have ALL Types and Brands.
Watch for Sales..
AND When you Store your Nets.. Handle DOWN-Net UP.
> > > > Or Hang them UP Off the Floor..
If there are any Mice-Rodents in your Storage Area
> > > > they may CHEW the Netting.
****** When you Net a Swan… GET the Hoop Down as Far as Possible.
IF Possible Put your Foot on the Handle/Hoop.. Keep it DOWN on the Ground.
Swans are Great at Backing Out Under a Net.. Get Hold of their Neck ASAP.
And they GET Toe Claws, Beak and Feathers Caught in the Large Net Gauge.
Take your Time Untangling..
****** As Soon As Possible Get HOLD of their Neck.. Then you will have Control.
Try to Hold from Behind their Neck.. This will Allow them to Breathe Freely.
If you Hold the Swan from Behind.. You can Position your Legs to Help Control.
One Hand on their Chest.. Be Still for a Little to let the Swans Calm Down.
Most Mute Swans Calm Down Surprisingly Quick. Basically Submit.
Trumpeters – NO.. Expect a Struggle.
****** For Cygnet 2-3 Months Old.. Medium Size Nets are Great.
****** For Adult Swans you will Want the Hoop to be 20 X 24
> > > > or Larger if Possible.
There are MANY Different Sizes and Styles.. Collapsible and Fixed Handles.
****** We Interacted with Swans in Many Different Places and Circumstances.
****** There are Times when Having Longer Arms is a BIG Help.. Lighter Nets Work.
Hold your Nets Out to Help Guide a Swan to their Pond or a Location to Corral them.
****** We Traveled with Our Nets. I Sleeved them with Large Plastic Bags.
This Kept them from Getting Catch on Things in our Van.
And I could Put Any Wet Nets Back in the Bags until I Got Home.
We Washed All Nets between Ponds.. Allowed them to Dry Well.
> > I DID NOT Want to Carry Any Problems from One Pond to Another.
****** POOL Leaf Skimmers have VERY LONG HANDLEs
> > > > and Small Pocket-like Nets.
THESE are GREAT for Scooping UP Tiny Cygnets that are Out on the Water.
****** Several Years we Found these Pool Skimmers at Ollie’s.
****** The Long Handle Net Below is a Simple Pool Skimmer..
****** This Net was Helpful for Placing Piles of Feed and Vegetables
> > > > OUT to Icy Areas.
Areas Too Risky to Step Closer to the Waters Icy Edge..
******
# 2. TRANSPORT CARRIERs &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** There are LOTs of Sizes and Styles.
We Purchased our First Travel-Aire Carrier in 2007.. It has Held-up Well.
****** I Lucked-Out and Found Several other Pet Carriers at Second Hand Stores.
****** We are Able to Put TWO Large Carriers in our Van..
> > > > with the Back Seats Removed.
******
> > > Always Check that the Gate Latch is Well Seated..
> > > NO Loose Swans Please !
****** These Carriers Come Apart to Make Washing Easy.
Many of the Newer Carriers have Coated Wire Gates.. LESS-RUST.
****** I have Washed our Carrier Too Many Times to Count.
Cygnets and Swans are MESSY Birds.. ( Lots of Good Memories. )
****** So Far this Size Carrier has been Good for Mute Swans Up to Mature Cobs.
This Carrier would be a Good Size for an Adult Golden Retriever Dog.
****** The Crate Gate is Nice to be Able to Check on the Feathered Passenger.
The Female below is a Two Year Old Mute Swan.. an Adult Swan. Lots of Room.
****** By a Pond or Lake.. the Swan can See, Smell and Look Around.
****** We have Kept Several of the Swans in these Carriers OverNight..
****** The New Swan can Meet the Resident Swan while in the Carrier..
Watch for Aggression, Stalking, Biting. Have another Plan Just in Case.
Not All Introductions are Immediate Acceptance. Be Ready to Keep a New Swan Safe.
They may need to be Placed in a Secure Shelter for Several Days & Nights.
