COMMON SWAN INJURIES
Broken Wings are TOO Common.
Being Hit by a Vehicle is ALL TOO Common.
Fishing Hooks and Line Entanglement are TOO Common.
Snapping Turtle Injuries are TOO Common.
Common Swan Injuries
March 15th, 2017 | Posted by in Common Swan Injuries - (Comments Off on Common Swan Injuries)Common Swan Problems
March 15th, 2017 | Posted by in Common Swan Problems - (Comments Off on Common Swan Problems)It would be Nice to Just Enjoy our Swans.
But there are Common Problems to be Aware of.
Common Swan Problems
Click to Enlarge Images
There a Variety of Things that Might
Affect a Swan’s Water Proofing.
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Under Tongue Impactions Can Result in Serious Health Problems.
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This Next ONE is Very Painful for Any Bird or Swan.
Bumble Foot Sores – TOO Many Swans Develop these.
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A Poor Diet Verses and Healthy Diet – Same Swan.
Feeding Bread to Swans Can Cause Far More Harm then Good.
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WaterFowl – All Birds
are Very Susceptible to Heavy Metal Poisoning.
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SWANS are Safest in OPEN WATER in the Winter.
Frozen Out of their Pond – High Risk of Death.
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A “Rogue Swan”
UnPinioned Swans that FLY Away from the Homes
Will Cause Disruption to the Peace on YOUR POND ! !
I have been SURPRISED How MANY Times
we have had to deal with this PROBLEM.
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I have Started this Page.. it has Basic General Information.
I Hope to ADD Information as Time Allows.
This Information is a Work in Progress…..
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Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger March 2017
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NEVER Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan
March 15th, 2017 | Posted by in Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan - (Comments Off on NEVER Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan) This Title Speaks for Itself..
Swan Cobs can be Quiet and Quick.
NEVER Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan.
The Term for People are Afraid of Aggressive Swans – Anatidaephobia.
DO NOT WEAR WHITE WHEN YOUR MALE SWAN
Is in “Spring HORMONE HELL.”
Many Swan Cobs are “Hormones with Wings.”
Male Swans are Programmed by Hormones,
when they See WHITE to Drive off the “Intruder.”
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
ALWAYS Know Where Your Cob is ! !
If a Hormonal Cob Thinks you are NOT Watching…
He may be on you in Seconds.
Mantra: “Never Turn your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan.”
Swan are Enchanting Birds.. The Cobs have BIG Personalities.
All Species of Swans have their Hormonal Season and Behaviors.
Mature Male Swans have TWO Personalities..
One without Hormones and ONE With !!!
You will Need to Learn to Work with them.
Get to Know them Well.. Expect Seasonal Behavior Changes..
Swans are Beautiful to See. But, they can be a Challenge to Work with.
I am not Posting this to make you Afraid of Mature Swan Cobs..
But, to Prepare you as you are Researching having Swans.
This Territorial, Aggressive Behavior is Normal.. BE Prepared.
IF you have Small Children or Frail Seniors who Enjoy your Pond.
You many want to Consider their Safety.. Warn, Keep a Safe Distance.
If you want to Boat, Kayak, Swim, Fish in your Pond..
You will be Sharing HIS Space.. He may NOT want to Share.
The Photo above Posted on a Humor Site. It is NOT Funny !
This Young Kayak-er.. Learned TOO Late ! ! !
This will Happen SO FAST ! !
WHERE IS HIS LIFE JACKET ! ! !
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I Love Male Swans. For Years I Learned how to Work with them.
Now at this Stage in my Life. I have to be Very Careful..
I Know I can No Longer Work with them Safely without Help.
A Well Socialized and Gentle Cob most of the Year.. WILL Change !
“Hormonal Male Swans” are Mentally Altered during their Reproductive Season.
“Dr. Jekyll – Mr. Hyde”
Mellow – MACHO
I had WHITE Things in my Cart.. And a WHITE Bucket. I Learned Quickly.
Visiting with a Hormonal Cob is Challenging..
Some will Calm Down ONCE they Make their Point.
I will add a Note here…
We have Known some Cobs that have an Aggressive Attitude Year Round..
Less so in the Summer.. But, Never Easy Going..
We had to be ON GUARD Every Minutes with this Mature Mute Cob.
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall… Best to be On the Other Side of his Fence.
In Early Spring our Cob is Displaying all his Beautiful Aggressive Wing “Display.”
He is “BUSKING” and “Pushing Water.”
Territorial Behavior may Include.. You CAN NOT get Near the Pond.
Two Weeks Ago I could Hand Feed our Cob…. NOT TODAY !!
We have known Mature Cobs that Chase Cars, Trucks, People on Bikes,
Joggers, Walkers, Folks with Strollers, Dog Walkers, etc..
I had a Message from a Trumpeter Swan Owner whose Cob
Attacked a Pasture Horse.
The Cob did not Fare Well, the Horse Kicked the Swan in the Head.
It is Common for Swans to Walk into Pasture Areas Near they Ponds..
