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How are Older Cygnets and Swans Pinioned Safely.

October 25th, 2021 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in TO Pinion Older Cygnets-Swans Safely - (Comments Off on How are Older Cygnets and Swans Pinioned Safely.)

I have been Collecting Data for Nesting Swans for Years..
Swan Folks Sharing the Happy News when Healthy Cygnets Hatch.
I Share the Basics with ALL.. Feeding Cygnets Basics..
AND >>> PLEASE PINION and DNA the Cygnets and Arrange for Homes.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

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

By Pinioning Cygnets before THREE Weeks Old..21 Days
you may Save their Life.. And you can Skip Reading this Topic Page.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I have Suggested that Folks New to Swan Care and want Help the First Time they Pinion
ask their Avian Veterinarian to Help Pinion their Cygnets. Show you How – Learn Together.
Many Veterinarians has No Experience with Swans.

Pinioning is Permanent
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioning-is-permanent/

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

BUT: With each Passing Year,
I have New Swan Folks who Try to make these Arrangements and are being Told,
their Veterinarians have an Ethical Issue with Pinioning Waterfowl – Swans.
These Vets will Clip Wing Feathers but they will NOT Pinion.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

As a Result Some Swan Owners Attempt to do a Crude
Wing Pinion on their Older Cygnets/Swans themselves.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I have Learned of a Number of Horrific Cruel Ways that this might be done.
I can not Imagine how Terrified the Cygnets and Swans would be
when a Section of their Wing is Removed without Sedation.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I had been Planning to List some of these…To Shock Readers..
But, I will NOT.. I would Hate to Give Anyone an Idea.

IF you are Unable to SAFELY and HUMANLY Pinion an Older Cygnet/Swan..
then Please Plan to Clip to keep these Swans Grounded and Safe from all the Perils of Flight.

Clipping is a Reasonable Commitment for an Unpinioned Adult Swan in Private Care.
The Swan Pays the Price if you do not get it done.
On a Nice Breezy Day, they may just Fly Off and be Destroyed.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Being Socialized with Humans, the Swans will look for someone to Feed them.
They really are not Suited to Live Feral after being in Human Care..
Over Time, if they Survive the Winter Months.. they Relearn being Wild..
but, it is not Automatic. Many will Perish..

I Wish ALL Veterinarians would Think about ALL the Dangers for Domestic Swans that Fly.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Within a Week these young Female Mute Swans were Shot..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Hunters, Power Lines, Fences, Wet Roads, Traffic, etc. If Swans Fly they are at Risk..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

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In the Following – these are Swans and Cygnets that we Cared for.
Several had OTHER Surgical Wounds while in our BackYard Rehab Enclosure.
I have Included their Images that Reflect the General Care that is Similar.
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WHEN CYGNETs are TOO OLD for YOU To PINION.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I am going to Section the Information by Basic Ages:

#1 Cygnets UP to 28 Days – 4 Weeks..
#2 Cygnets that are 4 – 10 Weeks Old.
#3 10 Weeks to Mature Adults..

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#1 Cygnets UP to 28 Days – 4 Weeks..

It is Important to know the Date that your Cygnets Hatch..
It is BEST to Pinion by Day 21.. When the Opportunity Allows.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Try Not to WAIT until the Last Few Days to Pinion. The Days Tick By Quickly.
Sometimes the Swan Family will NOT Cooperate so that the Pinioning Gets DONE
when you are Planning. It Happens.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

We have Learned some Tricks.. to Catching the Swan Family.

Pinioning is Permanent
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioning-is-permanent/

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

IF you are planning to have a Veterinarian Pinion Cygnets
that are older then 4 Weeks Old.. THEY Need Sedation..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I have Pinioned Cygnets Safely up to 4 Weeks..
I will only do this if I KNOW the Date the Cygnets Hatch.
28 Days is my Limit. The Cygnets are a Little Bigger..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Before Doing ANYTHING.. I Check for any Firm Bone Forming in the Distal-Primary Wing Tip…
I have not Felt any Stiff Bone at 28 Days. I have Tied and Snipped the Wing Tip as Usual.

We Keep a Close Watch for any Bleeding before Cygnets are Release to the Water.
So Far, I have not had ANY Cygnet have a Problem.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This is the Same Cygnet when she was Four Months Old.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

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#2 Cygnets that are 4 – 8 – 10 Weeks Old.
Cygnets on Average Hatch in May.. 4 – 10 Weeks would be into July..
HOT Summer Months.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Swan Cygnets Older then 28 Days Need to have Extra Care to keep them Safe.

SURGICAL PINION ***ONLY Done by a Veterinarian.

The Responsible way to Pinion an Older Cygnet, Juvenile or Adult Swan is by
a Veterinarian who is Willing and has been Trained to do Surgical Pinion.

The Procedures become much more Involved and Costly with Each Passing Week.
The Younger the Cygnet – the less Involved this will be.

Cygnets from 4 – 10 Weeks Old may only need a Simple Sedation Procedure..
NO Pain or Stress. Recovery is Quick and Simple.

An Example of this: Rescue Friends – Rescued a Brood of Cygnets 55 Days Old.
Last Week of June.. None were Pinioned..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I Checked for the Bone Forming in the Distal Wing Section.
YEP !! It was Firm.. Called our Trusty Veterinarian.. made Appointment.
We took 5 Healthy Cygnets to the Vet’s Clinic the Next Day.
They were Exactly 8 Weeks Old.. (Below Image is a Different Cygnet 58 Days – as Example.)

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Each Cygnet was Sedated.. Pinion Joint Prepared for Surgery – ONE WING ONLY..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Colored ID Bands were Placed on the Same Side the Pinion was being Done.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

The Bones were Developed Enough that a Bone Cutter was Used to Remove
the Distal-Primary Wing Tips..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Each Cygnet took an Average of 15 Minutes..
The Cygnets were Waking-up within Minutes..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

I was Able to Express a Nice Drop of Blood from the Wing Tips Removed..
for a DNA-Sex Blood Dot Sample.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

2-3 Stitches were Placed in the Skin at the Surgery Site.

We Checked each Cygnet for any Bleeding before we Left the Clinic..

We were Home within 30 Minutes.. The Cygnets were Placed in a Safe Place
for the Rest of the Day and Over Night.. Checked in the Morning – All OK
and Release to the Rescue Center’s Pond..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

There were NOT Antibiotics Needed.. NO Restrictions for the Cygnets..
The Cygnets were Checked Daily for about a Week.. for any Sign of Infection.
ALL Cygnets did Well.. NO Further Appointments. DONE..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Within a Few Weeks New Homes were Arranged..
ALL 5 Cygnets were Adopted to Loving Home..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

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#3 Cygnets 10 – 12 Weeks to Mature Adults..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

TO PINION SWANs – Juveniles and Adults – Swan 3 Months Old and Older – Mature.

The Diagram Below is the BASIC Idea of the Action to Pinioning a more Mature Bird.
This Diagram is of Smaller House Birds.. Cygnets and Swans are MUCH LARGER.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This was the Plan for this 11 Month Old Male Mute.. to Constrict and Cause
the Distal Section of his Wing to Die.. This was the WORST I have Every Seen.
This was a Healthy Young Swan.. He Died due to this Terrible Effort to Pinion him.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Older Cygnets and Swans are TOO BIG for Constriction Amputation.
The Older the Cygnet, the More Extensive the Procedure WILL be.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Once a Cygnet is 3-6 Months Old..
Your Vet will Decide what is the Safest Procedure for the Growing Swan Cygnets.

Older Cygnets, Juveniles and Adult Swans.. BIGGER Procedure.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

If you have WAITED until the Cygnets are Several Months Old,
then try to Wait for Cold Weather to have them Pinioned. ( if Possible.)