****** You can get a Pretty Good Idea if the New Swan will be Accepted..
****** Then there are Times when it is Helpful to Put the Cob in a Safe Place..
> > > > An Aggressive – Protective Cob is Easy to Catch.
Have a Net Ready.. They Come to You. Always Put him in the Shade.
****** There have been a Number of Times I Put a Swan in the Carrier
when there was Nasty Weather or High Winds.. Just to Keep them Safe.
Putting the Carrier in a Protected Place.
****** The Swans are Always Happy to be Released Back to the Water.
****** The Carriers are Two Shell Like Sections..
> > > > They Work as Shelters for Tiny Ones.
****** Put Together We used them as Shelters
> > > > Until the Cygnets did NOT Want to be Inside.
****** These Young Cygnets were So Cute.. They would Snuggle in the Carrier.
****** More then Once we Had to Keep a Cygnet/Swan Quiet after Surgery.
****** “Meadow” had a Toe Removed in February.. It was Too Cold Outside at Night.
****** We would Take “Meadow” Outside during the Day as Much as Possible.
****** He Stayed in the Carrier at Night for EIGHT Weeks.
****** The Carriers Come Apart for Easy Washing.
****** We Sat One Half Flipped Over and the Other Half Flipped Up on Top..
To Use as a Work Station for Giving Medications and Changing Dressings.
These Travel-Aire Carriers were/are Very Handy.
****** Many Folks have the Typical Wire Dog Carriers.
Use Ones Large Enough for a Golden Retriever.
****** Extra Care is Suggested when Cygnets/Swans have Blood Feathers.
Line with CardBoard to Help Prevent Broken Blood Feathers.
# 3 TRANSPORT BOXES &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
There are Many Times that Swans are Relayed from One Person to Another.
Using a Large CardBoard Box is a Good Alternative to the Carriers.
Prepare the Box for the Comfort of the Swans..
Once the Swans are at their New Home.. Toss the Messy Box Away..
Transporting Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/transporting-swans/
LARGE MUTE COBs and Trumpeter Swans May NEED EXTRA Large Boxes.
****** These Boxes Work Well for most Female Mute Swans
> > > > and Cygnets 4-10 Months Old.
Some Older Male Cygnets can be BIG.. Needing LARGER Boxes..
ONLY ONE Large Swan PER BOX.
****** Transport Boxes are Nice to Use and then Discard.. Swans are Messy Birds.
****** To Keep a Water/Food Container Secure..
A Gallon Milk Jug Tied into the Corner WORKs !
****** A Large Polyvinyl Tub Works.. Again Tied into the Corner.
****** Swans are ALL Neck and Feet..
They will Knock Over an UnSecured Water Container.
******
# 4 TRANSPORT BAGS.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** These are Good for Emergency Transport.
****** The Images Above are from the United Kingdom..
They have these Swan Bags. We need to Improvise..
A Large Duffel Bag.. Sturdy Laundry Bag.. Extra Large Gym Bag.
******
Catching a Swan and Using a Transport Bag.. This is a Helpful Video..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS17K40IVU8
****** OR Use the Idea and MAKE Your Own Transport Sacks..
****** I have Frequently Seen these Swan Wraps in YouTube Video
> > > > of U.K. Swan Rescues.
******
# 5. BODY SLEEVES &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I have a Tip to Share with You..
When we take our Swans to the Vets..
I put them into a Body Sleeve to Keep their Wings in Check..
Our Vets ALWAYs Smiles when they See our Swans in them..
Makes taking XRays Easy.. and Basic Exam Time Calm.
****** These Cloth Material Tubes are a BIG HELP to Control POWERFUL WINGs.
These Body Sleeves make our Veterinarian Visits Calmer-Safer for EveryOne !
We Slip these ON.. before Going into the Veterinary Office..
Take them OFF for the Ride Home..
Makes it Easier for Every One.. No One gets Whacked !
I Run these Up on my Sewing Machine..
****** It is Important to Watch for Signs of OverHeating..
> > > > Open Mouth Panting.
****** I USE Stretchy Knit Materials..
So it Stretches Side to Side – To Allow the Swans to BREATHE.
