Author Archives: LadyNerkle1

A FLOATING NEST BOX – PLATFORM for SWANS

March 20th, 2019 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform - (Comments Off)

These will GREATLY improve Survival for Nesting Swans.

Toward the End of this Topic Page I am Adding Images Shared
by Swan Folks Far and Wide of their Swan Nesting Platforms.

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

As Hints of Spring are ALL Around.
IT is that Time Again. NESTING for Most Birds and Swans.

Many Native WildLife will have Young to Feed.
Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Bears, Coyotes, Coywolves, Fox, etc.

Unfortunately this means Vulnerable Swans will become Prey.

Watching Swans through their Nesting Season is Interesting.

Each Species of Swans have Different Timing and Nesting Behaviors.

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In Early March Mute Swans are Checking for a Nest Location.

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They Gather Piles of Materials for One to Two Weeks.
The Cob Builds a BIG Messy Nest.

And/Or the Pen will Pull together a Soft Cavity Nest.

The Pen will be EATING as she Prepares for Nesting.

Egg Laying takes 8 to 15 Days on Average. (Male Guards Eggs)

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The Pen will “Sit” Full-Time 37 Days for Fertile Eggs to Hatch.

A VERY Vulnerable Time for Female Swans.

Concern for our Nesting Swans has Increased.
Several Time Large Predators have Dug Under the Pasture Fencing
..and Attack the Field Sheep and Goats.. Life is Scary for our Swans.
Most of the Year they Spend their Night Hours Floating Quietly out on their Pond.
It is Nesting Season that puts our Swans at Greatest Risk.

I decided to Pursue this Floating Nest Platform Project Several Months Ago.

The Pond where our Swans are, has a Sheep Pasture on One Side.
During the Last Months of 2018, some Large Predators dug
under the Pasture Fence and Attacked ALL and Kills several of the Sheep.
It was SO Sad. And a Real Eye Opener for All of Us.

I have been Hearing More and More about the CoyWolf Hybrids
as I Talk with other Swan Folks.
This is Occurring ALL Over PA and Many other Eastern States.

There has been another Attack in March 2020.
These Large Canine are Hungry.. WE are Worried.

These Large Hybrid Canines are Increasing in Numbers Every Year.
There are Lots of Websites that Discuss the Coywolves.

Mute Swan Cob Trying to Protect his Family from a Coyote.
The location was Fall Brook in Freetown Massachusetts
Photographer (C) Dennis P Durette This Link may Not Work.
But, if you Search * Swan Coyote * the WebPage can be Viewed
http://lakevillewiildlife.com/coyote–swan.html

While Searching for Examples, I Found this YouTube Video…

Coyote feeding on a Trumper Swan, Winter in Yellowstone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhgRTD44d0Y

The DNA of the Eastern Coyotes-Coywolf shows they are a Hybrid
of the Smaller Western Coyotes, the Remaining Grey Wolves in Canada
and Domestic Dogs (Hunting Dogs) that are Tied Outside.

They are not Solitary Animals like the Western Coyotes.
These Larger Canines will Travel in Packs and Hunt in the Day Time.
Their Fur Color, Pale to Dark, has Lots of Variation.
They LOOK like a German Shepherd with a Bushy Tail.

I hardly Speak with Anyone anymore that does not mention
hearing the Howling at Night and their Farm Pets being Attacked.

This WILD Trumpeter Swans was not Pinioned.
But, it was NOT able to Escape being Snatched by this Clever Canine.

If a Pond has an Island, Swans Nesting on these Isolated Areas
have a Much Better Chance of Surviving Nesting Season.

A Gate will be Needed at the Far End of the Bridge.

During the Majority of the Year, our Swans have been Faithful
at Spending their Night Hours Floating OUT in their Pond Water.

But, Spring Nesting is Different. The Swans will do their Best
to “Sit” and Stay with their Nest & Eggs Day and Night.

Totally Vulnerable. Our Cob “Meadow” can NOT Defend against
these Large Pack Canines. Our Swans are NOW at HIGH Risk.

“Brooke” and “Meadow” will be 12 Years Old in 2021.
They have Nested each Spring starting in 2012.

We have been Lucky, they have not been Injured or Scared from their Nests.

Many of their Eggs have been Stolen over the Years.

The likely Culprits are Raccoons.

I have made Replacement Eggs.. to Place in their Nest when Needed.

It is Marvelous to Find Tiny Cygnets have Hatched.. So Cute.

Once the Swans can take their Tiny Cygnets out on their Water
they ALL will be Safer. At least from the Land Predators.

From the Air there may be Hawks and Owls
to Snatch the Tiny Fuzzy Cygnets.

In the Water there may be Snapping Turtles and Water Snakes..
Or Large Mouth Bass.

SO>>>> I Decided I could not just allow them to be Killed.
I wanted to Try Adding a Floating Nest Platform to their Pond..

This May not Work. They May not be Willing to Use it.
We are Trying and Hoping this Floating Nest Platform will Protect them.

My Husband and I felt we could NOT do this Project ourselves.
We hired a Professional Craftsman. I Drew the Plans
and he used his Skills to go from Paper Plans to Construction.

It was Fun to See my Paper Plans become Three Dimensional Wood.

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******

On the Day the Platform was Delivered, we Put our Cob in a Carrier
to keep Everyone Safe from his Spring Macho Male Hormones.

Helpful Hands joined the Effort and the Team did a Great Job
getting the Platform into the Pond. THANKs Guys !

******

My job: Stay out of the Way.
And try to get some Photos to Document this Project.

The Man who Built the Nesting Platform did a Wonderful Job.

For his First time, it is PERFECT. Floats at the Proper Height.
The Ramp Rests just under the Water for Easy Slide Up..

I am SO Pleased ! !

******

Now we need to get “Brooke” up on it.
She is SO Close to Laying Eggs. Within the Week.

The Swans are Ignoring the “NEW Furniture” in their Pond.

We are ALL Brainstorming how to get them to go UP on the Platform.
and Realize all the Nest Material they needs is THERE.

After Loading the Platform with Nesting Materials,
we Placed a Dish Pan in the Back with WET Feed Mixture.

I am Hoping the Waterfowl Pellet Feed will Smell Good.
When it is Wet it Smells like Fresh Dog Food.

We have used Wet Feed to “Bait” Swans with Pretty Good Success.
I am Hoping if they can not get Feed from their Normal Container
the Smell will get their Attention.

“Brooke” is Eating LOTs to get ready for Nesting.
I am HOPING she will Smell the Wet Feed and GO Up on the Platform.

Tossing Floating Pellets into the Water by the Platform.
Flopping Lettuce on the Ramp and in the Water.
After Several Days.. NO Interest from the Swans.

The Next Idea we are doing is to Put One of my Garden Decoy Swans
on the Platform.. These are Pretty Close to Life Size..

WE Need the Swans to Climb up and Explore.. Fingers Crossed.

I Hoped “Brooke” would want to Check the Swan on the Platform.
But, she Realized very Quickly that it was a Decoy. NO Interest.

“Meadow” did not Like seeing this Intrusive “WHITE” Swan on HIS Pond !

It kept him busy Stalking and Studying the Decoy.

The Swans have been doing their Mating Dance.
And today was the End of the Fake Swan’s Life.
Her Head was Separated from the Body and the Body
was Dragged from the Platform.

OH “Brooke” Please Walk-Up and Check-Out the Platform.

Here we Tossed Yummy Lettuce Leaves OUT onto the Platform…
Hoping to Tempt with Favorite Salad Greens.. NO Luck..
The Swans will NOT Go up onto their Nest Platform..
” I WISH I Could Talk to them Five Minutes a Month.”

We did NOT Get the Platform into the Pond Early Enough for the Swans to
“Maybe” Understand what it was for.. “Brooke” had been Gathering her Nest Material
for about a Week before the Platform was Finished and in the Pond.

She Started to Lay Eggs Three Days after the Nesting Box was in the Pond.
We will have to Hold our Breath and Worry through their Spring Nesting..
I know the Last Date we will Allow “Brooke” to stay on her Eggs..
They Rarely Hatch.. After 42 Days we will Remove all Unhatched Eggs.

We Tried Everything we Could Think of…
Our Pen had Already Picked her Nesting Site for Spring 2019.
She Laid her Clutch of Eggs.. and Started to “Sit” to Incubate.
She wanted to Nest Against a Fence, just Feet from her Pond.

Our Cob, “Meadow” did his Job Patrolling and Protecting… We were all Lucky.

While our Pen was “Sitting” on her Big Messy Nest, the Little Duck on the Pond
started to use the Swans’ Platform for their Nests.. They were Safer.

We Checked the Swans’ Nest Weekly. Checking if Eggs were Missing.
There were Two Eggs Stolen from the 2019 Nest. Checking for Rotting Eggs.
And Checking for any Signs “Brooke” had Injuries.

******

I Like to Bring more Nesting Materials when we Visit and Check her Nest.
I put these Fluffy Dried Grasses Near her Nest and “Brooke”
will Incorporate it after we Leave.

Our Beautiful Pen looks Good..
Fingers Crossed the Nesting Season Ends and she is Safe.

Nine more Days to Check and Worry…..

On Incubation Day 43 we Encourage our Pen into the Pond..
and Removed all the Eggs. None were Fertile.. Most Close to Exploding.
Now “Brooke” can go and EAT !!

I am Adding Notes about the Following Days..
“Brooke” has not been Interested in the Nesting Platform..
I am Glad we Tried..

Summer Passed Peacefully. Platform is Floating in Place.

The Little Pond Ducks LOVE the Platform.. They Feel Safe there.

We are Glad the Little Ducks are Safe.. They are Very Cute..
Time to Think about Next Spring.

2019 Comes to a Close for this Part of our Story….

This First Year was “Try This and Try That.”

2020 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform.

2021 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform.. Sigh.

2022 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform..

2023 Nesting – NO Luck with our Pen using her Platform…

I do Smile when I See the Pond Ducks Napping on the Platform.
Mid-May our Swans Finished Nesting and are Both Safe..

THEN a Miracle Happened.. “BROOKE” is UP on the Platform !

During the Month of June 2023.. Our Stubborn Pen has FINALLY
Walked up ONTO the Platform.. NOT just Once.. but, TWICE.

Maybe….. Maybe NEXT Spring.. she will NEST on it.. Maybe..!!!
( Never Give Up ! )

THEN on a Beautiful November 2023 Day.. BOTH Swans ! !

We Got to SEE our Pen on the Nest Platform !

They JUST Might Use the Platform Next Spring !

FINGERs CROSSED !!
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Another Benefit of a FLOATING Nest Platform.
If there are Heavy Spring Rains, the Platform will Rise as Flood Waters Swell.
Each Year Many Swan Eggs are Lost during Spring Flooding.

******
******It was Very Sad to see the Swans Lose their Precious Eggs to Heavy Rain Flooding.

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If you do an Internet SEARCH for:
“Swan Floating Nest Box” or “Swan Floating Nest Platform”
There are Several Images onLine. Several Commercially Available.
I have Added Images Below..

If you are a DIY Person, there are Ideas.. These can be Built.

Our Structure is Mainly Pressure Treated Lumber.
I had the Exterior Covered with TimberTech AZEK Composit.
We have AZEK Material on our Deck – NO Painting.
LOVE the Stuff. Much more durable then Wood. NO Splinters.

We added Plastic – PVC Lattice on the Walking Surface.
This will Allows their Toe Claws to Grip and for Good Drainage.
We Planned for the Ramp to be Stable with 65 Pounds of Weight = 2 Adult Swans.

Various Floatation would Work.. Attached on the Under Side of the Platform.

******

This One has Large PVC Pipe Tubes with Heavy Duty Rubber Caps
Double Sealed to Prevent Water Leaking in.

ALL the Hardware is Stainless Steel..
ALL Screws, Screw Eyes and Quick Link Connectors.

We Purchased 2 – 75 Foot Reels of Stainless Chain.
Chains are better – Swans will Chew on Ropes.

The Excess Length will allow us Freely to Move the Platform.
We will want to Clean it after Nesting.
And, we might need to Check the Eggs without someone going out in a Boat.

The Platform needs to be Anchored/Positioned out in Deeper Water.
Try to have SOME Shade during Afternoon Hours.

REMEMBER Raccoons can Swim.
So, this is not a Solution for these Nest Raiders.

Our Swans had Eggs Stolen while Nesting on a Gated Island.
When we checked the Eggs over the Five Weeks,
there would be about ONE Big Egg missing each week.

And they Lost MANY more Eggs while Nesting on Land.

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Below:
I am Adding Images of Swan Nesting Platforms
shared by other Swan Folks.
And Nesting Platform Images I Found while Searching OnLine.
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THANK YOU SWAN FRIENDS
for Sharing YOUR Swan Nesting Platform Images..

First are of the Swan Platform Images from Oranmore, Ireland.
These Wild Swans were Flooded out Year after Year,
until a Nice Man make this Platform for them.

Hope Floats for Irish Love Birds 25.05.15 May 25, 2015
A PAIR of Irish Swans have Mated successfully for the first time Thanks
to a Special Man-Made Raft built to prevent their Nest Washing Away.
The Mute Swans, who have been together for Eight Years, Lost all their
Clutches of Eggs to High Tides and Flooding in Oranmore, Co Galway since 2007.

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Against all the Odds the 12-year old WaterBirds are now
First-Time Parents to Five Fluffy Cygnets THANKs to a Team of Volunteers
led by Mechanical Engineer Peter Butler, who Built them a Floating Love-Nest.

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In the Netherlands, the City of Amsterdam Built Platforms
along their Canals for their Wild Swans to Nest on..
No Images of any Swans on these Platforms..

But, One Pair of Swans were Nesting by a Busy Marina.

During the Nesting Time, the Cob became Aggressive to a Boater.
Several Days Later he Disappeared..
The Pen-Dam Hatched most of her Eggs and Raised them for several Months alone.