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

The Risk of Infections is much Higher in Warmer Weather.
You will have a much Better Outcome if you Wait until after Heavy Frost in the Fall.

In Areas where there are True Cold Winter Conditions,
it is Recommended that Surgical Pinioning be done during the Coldest Months
to Reduce the Risk of Infection and Insect Maggots..

In Pennsylvania, December, January and February are the Preferred Months.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

If you Plan to Surgically Pinion a 16-18 Month Old Swan during the Swan’s Moult..
(Summer) the Swans will be trying to Preen MORE and there will be LOTs
of Loose Feathers to Deal with.. BIGGER Mess..
Better to Consider Waiting for the Winter Months.. ( if Practical )

In the Mean Time You will need to Ground your Cygnets-Swans
(#1) Clip 5-7 Primary Flight Feathers on ONE WING Only
OR (#2) Pull some Primary Flight Feathers – ONE WING Only
until you are Ready to have the Surgical Pinion Procedure.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

DO NOT CLIP OR PULL Primary Flight Feathers unless you know
when and how to do ONE of these Safely.

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

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BEFORE THE SURGICAL PINION PROCEDURE:
For Cygnets 3-4 Months Old to All Mature Adults.
This is Elective Surgery.. to Render a Swan Flightless.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

You will Need to Locate a Veterinarian who is Trained and Willing to Preform
this Procedure.. If you Talk with your Avian Veterinarian while your Adult Swans
are Incubating their Clutch of Eggs.. you will Know what your Options are..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It takes a Minimum of 3-4 Weeks. Three-Four Vet. Visits.

(1) Discuss the Cost with your Veterinarian…
Average Total Cost $600-800-1200 for Surgical Pinion of the Older Cygnets/Swans.

(2) First the Swan Needs to be seen by the Veterinarian for a Pre-Op Evaluation.
(About 7 – 14 Days before Surgery)

The Evaluation will likely include Laboratory Blood Tests.
Maybe an Ova & Parasite Check on a Fresh Stool Sample.

Swans need to be Healthy to have Elective Surgery-Anesthesia.
There will be some Blood Loss. The Swan should not be Anemic.

Their Kidneys and Liver need to be Healthy.
Various Medications need to Clear through these Organs.

This is a GOOD Time to Pull a Sample of Breast Feathers
to send for DNA-Sex Testing. (If you do not know the Swan’s Sex.)

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It takes 7-10 days to get the DNA-Sex Test Results.
This way you will know which Wing to have Pinioned.

Have the Sample Submission Bags/Envelops Ready..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Determine the Sex of Swans-Cygnets by DNA
https://swanlovers.net/category/determine-the-sex-of-swans-cygnets-by-dna/

For Cygnets Too Young to have Feathers, (True Feathers start around 55-60 Days Old.)
Ask for a Drop of Blood when the Lab Tests are Collected and Send
this Blood-DOT Sample for DNA-Sex Testing.
Order or Prepare Blood-DOT Collection Cards/Papers Ahead of Time.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It takes 7-10 Days to get the DNA Results.
This way you will know which Wing to have Pinioned.
MALEs – Left Wing …..FEMALEs – Right Wing

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

If you are Having Several Cygnets Pinioned..
BE SURE you can Match the Results to Each Cygnet/Swan.
Banding with Colored Leg Band is the Easiest.. Change as they GROW…

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

ID Banding for Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/id-banding-for-swans/

(3) CONSIDER the Difficulty in having to Recapture the Cygnets/Swan…
For the Day of Scheduled Surgery.. PLAN Ahead..

(4) Post-Op Care… The Veterinarian will Advise HOW LONG to Keep
the Swan OUT of Water.. PLAN for a Safe Place to Recover.
The Cygnets/Swan will Likely need Antiboitics for 10-14 Days.
The Surgical Wounds will Need to be Checked and Bandages Changed.

You Need to Keep the Cygnets/Swan in a SAFE Fenced Area
or in a SAFE Shelter during Recovery.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This is a GOOD TIME to GIVE Parasite – Medication.
These Treatments are usually 2 doses – Given 14 Days Apart.
These Medication need to be Prescribed by your Veterinarian.

(5) Once your Swan is Cleared for Surgery…
Set-up an Appointment for the Surgery.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This Young Female was Under Weight when we Rescued her.. Her Moult was Delayed.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

We did needed to Wait for her Health to Improve before having an Elective Surgery.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

(6) AS YOU PREPARE TO HAVE YOUR SWAN PINIONED.
EXPECT the Following and Prepare for these Post-Surgery Needs.

To keep the Swan/Cygnet DRY & CLEAN for Two to Three Weeks..
NO POND – NO POOL… Keep Wound DRY.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

You will Need a VERY SAFE PLACE for the Feathered Patients Day and Night..
They will be Recovering..Healing. They Can NOT Protect themselves.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Best to keep Swans in a Barn, Shed, a Sturdy Tent
or a Protected Covered Fence Enclosure. Protect from Predators !
Check these Areas for Hazards to Create a Safe Place.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Remove Glass Items, Sharp Things, Things they may Reach and Pull Down.

Check Cables, Cords, Ropes, etc. Swans will get Bored and Explore.
AND, LOOK for Places they may Crawl through and get Stuck.
Swans CAN NOT Breathe if they can not Move their Rib Cage.
If they get their Heads Stuck, they may Pull Hard Enough
to Injure themselves or Worse.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Protect from Freezing COLD. Provide Safe Heat..
Out of their Pond they are Subject to Air Temperature.
Consider an Electric Heated CAT PAD..
Put Inside a Thick Trash Bag to Protect the Pad from being Soiled.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Provide Plenty of CLEAN Dry Bedding Material to Snuggle Down into.
> > > STRAW NOT Hay.. NOT Wood Chips.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

SAFE Swan Bedding
https://swanlovers.net/category/safe-swan-bedding/

Electric Heated Water Dishes are very Useful.. Available at most Farm and Pet Stores.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Try to have Blunted Scissors to Cut Bandages OFF. Safer..
Some Blunted Kid’s Scissors do fine. Try them first.

Antiseptic Wet Wipes are Useful. A Gallon of Clean Water/Paper Towels.
Plastic Bags – Gallon Size – Not ZipLoc. NEW Roll of Paper Towels. (In Clean Bag)
Roll of 1″ Painters Masking Tape. Plastic or Vinyl Disposable Gloves.
3-4 Large Clean Short Cotton Tube Socks. Cut Ribbing off Old Tube Socks.

Medium Bowl to Soak Wound.. If Advised.
Have a Bottle of Betadine – Povidone-Iodine,
an Antiseptic used for Skin Disinfection before and after Surgery.

Several Large Clean Bath Towels. Wash after each Use – Sanitize in Dryer.

You will need Food and Water Containers..
Choose Containers that will NOT BREAK. (NO METAL)
Swans will STEP-in and Upset Containers
Not Fastened or Not Heavy Enough to Stay Upright.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Choose Smaller Container for Water.. Swans will Try to Climb
into or onto Larger Water Dishes or Pans..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

**For Very Small Cygnets 2 Weeks to 2 Months..
Use Containers only 2-3 Inches High.
They will try to Climb into Buckets and MAY GET STUCK
or if they Fall in Head First may Suffocate or Drown.
Keep Water Dish Small, but Adequate.
If the Water Dish is TOO Large the Cygnets will Try to Swim in it.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

**For Young Cygnets 2-6 Months Old…
It is Safer to use Containers only 6 Inches High.
They will try to Climb into Buckets and MAY GET STUCK
or if they Fall in Head First may Suffocate or Drown.
Keep Water Dish Small, but Adequate.
If the Water Dish is TOO Large the Cygnets will TRY to Swim in it.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

**For Cygnets 6 Months to Adult Swans..
Look for Heavy Containers or Ones you can Secure to a Post or Fence.
A Short Bucket for Dry Feed Mix. We used Polyvinyl Dish Pans for Wet Vegetables.
Tie or Bungee the Handle of a Bucket to Prevent it being Knocked Over.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

A Short Bucket for Water is also Good for Swans Tall enough
to Stand Up and Comfortably Drink. Lettuce Greens are usually Welcome.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Swans have a STRONG Desire to be “IN Water.”
Do not be Surprised to see them Sitting on their Water Dish.
The Water may need to be Changed Several Times a Day due to Poop.
A Little Poop in the Water is OK.. This will Add Bacteria to their Gut.