****** I Made Various Sizes.. They were a BIG Help…
I Do Miss Working with the Swans. ( 2022 )
****** Yep, We are Off to the Vets to have a Little Foot Checked
> > > > before Adoption to New Home.
****** The Body Sleeves made it Easier to Change Wound Dressings.
> > > > Especially when Treating their BIG Feet.
I have Found !!! a TEE Shirt will Work.. Stitch Sleeves Shut.
Play with Different Sizes until you find a Good Fit.
You want it to Cover, Contain the Wings.. NOT TOO Tight.
WASH when Soiled and Keep for Next Time.
****** Large Bath-Beach Towels are a Big Help Controlling Wings
> > > > when Carrying a Swan.
******
# 6. SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The Topic Page Below has Lots of Information about Replacement Eggs.
SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-replacement-eggs/
****** This can be a Nice Winter Craft Project.
> > > > Be Prepared for Spring Nesting.
******
# 7. SWAN BARRIERs & REPELLING Tools &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Fewer Bruises Working with Your Hormonal Cobs.
There are Several Months During Mating and Nesting Season.. THESE HELP.
****** My First Attempt was an Eye Opener.. It Failed and I Learned.
The Handle was Screwed into the Padded Window Washer.. It Worked – Sorta..
It Kept the Cob from Whacking me.. He Flogged the “White” Feed Bag Cover.
The Padded End Came OFF ! And the “White” Bag Cover became his Victim.
> > > > I was Safe.. It was a Learning Experience !
****** Angry Swans Try to Stomp the Air out of the Lungs
> > > > of a Weaker Swan.
****** It was Time to ReDesign my Idea.. Second Generation..
> > > > Much Better.
****** A Cheap Garden Rake – With Secure Handle. < < <
****** I Trimmed this Rake.. To Fit Inside a Standard Pillow Case.
****** Layers of Bubble Wrap – Secured with Duck Tape. I Added an Inside Cover.
******* This Time I Used a Bright Busy Patterned Pillow Case for the OutSide Cover.
This was Distracting to the Cobs. Waving these Slowly in Front of you is Distracting.
****** Mature Hormonal Swan Cobs are Strong and Focused on Protecting..
Their Wings have a Powerful WHACK.. These Padded Rakes HELP !
Never HIT your Swans. Their Bones are more Fragile then Mammals.
Use these Padded Tools to Keep the Cobs Away.. or for them to Attack..
Let the Swan WHACK the Padded Repelling Tool.. HOLD on Tight.
****** This is the Third Generation.. A Larger Padded Repeller.
****** Wrapping Handles with Some Rubber Shelf Liner IMPROVES the GRIP..
****** ADD EARTHTONE Washable Material Covers.. Ready to Use.
****** Just Tie the Corners.. Easy to Remove to Launder when Needed.
****** We Kept these with us During the Hormonal Mating-Nesting Season.
****** We Learned HOW to Work Around our Hormonal Cobs..
****** “Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Swan Cob. ”
****** It is Also Helpful to have SOMETHING to Use as a Barrier..
> > > > MY Supply Cart Worked.
****** These Larger Trash Cans would be Great for a Cob to WHACK !
Plus > > You could Carry-Roll your Feed and Supplies to the Pond..
****** WE Used a Folding Lawn Chair as a Barrier when Checking the Nest & Eggs.
I Realize I have No Images while Checking the Nest.. I was Busy Checking.
****** Using an Umbrella as a Shield.. Worked with the Turkey..
BUT NOT for a Hormonal Cob. They will “Whack” an Umbrella into Submission..
******
# 8. HELPFUL THINGs for WINTER &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** Knowing the Temperature by the Water..
> > > > We know when to Turn the DeIcers ON!
****** Walking on Ice Crusty Snow and Icy Areas around the Water..is Risky.
Ice Cleats that Attach to Boots and Shoes are Available at Sporting Goods Stores.
THESE Work.. Tiny Spike Grip into the Ice.
DO NOT Walk on Solid Smooth Surfaces with these.. then they are Slippery.