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NOW to our Southern Swan Friend in Sunny Florida
Built with a Good Friend on a Warm Afternoon.
******
This Coated Hardware Cloth will Allow for Great Drainage under the Nesting Fluff.
******
At First there was No Ramp.. The Swans Showed NO Interest.

TEN – 10 Minutes after the Ramp was Added
the Young Female Cygnets were Exploring the Platform..
I am SO Jealous ! But, Happy for DL and her Swans.

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OHIO BUCKEYE BIRDs.. Breeder of ALL Swan Species..

“At Buckeye Birds we Specialize in Raising Exotic Birds.
Our Primary Focus is on Wild Waterfowl with a Focus on the Various Species of Swans.”

They have Mutes – Trumpeters – Whoopers
Black Australians – Black-Necked – Coscoroba

https://www.facebook.com/buckeyebirds/

www.buckeyebirds.com (Please Copy into Search )
Buckeye Birds Breeds and Sells Swans – Ships in the Continental USA

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Then to a Lake in OHIO.. and a Platform Built for their Beloved Swans..

This is Cute.. A Canada Goose took up Nesting almost Immediately.

Not sure How ?? In May the Lake Swans were Using the New Nesting Platform.

From Pierre – To Build Basic Specs:
The Top Platform is 5 feet by 5. The Skirt adds another two feet all around.

There are 6 PVC Pipes 7 feet long by 4 inch, Water Proof Sealed Caps at each end.
This make it float perfectly.
Be Sure to ADD Stainless Straps to keep the Sealed PVC Pipes in Place.

The Surface is Stable in the Water and will hold Two Adult Swans Easily
with Nesting Material and Cygnets.

To keep in a Fixed Location in the Water..
Consider Large Rust Proof Stainless Eye Screws and Stainless Chain.
(Rope is a Tangle Hazard).

Take Platform in – Store for the Winter to Prevent any Damage from Ice.
Thanks for Sharing Pierre..

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Another Swan Nesting Platform from GEORGIA.. THANKs Folks.
They shared a Series of Images – Fun Project.

The Swans will Supervise this Building Project.
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Now for a Little Adjustment to the Ramp..

This Swan Nesting Platform is not Floating.. It is on Support Posts.
It will stay in Place regardless of the Water Level or Weather Conditions.

Now the Challenge is to get the Swans UP On the Platform.
Will they be Tempted with Favorite Foods and Treats ???
Will they Explore and Understand that this is for their Eggs.

OH GOOD, YEAH One Swan is ON the Ramp. Good Job !!!

Yeah ! This Time it was Easier.. “Your Treats are UP Here !”
There is Time to become Comfortable with the Platform.
Nesting Season is about a Month Away… WE are READY !

OH NO !! There are Squatters !
Canada Geese and Turtles Like this Spot !!

The Swans have a Mind of their Own.. We Tried..

They Picked this Spot.

We Love our Swans, we Want them to be Safe..

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ANOTHER SWAN PLATFORM… A Large Community Lake..
They Love having Swans on their LARGE Lake.. Want them Safe.
The Folks who Watch Over and Care for the Swans have Built Nesting Platforms.

I Love to See Swans Naturally Nesting. But, it is too Often Unsuccessful.

Their Swans have Nested several Years.. with Few Cygnets Surviving.
Seasonal Water Level Changes have Flooded Nests.. Wet Eggs – Spoiled..
SO, this Nesting Platform is Stationary.. AND Rises with the Water Level.

Yep !!! A Swan has Moved Onto the Platform… Maybe will Nest There..
FINGERS CROSSED for Next Spring..******

Great Job… I Wish our Swans would at Least Try their Platform..

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This Mute Swan Pen had a Hero who Helped her have a Safer Place to Nest.

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A Swan Lover Shared these Images..

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These Plastic – PVC Pallets are on the Small Size..
I would think Two Securely Connected would be a Good Start to a Floating Platform..

Some Pallets are Structured to Add Floatation Support.
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WARNING: Styrofoam as Floatation Material is Risky.. !!

***************
A Large Chuck of Styrofoam Floated UP..
The Swans were Chew at it.. HOW much did they Swallow.. OH NO !

The Swans are OK.. but, this was a BIG Worry..

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This Smaller Platform was Not for Nesting.. But, for Resting.

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BREEDERs Find these a Good Idea..

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Lots of Creative Ideas.. Thanks to All For Sharing.

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Midwest Floating Island . . . . . . . I Found this Idea while doing a Search.
www.MidwestFloatingIsland.com
. . . . . . .BioHaven Floating Wetlands for Habitats.

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I will Add more Examples as they are Shared.

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This is a Topic Page in Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UpDated February 2024
(C) Linda M.Sweger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I Will Add more..Fingers Crossed.

This was my Fortune Cookie Days before the Platform was Finished.

SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTS.

August 2nd, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in SNAPPING Turtles - NASTY Beasts - (Comments Off)

SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTS.
Try to REMOVE THEM.

There are Photo Images on this Topic Page
That are Unpleasant to View.
But this is What Snapping Turtles Do.
They BITE – They Destroy Our Waterfowl ! !

Common Snapping Turtles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_snapping_turtle
I have used Information from this Wikipedia Article in this Topic Page.
If you want more info.. Read this and other Articles.

Click to Enlarge Images

Nature has its Cruel Side..
One Animal-Bird-Fish needs to Eat another Animal-Bird-Fish to Survive.

Bringing Captive Pets to our Homes, Properties and Pond..
We try to Prevent Losing our Chosen Pets to Predators.

We DO have Some Control over SNAPPING Turtles..

Fences are NOT going to Keep them from your Ponds and Lakes.

The RANGE for Common Snapping Turtles..is:

In Pennsylvania, Common Snapping Turtles are the ONLY Turtles
that Folks with Domestic Waterfowl need to be Concerned with..
*****************************

Our Swans had a Number of Perfect Summer Days..

Their Perfect Summer Days Ended with a Nasty Snapping Turtle Bite.
The Swans’ One Precious Cygnet had a Terrible Foot Injury..
He was Lucky to be Alive.

Taking their Only Cygnet was a Horrible Moment..
I will Never Forget hearing the Swans Screaming.
Little “Meadow” would have Suffered and Died..

It has been Quite an Adventure..
“Meadow” will be 13 Years Old – Mid-July 2022.

Snapping Turtles will Show-up without being Invited.. Destroying the Peace.
You Need to Watch and Check for Snapping Turtles EVERY Spring !
They can Crawl into your Ponds and Lakes During Warm Weather Months.
During their Reproductive Season – they are On the Move !

Snappers are a Major Predators of Young and Adult Waterfowl..

All other PA Turtles are Harmless and Beneficial to your Water Environments.
We Frequently see the Painted Turtles Basking and Swimming Quietly about.
They will often Surface for Chopped Lettuce.. and Floating Feed Pellets.******

****** If you Live in Some Southern States.. OH MY GOSH !

http://www.untamedscience.com/ Alligator Snapping Turtles.

Thank Goodness we do NOT have these in Pennsylvania..

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I am NOT a Fan of ANY Snapping Turtles..
I have NO Good Words for Snapping Turtles..

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We have MANY Pitiful Memories of Snapping Turtles.

Both Times there were People READY to Help her.

The Snappers that Bit her were REMOVED ASAP.

This Topic Page will not be a Pretty Picture Tour..

Snappers CAN BITE People and Pets, like Dogs that want to Walk
and Play in a Pond, Creek, Stream, Lake or River. OUCH !

******
The Swan Above Died before she could be Rescued.

In Early Spring 2025, I had a Call from a Lady,
who’s young Mute Swan Pen had the Same Injury.
Their Swan had to be Euthanized.. to End her Suffering.

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******
This Cygnet was Rescued around Eight Weeks Old..
She had Two Toe Claws Cut-Bit OFF.. and Torn Webbing.

Recovery was Questionable.. She Might be Lucky..and OK.
This Injured Foot will Always be a Concern. LOTs of Dedicated TLC.
Eight Weeks Later, she has Healed Well.. and Adopted to New Home.

The Cygnet Below is Only 3-4 Months Old. Its Beak is Damaged.

******

And Another Young Cygnet is Damaged for Life.

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SNAPPING TURTLEs.. BEST to Remove all you Find..
I am NOT making any Suggestion on what you do with them.
That is between You and the Snapping Turtles.
******
For Folks who ENJOY Waterfowl and their Young,

Snapping Turtles are a Constant Source of Nasty Injuries and Death
for Smaller Ducklings, Goslings and Cygnets.

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The Tiny Cygnet Below.. was BIT.. and Died.. Slowly.

A Swan Owner did not Understand “Why ?” the Parent Swans
were not with this Little One Hiding in the Water Iris Blades.
She took a Quick Photo, Sent it and Called me.
My First Thought.. It is Hurt.. Hiding.. Scared..
I Suggested if she could get to the Cygnet Safely
>>> Check its Feet and Legs for Wounds.
Yes !! It was Bleeding. Off to the Vet’s Clinic ASAP..

Evaluated: This Tiny Cygnet 8 Days Old might Weigh a Pound.

Snapping Turtle Bites are Not Straight Cuts.
They are Sharp V Shaped Rips..
Chunks of Flesh & Skin Cut-Ripped Out.
VERY Dirty … This One Caused Multiple Organ Damages..
Ripped Skin, Exposed Muscle, Broken Ribs,
Punctured Lungs, Blood Loss – (BIG SIGH).
It would take a “Magic Wand” to help this Precious Tiny Life.

Parent Swans will not Linger with Injured or Weak Cygnets..
They Focus their Care on the Healthy Cygnets that have
the Best Chance of Surviving.
******
The Swan Family had to Remain OUT of their Pond,
Until the Snapping Turtle was Removed.

The Dam Below has a Nip Out of her Beak.
She has Lost most of her Cygnets the Past 3 Spring-Summers.

******

Snapping Turtles will BITE Feet and Faces of Waterfowl.
******

These Turtles Quickly Learn where you are Feeding your Waterfowl..
Place their Pond Food in Shallow Water where they can SEE.

******

They will LURK close-by.. Waiting for Leftover-Spillage.
Do NOT Feed where Plants will Create a Hiding Spot.

******

Snapping Turtles like to Walk along the Bottom of a Pond
Scavenging for Food. They may Bask Out of Water.More frequently we see them in the Water Floating on the Surface
with just their Snout and Top of their Carapace Exposed.

The HARM they do to our Wild and Domestic Waterfowl is DREADFUL..******

This Young Cygnet did Survive with Months of Daily Care.
And MANY Visits to the Vet’s for Treatments and Check-Ups.

******
It Amazes me How Well our Cob has Adapted to his Damaged Foot.
This Young Feral Swan was NOT so Lucky.
I have Images and Images of Swans Bitten by Snapping Turtles..
Once Bitten it is a Difficult Process to Help your Pet Waterfowl.
Her Leg and Foot were Infected and FULL of Maggots. A Mess.
These Young Swans could not be Saved.. BOTH Euthanized.
This Little One would not be able to Eat or See… Tragic End.

Too Many are Mortally Injured beyond Realistic Hope for Recovery.******
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We have had TOO MANY Sad Experiences. TOO MANY Permanently Disabled Birds.

I Love WildLife..
but, the Pond Swans, Ducks and Geese take Priority.******

I STRONGLY Suggest the Removal of Snapping Turtles if you have Swans.

Many Folks have Noticed that their Waterfowl
will NOT go on the Pond
when there is a Snapping Turtle Swimming Below them.
******
BE VERY CAREFUL if you are REMOVING SNAPPING TURTLES.

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This Breeding Swan Pair started with four Cygnets..

This was the Last One.. So Sad. We offered to take it to a Safe Place..The Owner did not care.. Said, “This happens every year.. “
He Sells any Cygnets that Survive until Fall.I left this Roadside Pond with a very Heavy Heart.This Pond is along the Road.
People bring Snapping Turtles here and ADD them to this Small Pond.

PLEASE DO NOT
Put Snapping Turtles in Someone Else’s Pond !

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SNAPPING TURTLEs.. BEST to Remove all you Find..
THESE BIG SNAPPING TURTLES are OLD !!!!
******

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This Dam Started with Six Cygnets.

If you Lose a Waterfowl Pet or One of their Young..
Be Suspicious. ???
What Predator is Taking the Young ???
???? Snappers or Hawks or Owls or Blue Herons, etc.

You can do Something about the Snappers..
the others mentioned are more Difficult to Protect from.

Check and WATCH for Snappers along your Pond Edges.
or Floating Quietly in the Water.
If your Waterfowl, Swans are Reluctant to Enter the Water…Check around… they may be Trying to Warn you..

Put Food and Treats in Clear, Shallow Water.
******
******
At Least they have a Chance of NOT being Bitten in the Face.

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Snapping Turtles are an Unwelcome Problem in many Areas.

### A Family Memory Story.. ###
When my Mother was a Girl.. ( Late 1920s )
She would Catch the Snapper Turtles from their local Creek.
Sell them to Folks who would make Turtle Soup.The Bigger the Snapper the more she was Paid.

Times have Changed.. Fewer are Harvested for a Soup Ingredient.

There has been an EXPLOSION of Snapping Turtles ALL Over..

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

In their Environment,
Snapping Turtles are at the top of the Food Chain.

Common Snapping Turtles have few Predators
when Older due to their Formidable Size and Defenses.*****************************************************

Common Snapper Habitats are Shallow Ponds, Creeks or Streams.
They are often seen Basking along the Banks, sometimes on Fallen Logs.******
******

Snappers lay in Shallow Muddy Water with only their Nose or Head Exposed.
Their Nostrils are Positioned on the Very Tip of their Snout.******

Moss and Algae may Stick to their Shell.

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

Common Snapping Turtle Food Habits:

They are Active, Opportunistic, Omnivorous, Eating almost ANYTHING:

Insects, Spiders, Crayfish, Clams, Snails, Earthworms,
Leeches, Frogs and Toads, Salamanders, Small Turtles, Snakes, Fish.******

Snapping Turtles Consume lots of Aquatic Vegetation.
Basically, ANYTHING they can get in their Mouths.
Anything Alive or Dead.
They are Efficient Aquatic Scavengers.