Keep Feed and Water Containers Side by Side.
Or Put the Feed in the Water.. a Slurry.. They will Suck it Up..
Provide Feed which is Appropriate for the Cygnets/Swan’s Age.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

We carefully Wash their Bottom as Needed. Swans HATE to be Dirty..
They will try to Clean-Preen and Spread Poop all over themselves.
Remove Body Waste as found. Poop will Attract Flies and other Insects.
You may have Maggots if their Bedding is not kept Clean.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

On Nice Days, we Covered the Wound Dressing with a Gallon Plastic Bag
to Protect the Surgical Site..
Painter’s Masking Tape is Great to Keep a Plastic Bag in Place.
And GENTLY Sprayed the Cygnet/Swan ALL OVER to Encourage Preening.
This Helps to Maintain Good WaterProofing and Warmth Insulation.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

The Cygnet above had a Nasty Foot Injury.. He would Play in the Sprinkler..
Get ALL Wet and then Preen in the Warm SunShine.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Preening

Observe Stools for Loose Runny Material.
There should be some Formed and some Liquid Watery Poop.
Antibiotics may be causing Diarrhea.
Food is not being Digested Very Well and Excess Fluid is being Lost.
Check with your Veterinarian for Advise.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

There is a Product Called Bird Bene-bac Probiotics Gel for Replacement
of Beneficial Live-Culture Digestive Bacteria when giving Antibiotic Therapy.
Or Check with your Vet.. maybe Using Probiotics Powder would Work-Help..

Swans are VERY Social Creatures. Restricted from being on the Pond and Alone,
Swans become Sad, Depressed.. try to Visit and Talk to them more Often.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It is Comforting if Another Swan or Duck can be in with the Patient Swan.
Even for Several Hours each Evening and Night..
If Possible, Allow your other Swans to Visit.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Read your Newspaper Aloud… Read Junk Mail.. Visit.
Think of them as Small Children. Tell them Stories.
I have not tried a Radio on a Music Station set Low.. Might Help.

Try to provide Sunlight on nice Days. We all Feel Better getting some SunLight.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

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(7) The Night before the Cygnets/Swan’s Surgery
Food and Water will be With-held According to Instructions given to you.
Direct your Questions to your Veterinary Staff..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

**** ASK the Veterinarian to “SPARE” the ALULA…

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This leaves a Nice Cap of Feathers over the Pinioned Site.
Pinion a Known Female on Right Wing.. Pinion a Known Male on Left Wing..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

(8) The Cygnets/Swan will generally be Released to you once they are Awake and Drinking.
Follow the Veterinary Post Surgery Instructions carefully.
They may have information I have missed.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

To Give Medications and do the Wound Dressing Changes..
This is MUCH Easier with two People. One Needed to Hold and One to Do.

Expect to give Antibiotics Twice a Day for 10-14 Days.
Ask for Liquid Medications if available.
Give a Few Drops at a Time. Give the Swan a Chance to Swallow.

Check if Long Acting Antibiotic Injections are Appropriate.
This will make your Life Easier.
But, Often this is NOT the Preferred Treatment.
Once a Medication is Injected, it is IN the Body.
If there is a Negative Reaction.. Not much can be done.

ASK your Veterinarian to Demonstrate giving the Medications.
He may have Tips I have not Learned.

***REMEMBER – Food, Fluids, Medications Etc..
ALL Need to GO Down the RIGHT Side of the Swan’s Neck..
the Esophagus to Gizzard.
The Trachea goes Down LEFT Side of the Swan’s Neck
for Air to Enter and Leave the Lungs.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

***Any Medication going down the Trachea Left Side can be DANGEROUS.
Some may Burn the Trachea or Lungs.. Cause Aspiration Pneumonia..
Whole Pills CAN BLOCK their Airway.

If possible, I Dissolve Solid Pills, Caplets, Tablets and Capsules
with a Very Small Amount (3-5 Drops) of Water.
Draw into a Small Syringe to Slowly give as a Liquid.

GIVE LIQUID MEDICATION SLOWLY. Give Cygnets/Swans a chance to Swallow.

OR in a Small Container.. One Dose – Pill.
Add 1 to 2 Drops of Water.. Dissolve to a ToothPaste Texture.
Place this on a Finger and Spread on the Roof of the Upper Beak.
Allow the Cygnet/Swan to Lick and Swallow for a Few Minutes.
Then Allow them to Drink some Water.

DO NOT FORCE MEDICATION when the Cygnet/Swan are Struggling.
The Risk is they may Aspirate by Panicky Gasping..
This MAY TURN into an EMERGENCY..
Call your Veterinarian if there is ANY Change in their Breathing.

If there is ANY Liquid that Get into the Trachea..
Put the Cygnet/Swan on your Lap.. Head and Neck DOWN.. Pat their Back.
Until the Fluid Drains OUT ! If a Pill Goes the Wrong Way.. Do the Same.

Give the Medication/Antibiotic as Ordered for the Prescribed Time.
A Complication Free Recovery is Best for Everyone.

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(9) DO THE SCHEDULED POST-SURGERY CARE
PLAN AHEAD – Have Everything Ready and in Easy Reach.
Work on a Raised Surface, put Towel under Swan’s Feet.
Swans DISLIKE Smooth Surfaces and Will Struggle More.

Be Patient and WAIT for the Swan to be Calm before Care Treatments.

Wrap a Large Bath Towel around Body to Control their Wings.
**DO NOT Hold TOO TIGHTLY, Swans DO NOT have a Diaphragm.
They MUST Expand their Ribs to Breathe.

Be Careful of their Feet, the Toe Claws are SHARP.. Wear a Jacket to Protect your Arms.

Swans have Very Little Bite Pressure. Biting is not much more then a Mild-Pinch.
Depending on your Skin and where they Bite.
Try not to Pull Away if they Bite, the Beak Nail might Scratch.
I have rarely been Bitten.

Scratched by Toe Claws… YES !!! My Fault ! !
Once VERY Deep – Required a Stitch and Antibiotics for me.

If each Time you do the Cygnets/Swan’s Scheduled Care,
YOU are Calm and you Keep the Cygnets/Swan Calm,
it will become a Routine and become EASIER.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Move and Work CALMLY, Speak Calmly, Softly… be Reassuring.
If the Cygnets/Swan are FRANTIC your Job will be Very Challenging.
Think Calm, Be Calm, Remain Calm.

If Necessary, STOP, and Try Again when Everyone is Calm.
Once your Cygnets/Swan knows they will be OK,
they will Generally not Try so Hard to Free themselves.

We have found Mute Swans Settle, Calm Down once you hold them.
Black Australian and Trumpeter Swans keep Struggling. (Sigh ! )

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** Change Wound Dressing as directed…
WASH YOUR HANDS and Wear Disposable Gloves.

Take Care NOT to Cut Cygnets/Swan when removing Old Dressing.
Blunted Scissors are Safer. Some Blunted Kid’s Scissors do fine.

Take the Gauze off VERY Slowly, it is often Scabbed into the Wound.
If it Hurts, you may see the Cygnets/Swan Trembling… it Hurts.