****** A Sturdy Walking Stick is Always Helpful for Balance on Uneven Surfaces.
****** TREKKING POLES are GREAT YEAR Round !
****** Heated Water Dishes are Helpful when Caring for a Sheltered Swan.
****** I Found this Bucket DeIcer.. It Kept our Kidde Pools from Freezing.
****** These Heated Kitty Pads – Put INSIDE a THICK TRASH BAG..
> > > > are Safer then Using Heat Lamps.. These Heat to 100-101 Degrees..
Put a Little Straw on Top for the Swans to Sit on.
They Normally Regulated their Temperature through their Webbed Feet.
******
******
****** A Garden Cultivator is a Sturdy Walking Stick..
> > > > and Helps to Grab Things/Trash in the Water.
******
# 9. KIDDE POOLs for Rescued Cygnets and Swans &&&&&&&&&&&&
****** SWANs WANT to be IN WATER ! It Encourages Preening.
****** I Made Step-Up Bags with Material Feed Bags Half Filled with Straw.
****** The Water in Kidde Pools in Hot Summer Sun will Get Hot.. Create Shade.
****** I Used a Siphon Hose to Drain the Pools..
Sink the Length of Hose IN the Pool until it is Full of Water.
Put your Thumb on One End.. and then Stretch that End to a Lower Place.
****** We Modified Several Kidde Pools for Injured Swans..
****** The Tiny Cygnets could NOT get In and Out of the Regular Kidde Pool.
****** Placing the Pool on a Down Hill Slope.. They have Water and Access.
****** This Dear Cygnet had Severe Deformities.. We Gave it a Chance.
****** The Instinct to Splash and be Wet was there..
> > > > the Cygnet Enjoyed this Play Time.
We could NOT Leave this Cygnet Alone..
She would Get UPSide Down.. and become Helpless.
****** Swans LIKE their Water Dirty.. ( I Like the Water Clean. )
And the Swans would DIG HOLEs and Put the Ground in the Pools.
Finally a Heavy Tarp Helped.. Our Lawn was a Mess.. ( Which was OK.. )
****** We Borrowed this STEP-2 Splash Pool… It was Great for the Larger Swans.
****** The Swans could Stretch and Splash.. It was Fun to Watch their Happy Bathes.
******
****** A Vinyl Dish Pan Works as a Floating Vegetable Feeder.
******
****** These Sister Swans.. “Brooke” and “Spring” became our Adopted Swans.
****** The Girls Learned to Get Out and Drop Down on the Step-Up Bags.
****** We had this Vinyl Kids Toboggan and Put it to Uses.
> > > > Just Deep Enough for the Tiny Cygnets.
******
******
****** I Found this Ducks Foot Bath Tub… Too Cute.
****** We had Several Vinyl Snow Saucers.
> > > > Any Puddle of Water Works for Tiny Cygnets.
****** In a Kitty Litter Pan they can GET Wet to Encourage Preening.
****** These Storage Tubs Work..
> > > > Deep Enough to Keep the Cygnets from Climbing Out.
****** These Deep Storage Tubs are Useful when Moving a Brood of Tiny Cygnets.
****** I Know a Lady that had One Precious Cygnet Hatch..
She Gathered the Cygnet to Pinion it. Put the Cygnet in a CardBoard Box.
After the Cygnet was Pinioned.. her Plan was to Put the Cygnet in a Shed
to Rest for a few Hours. Sat the Box Down.. Turned to Open the Shed Door.
In that Brief Moment the Cygnet JUMPED Out of the Box.
> > > > It Crawled under the Shed.
The Distressed Woman was Never Able to Find the Cygnet. GONE..
When we are Working with Tiny Cygnets OutSide,
> > > > we Put them in the Cat Size Carriers.
****** And then there is the Under Bed Sweater Storage Container.
> > > > This Got a Lot of Use.
****** This Storage Bin was Surprisingly Water Tight..
****** I did not Want our Cygnet to be Bumping or Scrapping his Damaged Foot
when Getting IN and OUT of the Regular Kidde Pool..
