November 23rd, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in The White Bag Effect - (Comments Off on The White Bag Effect)
As We Visit and Work with Swans, We have Observed how Visual they are. They are Creatures of Habit. We take their Vegetable and Treats to their Ponds in White Grocery Bags.
“THE WHITE BAG EFFECT”
The Swans will Follow “The White Bags.”
When the Swans see “The WHITE BAGS” from a Distance They Head Toward Us for their Treats and to Visit with Us. Click Images to Enlarge
We would get Discard Vegetables from a Local Restaurant Kitchen. I Sorted the Lettuce Greens into the White Plastic Grocery Store Bags. “The White Bag Effect” is Fun ! Here they Come ! ******************************************
“The White Bags” help us Develop Trust. Sitting Quietly with “The White Bag” Visible.The Swans Know there are Yummy Greens in “The White Bags.” The Swans May NOT Recognize our Clothing.. but Always “The White Bags.” *********************************************************************
WE NEVER TAKE TWIST TIES or PLASTIC CLOSURES for BREAD BAGS to the Pond Area. NO Rubber Bands or Styrofoam.. NO BOTTLE CAPS or SODA TABS.
Anything Foreign that a Swan Swallows will Stay in their Gizzard.. Indigestible.. Obstructive.
BE VERY CAREFUL to Collect any Metal if you are doing any Construction Projects. WaterFowl will Pick-up and Swallow Screws, Nails, Nuts, Bolts, etc. SWANs Die from Thing that get Stuck In or Puncture their Throat or Gizzard…. The Term for this is “Hardware Disease.” Be Careful with Coins, Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, etc. We want the Treats we Bring for the Swans to be Safe.
The Swans see “The White Bags” and Come for their Treats. When the Swans see our Van, they know we have Greens and Treats. We had the Privilege of Visiting this Mute Swan Family Once a Week. They All Got to Know there were Yummy Lettuce Greens in “The White Bags.” There are Yummy SALAD Greens for All. This Conditioning HELPED when it was Time to Catch the Cygnets. The WHOLE Swan Family would Routinely Walk into the Catch Fencing. We Used “The White Bag” Conditioning all Summer. *********************************************************
One Young Swan was Sitting on the Other Side of this Large Pond. She did not Come Over when we Stopped to Visit.
I took a White Bag of Greens Out of our Van. As soon as she Saw “The White Bag,” she Headed Over to Join her Companion Swan.
Other Vehicles that Stopped – Did Not have “The White Bags.” We had “Victoria” with us for Several Weeks. *********************************************************
The Ducks, Geese and Swans will Follow Whoever has “The White Bag.”
Swans Follow “The Lettuce Man.” ************************************************************
Rob became the “Pied Piper of Lettuce.” DO NOT Take “The White Bags” to Visit Swans during their Mating and Nesting Time. “The White Bags” will cause the Male Swans to CHASE You. Try to Use the Beige or Grey Bags.
Their Hormonal Aggressive Behavior is Triggered by WHITE.
Once Nesting Season is Over – “The White Bags” are OK Again. *****************************************************
From Way Across the Lawn – “The White Bags” are Visible.
The Best Part of my Day is Spent with the Swans.
“It is a Good Day when I have Swan Poop on my Shoes.” ********************************
Some Swan Cygnets Would Get VERY Excited for the Lettuce. I had to be Careful they were NOT Pulling “The White Bags” Apart. Most Swans and Cygnets LOVE Lettuce. We did “Lettuce Drops” with any Extra Lettuce we get. We Enjoy Visiting all the Swans and Cygnets we Live Near.
******************************************************** This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated June 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
November 23rd, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans Are Vegetarians - (Comments Off on Swans Are Vegetarians)
To Provide a Healthy Diet for your Swans you need to Think Vegetables. 80 % of their Natural Diet is Plant Material.
SWANS ARE VEGETARIANS.
To Enlarge Images – Right Click Image then Open in a New Tab.
You are the BEST Person to Ensure your Swans receive a Healthy Diet. When you Care for “Captive” Swans they Depend on YOU !!!
Giving Swans Plenty of Variety in their Diet can Help Reduce the Possibility of Boredom and Increases their Happiness and Overall Quality of Life.