There will be Stitches. Keep the Wound/Stump as Clean as Possible.
Do NOT Allow the Wound to be Uncovered for the First Few Days.
Watch for Sweating.. You want the Wound to Stay Dry.

** Report if the Wound Smells Nasty or has Yellow-Green Discharge.
Check for Bright Bloody OOzing.
A Small Amount of Watery-Blood Tinged Fluid.. is OK.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

** We Soaked the Wound with a Light Solution of Betadine
for Several Minutes when we changed the Wound Dressing.
Mix with Fresh Clean Water until it looks like Weak Tea.
So you can Read Newspaper Print through it.
Allow the Wound to DRY before Applying Fresh Dressing.

** It is a GOOD Idea to Check for Insect Eggs or Maggots on the Wound.
More Risk in Warm Weather.. Little Problem in Cold Months.
Just in case an Insect gets under the Wound Dressing.
These would Look like Tiny Specks of Pepper..Tiny Eggs.
A Simple Magnifying Glass is Helpful.
If Insect Eggs or Maggots do Occur – Report to your Veterinarian..
Follow his Instructions..
DO NOT USE CHEMICAL INSECT REPELLENTs.

When we had Swans with Surgery done during Summer Months
when Insects-Flies are more of a Problem..
The Insect Repellent we use is an ORGANIC Repellent Pump Spray.
A Product blend of Natural Botanical Extracts.
Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lemon Grass and Thyme Oils.

***DO NOT SPRAY Directly on the Surgical Wound.
Spray a Spritz on the Outside of the Wound Dressing after you finish Taping.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Plant Oils
in these Product for use as Food and Beverage Additives
for Human Consumption. These have a very STRONG Smell.
Take care not to get this in the Swan’s Eyes. Or Yours.. !!!

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NEVER USE WARM OR HOT WATER TO WASH or CLEAN a SWAN.

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We ONLY use DAWN Liquid – Original Scent. Cool to Cold Water ONLY.
Warm/HOT Water will Cook a Bird’s Tissues. THEY WILL STRUGGLE.
This can cause a Wide Range of HARM and MAY become a Medical Emergency.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

FOR the WOUND DRESSING..
We use a FRESHLY Opened Roll of Paper Toweling. (Keep Clean-Covered)
Wrap One-Two Sheets LOOSELY around Surgical Wound.

Some Air Space will help keep the Covered Wound from Sweating.
In the Summer Months – Sweating is a Concern..
During the Winter Months.. Less of a Problem.
Tape with 1 Inch Painter’s Masking Tape several Loops Around
and some Tape onto Feathers so Toweling will NOT Slid-off.

There is a GOOD Chance the Swan will Pull at the Dressing.
There are NO E-Collars for Swans. (I Don’t Think So.)

So the Cygnets/Swan can not Pull the Dressing OFF….
ONLY do this if Necessary.. it can make the Wound Sweat.. NOT Good !

I GENTLY Pulled a CLEAN Short Cotton Tube Sock over the Dressing
and up over the Remaining Wing.
Tape to Feathers above the Dressing. Snug, but not too tight.
Best to use a Clean Sock each time the Wound Dressing is Changed.

You will not need to have the Wound Covered for the Entire Recovery.
Check with the Vet at the First Check-up Visit.. If the Wound will
be OK to Leave Open to the Air..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

YEP.. the First POST-OP Check-up Visit.. So the Vet can see his
Handy Work is Healing Properly.. Depending on the Progress..
there will be One to Two more Vet Visits.

SO FAR, (Knock on wood)
We have NEVER had an Infection or Complication in our Elective Post-Op Care.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

Follow the Veterinarian’s Post-op Instructions…

(10) You will likely be Instructed to see your Veterinarian One Last Time
before your Cygnets/Swan are Allowed Back on the Pond.
The Cygnets/Swan can NOT go back into Pond Water until
ALL the Stitches are OUT.
The Stitches going through the Skin will Allow Bacteria to Enter.
Stitches Out FIRST.

(11) You might be Asked to Wait Three Days after the Stitches are OUT to Release
Your Cygnets or Swan to the Water.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

The Juvenile Below had her Stitched Removed at the Third Visit..
The Fourth Visit was a Week Later.. ALL CLEAR for A SPLASHY BATH.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

She is Healed and Healthy. We can FINALLY Start to Arrange for a Forever Home.

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

This Young Female was SO Happy to be on a Real Pond Again ! !
She Splashed, Rolled, Dove, Flapped and Kicked UP her Feet.. Such Joy !

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It has been Four Months since her Rescue.. Her New Life is about to Begin..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

It was a Sad and Happy Day when we Released “Lily” to her New Home Pond..

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

BASICALLY That’s ALL Folks.. ( I have probably Forgotten Some Tips..)
Every Time I read through this I think of Something ELSE !!!!

OH YES !! There is ONE Last Something Else…
If you Pinion your Cygnets before 21 Days..
You and Others will not be Doing ALL THIS.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

(c) L.M.Sweger – Finally Organized October 2021

Working on this Topic Page.. has been more Difficult then I had Imagined..
I have Lots of Experience with the Losses of Full-Wing Swans..
Yes, it has Been Hard, all these Sad Memories Bring Tears..
Swans are Safer if they are Grounded..

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Pinion Older Cygnets Swans
We Tried – But were Not Able to Save these Gentle Mute Pens.
Pinion Older Cygnets Swans

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

WORKING with SWANs – An Interesting Challenge.

October 5th, 2021 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in BASIC CARE-WORKING with SWANs - (Comments Off on WORKING with SWANs – An Interesting Challenge.)
Working with Swans

WELCOME to the Wonderful World of Swans ! (-;

I have been Debating with Myself..
Do I have the Above Statement at the Beginning of this Topic Page..
……Or at the End.. (-; >> So.. I Decided Both..

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

When I think about Working with Swans.. I Smile..
That is-was my Happy Place.

Working with Swans

Interacting with these BIG, Enchanting Waterfowl, that are Close to being Free…
Having Beautiful Swans Living on a Pond or Lake,
Seeing them Willingly Come Over to Visit.
… And Nod “Hello.”
Working with Swans has been a Magical Adventure.

Working with Swans

We have Enjoyed the “Moments in Time” when we are with the Swans.

Working with Swans

Over the Years we have had to make some Very Hard Choices for various Swans.
Trying to Balance the Sorrows with the Moments of Joy and Wonder.

Not All of our Rescue Efforts were Successful..

Working with Swans

The Young Juvenile Above had a Deformity that Prevented him a Healthy Future.

GOAL*****************************************************************

My Goal with this Topic Page is to Summarize General Care,
to Minimize SOME of the Potential Harm or Injury and
Share Information so your Swans have a Better Chance for a Healthy, Long Life.

Working with Swans

There is So Much to Learn about Caring for Swans..
There is NO Way I will be Able to Share Everything We have Learned.
Every Swan Adventure has had Different Problems to Resolve.

Working with Swans

Having and Raising Swans Entails that you Keep them Fed, Reasonably Safe
and Provide them with Conditions Similar to their Natural Habitat.

Working with Swans

Swans are Prey Animals..
Keeping them Safe from Predators is a Challenge.

Working with Swans

When I do a Quick Inventory of the Different Swan Pairings..
Rehabs.. Losses.. Places.. Ponds.. Years..
I can not think of any One Place that has been Worry Free.

Working with Swans

Years Ago I had to Realize I Need to Enjoy Each Visit, there may not be Another.
Things would Happen that NO One could Predict.. (Sigh)

Working with Swans

Swans are a Challenge.. Not just the Peaceful Image from Romantic Photos..

Working with Swans

It is Good to do your Research and Learn about Caring for Swans.
Captive Swans are “Pets” NOT Wild Waterfowl.

Working with Swans

SWANs DO NOT Read the Various Books,
Websites or Articles Written about them.