They are Ambush Hunters of Aquatic or Semi-Aquatic
Birds and Small Mammals.
Snapping Turtles are Considered a Nuisance,
since they Consumes many Game Fish, Ducklings and Goose Goslings.*****************************************************

Snapping Turtles Mate from April through November.
These Turtles come out on Land to Court,
making them more Visible in the Spring.

Snapping Turtles Travel Extensively over Land to Reach New Habitats
or to Lay their Eggs.
You may not have any Snapping Turtles in Early Spring..
but, this Roving Behavior may Introduce a New Snapper to your Pond. Watch for them Floating in your Pond.

Fences do not Stop them..

The Cygnets above were ALL Eaten by a BIG OLD Snapping Turtle
on a Friday Morning while the Family was away at Market.
*****************************************************

Peak Turtle Egg Laying is May, June into July..
Female Snapping Turtles leave the Water and Travel to find
Soft Mulch or Sandy Soil to lay their Average Clutch of 30 to 50 Eggs.
Golf Course Sand Traps are a Great Place for Incubating their Eggs.
Incubation Time is Temperature-Dependent, Ranging from 9 to 18 weeks.
Their Unprotected Nest is Vulnerable to Predation.

******

The Baby Snapping Turtles Hatch in Late Summer
and Instinctively know to Head for Water.
The Temperature makes a Difference
as to how many of each Gender are Hatched.

Turtle Hatchlings are the Size of a 50-Cent Piece.
Many Fall Prey to Raccoons, Skunks and Opossums.******
******

Those that Survive are Generally Long-Lived — 30 to 50 to 100 Years. “HE” is Likely Older them Most People Alive Today.

****************************************************
Turtles have a Complicated Metabolic Process that Allows
them to Hibernate through the Cold Winter Periods.
They Dig and Snuggle Down into the Lower Muddy Areas and Wait for Spring.

For a Few Colder Months the Snappers are NOT a Problem.

They will be BACK..
When your Tiny Innocent Cygnets want to Play and Explore.

******

This Mother Duck Started with Seven Ducklings. Five Ducklings Lost in 12 Days. So Sad.
*****************************************************

AND, if you have a Pond that is Visible from the Road.
You are likely to have People bring Snapping Turtles
they find Crossing the Road to your Pond.Their “Good Deed” becomes your Nasty Headache..

This Female’s Beak was Bitten by a HUGE Snapper Dropped into her Pond.
The Pond Owner saw the Truck STOP, Open the Tail-Gate
and Slide the BIG Snapper into their Pond…
And, just Drive Away. THANKS BUDDY !!!
*****************************************************

2019 ON a Local Private Pond..
SNAP Another Cygnet with a Foot Injury.

This Young Male needed Surgery and Weeks of Recovery Time. Lucky.

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

2019 SWANs in a Public Park..
Their Cygnets did not have a Chance..

One Cygnet was taken very Early – One Survived for Weeks.. then Gone.

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

Spring 2020 Another Sad Snapping Turtle Story.

Spring brought Two Tiny Cygnets to their Pond.
Young Mature Swans Hatch their First Cygnets.

The Adult Swans took their Tiny Cygnets to a Swampy Area
where there would be Lots of Natural Insects and Water Plants..
And Snappers !

SNAP !!!

For Several Days her Pain was HeartBreaking..

One of her Tiny Cygnets was Gone…

The Remaining Cygnet stayed Close to its Dam.
After Weeks of “Sitting” Two Tiny Cygnets only Survived a few Days.

Both the Cygnets were Gone. Taken by the Swamp Creatures..

Unable to Eat for Days – Unable to Preen.. Just Surviving.

Slowly, this Brave Pen started to Eat and Care for Herself.
She had a Very Dedicated Owner to Help her Survive and Recover.

Pens – Dams are VERY Hungry when Nesting Ends.. SNAP….

This Terrible Injury to her Beak will Affect the Rest of her Life.

These Images are after a Month of Healing. This Female was/is Lucky..
She has a Loving Owner who has helped her – Lots of TLC.. there is Hope.
It is Important that she is able to Eat and Maintain a Healthy Weight.
AND, that she is able to Preen to WaterProof her Feathers..

PREENing is Feather Care
https://swanlovers.net/category/preening-is-feather-care/

The First Full Year after this Injury will be a Challenge and Concern.

With Help –
This Swan Owner has had over 70 Large Snapping Turtles Removed.
The Swamp is 35 Acres.. Removing Snappers will be Endless..
*********
In Early June 2023 “Juliet” had her Foot Bit.

One Week Later a Snapping Turtle Killed her.
**********************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
**********************************************************

***** FOR PRIVATE Land-Pond Owners..

June 18, 2018 – I Spoke with a Person at the Harrisburg
Fish & Boat Commission Office. (717) 787-4250

I Explained the Dilemma of Several Pond Owners with Domestic Waterfowl..
having their Pet Waterfowl Injured or Killed…

And they Read Snapping Turtles can not be Removed until July 1st.
This Regulation is for People who Trap for Commercial Sale of Turtle Meat.

IT is OK for the Person who Owns the Pond
to REMOVE Snapping Turtles
ANYTIME they are a Problem for You, Your Family,
Your Pets, Your Waterfowl.
NO Permit Needed.. NO Time to Wait.. Anytime..
*** JUST do not Sell the Turtles.
Snapping Turtle Meat can NOT be Sold before July 1st.

IF you NEED to Remove Snapping Turtles for the Safety
of your Waterfowl, make sure you have Identified them Properly.******
******
******

Species Description:
The Common Snapping Turtle has a LARGE Head with a STRONG Beak.
The Edges of their Jaws have SHARP Edges to RIP Apart Food.

Do a Search for : Snapping Turtle Open Mouth

Males are Larger than Females. Snappers Grow throughout their Life Time.
Snappers Weighing in Excess of 22 Pounds are likely to be Male and OLD.
Snappers that do the Most Harm will Range from 10–35 Pounds.

Do a SEARCH for a Website to help you Identify Turtles.
Most States’ Fish and Boat Commission Websites have a Page.
Search Example: Pennsylvania Turtle Identification.

Baby Turtles To help Identify.
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/babyphoto.htm ******

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

If you are Not Sure you have a Snapper in Your Pond..
You can Check with a Simple Method..
Tie a Raw Chicken Leg (or Chunk of Raw Meat) to a Strong Cord.
Tie the Cord to a Stake or Post along the Edge of the Water.
Put the Meat into Shallow Water…. Wait… Check…
If you have a Snapper.. the Meat will be Consumed.

Sigh.. No One WANTs this Result..

The Best Thing to do to Protect your Pet Waterfowl..
Is Remove Snapping Turtles.

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

There are WildLife Control – Removal Services
that will Come, Set Traps and Remove Snapping Turtles..

Snapping Turtles are the One Wildlife Species in Pennsylvania
that you can Legally Harvest and Sell Commercially for their Meat.
Commercial Trapping to Sell Snappers for their Meat has a Restricted Season.
WildLife Control Services MUST Follow State Regulations.
In PA a Permit is Required.. Legal Season begins July 1st.

IN PA – Any Company or WildLife Removal Service that Traps
Snapping Turtles for Commercial Sale MUST WAIT for the Date Set
by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. In 2018 the Date is July 1st.
This Allows the Female Turtles Time to Lay their Eggs..
Which Generally Happens during May-June.

An Annual Permit is Required through
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The Completed Application shall be Forwarded to:
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement,
PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

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

There are Various Meat and HOOK Methods
of Snagging the Snapping Turtles.

If you use One of these Methods..
The HOOK NEEDs to be DOWN at least Five-Six (5 to 6) Feet
from the Surface..Out of Reach of the Waterfowl.

Swans can REACH Down to Graze on Under Water Plants.
You do not want to SNAG your Swans..
or have them get Tangle with Bare Lines or Cords.

I have NEVER done this Myself
**************************************************
These are Notes from a Swan Friend.. who has done this MANY Times.

HOOKING THOSE NASTY SNAPPING TURTLES
Supplies and Instructions by J.Ford

One EMPTY Gallon Plastic Milk Jug Sealed with Cap.
* 4-5 foot Steel Leader (Add Weight so this Sinks.)
or Narrow Pipe or Metal Conduit.. Something with Weight.
# 6 or 7 Steel Bluefish Hooks
40 to 50 feet of Nylon Rope.
Chicken Necks, Legs or Wing Parts for Bait.

* Secure the Nylon Rope to the Weighted Steel Leader.
OR
Thread the Nylon Rope through the Pipe/Conduit..
Attach Hook very Securely…
Secure the Rope to the Empty Milk Jug.

Have a Second Line Attached to the Jug.. Attached to the Shore.

Bait the Hook and then Throw the Milk Jug with the Leader or Pipe
as far into the Pond as you can and WAIT for the Snapping Turtles
to Hook themselves. The Bobber (Milk Jug) will MOVE.

Pull the Milk Jug in when the Turtle is HOOKED.

Use a Shovel to PUSH Turtle into LARGE Trash Can.

Use Wire Cutters to Cut the Steel Leader..
DO NOT Try to REMOVE the Hook from the Turtle.

Take Turtle to Stream or River FAR FAR Away and Release.
The Turtle’s Digestive Juices will Dissolve the Hook.

**************************
Repeat Until you have Snapping Turtles OUT of your Pond.
If there is ONE there are Very likely MORE….

One Pond we Visited thought they did not have Snapping Turtles.
In ONE Week they Caught 25 Assorted Size Snappers.

Be Vigilant for New Snappers
and/Or “Chicken Leg” Check Several Times a Year.
*****************************************************

There are Snapping Turtle Traps.. Commercially Available.

Depending on the Problem in your Area.. These are Worth the Investment.
AND there is NO HOOK to Worry About.

There are Methods of Snagging Snappers with a Line and Hook..
The Swans can get Tangled in a Line, Rope or Cord..
If they Find the Hook and “Get HOOKED ! ”
It can mean a Trip to the Vet’s Clinic..

The Price of a Turtle Trap is Cheaper then ONE Visit to a Vet.
Or the Cost of Replacing a Swan.. and All the HeartAche..
****************

Search Various WebSite to Compare Traps and Prices.

Catching Snapping Turtles by ANY Method is Time Consuming.

Seeing your Sweet Faced Waterfowl Chewed into Pieces is Heartbreaking.******
******
******

***************************************************
How you Plan to Dispose of Snapping Turtles is for you to Decide.
***************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

***************************************************
Before you can Eat Snapping Turtle Meat:
You need to take them Home ALIVE.
Put the Angry Beast in a Large Escape Proof Tub of Water – ALIVE.

Change the Water Several Times during the Next 5-7 Days.
This Cleans the Turtle Out before you Kill and Butchered it.
( Nope Not Me ! )
This is more than many People are Willing to do.

This is the Basic Idea.. Search and Read for Better Instructions.
**************************************************
Snapping Turtle Meat can be Consumed in Small Amounts.
Snapping Turtles do retain PCBs in their Fat and Internal Organs.

If you choose to Eat Snapping Turtle Meat, you can Reduce your Exposure
by Carefully Trimming Away all Fat and Internal Organs and
Discarding these Tissues before Cooking the Meat or Making Soup.
***See the Annual Fish Consumption Advisory
for more Snapping Turtle Consumption Information.
************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
************************************************
A Brief Account I found several time while Reading.. ( SIGH )

Assault with a Turtle???? This is from a Collection of Notes..

“The Police use them (snapping turtles) to find Drowning Victims.
They tie ’em on a line, and the turtle will lead ’em
to the decomposing body every time.
Only problem is, the embalmer has to figure out how to hide
the chunks the turtle bites out of the corpse.” “GROSS” ! !

*****************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
*****************************************************
Collected and Organized by Linda M. Sweger
This is a Sad Work in Progress..
I Really DISLIKE Adding to it. UpDated August 2025

*****************************************************
The Following Photos Tell their Own Stories.
*****************************************************
This Sweet Gentle Swan had the Damaged Beak for the Duration of her Life.
Grassy Plants would get Caught in the Cut.

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

“Meadow” and the Nasty Snapping Turtle Bite.
Young Mute Cygnet – Just Four Weeks Old.
Life was Good. …For a Few More Days.Rescued at 40 Days Old.. Right Foot Badly Injured.
All the Bones of his Foot and Toes are Broken.
******
Many Veterinary Visits and Weeks of Antibiotics.
******
We can not put a Brace on his Injury.
After Six Months his 4th Toe became Infection.
Within Days it had to be Removed to Save him.
******
******
******
“Meadow’s” Surgical Wound Oozed Blood for Weeks..
he became Seriously Anemic.
******
Soaking and Wrapping EVERY Day.
******
******

“Meadow” Tolerated all the Intervention Well. Sweet Cygnet.We were Helpless to Prevent his Foot Turning Inward & Sideways.
It is SIX Months Since he was Bit.
******
******
He is Ready to Go to Live on a Pond.
******
I Cringe Every Time I See his Foot.

******
******
******
******
Our Male Swan is doing FAR Better then we had Hoped.

Every Other Part of “Meadow” is PERFECT !
******
******
******
Rescued in August of 2009 – “Meadow” is NINE Years Old in July 2018.
A LOT of Work.. Worth Every Minutes.
With Each Passing Year – We Count our Blessing.
******

******

******

We are Grateful to ALL the Folks who have Help him !
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

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

She is a Very Lucky Swan.

***************************************************
Most Turtles are Harmless and Fun to Watch.

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

SWAN CYGNETs Grow SO FAST – FUN to Watch

July 1st, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swan Cygnets Grow SO FAST - (Comments Off)

SWAN CYGNETs Grow SO FAST – FUN to Watch

From Tiny 8 to 10 Ounce Fuzz Balls
to 20 Pound by 4-5 Months.
Swan Cygnets GROW VERY FAST..