If Mute Swans were Living in the Wild, they would have a Feeding Range of 3-5 Square Miles to Find what Foods their Bodies Require to be Healthy.
Wild Tundra and Trumpeter Swans Migrate Hundreds to Thousands of Miles Annually… They will have a Wide Variety of Plants and Insects to Graze on.
Mute Swans are NOT Migratory Birds. They do NOT Migrate.
All the Summer Plants they Feed on are Unavailable for Months.
Swans Living on Natural Fresh Water Rivers/Creeks/Ponds/Lakes will Typically Eat Pond Weeds, Duckweed, Stonewort and Wigeon Grass, some Algae as well as Tadpoles, Worms, Slugs and a WIDE Variety of Insects.
Due to Organic Excess, Some Ponds have Lots of DuckWeed.
DuckWeed is a Great Natural Floating Food..
Swans will Learn where to Find their Favorite Underwater Plants.
A Pond with Natural Underwater Plants will be Grazed on ALL Day. There will be Insects and Underwater Critters that will Help provide Natural Protein and Calcium.
Once we Pinion or Clip to Ground a Swan, they are “Captive” for us to Enjoy. They are Classified in most U.S. States as “Captive Exotic Poultry.” PETs !
These Young Swan Cygnets Depend on us to Help them have the Nutrients that their Bodies need to be Healthy.
Healthy Swans may Live 20-30+ Years.
The Oldest Known Swan was a Male Mute in England, that Lived to 104 Years.
The Grain-Poultry Feed Mixture Adds Nutrients that a Pond may not Provide.
With the Pond Plants, Lawn Grass and Poultry Feed Mixture Swans will do nicely.
If Grassy Lawns that Surround a Pond are Treated with Weed and Insect Control Products and the Chemicals Run/Drain into the Pond they WILL Affect the Natural Pond Environment. There may be VERY Few Under Water Plants and Few Insects. This is Typical of Golf Courses, Hotel Grounds, College Campuses, Some Public Park Ponds and many Private Lawns.
Many Pond Owners Love having the Colorful KOI Fish in the Waters.
A Large School of ANY Species of Fish – KOI – Carp – Bass – Trout – Blue Gill…ETC. Will Consume their Share of the UnderWater Plants.. They Need to EAT Also.
If you use Lawn Care Service or Treat your Lawn.. OR have a Large School of Fish… (-; Check what is Growing in your Pond.
Sweep Down in the Water 2 – 3 Feet with a Garden Rake or Cultivator. Are you Snapping Under Water Plants.
Putting Vegetables, Grains, Cut Grasses into or onto your Pond May cause Obstruction where your Pond Drains.
This Material may Collect where you have a Pump Filter.
Start with Small Amounts, try Different Areas until you know want Works Best for your Swans and their Water Environment.
If Free Floating Vegetable Cause a Problem at your Spillway.. Put their Vegetables in a Weighted Basket or Handle-less Bucket.
With the Lush Summer Lawn Grasses to Graze on..
Watch for Under Chin-Tongue Impactions.. Short Cut Grass is a Common Culprit..
Swans Enjoy the Tender Grass Growth.. If you Only Mow 1/3 of the Grass along the Pond each Week. Leaving 2 Areas Grow.. Five to Six Feet along the Pond Edges. Then the Next Week, Mow a different Area.. (Rotating) There will be Some Longer Grass Blades for the Swans to Graze on.
Plus the Longer Grasses will have more Insects for them to Munch on. ….. (-; (-: (-; (-:
The Swans will Enjoy seeing you Stop by their Water Environment to Visit, when you have Vegetables for them.
ADDING Vegetables, Especially during Cold Weather Months will Add to the Swans’ Overall Healthy Diet.
Hand Feeding your Swans is a Nice Activity.. It Socializes the Swans.
With the Young Female Below – We Needed to ReEstablish Trust.. YEAH ! She Loves Lettuce.
Hand Feeding our Rescued Swans and Cygnets Helped to Socialize them.
When you are Feeding your Swans, Give the First Treat to the Pen, then the Cob and then the Remaining Swans/Cygnets.
I Cut – Shred – Chop – Enough Vegetable Mix for Several Day.
Most Lettuce and Vegetable come from the Western States… During the Summer Garden Vegetables may come from Outside the USA. Listen for any Warning or ReCalls for Contaminated Vegetables & Fruit.