Working with Swans

There are NO 100% Rules of Behavior.
There are Percentages… and Many Surprises..

Just when I Think I will be able to Predict what the Cygnets or Swans will do…
They do Something UNEXPECTED.

Working with Swans

My Husband has Coined this Phrase,
“Swans are Predictably Unpredictable.”

In England you can not be a Licensed Swan Keeper until
you Apprentice with an Experienced Swan Keeper for 25 Years.

Working with Swans

One of my Common Mantra is..
” I Wish I Could Talk to the Swans 5 Minutes a Month.”

Working with Swans

I Want to Ask… “Why did you DO THAT ??” or “What do You Need ” ??
“Do You Understand, Why I did this ??”

“Please Come Here, I WANT to Help You” ! !

Working with Swans

“If you can be Patient with me for a Few more Weeks, your Life will Improve.”

Working with Swans

But, that is Not the Case..
I Hope to Share with Anyone who Visit this Site about Swans,
Some of what we have Learned..

Working with Swans

PONDs or LAKEs***************************************************

Most States have POND MANAGEMENT WebSites.
These are Often Associated with Major Universities..
In Pennsylvania.. Penn State has a POND MANAGEMENT WebSite.
https://extension.psu.edu/water/pond-management

Working with Swans

A Pond or Lake is Never the Same Once Swans have Lived there..

Working with Swans

Swans are Comfortable Living Out on a Body of Water..
You will do most of their Care from Land – the Water’s Edge.

Working with Swans

Swans Need an Adequate Water Environment.
This depends on the SIZE and TYPE of the Pond or Lake.

Working with Swans

Is this Water Available Year Round..?? Is there Flow Through ??
Does it Dry Up in the Summer ?? Or Freeze in Winter ??

Working with Swans

You DO NOT want to Place Swans on a Water Area where they will Swim AWAY ! !
A Creek, Stream, River is not a Confined-Contained Water Environment.

Working with Swans

Nor is a Lake that Empties..to another Body of Water..
Captive Swans NEED to Stay on Private Property – WHERE You Put Them !!

Working with Swans

For Swans a Swift Moving Stream through a Private Property is a Fun Water Ride to Somewhere !

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

Take a Good Look at your Water Environment..
Removed or Reduced any Hazards as much as Possible..

Working with Swans

Anything that can be a Tangle Hazard..
Ropes, Wires, Bucket Handles.. Large Gauge Fencing..

Working with Swans

Another Hazard are Small Pieces of Metal, Coins,
Bottle Tabs-Caps, Screws, Nails, Broken Glass.

Working with Swans

Shot Gun Pellets in Ponds can be a Worry for Heavy Metal Poisoning.
If it is Shiny Swans will Swallow it.
Swans are like Little Kids.. and we Need to “Baby Proof”

Working with Swans

Common Swan Injuries
https://swanlovers.net/category/common-swan-injuries/

Snapping Turtles are a VERY Common Source of Injuries to Waterfowl.

Working with Swans

Fishing.. If Anyone Fishes on Your Pond or Lake,
Ask People to be EXTREMELY Careful with Fishing Line and Hooks..
It is Safest for All the Waterfowl if there is NO Fishing Allowed..

Working with Swans

The Young Swans above had Wonderful, Dedicated People do EVERYThing they Could
to Give her a Chance to Survive the Loss of her Leg..
The ODDs of her Adapting were Low..

Working with Swans

In the End All the Effort was a Tough Learning Experience.
We were All HeartBroken. She was Loved to her Last Breath.

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

There are many Sad Stories I could share.. “PiP” is One.
He was Lucky to Survive his Tangle with Fishing Line.

Working with Swans

His Damaged Foot will not Act like a Snow Shoe in Mud.
His Toes-Foot will Get Scratched Easily.
He has Lost the Heat Exchange in his Left Foot.
And Paddling through Water.. is Uneven..

Working with Swans

FISHING is RISKY Business
https://swanlovers.net/category/fishing-is-risky-business/

Working with Swans

Every Year I get Several Calls from Swan Folks who’s Swans have been HOOKED !

Working with Swans

The Tiny Cygnet above was Out of the Nest ONE DAY. HOOKED !

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

What Plants are GROWING in your Pond or Lake ??? Anything Good to Eat ???

Working with Swans
Pond Algae

Swans can HELP to Clean Up (EAT) these EXCESS Plants.

Working with Swans
Pond Algae

When a Lawn is Treated to Reduce Unwanted Plants-Weeds,
these Chemical may Drain into the Water and will Alter the Underwater Plants.
CHECK your Pond for WHAT is Available for the Swans to EAT.

Working with Swans

The Golf Course Irrigation Pond Above has NO Under Water Plant Growth.. NONE.

Working with Swans

Drag a Rake or Cultivator TWO Feet Down Along the Water’s Edge.
See what Plants are Growing.. or What Plants are NOT There.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

Some Ponds and Lakes are Treated with “Shade Dyes” to Reduce Plant Growth.
The Community Lake Above has NO Under Water Plant Growth.. NONE.

Working with Swans

A Pond Treated with Chemical to Prevent Plant Growth is Risky.
DO NOT USE Herbicide Produces with Copper !
Copper is Toxic !
These Products are NOT Tested for Safety for Domestic Waterfowl !

Working with Swans

Lawn Fertilizers that helps Lawn Grass become Lush and Thick..
along with other Organic Materials and Run-off.. can cause various
Unwanted Plant Grown on/in a Pond…

Working with Swans

Some Plants are Great for Swans to Eat.. Some are not..
Some Algae and DuckWeed are GOOD..

Working with Swans

Too much.. is just Messy and will Result in Smelly Decaying Material
Releasing Tannic Acid in the Fall and Winter.
This is Why the Water Looks like Brewed Tea.

Working with Swans

Waterfowl… Can Foul the Pond Water with their Organic Waste..
Swans are BIG Birds and have LOTs of Poop..
Add a Brood of Cygnets.. LOTS of POOP… !

Working with Swans

In Warm Months, DuckWeed and some Algaes are Organic,
Nutritional Floating Plants.
(Result of Excess Organic Fertilizers and Decaying Plant Material..)

Working with Swans

The Exception is HAB – Harmful Algae Blooms
There have been various Areas around the Country that have been
in the News due to Certain Types of Algae Blooms that are Toxic or Excessive..

Working with Swans

Penn State Extension did a Pond Sample Study in Summer..2016.
to see how Wide Spread this Toxic Algae is in PA.. And where.

Working with Swans

Your Department of Agriculture can Advise, on Ways
to Reduce this if it is Growing in your Pond.
You would look for a Tiny Shiny Growth that LOOKs like Pea Soup.

Working with Swans

All Plant Debris that Falls into your Pond or Lake is a Source of Organic Breakdown.

Working with Swans

Aeration is a Good Way to help Organic Materials Break-Down.
This Improves the Oxygen Levels in most Ponds..
There are MANY New Types of Systems Developed over the Past Few Years.

Working with Swans

This Short YouTube Video is a Basic Summary..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yQ8LHSiYIU

This is the SAME POND Seven Months after Aeration was Installed.. !

Working with Swans

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

Any Aeration System Selected needs to be Safe for Swans and their LONG Neck.
Swans are Nosey – may be Cut by Spinning Propellers
that do not have a Guard Grill Cover..

“PiP” Loved to Play with the Water Current from this Aerator..

Working with Swans

He started to put his Head DOWN the Middle
where the Propeller Fan is Located.. Risking a Cut..

Working with Swans

There are SO Many Types of Aeration Systems now..
if you consider Installing a Propeller Type of System..
Ask the Sales People about a Grill over the Fan Propeller..
Let them know you have Swans with LONG Necks..

Working with Swans

RIGHTS*************************************************************

Captive Swans Have RIGHTS.