Grazing on the Same Plants as the Horses and Cows. THINK Parasites.
On Many Country Properties there are a Wide Variety of Animals and Pets.
Swans are Not Going to Protect their Territory from Just People…
All Animals in their Pond Area may be a Target when they are Hormonal.
Cob will GO AFTER LAWN MOWERS,
Weed Whackers, Loud Engine Noise..
FedEx and Postal Trucks and their Delivery Workers.
We heard Stories of a Black Australian Cob, who would weigh about 20 Pounds,
that would CHASE Fire Engines.. Hated the Sirens..
During the Winter Months Healthy Mute Cobs Increasingly
become Hormonal Preparing for Mating and Spring Nesting.
Having a Female will Stimulate his Reproductive Hormones..
You will notice his KNOB Swelling and his Beak becoming Brighter in Color.
Without a Female, a Mature Cob will be “More Testy then a Mess.”
From December to May,
the Cob will be VERY Protective of HIS Water Environments and his Female.
He is going into the Annual Phase I “Lovingly” call “Hormone Hell.”
IT IS “Hormone Hell” Season ! !
A Male that is Gentle and Easy Going in the Summer and Fall,
will become a Holy Terror.
Hormonal Cobs will Expand the Area of your Property that he is Claiming..
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DO Not Wear White during these Months..
Earth Tones are LESS Agitating..
Male Swans see ANYTHING White as a Territorial Threat.. and will REACT.
For Many Feeding their Swan during the Spring is Challenging.
It is Wise to have a WARNING
TOO Many People will Try to Get Close to the Nesting Swans.
WARN ALL FAMILY and Friend, Visitors..
Avoid a Bad Encounter. GIVE him Space. He can not help this.
Recently, an Older Swan Family Member just wanted to Visit the Pond.
Nice Early Spring Day. She Walked TOO Close..
The Cob came out of the Water to Chase her Away.. She “Crossed the Line.”
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Another Family Member saw what was Happening..
and Ran to Save his Grandmother from being Attacked.
He Pushed the Cob with his Foot to Prevent the Flogging..
Unfortunately, this Firm Push Broke One of the Cob’s Legs.
Resulting in the Need for Pinning the Leg by their Veterinarian.
Weeks in the Barn on Antibiotics. Long Months of Recovery.
The Cob had LOTs of Care but Did NOT Recover Well.. He Finally Passed.
So Sad to Lose this Cob we had Known for many Years.
Many Male Swans – Cobs.. become “Hormones with Wings.”
” KEEP OUT ” Mode
” DO NOT CROSS MY LINE ! ! “
Most Cobs have a “LINE” that if your Cross it… YOU are his Target.
BEST to just give him more Space – If you stay beyond it, he will be OK..
Step Across the “Line” and he will become Territorial and Challenge you.
Male Swans are BLIND with Hormones in the Spring..
Unless there is a Good Reason to Get Close to the Nesting Area..
Use Binoculars to Watch the Nesting Swans..
Most Cobs are Wonderful Protectors of their Nesting Female.
Sharing the Nesting Responsibilities and Patrolling.
As Ground Nesting Birds.. the Cob MUST be FIERCE !
In the Image Above… Our Cob has just Flogged a Tire of our Van.
We Parked by his Pond. He Walked up to our Van.. We Waited..
“Meadow” Whacked the Tire Several Times.. then Walked back to his Pond.
Most of the Time Cobs are Gentle Giants with their Cygnets.
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Generally in January you will start to notice the Cob becoming “Testy.”
He will start to “Busk” – Challenge you when you get close to the Pond..
When you Observe FAST Busking
Rocking Horse Foot Paddling – Pushing Water..
This is Serious Threat Behavior.. Step Back.. GIVE HIM SPACE.
Keep Something with you, like a Large Broom.. or Large Trash Can..
I Made Several – Cheap Fan Rakes Padded with Bubble Wrap
Covered with a Washable Material.. DO NOT USE WHITE.
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Use a Busy Colorful Pattern to be Distracting…
Do not Swing or Hit the Cob..but, Carry as a Barrier to Protect yourself..
Keep a Repelling Tool in a low Position and Move it Slowly Side to Side.
It keeps the Cob Distracted. You may have some Games of “Chicken.”
Just be Calm, NO Yelling.. Do NOT BE a THREAT !!
Always KNOW Where the Cob is..
Often when the Cob gets Tired of the “Keep Away Game,”
They will just Slip Back into the Water..
OR the Cob May NEED to Release that Aggressive Emotion.
Let them Attack the Repelling Tool.. NOT YOU !!
…NEVER Turn your Back on a Hormonal Male !!!!
They are Surprisingly FAST and Quiet..
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IF your Cob is FULL-WING..
He can Fly and CAN be where you are Standing in Seconds.
They can Launch at you.. I Know..
I have had my Share of Bruises.. as I LEARNED.
This was MY Mistake.. I DID NOT RESPECT “HIS” BOUNDARY !!