SWANs LOVE Vegetables…
WE DO NOT Purchase ORGANIC Vegetable or Fruit..
Vegetables Allowed to Float Out on their Pond.. the Swans can Graze at Will. Remember Carrots SINK… Put them in Shallow Water.
Our Sweet “Spring” LOVED Radishes.. She would Eat as many as she Could Find.
We had an Arrangement with a Local Country Club. Their Kitchen would Save their Discard Vegetables for us.
We Stopped in Once or Twice a Week. This Saved them BIG Bags of Discard Vegetables going to the Landfill.
AND, our Swans EAT Very Well.. (-;
“Thank You” – to the WSCC Kitchen Staff.
If you can make an Arrangement with a Restaurant, Farmers Market Vegetable Vendor, Grocery Store Salad Bar, etc., you will Save Money and You will have Happy Swans.
Swans ENJOY Assorted Vegetables. They do not need Vegetables Everyday. But are Happy for them.
DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MOLDY VEGETABLES.
MOLDs May Contain Toxins that will Make your Swans VERY Sick.
Vegetables help add Fiber to their Intestinal Tract during the Winter.
Most Swans will Instinctively KNOW Lettuce is GOOD to Eat.
When you are Preparing a Salad for your Dinner, Save the Trimming that you would Normally Toss..
Vegetables are more Beneficial in the Cold Winter Months when Water Plants and Grasses are Dormant.
Remember Swans DO NOT have Teeth. Chop or Slice Firm Root Vegetables THIN.
I do not..Buying Organic Vegetables.. These Swans are Swimming Water and Eating Muddy Critters.. The Important thing to do for them is to keep their Liver Health.
A Proper Protein Diet will help to keep their Liver Healthy.. 8-10 Percent.. Apple.. I do not buy Organic Apples.. I Wash them.. Cut into Various Size Pieces.. Float them on the Pond..
If there are Apple Trees that are NOT Sprayed.. I will Gather Apples off the Ground.. Check them for any Mold or Bees or Hornets.. Break the Skin and Toss them into the Pond.. The Seed Generally Fall Away.
Cut into Small Pieces: Carrots, Radishes, Cucumbers and their Peels. I Like to Chop Enough for Several Day.. Bag..Ready to Go.
The White Cabbage Leaves Sliced into Thin Strips.. The Outside Dark Green Cabbage Leaves are too Tough.
The Yellow-Green Leaves of Celery might be Eaten. Some Swans Love Kale & Spinach.
Swans may Eat Steamed Leftovers Vegetables like Corn, Green Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower & Broccoli.
Cut a Few Seedless Grapes in Half. Strawberry Caps left close to the Water’s Edge.. Some Swans like Watermelon in the Rind Floating out on the Pond.
Sweet Fruits Fallen from Trees may Attract Bees and Hornets… Discard them so Swans will NOT be Stung !!
Swans LOVE APPLEs……
Cut Unpeeled Apples into Quarters or Slices for Adult Swans.. Chopped for Cygnets. Swans can NOT Bite into a Whole Apple.
If you have Apple Trees (Untreated) Toss a few Fallen Apples onto the Pond. Break them Open First, the Swans can not Bite a Whole Round Apple.
If there are Fish in your Pond that Eat the Vegetables..
If you Give your Swans Cherries or Peaches.. REMOVE the PITs. Large Fruit Pits will take a VERY Long Time to Break Down and Pass Through the Gizzard. They may Irrate the Gizzard Muscles.
Plus Cherry, Peach and Apricot Pits also contain Amygdalin ( A Form of Cyanide ). The Fruit Flesh is Safe to Eat.
In the Water most Apple Seeds will Fall Away. If the Swans Swallow the Seeds of Apples NO WORRIES. Apple Seeds have a Hard Protective Shell that Seals the Amygdalin inside ( a Form of Cyanide ). The Seeds will pass through their Digestive System without Releasing Harmful Amounts of this Compound.
Try Putting the Veggies into a Stone Weighted Basket in Shallow Water.
After 24 Hours, Dump and let the Fish have them..
Watch which Vegetables/Foods Float and which SINK.
Place Vegetable that SINK.. like Thin Slices of Carrot in Shallow Water.