CLICK to Enlarge Images

This will be Mainly Snap Shots of Cygnets GROWING.
Many Photos have Age and Weight on them.

Lets Start from the Beginning

With the BIG SWAN EGGs…

******

Mute Swan Eggs Incubate for 37 Days..
Plus or Minus One Day.

To Save Time I will Skip Ahead 36-37 Days.

******
HAPPY HATCH DAY ! !

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

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

******
Lots Happens during the First 24 Hours.
Sadly, Two Cygnets did not Survive to Leave the Nest.

*******************************
One Day Old.

******
******
******
From Another Swan Pond – Tiny Cygnets One Day Old.

Day One for Swan Cygnets is a BIG Day..
*********************
Two Days Old.

*****

How do I Pick from ALL the Cute Photos Shared.

**************************
Three Days Old.
The Swans and Cygnets Photos are from Different Families
And Different Years.

Naps are Important Time Spent..

******

******
******
The Swans May Only Return to the Nest
for 3 to 5 Days.

*************************************
Four Days Old

For Three Months Swan Cygnets
are Eating & Pooping Machines.
******

***********************************
Five Days Old.
******
******
THE TINY Cygnets LOVE to PLAY…

*******************************
Six Days Old.

******
****************************
Seven Days Old.
******

At this Time the Cygnets are BUSY Eating Insects and Pond Critters.

******
********************************
Eight Days Old.
******
******
******

*********************************
Nine Days Old.
One of the Cygnets Above is Struggling.. ( the Runt did not Survive.)
******
******

******

Munching on Floating Waterfowl Pellets.
***********************
10 Days Old.
**************************
11 Days Old.
******

****************************
12 Days Old.
*************************
13 Days Old

**************************
14 Days Old
******
*******************************
15 Days Old.

******

**************************
16 Days Old.
******

******

***************************
17 Days Old.
******

****************************
18 Days Old.
******
******

******

******************************
19 Days Old.
******

Their Necks are Getting Taller
and their Webbed Feet are Getting BIGGER.
***************************
20 Days Old.
******
******
******************************

Assorted Cygnets Rescue to be Hand Raised.
21 Days Old.

******
Very Young Cygnets have Down.. NO True Feathers.

******

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

****************************
23 Days Old.

******
******
******************************
24 Days Old.
******
******
******
**************************
26 Days Old.
******
************************
27 Days Old.
Supervised as they are Learning.

******
****************************
27 Days Old.
******
*************************
28 Days Old.

******
****************************
29 Days Old.
******************************
30 Days Old.
A Mute Swan Family

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

*************************
32 Days Old.
***********************
33 Days Old.
***********************
34 Days Old.
**********************
35 Days Old.
******
******

Check-Out their LONG Necks.. How they have Grown.

******
***********************
36 Days Old.
******
******
**********************
38 Days Old.

******
*********************
40 Days Old.
**********************
41 Days Old.
*******************
42 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
******

***********************
45 Days Old.
******
******
********************
46 Days Old.
**********************
47 Days Old.
******
There are a FEW True Feathers on their Shoulders and Tail.
The Tail Feathers will be Blood Feathers.
******
*********************
48 Days Old.
******

**********************
49 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
******
******
Their Chest and Abdomen are Basically Fuzzy Down.

***********************
51 Days Old.

***********************
52 Days Old.
******
**********************
54 Days Old.
Day 54 and 55 their Natal Halo is Easy to See.
***************************
55 Days Old.
**********************
56 Days Old.
******
******
**********************
57 Days Old.
**********************
58 Days Old.
******
******
******
***********************
59 Days Old.
******
******
******************************************
TWO Months Old.
*********************
60 Days Old.

I LOVE THIS STAGE of Feather Development.
SO CUTE..
******
******
******

***************************
61 Days Old.

******
*************************
62 Days Old.***********************
63 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
**********************
64 Days Old.
******
******
**********************
65 Days Old.
******

******
********************
67 Days Old.

******
******
******
*******************
68 Days Old.
********************
69 Days Old.
******************
70 Days Old.

******

*******************
72 Days Old.
******
******

********************
74 Days Old.
******
******
**********************
75 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
******
*********************
76 Days Old.

I Believe if you Check there are True Chest Feathers..
Check just below Neck where it Curves to the Abdomen.

******
*********************
77 Days Old.
******
*********************
78 Days Old.
******
******
*********************
80 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
******
******
********************
81 Days Old.
******
******
*********************
82 Days Old.
******

********************
84 Days Old.
******
******
******
Yep, Chest Feathers are Easy to See !
******
CHEST FEATHERs !
******
******
******

******
The First Three Months Cygnets are Eating and Pooping Machines.
***********************
85 Days Old.
******
******
******

******
The White Swan Below is their Sire.

**********************
86 Days Old.
********************
87 Days Old.
******
**********************
88 Days Old.

******
******
************************
89 Days Old.
******************************************
Three Months Old.
*************************
90 Days Old.
************************
91 Days Old.
************************
92 Days Old.
******

******
***********************
93 Days Old.
************************
96 Days Old.
******
******
******
******

***********************
98 Days Old.
******
******
************************
100 Days Old.
SPRINKLER PARTY TIME.

102 Days Old.
******

******
**************************
103 Days Old.
******

******
*************************
**************************
104 Days Old.
**************************
105 Days Old.
******
******

******

******

************************
106 Days Old.
*********************************
107 Days Old.
******
*******************************
109 Days Old.
******************************
110 Days Old.
*******************************
112 Days Old.
******
******
******
******
***********************************
114 Days Old.
*********************************
115 Days Old.
***********************************
116 Days Old.
******
**********************************
117 Days Old.
******
******

Four Months Old.
************************************
THE HEALTHY CYGNETS are READY
for their New Homes.
*****************************

We did the DNA for most Pond Raised Cygnets around 15-18 Weeks.
Which is 105-128 Days Old.. They have LOTs of True Feathers.
If the Cygnets Survived the Perils of Summer OUT on the Ponds
with their Parents, they had a Good Chance of Growing into Adults.
Plus, their Legs are Mature enough to Place an ID Band and NOT
need to Change them.. Their Legs are Close to Adult Size-Diameter..
By 5 Months Old they are Well Feathered.
Hopefully, if there are any Genetic Defects.. they have Demonstrated..

*******************************
121 Days Old.
******
The Cygnets’ Legs will Grow more Slowly now.
Wing Feathers are Well Developed by Now.
If NOT Pinioned – Learn and Plan to Clip.
The Cygnets will start to WORK their Shoulder Muscles.
Before Long they WILL Try to FLY.
(Maybe AWAY)
*************************************
123 Days Old.
Beautiful Royal Mute Cygnet Plumage.
******
******
******

******

******

***********************
126 Days Old.

The Brood Still Hang Together.
******
******
What a CUTE Face !

*************************
127 Days Old.
************************
128 Days Old.
**************************
130 Days Old.
******
*************************
133 Days Old.

******
**************************
135 Days Old.
******

******

*************************
137 Days Old.
**************************
141 Days Old.
******
************************
143 Days Old.
************************
144 Days Old.
**********************
146 Days Old.
Adjusting to New Home.
**********************************************
**********************
147 Days Old.
******
******
BEAUTIFUL WINGs
BIG BLACK WEBBED FEET.
******
**********************
148 Days Old.

******
******
******
******
Male NestMales will be a Same Sex Pair.

Sadly, Neglected – 3 to 4 of this Brood Died.

******

**********************
149 Days Old.
Once the DNA is Done, it is Off to a New Home.
******

****************************************
Five to Six Months Old.
**************************
******

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

*******************************
Six Months Old.
********************
******
******
******
******
A Beautiful Royal Mute Female Cygnet.
******
******
******
******

*************
******
******
******
OH, Something you will get to Experience..
Between 5-7 Months of Age.. a Cygnet’s Vocals will Change..
They will Change from Tweets & Whistling to Snorts & Grunts
They are Growing-Up > > Funny to Hear..

******

At Six Months Old…Cygnets Face their First Winter.

************************************************
Seven Months Old.
****************************
******
******
******

******

******
******
******
******
Sweet Memories.

**************************************************
Eight Months Old.
****************************

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

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

******

******
******
************************************************
Nine Months Old.
****************************
******
******

******
******
******************************************************
Ten Months Old.
******************************
******
******
******
Below are Three Rescued Unrelated Royal Mute Swan Cygnets.
They are All an Average of 10 Months Old.

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

************************************************
Eleven Months Old.
*********************
******

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

******
************************************************
Twelve Months Old.
************************
******
******
********************************************
365 Days of Fluff and Feathers
Swan Cygnets Grow SO Fast !
************************

Now that these Young Swans are 12 Months Old,
they will be Referred to as Juveniles
for the Next Two Years.

****************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****************************************************
This Photo Chronology of Mute Swan Cygnets Growing
is a Work in Progress..

Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated July 2023
****************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
****************************************************

NEW OWNERS – Before You Buy

June 23rd, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in BEFORE You Buy Swans - (Comments Off)

DO YOU WANT THE BEAUTY AND GRACE OF SWANs.

Are you Looking for Living Garden Features for your Pond ??

The Striking Beauty of these Graceful Birds
will Enhance any property.

Having Captive Swans is a Commitment. They are Pets.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY.

If You are Interested in Owning SWANS…
And are Just starting to Explore the Subject..

Gathering Information before Purchasing Swans will Improve Your Success
as a First Time Swan Owner – Care Taker. Click to Enlarge Images

This is a Basic Summary of things to Know about Swan Ownership.

Mute Swans ( Cygnus olor ) are a Very Large and Showy Waterfowl.
With Good Care and some Luck they may Live 20-30 Years.

Having Swans is a Commitment.
Private Property Swans are Captive Pets.

If you are thinking about owning Swans, you first need to ask yourself
if you have a Suitable Water Environment for Swans to Live in.

Folks who have Appropriate Water Environments to Care for Swans
may Desire to have them for Various Reasons.

For their Beauty..

For help to Control Canada Goose.
To Naturally Assist with Management of Pond Plants.

Please take the Time to Research Swans so you are Prepared to provide Proper Care.

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CAPTIVE SWANS ARE EXOTIC DOMESTIC PETS
They are NOT Wild Waterfowl.

The Mature Male Swan is known as a Cob.
and the Mature Female Swan is a Pen.
Their Young are called Cygnets.

*** “Can Animal Rights Be Legally Defined?”
In 1978 the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) defined Animal Rights.
“Animals have the right to live and grow under conditions
that are comfortable and reasonably natural…

animals that are used by man in any way have the right to
be free from abuse, pain, and torment caused or permitted by man…
animals that are domesticated or whose natural environment
is altered by man have the right to receive from man
adequate food, shelter, and care.”

*** Pinioning Any WaterFowl… Changes Everything.
In the U.S. Swans “Owned” by Humans are generally Pinioned
to Restrict their Ability to Roam at Large.

In the United States, ALL Captive Swans are Classified as:
Captive, Domestic, Exotic, Poultry, Livestock. (Not Wild)

Like ALL Animals, Livestock and Birds Living in Captivity.
They are Entitled to: . . . 1. Adequate and Appropriate Food
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Adequate Fresh Water
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Appropriate Shelter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Reasonable Safety from Harm
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Veterinary Care when needed.
*******************************

With several Species of Swans the Cob and Pen are Similar in Appearance.
Having DNA-Sex Testing when they are Young Helps Reduce Sexing Mistakes.
A VERY Common Problem.

In the United States, the Native Tundra and Trumpeter Swans
that Live Wild and Free are Federally Protected by the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918.******

Tundra Swans, as far as I have been able to Learn,
may NOT be Owned Privately.
This Tundra Swan was Injured and taken to a WildLife Rescue.
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TRUMPETER SWANs

Privately Bred Trumpeter Swans may, with Proper Registration, be Owned.
Folks who would like to own Trumpeter Swans,
will follow the same Basic Care Practices as for other Swans.

Trumpeter Swans must be Registered – they are Federally Protected WaterFowl.
All Trumpeter Cygnets will need to be Registered..
and Each New Owner will need to transfer
Registration Papers and send in the appropriate Forms..
so the Trumpeters can be followed.

Trumpeter Swans MUST be Registered with the:
United States Department of Interior
Fish & Wildlife Service
P.O.Box 779
Hadley, MA (Mass) 01035-0779

Helpful Information can be found through the Trumpeter Swan Society Website.
www.trumpeterswansociety.org

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BLACK AUSTRALIAN SWANs

I am not aware of any State that Restricts Ownership of Black Australian Swans.
Where Winter Winds Blow Cold and Ponds Freeze, Black Australian Swans
require some Shelter from the Cold as well as Open Water in the Winter to Survive.
The Absolute Minimum Water Environment would be a Few Hundred Square Feet
of Surface Water Area with a Depth of about 4 Feet with GOOD Flow Through.

If Black Australian Swans are being Shelter Inside,
BE Sure to Close their Door at SunSet for the Night.
Open the Door in Early AM.. Protect them from Predators.

Black Australian Swans Nest Twice a year.

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SOUTH AMERICAN BLACK NECKED SWANs

Black Necked Swans are Nest-building between August and September.
In North America, their Cygnets are still Small when our Fall and Winter begin.

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HAVING and OWNING MUTE SWANs…

There is something Magical Interacting with these Enchanting Birds.
Being somewhere between Wild and Tame. I Never Tire of spending Time with them.
Observing their Behavior – Watching them Love each other..
Nesting – being Swan Parents is Magical. Each Day is a Gift.

2021 – In Pennsylvania, where we Live..
Mute Swans are Still allowed on Private Property.
No Permits Needed… Few Regulations…

As Long as they are ON Your Private Property
Swans are Considered your Property.
The Same as a Cat, Dog, Horse…etc.
That is their ONLY Legal Protection.

Most States around PA Prohibit Ownership of Mute Swans..

All Swans are at GREAT Risk of being Destroyed if they Leave your Property
and are Found on ANY Public Land or Waterway where Hunting is Permitted.
Only a Few are Successfully Rescued.