> > > > This Low Container was Perfect.
****** Often “Meadow” would Sit and Soak with his Bandaged Foot over the Side.
****** The Sprinklers Added a Little Fun..
****** We Enjoyed the Sprinklers as much as the Swans.
****** This was Fun Play on HOT Summer Days.
****** When you NEED to Get Swans OFF the Water..
> > > > Two to Three Kayaks Work the Best.
Row Boats, Canoes and Paddle Boats are TOO Clumsy.
> > > > Motored Boats ADD Injury Risks.
****** Slowly Work the Swans to the Shore where there are People Waiting with Nets.
****** It Can Take a Team to Safely Round-up Swans.
****** These Shock Alarms are a Safety Addition to any Water Environments
where there are Electric Cables in the Water..
> > > > Warning of Leaking Current in the Water.
******
#10. FENCING – Temporary &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** Our BackYard Enclosure was a Work in Progress.
We Needed a Temporary Safe Place to Care for our Rescued Cygnets/Swans.
****** “Meadow” was the First to Live with us for Months..
> > > > Many more Swans Followed.
50 Foot Rolls of this Wooden Snow Fencing are Available
> > > > at many Tractor Supply Stores.
This is 4 Foot High.. Held up Well to the Weather for 4 Years.
> > > > Then Showed Signs of Wear.
We Paid an Average of $40.00 for Each Roll.. Garden Stakes 4 to 5 Feet Apart..
One Warning.. Wear Old Clothing while Putting this Fencing Up..
> > > > When New, the Rust Colored Stain COMEs OFF !
****** Another Fencing we Used.. Rolls of Green Vinyl Garden Mesh Fencing.
This was Easy to Set-Up for Temporary Projects. Like Bait and Catch Times.
Several Sizes are Available from 3 to 4 Foot High.. Rolls come in 25 Foot Lengths.
****** This North State Fencing System is Great if you want to Avoid Stakes..
It Comes in 6 Panel Packages.. Can be Adapted and Moved Easily..
Stands Alone on most Level Surfaces. A Little Support is Needed on Slopes.
The Sturdy Panels can be Folded and Stored when not Needed.
With Several Years of Outside Exposure to the Sun.. these DO become Brittle.
****** The North State Fence Panels are for Land and Water.. Wash and Store.
****** These Dog Play Pens will Work when you Need to Bait-Catch your Swans.
Or you Need a Temporary Barrier to Introduce a New Swan..
Or a Place for Cygnets that are about be Adopted.. Lots of Uses..
****** This is a Dog Kennel Yard Pen.. There are a Growing Selection of these OnLine.
This Needed to be Lined with a Smaller Gauge Material to Keep Small Cygnets Inside.
Free Standing.. it can be Moved to Different Areas of the Lawn as Needed.
****** Do a Search for “Dog Play Pens for Large Dogs.”
> > > > There are Many Types Available.
SWAN – MISCELLANEOUS &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****** THE First Miscellaneous Item.. A Swan First Aid Kit.
****** I Keep Supplies in a Plastic Sewing Storage Box..
Various Things that Might be Needed in a Hurry.
> > > > Rubber Gloves, Assorted Bags, Scissors, Pliers, CLEAN Napkins,
> > > > Tape, Corn Starch, Antibiotic Cream..Etc.
And an Extra Pair of Glasses.. Tape Measure, Paper, Pens…Etc.
****** Various Sizes – Multi-Color Cable Ties are the Easiest Way
> > > > to ID Band the Swans.
****** When the Cygnets are Growing it is Good to know if they are Gaining Weight.
I Found it was Easier to Put the Wiggly Cygnets in a Plastic Bag for a Quick Weigh-in.
****** This Idea Works.. The Large Dog Harnesses Allowed for a Leash.
****** We were Able to take “Meadow” to other Ponds for a Visit
> > > > and Bring him Home.
****** We used the Harness with Several Swans for Controlling their Movement.
****** We do not have a Fence Around our Yard..
> > > > With the Harness I could Use a Long Lead.
> > > > I NEVER Left Any Swan Alone..