This Aggressive Behavior has ONE BIG Advantage..
Male Swans are EASY to Catch when they are Hormonal.
This Cob thought he was Chasing me.. This got him Away from his Pond.
Have a Net.. Help.. and the Cob will Come to you.. NET !!
If I Walk Toward the Pond, in Short Order, our Hormonal Cob will Head in my Direction..
My Husband is Waiting with the Net.. Success..
ONE Big Mad Cob is Under Control.
When we Needed to Work around the Pond.. Putting our Cob in his Carrier Kept ALL Safe.
It is COMMON to hear Swan Owners Complain that it is Difficult
to Mower the Grass by their Ponds.. that the Cobs Confront them and the Mowers.
If you Want to Mow Your Lawn, it Helps to have a Temporary Fence Area.
Put him inside.. and you are Both Safer..
Every Summer I Learn of Another Cob that was Seriously Injured Attacking a Mower.
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Numerous Cobs have be Killed Attacking Riding Lawn Mowers..
Always Know WHERE your Swans are as You Work around your Lawns.
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Most Mute Swans are OK with Ducks.. No Real Competition for Food..
Many Mute Swans will Chase Migrating Canada Geese..
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Many Swans are Acquired for the Purpose of Keeping Migrating
and Resident Canada Geese OFF PONDS.
During the Winter to Spring Migration Canada Geese are Looking for
an Open Body of Water to Rest on as they Head North..
They will Land on Unfrozen Ponds and Lakes across the Northern States.
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The Chasing Begins.. An Established Mature Cob and some Pens,
will let the Trespassing Geese know they are NOT Welcome.
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I am Not sure about Resident Domestic Geese..
White Geese might want to keep their Distance..
Chasing Wild Geese is GOOD for a Captive Swan’s Cardiac Health.
Since Pinioned or Clipped Captive Swans can not Fly.. they need this Exercise..
I Love Male Swans.. GIVE Them EXTRA SPACE…
Try to Understand and Respect their Seasonal Behaviors.
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Compiled from Our Swans & Pond Visit Experiences..
PA SwanLover Linda M.Sweger – Updates March 2024
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Below is a Series of Images… Makes me Laugh.
We were Safe in a Gazebo.
I Miss “George.”
We have many Wonderful Memories of Visiting.
“George” Lived to 30 Years Old.
Bringing New Swan/Swans Home
March 15th, 2017 | Posted by in Bringing New Swan/Swans Home - (Comments Off on Bringing New Swan/Swans Home)Bringing New Swan/Swans Home
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
HOW EXCITING ! ! ! ! !
You are Bringing a New Swan/Swans Home ! !
Like any BIG EVENT Pre-Planning will make this a GREAT Day ! !
I would Love Every Swan to have a Happy Life.
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Information about Traveling with Swans.
Transporting Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/transporting-swans/
Transporting Swans is Exciting.. for Humans..
But, for the Swans/Cygnets it can be SCARY..
Arrange for the Transit Time to be as Short as Possible.
SWANs have a very Wide Range of Emotions…. just like Humans.
No matter where you get your New Swan.. the Swan was Living in Surroundings
that were Familiar. Whether it was Good or Bad the Swan knew what to Expect.
Swans are Creatures of Routine.
The Move to a New Home from Familiar Surroundings can be BEWILDERING.
This Young Cygnet Recovered Within Several Weeks.. Then Rehomed.
Maybe they lived with other Swans that were their “Social Comfort.”
They will probably never see their Swan Friends/Family again.
Swans are very Social Creatures. They have a “Pecking Order”
and know where they belong in that “Order.”
They Eat, Swim, Provide and Receive Care and Protection by the “Pecking Order.”
Once these Sisters were Moved to a Pond where there was an Abundance
of Natural Plant Foods.. This Competition for Food Stopped. Good OutCome.
Side Note: If Swans are Separated and Meet again Years Later,
they will Recognize each other.
They Never Forget.
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*** YOU ARE HOME EveryOne is Excited ! ! ! Shhh-h-h-h……
In the Driveway Or by the Pond Or Lake Approach.
Your Vehicle Door or Hatch is Open.
Stand Back unless there is an immediate need to ensure the Swan’s Safety.
Slowly Walk Around in Easy Sight of the Swan for a Few Minutes.
“Nod” Slowly in a YES Motion and say “Hello.”
Speak Softly, Slowly, Calming, Calming….
Minimize Bright Lights/Camera Flashes.
If you know the Swan’s Name or you are giving the Swan a New Name…
Repeat it, Clearly.
Swans are able to Learn and Understand far more then most would imagine.
They Think… Evaluate, Learn..
*** IF POSSIBLE – DO NOT Put a New Swan Directly onto your Pond
or Lake Water upon Arrival.
Once you “Let it GO !” you will have Very Little Control.
“FEAR of the Unknown” and other WaterFowl/Swans on your Water Environment
may cause PANIC and the New Swan may take off,
REALLY Take Off as Fast as Possible. * Their Desire is to “FIND HOME.”