To Proper and Adequate Food
To Fresh Clean Water
To An Environment Reasonable Free of Danger
To Appropriate Shelter
To Veterinarian Care

Our Swans below were at the Vets for a Check-up and Parasite Medication.

Working with Swans

Responsible Ownership of Captive Mute Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/responsible-ownership-of-captive-mute-swans/

IF you Pinion any Cygnets that your Swans Hatch…
YOU will Reduce the Problem of them Flying Away and
becoming Feral or a Rogue Problem for another Pond with Swans.

Working with Swans

The Life of a Rogue – Feral Mute Swan Frequently comes to a Fatal End.

Working with Swans

To Safely Pinion an Adult Swans is Time Consuming, Multiple Vet Visits,
Weeks of Antibiotics and Wound Care, Weeks of Dry Confinement.
It SOOooo Much Easier to Pinion Young Cygnets Less then Three Weeks Old.

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

ADOPTING A NEW SWAN********************************************

Working with Swans

Once your have a New Swan/Swans Home..
I would STRONGLY Suggest you put them into a Barn Stall,
or Cozy Shed.. for a few Days.

Working with Swans

This Allows Unrelated Pairs to Get to Know Each Other before Going Out in the Water.
Visit them often.. Sit and Talk with them for a Few Minutes.
Let them get to know you..

Many Swans are Good Listeners.. (-;
You can tell them about your Day… ( NO Yelling. )

You can Read your Junk Mail to them.. Tell them Stories..
Swans Enjoy Music. They like to hear your Voice.

Working with Swans

If you Smile while your are Swearing..
Swans will not feel Threatened..

#@%&* $#%@^ *(&%^$ (-;

After several Days.. they will become Familiar with the
Sounds and Smells, and the People who they will now Live with..

Working with Swans

They will become Familiar with your Feed before going out
onto a Large Area of Water.

Start by Having a Shallow Bucket.. NO Handle or Secure it..
Put Water and Whole Corn in the same Bucket.

If you are Feeding Poultry Pellets..
Put in Bowl next to the Water-Corn.
Most Swans LOVE Lettuce.. Add Some to the Water.

Working with Swans

When it is Time to Release the Swans to the Water.
If you are able to Walk the Swans to the Pond.. Great.. this is Less Stressful.
Have several People to Help Guide them..
and be Available to Keep them on the Water.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans
Working with Swans

The First Things you will see the Swans do..
They will Explore, Taste the Pond, Take a Splashy Bath..
Once they Start to Preen.. that is a Good Sign..
Preening is a Social Behavior.. = Acceptance.

Working with Swans

Place their Food Station in a Location EASY to Find..
You can move it once they know Food is Available..

Working with Swans

Swans are Grazers..
Having Food Available Morning to Sunset lets them Eat at Leisure.

Working with Swans

NOTE: If a Swan tries to Eat TOO Fast..
the Dry Feed may get STUCK in their Esophagus and Block Swallowing.
Forming a Condition called CHOKE. This could be an Emergency…

Always Supply Water with DRY Feed Mixtures.

Working with Swans

IF you want to Discourage Predators.. take the Feed in at Night.
You will have Fewer Problems with Rodents..which carry Diseases in their Waste and Saliva.

Working with Swans

Small Night Rodents may Attract the Larger Predators..
Think of the Food Chain from Mice to a Coyote-Coywolf. AN Increasing Problem.

Working with Swans

WATCH your New Swans/Cygnets Closely for Several days until they Establish a New Routine.

Working with Swans

When Swans are Easily Visible or Accessible along a Traveled Road, they are Vulnerable.

Working with Swans

The Swans in the Above Images.. More then One did not Survive the Traffic.

Working with Swans

Swans Draw Attention.. Socialized Swans are Vulnerable.
Some People want to see these Beautiful Birds.. Photograph them..
Some will do Mischief..

Working with Swans

If People NOTICE Swans are Nesting.. Sigh !!
Goofy People may/will do Goofy Things.

Working with Swans

QUICK RETREAT OPENINGs to the Water.
The Safest Place for a Swan is on their Pond or Lake.
They Enjoy Sitting out in the Sun and Grazing on Tender Grass is GOOD for them.

Working with Swans

It is a VERY Good Idea to have Several Openings in the Plants that Encircle a Pond,
so the Swans can Quickly Scoot Back if they feel Threatened..
Whether by an Animal or a Strange Person..

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

If the Opening is about 2 Feet Wide and Fans OUT > > that Works..
The Swans can Look Out from the Pond for any Danger..
The Fanned Out Shape lets them See more before Leaving the Water.

Working with Swans

You will OFTEN See your Swans Checking for Danger.. Looking Left – Then Right !

Working with Swans

> > > Check the Swans are on the Pond at SunSet and SunRise.
Swans are Safest over Deep Water at least 4 Feet Deep..
They will Float Quietly ALL Night. VERY Light Sleepers..

Working with Swans

YEAH ! They were OK through another Long, Dark Night.

Working with Swans

GENERAL YUCKs****************************************************

One Thing You will Learn VERY Quickly..
Wear Clothing, Shoes, Boots that are Washable..
Swans are Beautiful, White, Graceful.. and Messy.
THEY POOP.. and POOP a Lot..

Working with Swans

Swans Live in WET Places.. where there is MUD !
AND, BUGs, Ticks, Mosquitoes.. Have Insect Repellent Handy.

Working with Swans

You will observe the Swans Picking a Spot, maybe Two
where they will Preen almost every Day.
Feather Care is One of their Important Daily Activities.

Working with Swans

These Spots will BECOME MESSY.. Lots of POOP.

Working with Swans

All Swans should Moult once a Year.. FEATHERS – LOTs of Feathers !!!
When we had Swans we cared for Daily..
I tried to Rake this Yuck UP Once or Twice a Week..
It IS Unattractive and will Attract Flies – YUCK !

Working with Swans

We Generally do not Pet our Swans.
Hand Feeding is Common during Visits.

Working with Swans

Swans may Follow a Kind Person Working in the Area.
They are all different, have different Levels of Trust with People.

Working with Swans

A Few Swans do like to be Held, Stroked. If you are Petting your Swan..
BE SURE to Wash your Hands VERY WELL..
Swans Look so CLEAN and WHITE.. BUT, they Stand, Walk, Swim in Poop..
Swans are “Dirty Birds.”

Working with Swans

We Never Determined what “Harry” got into that he was So Dirty… ! !

Working with Swans

SWANs have A WILD SIDE******************************************

Working with Swans

Having Captive Swans, we are always dealing with their Wild Side.
We try to keep them in a Safe Environment, provide for all their Needs.
But, some Swans have a strong Desire to make their own Decisions.

Working with Swans

“Harmony” lived most of her Life Feral-Wild.
For a Short Time we tried to Adapt her to Life on Private Property.
She Chose to Leave this Safety.. which Ended in her being Shot November 2009.

Working with Swans

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

Swans do not Respond to us the Way a Dog or Cat will..
Swans are not Snuggly Pets.

Working with Swans

Swans are a Little Captive-Domestic and a Little Wild..

Working with Swans

Pinioned – Captive Swans are Pets. Swans do have some HardWired Wild Instincts.
There are some in most Domesticated Animals..
But, Waterfowl are not as easy to Control .. We Try.

Working with Swans

Swans are a Challenge for Everyone, trying to Harness their Wild Instincts.
It has been Interesting, Relaxing, Exciting, FRUSTRATING
and we are Always Trouble Shooting.

Working with Swans

As you Chat with and Get Information and Ideas from other Swans Folks..
Really Think about the Information. Digest it.. Store it.. Refer to it..
Look at the BIG Picture. We ALL have Different Experiences..