I did NOT Want to Risk them Tangling if I was Not There.
****** The PET STEPs are Generally for Dogs Accessing a Vehicle.
But they are Workable for Pond Ramps for Swans and Cygnets Walk In and Out.
This will Reduce Erosion from the Swans Toe Claws Gripping into the Banks.
****** Assorted Size Bungees are VERY Handy..
> > > > REMOVE the Tiny Rubber Tips.. Discard..
****** A Few Lengths of Small Diameter Rope may be Useful..
****** Brushes to Clean Buckets, Bowl, Feed Containers, Muddy Shoes and Boots.
****** Medium Size Cable Ties are VERY Useful.. Carabiners Clips Also Helpful.
****** There are a Growing Number of WebSites with Swan Crossing Signs.
****** These Swan Nesting Warning Signs were Privately Created..
****** Were Ever you Visit Swans.. Along a River, Creek, Stream, Lake or Pond..
****** Take Healthy Treats for them..
> > > > I Use Empty Coffee Jars for Corn, Oats, Cereal, etc.
****** The Blue Buckets from Dollar Tree are Perfect to Carry Supplies.
Plastic Bags to Gather Trash, a Hand Towel, Pack of Tissues, Pliers, etc.
One of these Buckets is a Clean Place to Put my Camera and Extra Batteries..
There is a LOTs of Poop on the Ground where we Visit Swans – Waterfowl.
****** Most of the Places we Visited Swans had Other Pets..
> > > > Take Treats for them TOO!
****** AND of Course.. Carry a Camera or Cell Phone with Camera.
****** I am So Glad we Took ALL the Photos that we Did.. Great Memories.
****** Having Binoculars Allows you to Watch Nesting Swans at a Distance..
****** Observe the Nest from a Distance.. Generally Checking them.
We Collected our Swan Care Items Over Time.. from Many Sources.
Some from WalMart > > > > Kidde Pools.
Sales at Sporting Goods Stores > > > Assorted Nets.
Ollie’s… Never Know what you might Find there..
Ollie’s is where I found the Poly Vinyl Snow Saucers and Toboggan.
Garden/Nurseries Stores.. have Smaller Pond Nets..
> > > > Good for Small Cygnets.
Some Items from Second Hand Stores..
> > > > I Found Several of our Carriers there.
OH, and Dollar Tree..
> > > > Great for Poly Vinyl Dish Pans, Bowls, Scoops, etc.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Working with Swans has been a Challenge and a Joy !
Organized December 2021 (c) Linda M.Sweger
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****** Just for a Lighter Moment. (-; “The Pond Putter.”
An Old Golf Club to Whack Poop into the Pond.
****** And Finally, “A Feather in your Cap.”
” That ALL Folks.”
Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in Get to Know Your Swans - Watch Them - (Comments Off on Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them)Get to Know Your Swans – Watch Them
The Information for this Page is being Organized.
Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by in Before You let a Swan onto Your Pond. - (Comments Off on Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond)Before You Let a Swan onto Your Pond
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BEFORE YOU LET GO.. Releasing New Swans to your WaterWay.
***These are just Suggestions: For you to Think About.
When we were First Caring for Swans, it was a BIG Learning Curve.
There were SO Many Things we did not Know.. It was SWAN 101
After Many Years and Many Swans, we are Still Learning..
THIS may be the Only Time you will have to Check
the General Health/Condition of your New Swan.
OR This is a GOOD Time to have a General Check-up by an Avian Veterinarian.
IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO KNOW AN AVIAN VETERINARIAN
Who will See Your Swans !
Whether you Acquire-Adopt a Swan from a Farmer, Breeder,
Private BackYard Pond or a Rescue Group..
Swans may have Injuries or Conditions that you should be Aware of..
Many Minor Conditions are Correctable.
*** CHECKING BASIC HEALTH AND CONDITION:
Be Gentle, Talk Softly, be CALM..
BE SURE YOU HAVE CONTROL of the New Swan. (Two People)
- Check for any Bleeding.. Cuts. STOP ANY Bleeding !