Several Notes Below are “For you to Be Aware”..
This does Occur – Not Often.. but it Can Happen..
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One EXAMPLE: A Pair of Trumpeters immediately released together
after a Long Road Trip.. The Male PANICKED, took off (not flying) Flapping
and Running across the Water to the Far Side of the Pond.
In Less then a Minute, he made it to a Highway and was Hit by a Passing Vehicle.
The Female Swan of the Pair stayed on the Pond, Crying with Fear.
She had Lost her “Bonded Mate” – her “Social Comfort” had Died Minutes
after Arriving at their New Home. Fear and Panic… Very Sad.
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Check on the “Stress Level” of the Swan.
*** SIGNS OF STRESS – Be Aware of this – Rarely Happens.
Panic Behavior, Banging their Head Side to Side, Wide-Eyed Panting,
Vocal Crying, Excessive Struggling. This is not the Normal Behavior.
If the New Swan is TOO Scared you may not have a Happy Outcome.
A “Stressed” Swan needs Time to Calm Down.
Stress can cause a Swan’s System to Pour-Out Adrenalin
and the Overload on the Cardiac System can have FATAL Results.
They can Collapse and Die. Literally, “Scared to Death.”
Swans that Fly have a Higher Tolerance to Cardiac Stress.
Their Heart Muscle gets more Exercise.
It is STILL BEST to keep the Stress to a Minimum.
** Fear/Stress can Quickly Burn a Swan’s Normal Blood Glucose Level
TOO Quickly and cause Hypoglycemia. Especially, if they have not Eaten for a while…
Just In Case, have a Small Container, about an Ounce of Thin (add water -mix)
Honey, Karo or King Syrup. Rubbing a * little* Sweet Syrup under the Swan’s Tongue
and on the Roof of their Beak may help if the Cygnet or Swan happens
to Collapse from Fear/Stress.
The Blood Vessels under the Tongue will absorb these “Quick Simple Sugars.”
Do NOT try to force the Swan to Swallow.. Let the Swan Swallow when able..
Keep in a Quiet, Semi-Dark Area.. until they Recover..
SO Far, we have Never needed this while Moving a Swan..
Swans/Cygnets Raised on a Farm or Pond, that are familiar with Humans,
may just “Go with the Flow” and Accept this Move as an Adventure.
They will Quietly Look Around, Curious about this New Place.
Who Else lives here?? – There is No Way to Predict…
In 10 to 15 minutes, Hopefully the Swan will Appear more Comfortable and
will be Looking Around. They need Time to Absorb the New Things they see,
the Smells and Sounds to Assess if they are/will be Safe at this New Place.
Think of a Very Small Child who Speaks a Different Language from you,
Taken from Everyone and Everything they know.
You can not Explain what is Happening, what will Happen next,
Nor can you Avoid their Fear.
BE Patient, it will Pay-off. You will be Establishing Respect and Trust.
Swans have VERY Good Memories.
They will Remember who is Kind and who they need to “Stay Away From.”
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STRONGLY Suggest: You put them into a Barn Stall, or Cozy Secure Shed.
The Young Unrelated Pair below were Introduced in a Barn Stall.
They Spent Three Days inside Together..
On a Lovely Fall Day.. We Escorted these Young Swans to their New Pond.
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OR into a Chaperon Fence Area for a few Days – at Least a Few Hours.
It is Very Wise to have a Small Temporary Fenced-in Area
by the New Water Home ready ahead of Time.
Whether you Drive to Pick-up the New Swan from its Original Home,
Or someone Transports the Swan to You,
Or you go to the Post-Office OR Airport,
the Swan will be in some type of Cramped Transport Container.
There will be POOP !!! Once the Swan or Cygnet has a Little Time to Relax..
Gently Rinse the Poop.. Room Temp Water Only.
Otherwise, as the Swan/Cygnets Preen..
they will Preen the Poop all through their Feathers.
In a Shallow Water Chaperon Fenced Area, the Young Female can Wash her Bottom.
This Young Female Cleaned up Well. Soon Off to New Home.
Offer a Container – Pan or Bowl of Water. NO Handle..
Watch for this to be Knocked Over in the Unfamiliar Place.
Once you hear the New Swan Drink, you can Relax a Bit.
A Swan will not Drink if it is Stressed.
If a Long Time Passes without Hearing the Splashy Sound of Drinking,
you might Gently put the Swan’s Beak into the Water Container for
a few Seconds. Then let the Swan decide to Drink when Ready.
Sometimes a little Lettuce in the Water Tub Encourages Drinking.
A Sprinkle of Pellet Feed or Scratch or Corn can be put in the Water Tub..
Swans like their Food in Water… Wet Feed Smells Good.
***A Temporary “Chaperon Fence” for the Introduction-Adjustment
is a BIG Help.. ESPECIALLY when you have a Resident Swan.
AS LONG AS it is SAFE from any Predators.