It is Illegal to Release or Allow the Escape of Mute Swans or their Cygnets into the Wild.******

Any Feral Mute Swan found on Public Lands or WaterWays will be Destroyed.
Pennsylvania has a ZERO Tolerance for Feral Mute Swans.
We have Lost Several Wonderful Swans this way..Heartbreaking..

The PA Game Commission has given Permission to any Hunters in PA
and any other State that wants to come to PA to Hunt Mute Swans
Permission to Shot these HELPLESS Swans any time they want.

If you give Permission to ANYONE
to Hunt on your Property,
BE SURE to tell them YOUR Swans
are NOT for them to KILL..

Cygnets Raised on a Private Pond that are Driven off by their Parents
in the early Spring are Helpless to Care for themselves..
They have Not Learned how or where to Find Food.
Many Starve to Death during January to March when there is Nothing for them to eat.
It is a GOOD Practice to have them into New Homes by November of the Previous Year.
Make Thanksgiving your Rehoming Goal.
Healthy Four to Six Month Old Cygnets do Well in New Homes.
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IT IS WISE TO DO YOUR SWAN RESEARCH:

What Water Environments are Appropriate ???

It is Not Difficult to Raise Swans as long as you have a Body of Water
where they can Live and Swim.

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

Your body of Water should Not Lead to a Stream or Connect to a Body of Water
that will Easily Carry the Swans away.

In Captivity, Swans are Readily Maintained on Mixed Grains
and Poultry-Waterfowl Maintainer Feeds.
Daily Greens, either from Grazing on Under Water Plant Material
or Supplemented Leafy Vegetables

or Chemical Free Lawn Grazing or Clippings.

LEARN ABOUT:
Transporting Swans,
Feeding Swans & Cygnets, Winter Care,
Protecting them from Predators,
Providing a Reasonable Safe Place to Live.
AND
Annual Behaviors that might Impact your Home and Family.

NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON A HORMONAL MALE SWAN.

When it is Time for Mating and Nesting, a Hormonal Cob can be a Challenge.

If you are going to get any Species of Swan, it is Best if you have a Pond
with 1/2 to 1 Acre of Fresh Water with Flow Through to Refresh the Water..******

You will Need to Learn to Work with and Around Swans.
Your Pond will Belong to the Swan Family in the Summer.
You may not be able to Swim, Boat, Fish, etc.

When Cygnets are on a POND there is LOTs of POOP…

The Pond needs to be at least 4-5-6 Feet Deep in the Middle
to allow for Swimming, with Shallow Areas, 1-3 feet around the Banks.
They need a Place to WALK-In and WALK-Out of the Water..
In the case of Mute Swans and Trumpeter Swans the Larger the
Water Area the better.

Mute Swans spend the majority of their time in the Water
and a Larger Water Body is much easier to Maintain.
Larger Natural Ponds should not Require much Maintenance
if they are not over Crowded with Birds.

The more Shallow the Pond the GREATER Chance that the Swans can Die from Botulism.
If a Severe Drought occurs, the Swans will be able
to get into Stagnant Muck that they otherwise would not
and Ingest the Anaerobic Bacteria which Secretes a Deadly Toxin.

Having surrounding Habitat such as Open Lawns and Grassy Banks
away from Woodland Areas is Ideal to prevent Predation
by Coyotes, Bobcats, Foxes, Raccoons, etc.

The biggest Threats to Swans are Predatory Animals, Botulism, Pollution,
Vandalism, Overhead Cables, Uncontrolled Dogs,
Fishing Tackle/Line and Heavy Metal Poisoning..

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And Neglect and Abusive Care.

The Swans I Worry about are Ones chosen to be Living Pond Ornaments.
The Novelty of having Swans may pass and Neglect is likely to follow.
Swans are a Commitment. They may Easily Live 20-30 Years
or longer with Good Care and Some Luck.

The Responsible Care for Cygnets that Survive Summer:
Cygnets need to be Pinioned.. Sexed Properly.. and New Homes Found.
It is Unlawful to Allow Cygnets to Fly Away and become Feral.

If you Tire of their Care, ReHome Swans to another Interested Person.
NEVER Release a Swan into the Environment.
NEVER.. It is ILLEGAL ALL Across the United States
and Canada to Deliberately Release a Mute Swan.
These Swans are DOOMED !

Discarded Pet Swans will likely be Destroyed by the
Department of Natural Resources/WildLife Management Services.

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

There are Numerous States that require Captive Wildlife Permits
for the Possession and Propagation, a Breeders License, if a Non-Native Species,
such as Mute Swans are Introduced into an Area and are allowed to Breed.

Every Year more and more U.S. States are Adjusting their Waterfowl Management Policy
and Prohibiting Ownership of Mute Swans.

If you are Allowed to have and Breed Swans,
you will need to have a Plan for the Disposition of their Young
as most Swans Breed once a Year and can produce 1-8 Cygnets.

Black Australian Swans Breed Twice a Year
and can Produce 10-16 Cygnets.
You will Need to Find Good Homes for their Offspring.

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Check with your State’s Wildlife Authorities –
Wildlife Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to understand what Permits
or Requirements you will Need to Comply with before you Decide to Purchase Mute Swans.

Where to Find Mute Swan Information for Your State
https://swanlovers.net/category/where-to-find-mute-swan-information-for-your-state/

*************
U.S. Fish & WildLife State by State….
contact Phone #s Call 1-800-344-WILD
*************
**THIS IS THE OnLine LINK TO EACH STATE
http://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html

*************
**General Mailing Address in Wash, D.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240

*************
Do “Search” for (Mute Swan Management – STATE)
Example Mute Swan management Virginia

Call Your States Department of WildLife – Fish and Boat
Speak with the Agent in charge of Waterfowl Management.

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This Information is a Work in Progress…..
As I learn more I will add to this information..
Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated May 2021
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TRANSPORTING Swans and Cygnets

June 21st, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Transporting Swans - (Comments Off)

TRANSPORTING ADULT SWANs and/or CYGNETs.

Click Images to Enlarge

Are You Planning to Move Swans to a New Home ??
Maybe to Your Home Pond or Private Lake ??
This may be Exciting for YOU.. ! !

But, might be Very Scary – even Traumatic for the Swans.Just the Act of Catching the Swans or Cygnets is Stressful.
Some Socialized Swans will Travel Very Well…
There are a Few that will be Terrified the Entire Time.
They Alarm Call and Panic which can Lead to Harmful STRESS and/or Physical Injuries.

It is TRUE that Stress Can Kill Birds.
Remember 3 Things – Be Calm, Stay Calm, Remain Calm.
If you want to know WHY…
SEARCH for and Read about – Capture Myopathy.

FROM: http://wildlifedisease.unbc.ca/
Exertional or Capture Myopathy (disease of the muscle) is a
Non-Infectious Disease of Muscles that is Characterized by Damage
to Muscle Tissues brought about by Physiological Changes,
usually following Extreme Exertion, Struggle and/or Stress.
This can be Fatal..

If a Swan starts to Struggle hold them just Enough to Control them
and Allow them to Calm Down.
Mute Swans generally Settle Down after a Quick Burst of Movement.
Trumpeter Swans tend to Struggle Longer.
We have Little Experience Traveling with other Species of Swans.

DO NOT HUG a Swan’s Ribs TOO Tightly.
They CAN NOT Breathe and will REALLY Struggle.
Speak Calmly and with a Soft Voice. Yelling will Scare a Swan.
This Very Young Rescued Cygnet was all Alone in a BIG Carrier.
All her Nest Mates has been Taken by Predators.
She was Scared. Whistling to her Helped..
I held her, Wrapped in a Towel for Part of the Trip. Passenger Side.******

You are taking Swans from their Home, where they feel Safe.
And in many Cases Away from their Swan Family.

You Can NOT Explain what their Future will be.
******
Time for a Move to Your New Home, Pond and Family.
I Hope to Share Information to Help you have a Safe Trip.

*****************************************************
PLAN AHEAD: There are Many Things to Do to get Ready.
It is GOOD to Transport Mid-to Late Morning..
The Swans need some Time to See and Adjust to their New Home/Pond.

Have a Large Dark Sheet or Blanket to Cover a Very Rammy Swan.
We have only had Two maybe Three Swans.. Panic.
Rarely Happens.. most Swans Travel Well..

Some are a Little Restless. Some will Stand and Prance..
They may Rake their Beak..
A Thinner Tube Sock ( with the Elastic Area Removed)
over their Head will Stop Beak Injury.
Remove once the Swan Settles..

Have a Large Towel or Small Blanket Available.
Wrap the Swan with the Towel to Control their Wings..
This Helps get the Swan in the Carrier-Box without the Wings Flapping all over the Place.
The Swan’s Wings can REALLY Whack you ! ! The Towel is Helpful, if you Need to get into the Carrier-Box for any Reason.

Have EXTRA NewsPaper to Change if Needed.
For a Long Trip, Roll Up some of the Soiled Layers of Newspaper
and Toss when you Stop along the Way.
Have some Plastic Bags for the Soiled Papers.
Swans are BIG Messy Birds.. LOTs of Poop.

It Helps to have Water & Paper Towels for Clean-Ups.
I keep a Gallon of Fresh Water in our Van..
Just in case I need it for ANY Reason..

BE VERY CAREFUL if you try to do some Clean-up..
That the Swan does not get away from YOU !!!!*****************************************************

CONSIDER Your VEHICLE:

DO NOT PUT SWANs or CYGNETs LOOSE in your Vehicle.

This Distraction is NOT Safe for You or the Swans.
The Risk of Breaking their Wings, Legs and Necks.. TOO Risky.

These Young Cygnet eventually Died.. from Bone Abscesses.

DO NOT PUT in the Back of a Truck Bed Open to the Air – UnSecured.
IF you need to Transport in a Truck Bed.. Cover Carrier with a TARP.
Shield the Swans from any Rain and Rapid Swirling Air or HOT SUN ! !

Will Your Vehicle Allow you to have LARGE Containers Safely Inside ?We can Put TWO Large Carriers in Our Van.
OUR TRAVEL-AIRE CARRIERs are 36″ X 26″ X 24″
We can Easily Move Mature Swans.

Is Your Air Conditioning and/or Heat Working. ??
BE VERY CAREFUL NOT to Over Heat the Swans.
You need to keep the Conditions inside the Carrier-Box Comfortable.

Comfortable Vehicle Temp is Important.
Being Dehydrated and Overheated can cause Brain Damage.

KEEP the Vehicle at a Comfortable Cool Temperature.
Inside the Carrier-BOX Can get TOO Warm. Check Swans Frequently.
Swans can GET VERY HOT in a Confined Space.

Swans have a HIGH Body Temperature Normally at Rest – 101-103 Degrees F.
When Swans are Active – Flying or Stressed their Temp may be 104-106 Degrees F.
Swans Normally are Able to Cool themselves in Water.
If the Swans or Cygnets are PANTING < < < < <
They may be TOO HOT !! This is VERY Stressful.

IF You Stop in Your Travels –
DO NOT Leave Your Vehicle in the SUN.

One Swan Moved by itself is more Frightening..
Two Swans Moved together are Comforting to Both.

For a Trip an Hour or Less.. you could Skip the Water.
but, a Chunk of Wet Lettuce is a Treat.
It is GOOD if you can See the Swans as you Travel..
Check Swans Once an Hour or Two. Listen for Activity.
Soft Vocal Sounds are the Swans Talking to you..
If they are ALARM Calling.. try to Comfort.. Stay Calm.

IF Transport Time is Over an Hour – Supply Water and Food.

Have a Gallon Jug of Fresh Cold Water with You. Corn and Lettuce.
Putting Whole Corn and/or Some Broken Lettuce in the Water Tub.
OR A Gallon Jug with the Shoulder Cut Out can be Tied to the Interior..
Secure Well so they CAN NOT Untie the Cord.. !!

Once you HEAR a Swan Drinking you will know it is Relaxed.
A Stressed Swans will NOT Eat or Drink.
When you hear them Slopping in the Water.
Smile, they are Relaxed.. A Sound I Love to Hear…

Keep Noise and Radio Low – CALM and Quiet is Best.
Talk to the Swans. Let them get to know your Calm Voice..

If your New Swans Perceives you are Kind and Caring…You may be Starting to Develop “Trust” with them.

DRIVE like you are Transporting a Fish Aquarium FULL of Water.
Do not Take Turns Quickly or STOP Suddenly.
The Swan may be Standing and this Might Twist their Legs..

SWAN CYGNETs have FRAGILE LEGs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-cygnets-fragile-legs/
*************************
***************************************************

Choose a SAFE Transport Carrier-Container-Sturdy Box.

Please have Separate Containers for the Larger Swans/Cygnets.
Mute Cygnets 4-8 Months Old should – Will Weight 16-20 Plus Pounds.
If One Swan gets Rammy or Panics – they are BIG and can Hurt Each Other.

A Swan’s BIG Feet have Toe Claws that can SCRATCH…
Swan Cygnet Leg Bones are STILL Fragile, they can Bend Easily.
This will not Correct itself.. Better to be Safe.

If you are Moving Mute Swans..
A Healthy Mature Mute Pen will be around 24-26 Pounds at most.
A Healthy Mature Mute Cob may Weigh as much as 30-Plus Pounds.

Black Australian Swans are Smaller.

Trumpeter Swans are Larger by Several Pounds.
******

We use Large Hard Shell Pet Transport Carriers.Swans are BIGGER then they Look.
Mature Mute Cobs may Weigh 30 Plus Pounds..
This BIG COB has been Transported MANY Times in this Carrier.******

These Come Apart for Easy Washing..
They Come in Various Sizes. A LARGE One is BEST.
OUR TRAVEL-AIRE CARRIERs are 36″ X 26″ X 24″
We can Easily Move Mature Swans.

These can be USED for Many Things.. VERY Helpful to Have.

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Recently, a Swan Friend Shared Information for these Pet Carriers.