DO NOT RELEASE A SWAN that is Bleeding ! !
A Broken Blood Feather should be Pulled..
For Minor Injuries. Apply a Little Triple Antibiotic Ointment.
For ANY Large Injury.. Ask a Veterinarian’s Advise.
As you Look from Head to Tail to Toe Claws…
Make sure there are NO Strings, Tape, .. Fishing Line.. HOOKs ! !
Check that any Leg Band is NOT TOO Tight. ETC..
REMOVE Anything that should NOT be Attached.
Gentle Pressure on each side of Mouth Hinge will Open Beak.
Check Under the Tongue – it should be a Nice Baby Pink.
If the Tongue is Light- Pale to Creamy-White Suspect Anemia.
Poor Diet may be the Cause..
YOU Can Correct with Proper Feeding
Parasites are a Common Reason for Anemia..
ASK VET to CHECK. A Fresh Stool Sample for Intestinal Parasites.
Internal and External Parasites are Common to Waterfowl.
It is a Good Idea to have Your Swans Treated for Parasites.
You Might Start by Taking a Fresh Stool Sample to your Vets to be Checked.
CALL For Instructions.
ALL Birds have Lice.. If there are LOTs of Body Lice.. Take Action.
A Heavy Infestation of these Blood Sucking Insects will Cause Anemia.
(Most Do not Infest People)
When you Look down into the Feathers you will see MANY Tiny Brown-Black Insects
Scurry through the Down.. The Example Below is Severely Infested.
If the Tiny Lice are Hard to Find.. Should be OK…
Good Clean Water will Help the Swan WASH these Away.
Bathing and Preening Healthy Swans Control the Lice Numbers.
For a Heavy Infestation..
We Spray Under the Wings and Down the Back with Dilute Peppermint Oil.
> > > 3-4 Drops of the Peppermint Oil in a Pint of Fresh Water.
OR An Organic Pet Spray.. Containing Safe Oils..
Do NOT Spray their HEAD or EYEs..
The Swan will Preen the Oil through their Feathers.
The Peppermint Oil will not Kill the Lice..
The Lice do not like the Peppermint Odor and JUMP OFF..
Check the Vent/Cloaca.. if there is a Crusty Yuck..
Not just Poop from being in the Transport Carrier..
Gently Wash with * Room Temp Water..
If the Cloaca looks Sore or Swollen.. Ask your Vet for Recommendations..
- Check for an Impaction under the Tongue… if Present – Remove.
These lift out. Gently push up under Chin.. LIFT OUT. (Discard)
These are Wads of Tough Grass Fibers, Mud, Sand, Tiny Stones.
They cause a Bulge under the Chin. These are NOT Tumors.
If these Impactions get TOO Large, it makes Swallowing Difficult.
Under Tongue-Chin Impaction
https://swanlovers.net/category/under-tongue-chin-impaction/
- Look at Both Eyes – They should look Healthy, no Sores or Swollen Tissues or Cloudiness.
Some Swans have very Pink Conjunctiva and this will show around the Eye.
This is Normal as long as it is not Swollen.
When the Swan Blinks, you will see the “Third Eye Lid.”
The Nictitating Membrane Closes during Flight to Protect their Eyes.
It also Closes when they are Grazing under the Water.
- Check the Wings that they are OK. No Strange Bends or Trauma.
A few Damaged Feathers are to be Expected.
If any Feathers are Bleeding Pull them OUT.
- Check the Wing that is Pinioned. Be sure One is. Note Which.
I Get Calls from Anguished Swan Folks that their New Swan Flew Away ! !
They were TOLD the Swan was Pinioned. OOPs !!!
PINIONED or FULL-Wing This Page will Help you become Familiar.
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioned-or-full-wing/
If not Pinioned: Clip Most of the Primary Flight Feathers.. ONE WING !
(Unless done) to keep the Swan from Flying off. Grounded
*** BE SURE YOU Know when to Clip/when to Pull.
NEVER Cut a Feather with Blood in the Shaft – Pull it.
Clipping/Pulling is only a Temporary Grounding Method.