The “Chaperon Fence” will Allow Time for the Swan to Adjust to its New Environment.
It will help Prevent Panic Injuries.
It will Provide a Barrier from any Hostile Resident Swan.
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Both the Resident and the New Swan need to meet in a Safe Way.
You will soon know if there will be Aggressive or Welcoming Behavior.
Many Resident Swans are very Territorial and will Chase or Attack a New Swan
as an Invader to their Pond.
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At the Very Least, Allow the New Swan to Stay in this Area for a Few
Hours, if it is Not Safe for OverNight.
Do NOT Leave New Swan/Cygnet in an Open Air Fenced Areas at Night.
This is Only SAFE if a Predator can NOT get into the “Chaperon Fence.”
The New Swans/Cygnets are TRAPPED.
You have much more Control and the Risk of the New Swan being
Attacked by the Resident Swan is Reduced.
This is the SAFEST way to Introduce them.
You can Observe their Interaction..
Wait for a While…….. Allowing the New Swan to become Relaxed.
Do Both Swans seem Happy to Meet – to See each other.. ???
Any Aggressive Behavior ?? Stalking the Fence.. or Hitting, Biting..???
If the New Swan Moves AWAY as Far as Possible from the Resident Swan..
Best to Wait for a While to Release.. The New Swan is Afraid.
You want to See, Head-Turning Greetings.. Happy Snorts ! !
Upper Necks Swelling (Happy Emotion), Little Snorty Sounds..
Preening Near Each Other. Eating Close Together.
This Fenced Area will allow Time for the Swans to become Familiar with
your Feed before going out onto a Large Area of Water.
BE Sure they are Eating !
New Feed and Foods may take a Few Days to be Accepted.
Visit them OFTEN.. Sit and Talk with them for a Few Minutes.
Let them get to Know you and your Voice..
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*** AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Check to Ensure the Swan is OK.
I have Created a Topic Page “Before you Let a Swan onto your Pond.”
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-on-pond/
This Page will have a List of Things to Check before you Release
Your New Swans to your Water Environment. They are Suggestions !
Then if I Can Keep Uploading – A Page about “Swan Introductions”
There are Numerous Combinations – Too Many for this Topic Page.
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The Family Pup is Very Cute and Very Busy.
If you have a Dog that MOVEs Quickly and/or Barks.. *
PLEASE put the Dog Inside or Out of Sight for now.
The Dog can be Part of the Swan Fun in a Few Days once the New Swan
is Comfortable on your Pond/Lake.
Swans are Naturally Afraid of Dogs. Any Canine.
They will start “Alarm Cries” “Arf Arf Arf” with their Neck Stretched UP Straight
– Head held Flat as Soon as they Sense there is a Dog or Fox in the Area,
LONG before it is seen.
The Dog or Fox or Roaming WildLife will not be in the Direction the Beak is Pointing,
but to the Left or Right of their Head.
Swans are Prey Birds, their Eye are on the Sides of their Head.
Their Peripheral Vision is Very Wide.
Over Time the New Swan will Learn when it will Feel Safe when the Dog is around their Water.
It is Important there is an Area of the Pond/Lake that is Deep Enough
– at least Four-Five Feet Deep where Swans can Retreat to and Feel Safe.
For the First Several Weeks, be alert to the New Swan’s Response
to Lawn Mowers, Weed Whackers, Noisy Equipment.. Loud Noises – Kids.
Be prepared to Modify an Activity which is Frightening the New Swan.
Having a Fenced Area will come in Handy Over and Over.
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If you Decide or Need to Put your New Swans/Cygnets Directly on the Water
without being Sheltered or in a Chaperon Fence for an Adjustment Time..
Plan to Spend more Time by your Pond for a Few Days.
There is No Way to be Sure the New Swan will Stay on the Pond..
They May Go Wandering.
*** MOVING TO THE WATER’S EDGE…
Do your BEST NOT to Over Bounce or Drop the Carrier.
Set it Down by the Waters’ Edge.
Again, give the Swan Time to Look Around.
*** RELEASING TO THE POND
There is No Way to Predict ALL the Variables.
The TIME has come – The Swans are Calm, they seem to Like each other.
NOTE: When First Released, Swans will Swim or Flutter
to the Other Side of the New Water Area..
Try to Release so the Area they move toward is Safe..
NOT Toward a Road or “Easy OUT and GONE ! !” Area.
Ask Helpers to Space themselves Around the Pond if Possible.
*** TIME to OPEN the Gate. (Or Transport Carrier)
Open Wide and Walk Away…
Allow the New Swan to Decide when it wants to Move to the Water.
YEAH ! The New Swan/Swans are on your Pond..
If ALL GOES WELL, the Swans will Meet and Greet Each Other
with Puffed-Up Necks and Head Turning.
When you Release the New Swan, Stay with the Swans as long as
it takes for them to Explore Together.
WATCH for ANY Signs of Aggression from a Resident Swan..