36 X 25 X 25.. would be Perfect.. NOT to BIG or SMALL..
*******************

These were not Available when we were Purchasing our Carriers..
I Like the Look of these.. AND the Handles..!!
Our Carriers do NOT have Handles.. So Wish they DID !!

NOW, I will Add One Comment.. SWANs are Very MESSY Birds.
They POOP a LOT ! These Mesh Sides might not Contain ALL
the Waste that the Cygnets/Swans will Expel..
Swan Waste is SOFT and Wet.
Maybe ADD an Old Shower Curtain or Tarp
to Protect your Vehicle’s Cargo Area..
On a LONG Trip there will be POOP !
SPLAT !!

I Like the Look of these..
I will not have an Opportunity to Use these.
Until a Person Uses Anything..
it is Tricky to know ALL the Pros & Cons.

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If you do not have a Suitable Transport Container,
Check with a Friend or Neighbor who might have a Large Carrier to Borrow.

OR If you do not have Large Pet Carriers Available.
GET a VERY LARGE Sturdy CardBoard Box..or Two.
The Box above would be Good for a Swan/Cygnet 10-15 Pounds.

For Mature Swans Try to have Large Sturdy Boxes 36″ X 26″ X 24″
Check these Boxes will FIT in your Vehicle..

More Info will Follow.. about CardBoard Boxes.

If you are Transporting Very Young Cygnets Smaller Carriers are OK.
Medium Size Cat Pet Carriers. > > >Double Check the Carrier Door is Secure.

Only put 2-3 Young Cygnets in One Container.
They should be OK Together – Comforting Each Other.
A Large Brood 4-8 in ONE Container will Crowd into the Corners.
> > >Smaller Cygnets may be Suffocated.

Check them Frequently. Provide some WET Chopped Lettuce..
Many Times Cygnets will Crowd into the Corners when Scared.
This Crowding Behavior is Common when Cygnets are 1-6 Weeks Old.
The Crowding may Result in Smaller Cygnets Suffocating.
Make sure all the Cygnets are Breathing.

Lots of NewsPaper for the Bottom of the Carrier Allows me
to Roll-up and Discard most of the Poop.
Expect LOTs of POOP – that is Normal.
Young Swan Cygnets are Eating POOP Machines…
**************************************************

SEVERAL TIMES we NEEDED to CARE for a SWAN OVER NIGHT !
Then Head OFF to their NEW HOME in the Morning.
OR When we had an Early Morning Veterinarian Appointment.
Most Swans are Comfortable in the Carriers.. We Check on them Frequently.
This is an Adult Female Mute Swan.. You can See she has Ample Room.
She was in the Carrier between 20-24 Hours.
This Young Female Knew us Well.. Trusted Us.

Her New Home was a Beautiful Place.

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

ONE WAY – DISPOSABLE TRANSPORT BOXES.
Swans are BIG MESSY Birds – Lots of POOP..

LARGE STURDY CARDBOARD BOXES – WORK WELL.
These are Safer for Transporting Swans/Cygnets then Wire Dog Carriers..
( Info Below..)

PLAN for an Adult Swan – 30 Plus Pounds.
Find BIG STURDY CARDBOARD Boxes at:

CRAFT, BOOK and RESTAURANT SUPPLY STORES.
APPLIANCE and AUTO SUPPLY STORES.
UPS and FED-EX SHIPPING STORES have LARGE STURDY BOXES.
Home Depot and Lowes have LARGE Cardboard Boxes..
These Boxes will be Comfortable for Medium Size Swans.. 20-25 Pounds..

******

For Mature Swans Try to have Large Sturdy Boxes 36″ X 26″ X 24″
Check these will FIT in your Vehicle.

Add a Dozen or MORE Holes for Ventilation.
Air Holes NOT Larger then 2 Inches. ( Smaller Holes for Young Cygnets.)
Their Heads can come through Larger Holes.
Swans and Cygnets may Hang themselves
trying to Pull their Heads Back into the Box.

Line & Tape to the Bottom a Large Trash-Garbage Bag to make a Moisture Barrier.
Swans are Messy Birds. Add Generous Thick Layers of Newspaper.
Straw is OPTIONAL. NO HAY ! !

A LARGE 3 Pound Margarine Tub Fixed to One Corner.
To Provide about 3 Inches of Fresh Cold Water.
Some Chopped Lettuce and maybe some Corn in the Water Tub.
Have Scratch for Young Cygnets.. and a Smaller Water Tub.

A Gallon Plastic Jug is a QUICK Travel Feed and Water Container.

Fresh Water in an Attached Tub or Jug – Several Inches. NOT TOO Full.
Better to Occasionally Add some Water then have a WET Mess.******

When you Put a Swan in the Box – Orient it to Reach the Water Tub.
Otherwise they may not be able to Turn Around….

BE SURE you have a Way to Secure the OPEN FLAPs.
You do NOT want a Swan Loose in your Vehicle.
Bungees or Ropes
Take Care the Swan can not get Tangled.

***********************
SIDE STORY: One Gal Picked-Up TWO BIG Cygnets in Boxes
without any way to Keep the Boxes Closed.
On the Two Hour Drive Home the Cygnets GOT OUT
into her Car SEVERAL TIMEs.
A BIG Poop Mess. PLUS it was NOT SAFE DRIVING.

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

Inside the BOX Can get TOO Warm.. Check Swans Frequently.
IF You Stop in Your Trip Home..
DO NOT Leave your Vehicle in the SUN !

Once the Swan is Finally HOME and OUT of the Box..
DISCARD.. NO NEED to WASH a BOX !!

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

When you Get to the Swans Destination..
Try to Allow them to Leave the Carrier on their Own.
Some Times we have Removed the Carrier Top..
Seeing their New Home.. is a Lot to Take in for a Swan.
SOME Swans WANT to GET to the WATER…

The New Swans will take a Splashy Bath once on your Pond.

On Transport Day TRY to Stay with the Swan/Swans
until they are Comfortable-OK and Staying on the New Pond.

Some Swans Adjust Very Quickly..
Some are Bewildered and just Want to Go Back Home..
There is Some Benefit from a Quiet Place to Rest and Adjust.
TRY to Stay with the Swans the First Day or Two.. ! !
Check they are on the Pond at SunSet and First Thing in the Morning.

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*** When you Go to Pick-up Cygnets:

If there is TIME, ask about their Parents.. ??? Related or Unrelated..???
Try NOT to acquire Brother – Sister Pairings..
Try to get your Breeding Pairs from Different Broods.

Ask for about 3-4 Days Worth of the Feed they Normally are Eating.
This will let you know what their Diet has been.
This will be a Clue to their General Health.
A Cygnet 6-8 Months Old should be 18-20+ Pounds.

Check for the Pinioned Wing. OR the Clipped Wing.
IF the Swan or Cygnet is FULL-WING.. CLIP ASAP ! ! !
Otherwise, when you get Home the Swan will Fly Away !!!!!

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

Ask for the DNA-Sex Certificate.. Check the Date.. Check ID. > >If Valid.
The Date and Information on the Certificate should make Sense..

If Sex-Vent Checked: It is more Reliable for Males..
> > > IF the Boy Parts are Found.
*************
For Females Vent Sexing is Unreliable.
If the Female is 3-4 Years Old.. they should Lay Eggs in the Spring.
> > > Eggs = Female..
Over the Years we have become Aware of a Number of Female Swans
that NEVER Lay Eggs.

Once Home, BE SURE Your New Swans or Cygnets are EATING.
If a Swan or Cygnet is not Familiar with Bag Poultry-Waterfowl Feeds…
If they have only been Fed Corn – Poultry-Waterfowl Feed is Foreign.
Feral- Wild Rescues need to Learn what Commercial Bag Feed is.
Put some Feed in their Drinking Water so they Taste it.

During Cold Months, when there are NO Plants to Eat
a New Swan may NOT Understanding you are Providing Food.
This is a Reason for a New Swan to Wander Away.
Make SURE they are Eating ! !

Here a Resident Swan MAY be Helpful. ( Not Always )
When they Eat from a Feed Mix Container the New Swan/Cygnet will see.
Swans do Learn from each other.

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LARGE Wire Transport Carriers
Commonly used for Dogs.

The Typical Wire Dog Carrier-Cage. NO – Not a Good Idea ! ! Not the Safest.

The Risk of Breaking Feathers in this Type of Wire Pet Carrier is VERY High.
Especially, Soon after New Blood Feathers Emerge.
CHECK for ANY Broken Bleeding Feathers !

If BLOOD FEATHERs are Present at the Time of Transport DO NOT use these.

The LONG Flight Feathers can get Caught, Break and Bleed.
New Tail Feathers can Bleed.. Swan DO NOT have Extra Blood.
ANY Blood Lose is a Concern..

A Rammy Swan may Injure their Toe Claws and Webbing between the Wire Bars.

As I Talk with Swan Folks..
ONE Person had a Swan get a Leg/Foot through the Wire Bars.
The Swan Struggled to get Free.. Cutting the Thin Leg Skin..
This Swan had to Heal for 10-12 Days before being Released to the Water.
*****************
Another Person had a Swan Push its Head through the Bars..
and they had to CUT One Bar Totally Out to Get that Swan Free.

Using Wire Carriers is VERY RISKY !
*****************

*** If you ONLY have a Large Wire Type Dog Carrier.
It is BEST to Line the Insides with CardBoard.
( Make Sure the Swans can NOT Swallow Any Strings or Twist Ties.)

Line Bottom with LOTs of NewsPaper or Straw..
NO HAY ! !

DO NOT Put a Swan or Cygnet on Your Pond
if there are ANY BLEEDING Feathers or Bleeding Cuts.
*************************************************

For an EMERGENCY Transport.. for an Injured or Sick Swan
A Laundry or Large Duffel Bag is Useful.

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GOOD LUCK Moving-Traveling with Your Swans.

I Wishing you many Happy Years with these Enchanting Creatures.I Love to Visit Swans.

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SOME EXTRA GENERAL NOTES.
*************************

I have found Used Pet Carriers at various Second Hand Stores.
Check Yard Sales and Auctions or some times on CraigsList.
You might find a Large Pet Carrier at a Reasonable Price.

OVER TIME: We have found a Variety of Pet Carriers along the Road.
Placed out for the Weekly Trash Collection.
Some have been Like New.

ALWAYS WASH Well… Disinfect with 10% Bleach.

***************************
Consider HAVING at Least ONE LARGE Box READY at ALL Times.
It is Good to have Something READY, if “God Forbid” you would
NEED to take a Swan to a Veterinarian ASAP.

It is a Good Idea for any Swans Owner to have One Box like this Ready
” Just in Case” there is an Emergency
and a Swan Needs to be taken for Medical Attention.

An Injured or Sick Swan Needs Help Quickly.
When a Swan is in Trouble, they are in Trouble.
Preparing a Transport Box takes Time the Swan may not have.

If the Swan is Weak – you Could Just Wrap them in an Old Sheet..

If a Swan was attacked by an Animal.. DO NOT Touch them with Bare Hands.
BE VERY Careful.. to Protect yourself.. Protect your EYEs.
Mammal Saliva MAY CARRY Rabies.

Swans do not get Rabies.. In General Birds do not..
But, if you have a Swan, or Bird, or Pet that is Attack..
be sure to Protect Yourself.. Hands, Arms, etc..

If you have any Pet/Swan that Dies from an Animal Attack..
Try NOT to Touch it with your Bare Hands..
Put – Wrap in TWO Plastic Bags. Then YOU WASH VERY WELL..

For any Swan or Cygnet that Dies for an Unknown Reason,
We send to the Department of Agriculture Pathology Lab for a Necropsy.
A Complete Diagnositic Necropsy for PA Residents is around $50-100.00.

## Swans Death Necropsy
https://swanlovers.net/category/swans-death-necropsy/
***********************

CALL PADLS for Instruction and where to Send > Drive there if Possible.
Having a LARGE Box on Hand can be Useful and Save Time.

Swan, Duck and Geese are Sentinel Bird.

Sentinel and Indicator Species both provide insights
into Ecosystem Health, but Sentinel Species are more focused
on Human Health Risks, while Indicator Species reflect
the Overall Health of an Ecosystem.
Sentinel Species are chosen because they are particularly Susceptible
to Environmental Contaminants, often showing effects before Humans,
and can be used to warn of Potential Human Health Hazards.
Indicator Species, on the other hand, serve as a Broad Measure of
an Ecosystem’s state, revealing changes in Habitat Quality,
Pollution Levels, or the Overall Health of the Environment.
AI Generated..

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SHIPPING Swans by OverLand Mail or Air..
is VERY Risky..

People Experienced with Shipping Swans by Air or Land
have better Success then the Average Swan Owner.

Recently, GMA did Segments about Pets-Animals Shipped by Air.
How many Deaths Occur.. ESPECIALLY, in Hot Weather.

I want to WARN YOU… Summer is a TERRIBLE Time of Year to Ship Swans.
The Poor Animals that go by Air are put in Cargo Areas with little Temperature
or Air Quality Control.. In the Winter Temperatures may be below Freezing.

IF they go by U.S. Land Mail they are NOT in Temperature Controlled Trucks.
And, they are just a Box in the Back of the Trucks.

In Both Methods they may be Set Out in the Sun on
Concrete or Asphalt between Connections.
This is WHY we will NOT Ship or Fly Swans
that we Arrange Adoption for.

Shipping Mortality is HIGH during Summer Months..
Spring and Fall are the Safest Time to Ship – If you Do.

There are Private, Commercial WaterFowl Breeders across the United States.
These Folks have Experience with Sales and Shipping of their Birds.
Checking with them may will give you Tips to Improve the Safe Arrival of Birds.

Years ago, you could Purchase Insurance to Cover the Value of a Swan.
But, the Losses were TOO Frequent.
The Air Services Changed to just $100.00 for any Animal Loss.
Now I am not sure they will Insure at All.