Whole Dry Corn is a Favorite Sprinkled into Shallow Water. Whole Dried Corn will Soften a bit in the Water.. Swans seem to like it Soaked in the Water for a few Minutes.
The Bright Yellow Flowers and Leaves of Dandelions are a Welcome Treat !
Romaine Lettuce contains the Minerals Manganese, Chromium, Potassium, Molybdenum, Iron, Calcium and Phosphorous. The Fiber in Romaine Lettuce helps keep the Swans’ Colon Healthy.
Bottom Line – Romaine Lettuce Contributes to a Healthy Diet for Swans.
Occasionally, we Mixed some Drained Tuna Juice/Oil onto the Lettuce. THAT was a BIG Hit.. The Swans Really Enjoy the Fishy Taste..
Iceberg Lettuce – Crispy, Watery Green Leaves in a Tight Ball… Iceberg Lettuce has little Nutritional Value. But, they Love it.
SO…. Romaine for a Healthy Diet… Iceberg for Fun !
Swans will Eat EVERY Bit of Salad Greens Tossed to them.
Toss a Whole Head of Iceberg onto their Pond, the Swans will Take Turns Biting “The Ball”.
“Lettuce Play”“Let-Us-Play.”
If you like Special Types of Lettuce and what you Purchased will not be used by your Family, OR you have More then you will Eat. It is Worth a try, rather then Discarding the Excess, Butter Head, Boston and Bibb Lettuces Swans will Eat these.. Plus Leaf Lettuces – Green Leaf and Red Leaf.
Leafy Vegetables like Arugula, Spinach and Watercress add Variety. Swiss Chard Leaves were a Big Hit.. Collard Greens not so much..
Lettuce is One Food that Pesticide Residues is Commonly Found.
Virtually all Drinking Water in the U.S. contains Pesticide Residues. Pesticides are Present in most Food in Very Small Trace Amounts. The Negative Impact on our Health is Well Documented. The Liver’s Ability to Process Toxins, the Body Cells’ Ability to Produce Energy and the Nerves’ Ability to Send Messages can all be Compromised by Pesticide Exposure.
It is IMPORTANT to Protect your Swans’ Liver.. by Feeding them Safely.
REMEMBER Swans NEED a Lower Protein Diet.. to Protect their Liver. Then they will be Able to DeTox what they Drink and Ingest. A Diet High in Protein will cause Fatty Liver Disease and GREATLY Shorten your Swans’ Lives.
Swans with Fatty Liver Disease – Lipidosis look Full Body and Healthy. But, they are Developing High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease.. They may Suddenly, Without Warning Die of a Stroke, Heart or Renal Failure.
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The Images here have Mainly the Vegetables we have Shared with our Swans. ******************************** The Large Crisp Romaine Leaves are Nice for Hand Feeding your Swans. It is Relaxing to Spend Time with Swans..
Feeding them should be Beneficial for both the Swans and their Care Takers.
Feeding Swans on the Ground is Environmentally Unsound and Encourages the Swans to Leave their Water.
Food left laying on the Ground may Develop MOLD which can be FATAL to the Swans. BEST to Keep all Food Item at least along the Water’s Edge.
Placing Any Food in the Water Close to the Water’s Edge Allows the Swans to see the Foods that Sink (Corn/Carrots)…
and there is Less Chance they will be Surprised by a Snapping Turtle.
Fish and Harmless Turtles will get to know where you Commonly Feed the Swans and will often Wait Close by to Clean up the Leftovers.
This is helpful, there is Nothing left to Sour or Rot.
WE DO NOT FEED OUR SWANS OUT of their WATER/Pond.
We Find Ways to Place ALL their Food in their Water.
If Swans have to Leave their Water to Eat they become Vulnerable to Predators, Dogs, Cats, People. Swans in the Water are SAFER. It is also more Natural for them.
Feeding from Containers is a Challenge where the Water Level Changes Quickly. Be CREATIVE !
Swan Folks in our Network have Shared some of their Feeding Ideas.
DO NOT Place Feed Containers on HOT Surfaces. Remember, in the Summer many Surfaces GET HOT!! A Swan’s BIG Flat Feet may BURN and BLISTER…NOT GOOD !!