Working with Swans

All Swans have Very Different Personalities,
That Change when Living Alone or with a Companion..
and with their Annual Reproductive Behaviors.

Working with Swans

Swans are Individuals in their Behavior – Adaptability.
You will often Notice them being Curious while you are Busy.
They are Watching, Thinking and Learning.

Working with Swans

Swans are Smart.. They have Very Good Memories..
Cygnets Start to Learn before they are Out of their Eggs.

We have Observed them Learning.. Work Out Problems..
Understand Things we were doing after Given them some Time to Think about it..

Working with Swans

Much like a Three Year Old..
Swans Teach each Other. And We Learn from them..

Working with Swans

Swans that Interact with People, Learn and are Smarter..
then Swans that have Little Human Interaction..

Working with Swans

Swans as a Whole.. are Intelligent along a Bell Curve..
Some Swans are Very Smart.. Lots of Personality..
Some Swans.. Well, they Survive and are Lovable.

Working with Swans

Some Swans seem to Respond to their Names.
Others .. No.. just the Sound of a their CareGiver’s Voice.
They understand the Tone in Voices..

Swans are Very Visual.. They have a WIDE Field of View.

Working with Swans

Swans Incorporate their Past Experiences as they Go about their Days.

Swans are Creatures of Habit.. They Develop a Routine..

Working with Swans

> > > Swans DO NOT Understand Future..
You can not Explain what might Happen in a Few Days.

We are Learning all the Time that Swans have a Mind of their Own.
Domesticating these Beautiful Waterfowl to Enjoy and
keeping them Healthy and as Safe as Possible is a Challenge.

Working with Swans

EMOTIONs*******************************************************

I have NO Doubt that Many Swans have the SAME Range of Emotions that we have.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

You will Witness Love, Joy, Happiness, Fear, Worry,
Curiosity, Dis-Like – Some Times INTENSE Dis-Like..
Sadness, Mourning.. Lonely, Depression, etc…

Working with Swans

Swans can be Silly, Tease, Play Tricks..
They Enjoy Music and Kind People.. Swans are Amazing.

Working with Swans

While “Swan Sitting” at a Country Wedding..
I Witnesses the Swans above Enjoying the Music Floating in the Air.

HANDLING SWANs***********************************************

Working with Swans

Having One or TWO Large Fishing Nets are VERY Helpful.
Wal-Mart Sporting Goods.. have a GREAT Value.. See Images.
Most Sporting Goods Stores have Sale on Nets.. An Assortment of Sizes are Helpful.

Working with Swans

I Can NOT Imagine People with Swans NOT having Large Nets.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans
Working with Swans

If you ever Need to Catch/Handle a Mute Swan….
Once you have “Gentle” Control of their Neck, you have Control of the Swan.
It is Surprising how Quickly Most Mute Swans Calm Down..

Working with Swans

NOT Trumpeter Swans.. they keep Struggling..

Talk to the Swan Calmly-Softly….
You can place your Feet on Both Sides of their Wings for Extra Control..
BE CARE NOT to STEP ON the Swan’s FEET !

Working with Swans

DO NOT RESTRICT “HUG” their Ribs…
Swans DO NOT have a Diaphragm and Can NOT Breathe
if they CAN NOT Expand their Ribs.
They must be able to Breathe or they WILL Struggle.

Working with Swans

If you Carry a Swan…. Hold just below the Neck
and in Front of their Hips, TRY to Control their Feet.

Working with Swans

Yes, Swans will be Weary if you have Caught them.. Many will AVOID you for a While.
It may take a while, but you will ReGain Trust..
They understand Patience and Kindness. And a Non-Threatening Routine.

Working with Swans

STRESS**************************************************************

Splashing and Chase Running over the Water is usually Playful Behavior.
Swans need to Exercise their Wing Muscles.

Working with Swans

Swans which are unable to Fly have a greatly Reduced Cardiac Stress Capacity…..
They may Suffer with STRESS more quickly…

Working with Swans

NEVER STRESS a Pinioned Swan for more then a Few Minutes.
Give them Time to Calm and Relax.
Swans Can DIE from TOO much Adrenalin Pumped through their Systems
during a HIGH STRESS Activity.
Example – When trying to Catch them.. TAKE CARE…

Working with Swans

FEEDING Your SWANs***********************************************

Swans Nutritional Needs are Different from Ducks and Geese.
Swans are Grazers – Ducks and Geese are Gobblers.

Working with Swans

Swans need a Safe Appropriate Diet.. A Lower Protein Percentage.
Discourage Bread, Crackers, PopCorn, Cookies..
Encourage LETTUCE – Salad Greens, Vegetables, Apples, etc.

Working with Swans

Feeding Adult Swans – Captive Swans Need to be Fed
https://swanlovers.net/category/feed-captive-swans/

Working with Swans

Swans Are Vegetarians
https://swanlovers.net/category/swans-are-vegetarians/

Working with Swans

It is Best to only allow Friends or Visitors to Feed Swans Food Items you say are OK..
Plain Cereals are Nice Treats …like Kix, Whole Grain Cheerio, Plain Corn & Bran Flakes.

Working with Swans

Swans LOVE Lettuce. They will Eat all Types of Lettuce..
Tossing a Head of Iceberg out on the Pond is a Fun Activity for Swans.
We call this “Let-Us-Play.”

Working with Swans

Lettuce Play – “Let-Us-Play”
https://swanlovers.net/category/lettuce-play/

Working with Swans

In Early Spring as Pond Water Warms, typical in Mid-March..
there are Tender Plants Starting to Grow in the Lower Water Levels.
The Swans Know. You will see them Up-Ending again.

Working with Swans

IF there are Large Numbers of Fish, Carp, KOI.. in a Pond
there may be Very Little for Waterfowl to Eat..
The Fish may EAT EVERYTHING that Grows..

Working with Swans

Swans NEED Food Support in the Winter depending where you Live.
There is almost Nothing in Northern States for Swans
to Eat Naturally during the Winter. Most Pond and Lawn Plants go Dormant..

Working with Swans

Insects and “Bugs” are Hibernating in some Form during the Cold Months,
Waterfowl need more Calories each Day. Adult Swans need 700 more Calories each Day.

Working with Swans

You do not want them to be Outside in the Cold-Hungry..
They need the Quick Energy of EXTRA Daily Calories to help them Stay Warm and Healthy.

Working with Swans

I Generally tell People in Pennsylvania – Swans need TOTAL Feed Support
from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

HAZARDs**********************************************************

Working with Swans

LAWN Mowers..
I do not know WHY Mature Cobs DISLIKE LAWN Mowers so Much.
This is a VERY Common Problem.

Working with Swans

I Wonder if the Engine Creates a Painful Noise..
I have not Heard of ANY Female Swans Going after a Mower.. ???
Some Cobs will try to Attack any Machinery like Weed Whackers, Tractors, Generators, etc.

Working with Swans

And Sadly, there have been Tragic Outcomes for Several Cobs Every Year..
Swans tend to get their Feet under the Mower Housing..

Working with Swans

Most Pond Owners have Large Lawns to Mow..
so Riding Mowers are Common..more ZERO Turn Mowers.
AND Cobs can MOVE so Quickly.. This is TOO Often a Tragic Combination.

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

One Suggestion when it is time to Mow is to PUT the Cob into a Protected Area,
a Fenced Area, a Building, a Transport Carrier – in the Shade..

Working with Swans

Or, it is a Pain, but One Person keeps the Cob Busy
while the Mowing is being done near the Pond..

Working with Swans

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Any Plant with Thorns can cause Foot Injuries.. Resulting in Painful Bumble Foot Sores..

Working with Swans

These Infected Sores are Very Difficult to Treat.

If you have Roses or Plants or Weeds with Thorns..
Example: THISTLES Thorns may Puncture Feet and start a Painful Bumble Foot Sores.