New Flight Feathers will Grow-in Over Time
and Your Beautiful Swan may just Fly Away on a Breezy Day ! !
It is WISE to Purchase Swans that are Properly Pinioned. When Possible.
Full-Wing Swans also Need Homes.. If you are Willing to Keep them Grounded.
Clipping Captive Swan Pets
https://swanlovers.net/category/clipping-captive-swan-pets/
- Check Legs… any ID Leg Bands… Record Information.
Make sure the ID Band is NOT TOO TIGHT !
If you are Planning to place a Leg Band or Wing ID Clip
.. DO it NOW. Having Some ID on your Swans –
Especially New Ones.. A Bright Colored Cable Tie. RED is Easy to See.
Having a Leg Band HELPs if you need to Look for a Wandering Escapee.
Hopefully, if Someone Else Finds your Swans they will Know it is a PET..
> > > and NOT a Feral – Rogue Swan to be Destroyed.
OR Put some GREEN Magic Marker on WING FEATHERS.
Stay with the New Swan the First Day… CHECK OFTEN..
Just in Case the Swan would Leave.. YOU Need to Prove it is a Pet.
A Chaperon Fence for a Few hours.. Help New Swans to Settle in..
(Some Breeder/Owners have “Micro Chips” put in.. by their Veterinarian.)
I would not be Surprised in the Future to learn Tiny GPS Devices
may be used to help locate Domestic Swans.
Some Day… as this Technology becomes more Available..
Look at the Feet.. any Cuts..?? Damage ?? Missing Claws.??
- Check the Heels and Bottoms of their Big Webbed Feet.
Look for Bumble Foot Sores.
These may Need to be Treated. DO NOT IGNORE these Sores.
- Feel Under the Breast Curve toward the Abdomen.
The Keel Bone should not be Prominent, when a Swan’s Weight is OK.
The Breast Muscles should be even or a little Rounded..
It is Good to See Water Beading on the Feather.. Water Proofing Looks Good.
The Cygnet Below has Lost most of his WaterProofing.
He will Chill Easily.. you may see Shivering.
May NEED Sheltering on Cold Days and Nights.
Daily Bathing and Preening will Help to Restore the WaterProofing.
When the Keel Bone is Prominent/Protrudes the Swan is Underweight.
Minor Conditions will Correct with Time and Good Care.
- This is a GOOD Time to give at least One Dose of Worming Medication.
You might consider taking a Fresh Stool Sample for an Ova & Parasite Evaluation.
-The Fresher the Better.
Watch for ANYTHING to MOVE in their Stool.
You DO NOT Want to Introduce an Unknown Problem to your Environment.
The LIST of Possible Parasites is TOO Long for this Topic Page.
Swans can become Infected with the Same Heart Worms Folks Treat their Dogs for.
Humm.. Think about Annual Check and Treatment if Needed.
For One Move of our Swans: They had been Spending Time on a Pond
that had been used for 30 Years for Shot Gun Hunting of Ducks and Geese.
I KNOW how the Swans like to Dig into the Mud for Tiny Insects and Tender Plants..
They can Easily Ingest Shot Gun Pellets. A Potential of Lead Poisoning.
I Arranged for a Veterinary Visit between Ponds when we Moved them..
AND had all of them XRayed to Check for any Metal in their Gizzard.
Lead Shot will not Pass through their Intestines.
Metal Stays in their Gizzard and Slowly Dissolves Poisoning them..
They were Treated for External and Internal Parasites, Oral and Injections..
YEAH ! ! NO LEAD SHOT.. OFF to their New Pond..
***These are just Suggestions: For you to Think About.
If your Swan came Across State Lines.. or by Air Shipping..
If there is a “Health Certificate” and/or DNA-Sex Certificate
keep these with other Papers about the New Swan.
Where the Swan Came from, Age… etc.
Years from now, you may want to know these things.
Keep a Record of Your New Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/keeping-a-record-for-your-new-swans/
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This is a Work in Progress. Organized – UpDated (c) May 2021
Linda M. Sweger – PA SwanLover Linda
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