BE AWARE: For the first 30-60 Minutes the New Swan may be Welcome..
Then something seems to Happen with some Resident Swans..
They Decide, the New Swan has Over-Stayed their Welcome and
it is “TIME” for the New Swan to LEAVE ! ! This May become Serious..
Flying- Flapping Attacks are NOT GOOD…
The Stronger Swan MAY TRY to Drown the Weaker Swan..
Try to Remove the New Swan to a Safe Place and give the Swans Time
to get to know each other with a Fence between them..
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Use your BEST Judgement about the Safety of a Swan/Cygnet in a Fenced Area…
If a Predator gets in the Swan or Cygnet is Helpless.
I Misjudged this Once.. and a Sweet Young Cygnet was Attached during the Night.
He did Not Survive the Injuries.. There was NO Time to get Help for him.
Just ONE Night and Something Pushed Over One Section of Our Fencing..
I have Never Forgotten this Terrible Lesson.. BE SURE they are SAFE at Night ! !
You know your Area and what Chance there might be for a Predator
getting into the New Swan/Cygnets..
OR Try to Keep the New Swan in a Safe Place – a Shed, Barn or Garage..
Until they are Comfortable Out on Your Pond or Lake.
If you See Chasing.. Watch Closely..
We have Observed this many time: Not Aggressive Chasing..
Fast Swimming is likely to be OK after a while…
Some Quick “Shoulder Nipping” is Normal..
This is “Establishing Pecking Order” Behavior.
Usually only Occurs the First Day or So.
Most Swans are VERY Happy to have a New Companion…
Some will take Weeks to Adjust.. Patience is needed..
After Several Days the Swans should Feel Safe and will Establish a New Routine..
Work Quietly around the Pond.. and Talk Softly.. Trust will Develop … (-;
*** THE POND INTRODUCTION.
There are FIVE Typical Behaviors that you will Witness when a Swan or Cygnets
are First Introduced to a New Pond or Lake.
- 1. Explore the Pond or Lake..
2. Taste the Pond or Lake..
3. Take a Splash Bath..
4. Sit Along the Bank and Preen..
5. AND, for the First Day or Two… they will STAY on the Far Side
– of their New Water Environment..
- Explore the Pond.. to See What is WHERE ….
Where will I Live..? Where am I Safe.. ?
A Long, Slow Tour of the Water Area.
The New Swan will Check Everything they can.
Who Else lives there ??? … Ducks, Geese, etc.
Swans will Introduce themselves to other Pond Residents..
Hopefully, the Resident Swan will Escort this Tour.
Resident Swans know their General Boundaries and will help
the New Swan learn. It is very interesting to Watch.
Swans DO NOT Understand Property Lines..
WATCH for Wandering.. Especially the First Week or So.
This happens occasionally.. Most Stay in the Water Area..
That is where they Generally Feel Safest.
- Taste the Pond.. What is Good to Eat ???
Dipping and Up-Ending to Taste what Natural Plants are there.
Until they Find the Feeding Station.. it might be Helpful
to Place some Food Items in Several Easy to Find Locations.
- Take a Splashy Bath.. to Wash in their New Water..
This Starts their Immunity to the New Pond Bacteria.
When Released Directly from a Transport Container..
They will CLEAN all the Body Waste Yuck !!
- Sit-Out Along the Bank and Preen..
This is a Sign of Acceptance Behavior.. (-; Relaxed..
Preening Close together is a Sign of Social Acceptance among most Swans.
Much like People Sitting together Watching TV or a Movie.
- AND, for the First Day or Two… they will STAY on the Far Side
of their New Water Environment..
Avoiding People as much as Possible. Trust Takes Time.
Trust – Regain Trust
https://swanlovers.net/category/regaining-trust/
VERY IMPORTANT::::
Make Sure they are ON the Water at SunSet and at SunRise.
As the Day Ends they Think it is Time to go Home..
Most Adjust in a Few Days..
Once Swans are Gliding Silently Together on Your Pond/Lake there is Nothing more Beautiful.
Each time you go to see them, “Nod” Hello… They will respond.
After several Days they should feel Safe and will Establish a New Routine..
“Welcome to your New Home, We hope you’ll be happy here.”
– Jonathan Goldman.
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From here I am Organizing Several other Topic Pages about:
** Swan Introductions..
How Swans Meet.. and what to Expect and Watch for.
There are So Many Combination this will be Challenging.
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I just need the Time and Health to Continue Working on SLWS..
My Fear my Age May End my Sharing Swan Care Info.
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Best Wishes.. to You and Your Graceful Swans.
These are Our Experiences.. We are Always Learning..
UpDated September 2021 (c) Linda M. Sweger
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Keeping a Record for Your New Swans
March 13th, 2017 | Posted by in Keeping a Record for Your New Swans - (Comments Off on Keeping a Record for Your New Swans)Keeping a Record for Your New Swans
NEW SWAN INFORMATION RECORD
ASK FOR ANY DNA TEST RESULTS or CERTIFICATES.
CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES
DATE: NAME:
AGE: DATE/YEAR HATCHED:
DNA-SEX TESTING CERTIFICATE: SEX:
PURCHASED FROM:
PREVIOUS HOME:
PHYSICAL CONDITION:
ANY BLEEDING:
EYES: TONGUE COLOR:
WINGS:
WHICH SIDE PINIONED:
IF CLIPPED/WHEN:
ANY BROKEN FEATHERS:
LEGS: ANY BAND:
FEET: BUMBLE SORES:
CLAWS:
WEIGHT: CHECK BREAST:
LAST DOSE OF WORMING MEDICATION:
STOOL FOR OVA & PARASITES:
HEALTH CERTIFICATE:
NOTES:
WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SWANS.
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ORGANIZED MAY 2020 (c) Linda M. Sweger
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There are Seven Species of Swans
March 13th, 2017 | Posted by in There are Seven Species of Swans - (Comments Off on There are Seven Species of Swans)WORLDWIDE THERE ARE SEVEN SPECIES OF SWANS
The REGAL Swan Foundation.
The WorldWide Loss of Swans
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION..
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION..
MOONShine Madness
March 12th, 2017 | Posted by in MOONShine Madness - (Comments Off on MOONShine Madness)** ALCOHOL is Toxic to Birds..
Alcohol Depresses the Organ Systems of Birds
and CAN be Fatal.
MOONShine Madness
Making Feed Moonshine.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
Are You Unknowingly Brewing “Moonshine Mash” ?
I have followed the General Feed Instructions Below,
NOT Questioning Why ??..
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GENERAL Label/Tag Instructions for using
Commercial Animal/Live Stock Feeds.
>>> Dry Feed: Change Daily..
>>> Wet Feed Mixtures: Change Daily
When Temperature is 65 Degrees or Less.
Change Wet Feed Mixtures every 12 Hours when the Temperature
is Higher then 65 Degrees.
Change Immediately if you SEE any Bubbles.
“WHY???” Would Swans like the Wet Feed Mixture
after it Sits and is Bubbling ????
The Swans LIKE it because it is Sweeter
as the Starch Breaks Down and Alcohol FORMs.
The Mixture is Developing into “Moonshine Mash.”
TO QUOTE Chuck Miller
from the Discovery TV Show “MoonShiners” :
“And this is how we make the Moonshine.”
How to Make Moonshine Mash
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Moonshine-Mash
Moonshine Mash is a Fermented Mixture or Slurry of Ingredients,
principally Corn, Sugar, Water and Yeast, that are Distilled to produce
High-Proof Drinking Alcohol, also known as Moonshine or White Whiskey.
While Distilled Alcohol can be made from a variety of Grains,
Moonshine is most often associated with a Corn Based Mash.
This is left to Ferments at 80 Degrees for an Average of 7-10 Days.
MoonShiners use 50 LB Bags of Corn, Wheat, Rye, Poultry and Horse Feeds
Plus Sugar and Yeast in their Mash Recipes to make “MoonShine.”
Different Grains create different Flavors.
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POULTRY Feed Ingredients are Ground Grains and Plant Proteins.
Adding Warm Water to Poultry Feed.. Allowing this to Dissolve
into a Slurry of Starch and Protein, Bacteria and Yeast in the Environment
will Start to Breakdown and FERMENT this Mixture Creating Grain Alcohol.
The Wet Feed Ferments easily at Temperatures of 80+ Degrees
for an Average of 7-10 Days.
The Backyard Bacteria and Yeast Strains are UNKNOWN.
There are Strains of Environmental Bacteria, Molds, and Yeasts
that have TOXIC Secretions.
I spoke with the Feed Division Technical Service Southern States Corp.
1 (804) 281-1430 They Agreed, commenting that MoonShiners
Buy Animal Feeds to make Moonshine.
In the Normal use of their Commercial Feeds for Animals and Poultry,
they Worry most about the Molds that Occur in Hot, Humid Weather.
MoonShiners control their Mash Mixture by adding Known Strains of Yeast.
They add LARGE Amounts of Sugar to Increase the Alcohol that will be FERMENTED.
As the Alcohol Content Increases it Kills Off the Bacteria.. and finally the Yeast.
Without this Extra Sugar there will be Alcohol forming just not as much.
More like Beer. But, not enough to Kill the Bacteria, Mold or Yeast..
The Break Down of the Proteins in the Feed Mixture is just as Unsafe, FORMing Toxins..
No Different then the Concerns we have for “Food Poisoning” when leaving Meats
Out at Room Temperatures for more then two Hours.
***Ptomaine Poisoning is from Alkaloids
> > > > Found in Decaying Animal and Vegetable Matter.
This is especially Important when it’s HOT Outside:
“Bacteria Grows Rapidly at Room Temperature, BUT it Grows even Faster
when the Weather is between 90°F and 110°F,”
says Elisabeth Hagen, MD, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The Risk of Clostridium botulinum – Clostridium perfringens -Bacillus cereus
Growing in Wet Stagnate Pond Water Increases in Warm Weather.