Working with Swans

The Thorny Thistle Plants (Weed) are a REAL Pain.. Literally !
Remove Thistles in Areas the Swans Walk Frequent.
Be Careful when Cutting your Lawn..

Do NOT Cut Thistles and Scatter the Thorns, …Especially into the Water..
You DO NOT Want your Waterfowl to Swallow Sharp Thorns.

Working with Swans

If Possible consider Removing any Plant that has Thorns..
OR at least keep any Broken Stems or Cuttings Picked up.

Working with Swans

I am attaching One Image of a Swan’s Foot that Stepped on a Thorn..
Very Hard to Treat.. It was close to a Year before this Swan could Walk
more then One or Two Steps without Sitting Down.. His Foot HURT !!

Working with Swans

This Mature Cob.. Starved to Death..
His Sore Feet Prevented him Walking to the Feeder..

Working with Swans

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THE DRAIN PIPEs that Allow OverFlow Water to Leave your Pond..
If the Pipe Diameter is Large Enough for a Swan or Cygnet to put their Head in…..
When there is Heavy Rain.. that Drains.. These Drain Pipes become a Suction Trap..

Working with Swans

The Drain Pipe below is about 8 Inches in Diameter..

Working with Swans

The Swans get STUCK – Suctioned IN and CAN NOT GET Back Out !
I have Learned of this Happening at Least THREE Times.
SOME Type of Barrier Needs to be Placed over these Pipes for Prevent Tragedy..

Working with Swans
Working with Swans

NESTING************************************************************

It is Good to have some Brush and Twiggy Trees so the Swans will have
Natural Material for Nesting. Ornament Grasses are Good for Nesting.

Working with Swans

In Late Winter – Early Spring.. Courting – Mating begins.
Mature Cobs have HORMONAL Driven Personalities
That is a Seasonal Swings.. GIVE THEM SPACE !

Working with Swans

During Mating, Nesting and Raising their Young, it is BEST to give the Swans Space
and learn to Work Around and with them.. Be Understanding..

Working with Swans

NEVER TURN YOUR BACK on a Hormonal Male Swan.

Working with Swans

As Ground Nesting Birds, Nature Evolved the Cob to be Fierce During Nesting
to Protect his Female, their Eggs and later their Young.

Working with Swans

Some Cobs are Easier to Work with…. Some are “Bad-As–es” All Year Round.

Working with Swans

ALL COBs are Different.. Protective Cobs are doing their JOB..
Their Tolerance to you and your Family is UNpredictable..

If you Keep your Distance this SHOULD NEVER Happen… It is NOT FUNNY !

Working with Swans

Socializing them, Gaining their Trust, Respecting their Space.. (-; Learn to Work With them..
Respect the “THE LINE.” (Explained on other Pages)

Do not take your Dogs to the Ponds until you know how the Cobs will behave.
Or if your Dog just Barks at the Swans.

During “Hormone Season” Keep Small Children at a Distance.. WARN Visitors..

The Peaceful and Calm Cob in the Summer can be
A REALLY SCARY BIRD during Mating and Nesting Time.

Working with Swans

During the Winter Months most Male Swans are Hormonal.
From December to May, the Cobs will be VERY Protective of their Water Environments.

Working with Swans

DO Not Wear White during these Months.. Earthtones are less Agitating..
Male Swan see ANYTHING White as a Territorial Threat.. and will REACT ! !

Working with Swans

Most Mute Swans are OK with Ducks.. Wild and Domestics
Many Swans will Chase Wild Geese.. Not sure about Resident Domestic Geese..

Working with Swans

Chasing Wild Canada Geese is good for a Captive Swan’s Cardiac Health.
Since Pinioned or Clipped Captive Swans can not Fly..
Swans Benefit from this Exercise..

Working with Swans

THREAT**************************************************************

Working with Swans

How Threatening can a Mature Swan Cob Be ?????

Working with Swans

Hissing is a Threat… It is Just Noise.. “You are TOO Close” !!

Working with Swans

Swans will “Threaten” by “Busking” across the Water…

Working with Swans

Swimming VERY FAST – PUSHING WATER, even Flying Short Distances….
toward Anyone or Anything they want to CHASE AWAY ! !

Working with Swans

A Swans MAIN Defense – Attack is to Flog with their BIG STRONG WINGs ! !

Working with Swans

Swans need Both Wings to “FLOG.” This is a RAPID, Hard Whipping Action,
which HITS around a Person’s Knees most of the Time..
IT DOES HURT!!! I have had my Share of Bruises.

Working with Swans

Swans may Charge and Head Butt….and it may looks like they are Trying to BITE….
Swans DO NOT have TEETH !
They have Very Little “Bite Pressure.” Basically a Pinch !
The Curved Nail at the End of the Upper Mandible can Pinch Skin.

Working with Swans

Checking for Anemia is Simple.. Gently OPEN the Swan’s Beak.. Look at Tongue Color.
Their Tongue SHOULD be a Baby Pink.

Working with Swans

If you need to go near the Swans and you are unsure of how they may Behave…
Carry a Broom or a Pole-Fan Rake with a Soft Pillow-like End..
Stay Calm.. Prevent the Swan getting Close to you..

Working with Swans

DO NOT SWING OR HIT A SWAN.. It is NOT Necessary to HURT them !!!
They are generally so Surprised to be Stopped….Stay in Control.
They will Back Away. THEN YOU Back Away..

Working with Swans

Swans will become more Protective/Threatening as their Nest Matures…
It will be Best to Keep a Good Distance from the Nest. This Trust TAKE Time..

Working with Swans

WINTER CARE*********************************************************

Working with Swans

As I hear from Swan Folks ALL over the Country.. I Hear Different Winter Plans.
Each Person needs to be Comfortable with what they Plan and Do for their Swans..
All Swans are Different, Only a Few Mute Swans will Willingly go into a Shelter..
Most Swans Instinctively Fear being Trapped..

Working with Swans

Winter Care for Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/winter-care-for-swans/

DO NOT GIVE SWANS HOT WATER from a Water Heater TO DRINK..
This Heated Water many Contain Dissolved Heavy Metals.

Working with Swans

I am Putting this in… Just in Case you Every Need to Wash you Swans..
Only Wash the Area that is Dirty-Bloody.. Not the Entire Swans with Soap !
You DO NOT Want to Remove the Swan’s WaterProofing !

Working with Swans

Have a Plan in Mind for a Bitter Cold Spells..
If your Pond or Lake DOES NOT Freeze – Yeah!

Working with Swans

If the Swans are Frozen out of their Pond or Lake..
they are Subject to the Air Temperature.. and PREDATORS..

Working with Swans

Swans will be Reasonably Safe in a Round-ish Area of Liquid Water 20 -25 Foot in Diameter,
over Water that is at least 4 Feet Deep..

Working with Swans

There are Inexpensive ways to keep Pond Water Open..
IF THERE is Electric available by the Pond.

Working with Swans

I have Several Topic Pages about Keeping a “Winter Wake.”
There are Topic Pages with Basic Information about the various
Types of Aerators and DeIcing Equipment..

Keeping a “Winter Wake” for Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/winter-wake-for-swans/

Working with Swans

I am going to Stop Here.. I am Rambling.. It is Easy to just Keep Adding Info.

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There are Joys and Sorrows when You Love and Care for Swans.

There are No 100% Rules with Swans..
Except that they are 100% Beautiful, Enchanting, Magical.

Working with Swans

WELCOME to the Wonderful World of Swans ! (-;

General Working with Swans Summary – OCTOBER 2021
More Notes will be Added as I think of Things. – PA SwanLover Linda

Working with Swans

Having these Swan Adventures has Helped to Fill the Void in my Life
when I had to Stop Working due to Physical Disfunction of my Own.

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Working with Swans