** Express Mail – Insurance is for Damaged Container not the Swan.

It is JUST not Safe to Fly Swans.. the Containers are so Small.
If the Transport is Delayed they can be in Real Trouble – Stress – Panic.
The Risk is HIGH.. The Swan can become Terrified.. > > >No One to Comfort it !

With ALL Forms of Commercial Shipping there are Lots of Regulations to Observe.
Veterinary Health Check Certificates, some States require Vaccinations..

An Unacceptable Number of Swans and Cygnets DO NOT Arrive OK.
The Boxes-Container they are Shipped in are NOT Treated with Care.
The Shipping Companies – U.S.Postal or Air, etc. Do NOT take Responsibility.
An Injured or Dead Swans does NO One any Good..
Depending on the Time of Year.. Summer – Winter
The Risk is VERY High.. TOO HOT – TOO COLD.

It is NOT SAFE to Transport without Air Conditioning in HOT Weather.
The Swans need their Feet in Water to Regulate their Temperature.
When they are Stressed.. they can easily OVERHEAT..
Stress can Kill them.. BIG Problem with Birds in General.
Being Dehydrated and Overheated can cause Brain Damage.

It would be WISE to have an Agreement between the Seller
and the Buyer who will be Responsible for the Monetary Loss.

The Lives of these Precious Swans are Worth Transporting In Person.
Have your Swans Moved by Private Vehicle. Drive there.
You can Check on them.. Comfort them.. Provide Food and Water.
Make sure they are Traveling OK..

***********************************************
This is a Work In Progress
(c) Linda M.Sweger UpDated May 2025

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TUNDRA SWANS at Middle Creek MCWMA

April 22nd, 2018 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in TUNDRA Swan at MCWMA - (Comments Off)

TUNDRA SWANs
Formerly they were Called “Whistling Swans.”

Witness the Spring Waterfowl Migration
in South Central Pennsylvania.

PA Snow Geese Live WebCam – MCWMA
View this during the Day..

https://hdontap.com/index.php/video/stream/pennsylvania-snow-goose-migration-live-cam

Middle Creek WildLife Management Area
Where WILD TUNDRA SWANS & Snow Geese Fly Free.

Click Images to Enlarge

Middle Creek WildLife Management Area is a Unique Place to view
Several Thousand Tundra Swans while they stop and rest in Flocks
waiting for some Instinctive Signal that it is Time to Fly North,
back toward the Territories where they will start their Nesting Season.

From February through early March, as Large Migrating Flocks of Waterfowl
begin to Arrive at Middle Creek, you may hear Comments on the Local News
that the Snow Geese are at Middle Creek Wildlife Center. They often do not say much more..
They might show a quick Video Clip… of the Snow Geese.

It is TIME to Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission Website….
(Link Below) In Early February Middle Creek Staff start to Post
Estimated Bird Counts every few day.

They Mainly Count the Snow Geese, Tundra Swans and Canada Geese
until the Numbers Dwindle.. The Main Spring Migration Push may only last a few Days to Two-Three Weeks.
Every Year is Different..

This is a Tundra Swan..

There is a Yellow Spot between the Eye and their BLACK BEAK..
And they do look like they are Smiling.
Trumpeter Swans have Black Beaks, they do not have this Yellow Spot..
Both Species are Federally Protected Native Swans.

Middle Creek WildLife Management Area – MCWMA.
is In South Central Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County.
It is a Man made 380-Plus Acre Reservoir Impoundment
Constructed and Completed in the early 1970s.

Search : The Middle Creek Story
Pennsylvania Middle Creek WildLife Area History.
This Summary of MCWMA is Interesting.

For those who enjoy Bird Watching..
it is a Place to witness the Annual Spring Migration
of Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Canada Geese.. and many other Species of Hawks, Ducks and Birds.******

There are Resident Nesting Bald Eagles.

Middle Creek is a delightful place to spend a few hours on a Nice Day. A Visit is worth the Trip at least once in your Life.

The Displays of Snow Geese Air Dancing in Mass are Breathtaking.
Resident Bald Eagles Spook the Snow Geese into Flight.

The Visitors Center
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
All managed by the PA Game Commission.
Free to the Public.

The Visitor Center is Closed from Thanksgiving to February 1st.

State Game Lands Number 46
100 Museum Rd, Stevens, PA 17578

Phone: 1 ( 717 ) 733-1512******
******
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******

The Spring Migration Counts are Posted on the PAGC Middle Creek Webpage..
under the “WaterFowl Migration UpDate.”
The WebPage Posts a Summary of the Migration Activities.

Search for: Middle Creek Waterfowl Migration Update
The Site Link is Too Long.

Waterfowl Migration Update – PA.gov

The Estimated Counts for Snow Geese may be 20,000 to over 100,000…

The Counts for the Tundra Swans may be 500 to 5,000 or more.

A Rare Trumpeter Swan has been noted during the last few years.

There are flocks of Canadian Geese, and various other Migrating Birds.

We have been to MCWMA when there were Tundra Swan Counts
Averaging 4,000-7000…

TUNDRA SWANs – Cygnus columbianus
Formerly known as Whistling Swans
******

The Word TUNDRA means Barren Land.
The Alaskan and Canadian Tundra Regions are Areas of Extreme Climate.

There are year-round Frozen Grounds – Permafrost.

The Region is Treeless. The Growing Season is very short.The Winters are LONG and COLD.

Search: Tundra Landscape Pictures

Wildlife include: Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Assorted Ducks.
Caribou, Muskoxen, Barren-Ground Grizzly Bears.
There are Wolves, Foxes, Weasels, Ground Squirrels,
Arctic Hares and Lemmings. AND, Lots of Insects.

Tundra Swans Nest on Arctic Tundra Ponds, in Estuaries,
on some Inland Lakes and along Coastal Waters.

The Tundra Swans must Nest as early as Possible..
They only have time to Mature One Clutch of Eggs.
If this Clutch is Lost, there is not enough time for another.

There would not be enough Time for Late Cygnets to Develop and
be Ready to Migrate when the Tundra Swans must once again Fly South.

By early September the Cygnets must be Fully Feathered
and able to Fly well enough to Travel Hundreds to an Average
of a Thousand Miles with their Parents.

Cold and Starvation claim many young Tundra Cygnets.

The Major Fall Migration of Tundra Swan occurs more to the East
in late September to early November.

Ontario’s Long Point on the North Shore of Lake Erie,
is an important Spring and Autumn Migratory Staging Area
for the Eastern Population of Tundra Swans.

******

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******

******

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After Staging, they will fly Day and Night making a Non-Stop Migration
of almost a Thousand Miles to their Wintering Areas.
The Eastern Population will distribute down the Atlantic FlyWay
along the Eastern Shoreline from the Chesapeake Bay to Wetlands of the Carolinas.
Maybe a few through Eastern PA, not through Central PA.

The Parent Swans will take their growing Cygnets on their first Migration.
The Cygnets will have just One Round-Trip with their Parents to learn
the Migration Route and where to find the Foods they need to survive. Only the Healthiest Cygnets will complete Migration.
A Study found a 52 Percent Survival Rate for Tundra Swan Cygnets
during their First Migration.******
******

MIGRATION OF TUNDRA SWANs “Whistling” Swans
The Tundra Swans may fly Hundreds of Miles by Day and Night.
Depending on Headwinds or Tailwinds they will fly about 15 to 60 miles per hour.
The Long V Formations may be close to a Mile High in the Sky.

The Spring Migration is a little more Inland with Thousands moving
through Central Pennsylvania in February and March on their way back North
– up into the Canadian Tundra Regions.

There is a Lovely Video Summary of Tundra Swan Migration.
Search for:
Only the Strong Survive | National Geographic YouTube
National Geographic Sep 17, 2009

The Start of Migration Activity at Middle Creek makes me Hopeful
Milder Weather will begin in our Area after the Long Winter.
The Birds will Generally move North as the Waters they depend on are Thawing.
I always wonder – How do they know ??

Large Wedges of Tundra Swans may take Flight at SunSet heading North..
They will fly many Miles through the Dark of Night.

You may hear a Flock of Tundra Swans flying at Night as their Whistling Calls
Float through the Cool Air.******

To hear their Vocal Call … Check this Site – Link.
The CornellLab of Ornithology Page.. All About Birds
There is a Green Button to Activate the Tundra Swans’ Call.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tundra_Swan/sounds

If you have a bit of Luck and a Flashlight in hand..
Shine a Beam of Light up under the Swans as they move overhead.
It is a thrill to witness this Seasonal Nocturnal Event.
With Binoculars you may get to see Migrating Birds flying across the Moon.

At this Link you can HEAR the Tundra Swans in a Flock..
There is a VOCAL Strip to the Right of the Photos..
http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/tundra-swan#ad-image-0

800-1000 Miles is the Average Distance from Middle Creek
to their Tundra Nesting Regions. Taking Wing for their Home,
Tundra Swans will arrive by Mid-May..
The Parent Swans will arrive unaccompanied by last Year’s Young.******The Young Non-Breeding Swans will gather in Juvenile Groups and Flocks.
They are no longer Welcome to be with their Parents.

The Snow Geese will also fly North to the Arctic and Subarctic Regions
of North America where they will Nest during the Spring and Summer Months.
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When I first started to learn about Mute Swans..
the thought of Pinioning them was so sad..

To take their Flight Away..
The Freedom and Joy they must feel as they Fly Naturally About.
Swans Evolved to Float and Fly.

Now, I accept that to keep Mute Swans as Captive Pets,
to Minimize the Hazards of Wild Swans,
Pinion or at least Clipping is necessary for their Safety..

When we have a chance in February or March we head to
Middle Creek to see Wild Migrating Tundra Swans in Flight.
Federally Protected, Tundra Swans live Wild and Free.

Hunting Tundra or Trumpeter Swans is Prohibited in PA.
Sadly, that is not the same for Feral Mute Swans.

On a nice Weekend the Roads around Middle Creek are Jammed with Visitors
from all over the East Coast when the Migration is in Progress..
We watch for Fair Weather and visit during the Week.******Take Warm Clothing, Binoculars, Camera Equipment, Snacks.
It is Picnic/or Brown Bag only place.
Rest Rooms are in the Visitors Center..
There may be Port-a-Pots out at Willow Point. Seasonal..

The Main Public Road through the Management area,
Klinefeltersville Road is Open all Year..******
Millstone Road on the South Side of the Lake is also Open
with a Parking Area by the Lake.

There is a Walking Path, Willow Point Trail, to view areas of the 380 plus Acre Lake..
Great Viewing of the Snow Geese..******
The Walking Path to Willow Point is Paved
Strollers – Walkers – Wheel Chair Accessible.
It is 0.44 Mile from the Parking Lot to the Viewing Area.

During Late Fall through the Winter Months..
Willow Point Walking Trail may be Closed to the Public due to Hunting Season.

ALL the Roads around the Lake are OPEN most Years
from March 1st.. through September 15-30th.
Then Closed for the Winter Months.

The Best Time for us to Visit is usually after March 1st.

The Driving Tour Roads that run through the interior part of Middle Creek
are closed from September 15-30th to March 1st to all Traffic.
There is NO Foot or Bicycle Traffic allowed during this time.

The Driving Tour Roads Open on March 1st most years,
if the Weather Conditions are Acceptable.

This allows Visitors to drive around the MCWLA Reservoir Lake.
Several Parking Areas provide viewing from different angles to the Lake.
The Waterfowl will favor the areas of Open Water as the Lake is Thawing.

Check for any UpDates for the Tour Roads Opening.
Some years this may be delayed due to Snow on the Ground.
( They do not Plow this Road ) This would disturb the Birds… Respect the Restricted Area.

*** At SunRise there is increased activity as the Nocturnal
Traveling Flocks of Waterfowl arrive at Middle Creek Lake..

Large Flocks of the Waterfowl will spend time away
from the Middle Creek Reservoir Lake during the Day.

As you Drive around the Area you will see Flocks of Waterfowl
Grazing in Grain and Corn Fields and on Ponds of Local Farms.

The Birds will forage in Farm Fields, picking up Salvage Corn
and other Grains left after the Fall Harvest.
They may feed on Winter Grain Crops – Wheat, Rye and Barley.

Many Flocks will returning to the Middle Creek Lake around SunSet.

*** Late Afternoons toward SunSet, there are Flocks of Tundra Swans,
Snow Geese and Canada Geese taking off from the Lake and
heading North.. back toward their Northern Territories..***************************************

The Magic of this Spring Day just left on White Wings.
L.M.Sweger 2018

I Fix my Gaze on the Individual Swans as they move further away..
I want to hold these images in my Memories..
Magic is Flying Away.. They are going to their own Destiny.

Holding my Eyes on the Whole Flock…
With Each Rhythmic Motion of their huge strong Wings
they are lifting higher into the Colored Rays of the Setting Sun.

They will soon be the best Sight in the Late Afternoon Light..

I Wonder – How do they Know the Way.. ?
How do they Know when to Go…?
From here their Home is over 800 Miles North.

What Urge inside makes the First Swan get up and Run UP into the Sky.. ??
What Urge inside tells the Rest of the Flock to Follow.. ??

Distant Stars will Guide them on their Night Flight.
Miles and Miles and Miles.
The Warm Light of the Spring Moon will Chase them
through breaks in the Grey-Blue Clouds.

I am Grateful to have Experienced this Day.
– Linda M.Sweger

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WHEN MIGRATING WATERFOWL NEED OUR HELP

It is possible during the Early Spring you might see/find an Injured Tundra Swans.
Migrating Tundra Swans can get hit by Vehicles..
They may Fly into Power lines..
Resulting in burns, broken wings and legs..

Please Report Injured Tundra or Trumpeter Swans to the
PA Game Commission.. or a WildLife Rehab Rescue.

Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators pawr.com/

Most of the Injured Tundra Swans are taken to Tri-State Bird Rescue in Delaware..******
They will be Evaluated and Treated if there is hope for Recovery and Release.

There is NO Federal Program allowing Private Ownership of Tundra Swans.
It is illegal for a Private Person to have these Federally Protected Swans..