In the Bitter Cold Days of Winter, a Swan’s WET Feet can stick to Icy Surfaces.. just like our Skin would. Swan are Safest in Liquid Water.
Occasionally, I have Frozen Chopped Veggies into a Mold for a Hot Day Treat.
By the End of October there will be Very Little for the Swans to Eat in the River/Lakes/Ponds/Creeks of Pennsylvania. Most Underwater Vegetation will become Dormant for the Winter Months.
There is VERY Little in Pennsylvania for Swans to Eat from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day. Five LONG Months…
I have Observed Swans TRYING to Eat the Dark, Decaying Remains of Underwater Plant Material. YUCK! Black, Slimy, Decaying Leaves YUCK ! Anything for a few Calories.
Captive Swans need Supplemental Feeding to Remain Healthy.
A Female Swan will Produce a Healthier Clutch of Eggs if she has “Greens” through the Winter Months.
If you can SAFELY Place Lettuce and Vegetable out on an Icy Ledge.. the Swans ENJOY this as a Salad Bar.
Swans will Need Time to Adjust to New Foods offered, and may Eat different items in the Winter and the Summer. Example: Celery Leaves seem to be an Acquired Taste. Once they are Exposed a Few Time most Swans Enjoy the Tender Yellow-Green Leaves.
Each Swan has Foods they Likes and Dislikes, just like People.
You will get to know what will just be Wasted. Try Small Amounts of a New Food for a Week or Two and Observe what is Eaten.
Once they Eat their Vegetables….
Your Swans will Enjoy a FEW Treats.
Swans will Eat their Favorite Foods first.. Keep “Treats” from becoming their Primary Nutrition.
GOOD Snacks/Treats are Whole Grain Cereal. A Cup of Plain Cheerios, Kix or Plain Corn Flakes, Bran Flakes Occasionally, will be Enjoyed. Avoid Yeast and Colored Dyes that many Cereals have.
We gave our Swans a few One Inch Squares of Honey Graham Crackers.
These have NO Yeast and they Float.. and can be Frisbeed Out to the Swans.
When Tossing Treats to Swans… Toss to the Dominate Female first. Then to the Dominate Male… They will Take Turns. Many Swans will Snort “Thank You” for Food and Treats.
********************************* FOOD TO AVOID – DO NOT FEED TO WATERFOWL
NO ONIONS, Garlic, Mushrooms or Avocados.. NO TOMATO or POTATO Plant Materials These Plants are Members of the Night Shade Family. These will Upset a Swan’s Stomach..
Avoid Salty Foods. Avoid Sugary Foods. Little or NO BREAD, Crackers, Chips or Pop Corn.. NO Meat or Dairy..
******************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ******************************************************** This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger UpDated NOVEMBER 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
OPEN WATER DURING WINTER MONTHS IS VERY IMPORTANT WHEN CARING FOR SWANS.
There are various ways to keep a “WINTER WAKE” for your Waterfowl. A Submersible Pump in a Tub may be Effective in your Water Environment.
Click to Enlarge Images
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USING A SUBMERSIBLE PUMP IN A TUB TO MAINTAIN A “WINTER WAKE.”
Winter Water Wake.. Keeping Water Moving and Mixing to Prevent Freezing.
Every Water Environment is different. Some Ponds have Open Water Areas all Year Round. Even in the Coldest Weather. These are Lucky Folks.
For Ponds that will Naturally Freeze during Winter Months, the Addition of some type of DeIcing Equipment is Necessary.
Waterfowl in Liquid Water are Safer from Predators and the Winter Cold.
***** When there is a Chill in the Air.. It is TIME to Plan for Winter.
This Topic Page is about our Experience During the Winter of 2015-2016.
“Jack Frost” Visits the Pond.
In Pennsylvania we might need DeIcing by mid-November. At least for some Nights when the Temperatures drop below Freezing.
The last several Winters have had some VERY Cold Periods.
We have our Swans on a Lovely Pond that will Naturally Freeze over during the Winter. We need to be sure our Swans have a SAFE Place to stay in their Pond.
And Open Water by their Feeder, so they can continue to Eat while in the Water.
We used a Circulating Air-O-Lator in Past Winters. The Circulating Aeration Systems are OUT in the Deeper Areas of the Pond..
If the Fan Motor STOPs Working, we have found they are TOO Difficult to Service when the Pond is COLD and Frozen.