These Pathogenic Bacteria are found everywhere.. Their Toxins are Lethal.
These Anaerobic Bacteria may/will Grow in the Bottom of the Wet Feed Mixture.
Botulinum Toxin is the most Acutely Lethal Toxin known.
We lost one Precious Female Swan to Clostridiim Botulism.. Heartbreaking.
She was Eating Flies near a Vegetable Compost Pile.
There are Dangerous Pathogenic Organisms in most Place.
A Few Organisms.. can “Grow” into a Lethal Mixture.
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Yeasts and Molds are found in all Environments.
Birds can contract Diseases from inhaling Mold/Fungus Spores.
Yeast Populations in their Gizzard and Digestive Tract can cause
a Wide Variety of Health Problem: Bloating, Poor Digestion,
Toxins that effect their Immune System..
A Heavy Growth can Obstruct the Bowel.. Death.
SWANs are VERY Susceptible to Heavy Metal Poisoning.
ADD Fermenting Feed to a Rusting Metal Pan = Iron Poisoning.
AUTO-BREWERY Syndrome
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-brewery_syndrome
Auto-Brewery Syndrome, is a Rare Medical Condition in which Intoxicating Quantities
of Ethanol are produced through Endogenous Fermentation within
the Digestive System.
One Gastrointestinal Organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of Yeast,
has been identified as a Pathogen for this condition.
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Various MoonShine Recipes..
http://www.coppermoonshinestills.com/id28.html
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It was Interesting Researching all this..
for a Good Cause.. Healthy Swans.
This Information is a Work in Progress…..
As I Learn more I will Add to this Information..
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Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated JUNE 2021
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Mute Swans – Royals
March 8th, 2017 | Posted by in Mute Swans - Royals - (Comments Off on Mute Swans – Royals)ROYAL MUTE SWANS
ROYAL MUTE SWANs.. Cygnus olor
The Graceful, Elegant Waterfowl of the European Royalty..
Click Images to Enlarge 
Mature Royal Mute Swans have Deep Orange-Red Beaks,
Dark Grey to Almost Black Legs and Webbed Feet..
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Royal Mute Cygnets have Smoky Grey Down when they Hatch.
Their Beaks, Legs and Feet are almost Black.. 
The Darker Colors help them Blend into the Water
Environment they Typically Live on.. 
The Dark Color may Help Protect a few Tiny Fuzzy Cygnets from the Aerial Predators..
The Creamy White Polish Cygnets are Easy to See.
The Images Below are a Chronology Series of their Growth..
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Within Less the 24 Hours the Healthy Cygnets are Ready to Swim.
Both Parents Check that their Cygnet is WaterProofed. 
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Each Day the Cygnets will Spend more Time on the Water.
They Also will have Several Time to Rest and Nap.. So Cute. 
When the Parents feel they no Longer need the Nest.. They Leave.
Life for these Tiny Swan Cygnets will be Full of Adventures..
and Perils. 
Swan Cygnets are “Precocial.”
Precocial refers to Bird Species in which the Young are Relatively Mature and Mobile
from the Moment of Hatching. 
They are “The “Ugly Duckling” of Danish Author,
Hans Christian Andersen Children’s Story.
I Think they are So VERY Cute ! 
Some Cygnets need to be Hand Raised to have a Chance to Survive.
The Swans are EASIER to Care for when they are on their Water.
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Cute Little Black Feet and Beaks.. Royals. 
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Swan Cygnets GROW So Fast.. Visually Changing Every Day.
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Each Little Cygnet has their Own Personality.
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It is Time for True Feathers to Start Emerging. And some Funny Looks.
So Cute… 
A Mix of Down and Emerging True Feathers.
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YEP ! There are Tiny Wing Feathers Coming in.. 
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If Cygnets Survive the Perils of Summer to 13 Weeks,
They have a Reasonable Chance to Grow to be Adults. 
Living on Open Water with their Parent is Best for them.
Their Parents are Teaching them from the Day they Hatch.
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Swan Cygnets that are Hand Raised have Many Instincts that are Common to all of their Kind.
Innate Behaviors do not have to be Learned or Practiced.
It is Time to Start Looking for New Homes for the Cygnets.
Look at the Feather Change in 20 Days.. 
They “Feathered Out” and Ever SO Cute !
During their First Winter the New White Feathers blend with their
Beige Grey-Brown Feather – They Look like Dirty Snow.
Good Camouflage.. 
9 Months Old. His Parent will Start to Chase him off in Later Winter.
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12 Months – One Year Old – Now a Juvenile. 
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She is about 5 Years Old.
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This Mute Cob lived to be 30 Years Old. Miss Him.
“Life itself is the Most Wonderful Fairy Tale.” -Hans Christian Andersen
Photo Images Compiled by L.M.Sweger . . . UpDated May 2021
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