Properly Registered Pinioned Trumpeter Swans may be Privately Owned.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Wildlife Rescue Service
Address: 170 Possum Hollow Rd, Newark, DE 19711
Phone: 1 ( 302 ) 737-9543 https://tristatebird.org
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There is Magic in the Air.. Swans in Flight

3000 Tundra Swans arriving for the Night – Jan Harteman
in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, USA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAQoM-vm2x0

A Huge Flock of Tundra Swans taking off
Aylmer Wildlife Management Area Swans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6zXDldvZh4

Canadian Arctic Tundra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Arctic_tundra

******************************************************
We had this little extra:

One Evening, when there was a Cloudless, Clear, Colorless SunSet…
turning around toward the East, a Band of scattered Red Sunrays
formed a Pink Ribbon on the Horizon…

The Pink Band slowly rose higher into the Sky above
the Grey-Blue Shadow of the Earth as the Sun slipped further
below the Western Horizon.
This Pink Band is called the “Belt of Venus.”

******

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

******

******

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Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger Date April 2018
*************************************************

******

SWAN FEEDER – Aut-O-Dine 25 Adapted

December 12th, 2017 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swan Feeder - Aut-O-Dine 25 - (Comments Off)

SWAN FEEDER – Aut-O-Dine 25
Formerly Known as the “Blitz Dog Food Feeder”

Click Images to Enlarge

Our 2009 “Blitz” Feeder was by Blitz Pet Products. ( I think )

For a while these Feeders were made by Bergan Pet Products..
They were Renamed the “Aut-O-Dine 25” – for the Capacity.

Now Aut-O-Dine 25 Feeders are made by Coastal Pet Products.

We have had LOTs of Exposure to and Experience with these.
They are used by about 50 Percent of the Swan Ponds we know or Visit..

The Aut-O-Dine 25 – (Blitz Feeder) as used for Swans.
This is a GREAT Idea, that has some Design Flaws.
And they are NOT Trouble Free…
Because they are Dog Feeders Adapted for Swans.

If some of the information on this Page helps you Avoid
some of the Problems we have experienced – Great.
*******************************************
We purchased three when they were “Blitz” ( $75.00 each)
and at least 3-4 once Bergan LLC started to Make
these Feeders renamed Aut-O-Dine 25 ( $35-37.00 each)

In Dec. 2017 these are Manufactured by
Coastal Pet Products Address & Contact Information Below

I have Purchased them from Different Sources..
Mostly OnLine. Search for ( Aut-O-Dine 25 )

The Basic Design is very similar..
The BIG Difference is they are now MUCH Thinner.
***************************************************
I am adding Notes on the use of this Feeder all the time..
I WISH these were as Wonderful as they seem..
But, until there is a better alternative.. many try to adapt.
****************************************************
Swans NEED a Different Diet then Ducks and Geese.
Swans Should NOT have a HIGH Protein Diet.

https://swanlovers.net/category/feed-captive-swans/

When you have all Three Types of WaterFowl on your Pond/Lake
you NEED a Way to Provide your Swans a Healthy Feed Mixture.

A Pond with Assorted Domestic Ducks, Geese and Swans.

If Everyone could Relax and Sit with their Swans while they
SLOWLY Graze and Enjoy their Feed Mixture and Food Items..
Finding Another Way to Feed them would not be Necessary.

*******************************
Things We have learned over the Past 10-12 years…

These Feeders were not Meant to be Outside in the Weather.
This is a Semi-Permanent Mount. More Work to Move.

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

What you want this type of “Swan Feeder” to do:

Keep Feed Mixture Dry during Summer Months.. Less Spoilage.

Keep Rodents out of the Feed Mixture.

During Warm Weather Mice, Rats, Opossums, Raccoon, Squirrels, Little Birds, etc.
WILL Consider Open Containers of Feed Mixture a Snack Bowl.
Animal Saliva and POOP carry Diseases.

Keep Feed Mixture from Freezing during Damp Winter Months.

Keep Geese and Ducks from Raiding your Swans’ Feed.

Ducks and Geese are Gobblers.. they EAT Quickly and Move on.Swans are Grazer. They Like to Eat Slowly – Nibbling All Day.

It is more Natural for Swans to have Food-Feed Mixture
Available all through the Day Light Hours.

Works Best Mounted 15-18 Inches above Shallow Water.
Swans will Drop Part of the Dry Feed Mixture as they Eat.
Having Floating Pellets as Part of Mixture the Swans will be Able to Graze on them.
It is BEST to Feed your Swans in the Water.
They are Safer from being Stalked and Grabbed by a Predator..

Adjusted to a Height so Shortest Swans can Reach-In…
…So Ducks and Geese can not.

The Ducks and Geese will Happily Clean-up Dropped Feed.
You want the Shortest Swan/Cygnet to be able to reach.

Having the Feed OUT of Reach of the Wild Migrating Geese may
Discourage them from Hanging Around your Pond.
This may be a Temporary Problem during Annual Migration Seasons. You will NOT be Feeding ALL the Wild WaterFowl.

We often see the Swans trying to Chase the Geese away from their Food.
The Geese tend to Distract and Divide..
Sneaking in from Different Directions Grabbing the Food.
After a Short Time the Food-Feed is all Gone and the Swans did not get to Eat.

Migrating Birds, Ducks, Geese, etc…may Carry Diseases to your Pond.

Best if they just keep Moving to their Far Off Destinations.
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Putting Feed on the Ground is Difficult for Swans to Pick-up.
Plus they may “Choke” on Dry Feeds without Water Available.

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…

Supply Water with DRY Feed Mixtures.

Having Feed Mixture in a Contain is Better for them.

Grabby Ducks and Geese will OverWhelm the Swans.
Feeding Your Swans may take some Imagination so the Swans get ALL the Nutrients
and Calories they Need.
Try Different Feeding Ideas until you Find the One/Ones that Work the BEST for Your Swans.
*****************************************

Place this Feeder in a Location you can get to **SAFELY**during the Winter Months.

Consider the most Common Direction of the Rain in your Location.
Try to Place in a Semi-Shady Place.

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Before Installing – Check all the Feeder’s Surfaces:

Check the EDGE of the Push Door for Rough Spots..

Check the EDGE of the Feed Tray for Rough Spots.
An Emory Board will Smooth any Sharp Spots.

A Swan’s Beak is covered by a Dense Skin.. it Scratches.
It is not a HARD Horn like Surface.

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Mounted on a Round Pole makes it easier to Adjust the Height..
And Move the Unit from Left to Right.
BUT it is Difficult to Reinforce the Back on a Round Pole.

If during the Year the Water Level of your Pond Rises during Wet Weather and
the Water Level Drops during Dry Summer Months, you may want to Adjust the Feeder’s Height.

Mounted on a Square Wood Post: Not as easy to Adjust Height – more Permanent.
Mounted to a Free Standing Post… Difficult to keep Straight-Stable.

Mounted to a Solid Structure more Stable..
The Push Door Works Better.

On a Square Post Something can be put inside to help Support the Back
of the Container to keep it from Sagging when Filled..

I used a 6 x 10 x 3/4 inch Poly Vinyl Cutting Board.
I found this Perfect Size at a Restaurant Supply Store.

I found this Perfect Size at a Restaurant Supply Store.

* * * * * *DO NOT use Wood, it will become Moldy.
* * * * * *DO NOT use Metal, that will contaminate the Feed.
WaterFowl are Very Sensitive to Metal Poisoning.
******************************************
It is BEST NOT to Fill the Container.
Put enough in for maybe One-Two-Three Days at Most.

The Poly Vinyl Material is thin and the Container Sags if it is Filled.
Try Half-way or Less and Adjust as you see Fit.

**************
ALSO, when the Container is TOO FULL…
The Push Door has trouble – either NOT Opening.. OR, it Will NOT Close.

A Bathroom Brush is a Handy Tool to Clean the Feed Tray.

If the (Inside) Black Divide-Slide Plate gets off the “Nubs” – the Feeder Jams.

**************
These Feeders were Designed for Dog Food to be in an Inside area.
They are NOT WaterProof.

They Leak in many Places around the Lid and Into the Push Door.
Water/Rain can Spoil the Feed Mixture inside.

Check for Moldy, Clumped, Lumpy, Sour Smelling Feed.. DISCARD.

One Pond has mounted a Picnic Table Umbrella over theirs
to try to keep the Feed from getting Wet.

**************
When you First Install-Mount an Aut-O-Dine 25 Feeder for your Swans,
they may not know there is Feed inside.

It is Helpful to Tuck Romaine Lettuce Leaves in the Push Door.
The Sight of these Large Green Leafy Treats will Attract them.
The Swans will Find the Lettuce and Quickly Learn this is where to Find Food..

Once One Swans figures it Out, the Others
will be Watching and before Long it is being Used as you Planned.
Watch to be Sure all your Swans are able to Reach the Feed.
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We like to Put a Mixture of Floating WaterFowl Pellets and Whole Dry Corn in these Feeders.

The Dropped Pellets Float… and the Dropped Corn will Soften.
The Swans will get to Eat most of this Mixture..

Cute Little Ducks are Welcome to do the Clean-up.
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Another UNWELCOME Pond Creature
SNAPPING TURTLES
One BAD things, any Snapping Turtles will Quickly learn
there may be TidBits of Feed or Corn in this Location and Lurk there.

Snapping Turtle cause TERRIBLE Injuries to WaterFowl.
The Life of this Young Cygnet was Destroyed. Sadly Euthanized.

Try to REMOVE any Snappers.. In any way you find Acceptable.

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NOTE::: NOTE:::
If you see Muddy Foot Prints on the Feeder
YOU MAY have a Raccoon trying to get inside.

A Hungry Raccoon may Challenge your Swans for the Feed.
A Squirrel or Chipmunk may try Chewing into the Lid..
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The Swans dip their Beak into the Water with each Bite.
They get Dirty Pond Water into the Bottom of the Feed Tray Area.
The Feed gets Wet and Spoils or becomes Caked Solid … or Freezes.
Frequent Cleaning is needed to removed Nasty, Spoiled Feed.
Soured Feed can make your Swans SICK..

A Bathroom Brush is a Handy Tool to Clean the Feed Tray.
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HOT Summer Days.. Insects may lay Eggs in the Soft Warm, Damp Feed.
In Several Days there will be Maggots in the Feeder.. YUCK !!!
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So, One or Two Days of Feed is most Practical.
Check the Bottom inside the Push Door before you add Feed.

If it does get Lumpy-Wet-Smelly..
Toss that out into the Water for the Fish.. Or Discard-Toss Away..

ONE Thing we are trying is to put a Staggered Line of 1/4 Inch Holes in the Bottom
of the Tray to allow Drainage and some Air to Dry this Area.

This does not seem to make Much Differences.
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Make sure the Lid is “Snapped on Snug” after Filling.
NOTE::::
The Top/Lid comes off TOO Easily and can Blow Out into the Pond..
They seem to Sink out of Sight.
There is NOTHING that Connects the Lid to the Unit.

Consider some type of Attachment for the Lid.
Maybe something like a Short Length of Picture Frame Wire
threaded through the Top and the Unit.. with Knots inside.

I have seen a Brick placed on the Top of One and a Chunk of Wood on Another
to keep the Lid on. This is RISKY… The Brick or Wood could Fall on a Swan’s Head.

Bungees are Frequently Wrapped around the Entire Feeder-Lid.

>>>> This is a Very Nicely Attached Lid.. Very Nice Jim.

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If the Lid is Lost during the First 12 Months..
Coastal Pet Products has been good about Replacing the Lid..

NO Longer Made by Bergan Pet Products..
NOW Coastal Pet Products, Inc. As of Dec. 2017
(“BLITZ) – Aut-O-Dine 25 Feeder Used for Swans.
www.Coastalpet.com 1 (800) 321-0248
Customer Service – Debbie Ext. 356 (Dec 2017)
Toll Free Phone Number: 1 (866) 217-9607
Mailing Address: 911 Leadway Ave. Alliance OH 44601

You can arrange for Replacement Parts through Coastal Pet Products.

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The Aut-O-Dine 25 can be found Online on various Websites.
Cost and Shipping varies.
If Purchased from an ONLine Store… and Shipped.
*** When the Box arrives Check the Unit for any Damage or Defects.

We have receive Two Feeders that had broken Lids.

I called the Manufacturer, sent Photo Images.. Both Lids were Replaced..
and they sent a Replacement -No Charge.. Warranty is One Year.

One Feeder was Crushed in Shipment and replaced NO Question.
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Our Tractor Supply has these (Dog) Feeders available.
If you purchase a Unit from Tractor Supply or from an OnLine Store…
if it has defects or damage.. You may need to return it to that Store..

OR… first Call Coastal Pet Products,
they may help you if the Unit was Damaged when you Opened the Box.

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Available From Stromberg’s Catalog “Chicks & Gamebirds Unlimited.”
Price Varies Year to Year.

Stromberg’s Chicks & Gamebirds Unlimited
P.O.Box 400 Pine River, MN 56474

Call Toll Free: 1 (800) 720-1134
Order OnLine at: www.strombergschickens.com
Phone: 1 (218) 587-2222 FAX: 1 (218) 587-4230

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If you Find Ways to Improve the Function of this Feeder..
Please Share… We Learn from each other.

If You have any Questions.. I will be Happy to Share Ideas..
Thanks, PA SwanLover Linda
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This Information is a Work in Progress…..
As I learn more I will add to this Page…
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Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDates Date NOVEMBER 2021

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Common Swan Injuries

March 15th, 2017 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Common Swan Injuries - (Comments Off)

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 Problems

March 15th, 2017 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Common Swan Problems - (Comments Off)

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 LadyNerkle1 in Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan - (Comments Off)

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..

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.”

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.

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.

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..

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.

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..

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.

The Chasing Begins.. An Established Mature Cob and some Pens,
will let the Trespassing Geese know they are NOT Welcome.

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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