*************************************** This Winter (2015-2016) we are Going to Use a Submersible Pump in a Large Vinyl Tub.
This Set-Up will be in the Shallow Area of the Pond by the Dock.
If this works the way we plan, Open Water will extend way out into the Pond.
For Using a Submersible Pump In the Pond for the Winter.
There are Different Brands of Submersible Pumps. Different Stores – Different Prices… Check Reviews.
I Found a Country Line Submersible Pump. Country Line Submersible Pump (NOT Sump Pump)
Country Line Submersible Pump was Available at Tractor Supply.
The way the Covered Electric Box came (with Four-Outlets) it is not Large enough for the ThermoCube to fit inside properly. The ThermoCube Strip would stick out the Side..
The Electrician ordered a different Outlet for inside. We will only have a two Plug Outlet centered in the Box.
Ours is Modified for a GFCI Outlet. The GFCI will protect the Swans from any Errant Current into the Water if there is a Crack in the Pump’s Electric Cord.
Being Outside near Water.. the Dew, Fog and Rain will cause Dampness, and the GFCI may “Trip”..
A Good Reason for the LED Light as an Indicator > > > to see if the Electric is Turned ON. Not all “Cute” Night Light Fit in the Covered Electric Box.. ************ If you need to use Extension Cords – Run this through PVC Conduit. Be SURE your Cords are Safe for OutDoor Use. DO NOT PLACE PLUG CONNECTIONS IN THE WATER ! !
A Submersible Pump (NOT a SUMP Pump). Cost about $90.00. Total for all Equipment about $200.00 We bought One Extra Submersible Pump as a “Quick Change Spare”..
The Submersible Pump NEEDs to be in a LARGE Flat Bottom TUB… It CAN NOT sit on the Bottom of the Pond.
We are not going to put Holes in the Tub AS LONG AS the Water Flow into the Tub is OK.. I want to Prevent as much Silt from entering the Pump as possible.
The Pump Filter Screen will NEED to be Cleaned of Debris if it Collects any Leaves/Twigs/Dirt. The Open Water Area will become Smaller if the Intake Screen becomes Clogged. Pull the Pump-Tub Up and Clean the Intake Screen. “Brushes.”
Try to put any Cords or Cables in Polyvinyl Conduit (cheap).. to protect these from Animals/Birds (Swans) Chewing Holes in the Cords.
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The Swans will Pick and Chew at Rope, Cords, Electric Cables, etc.
From Past Experiences, I know our Swans will Chew any Type of Rope/Line/Cord we put in their Pond.
The Muck Bucket Tub will sit on the Bottom of the Pond in at least 24 Inches of Water. A Cheap Muck Bucket BROKE in a few Days. A GOOD Heavy Duty Muck Tub is worth the Extra Expense.
The Weight of the Pump is Sufficient to keep the Tub down on the Bottom..
I want some Extra Support around the Tub, so it will not Collapse when we pull it in to Clean the Intake Screen.
We are going to use a Stainless Steel Chain through a length of Vinyl Tubing thread through Holes in the “Muck Bucket Tub” Rim to attach our Set-up to the Dock.
We pulled the Tub UP several time and the Hose Covered Chain did Support the Tub as the Water Drained OUT.
I was hoping to Thread the Stainless Chain through an Old Section of Hose.. Nope ! ! The Chain is too Big…. So, I had to Slit the Hose for now..
Once I decide if this is a good way to Support the Tub… I might get some PVC/Vinyl Tubing large enough to Thread the Chain through. We might Adjust the Chain Connections after we use it a bit.
We are going to Watch for ANYTHING that might be a Tangle Hazard, And modify where needed… ************ The Water level is only 24 inches in front of this Dock.. We plan to start using the Submersible Pump without the Extension Hose.
Our Swan Friend at the “Country Music Pond”.. just lets their Pump Run without a Hose attached. His Set-up is about 5 feet down.. off their Dock.. Impressive Results.
It keeps about 1/4 to 1/3 Acre of their Pond Free of Ice.
So we will see how much Benefit we get without the Hose.
If we put the Hose on and Run it out into the Pond, the Dock Area might not get enough Circulation to Prevent Freezing.
We are going to… Try This, Try That. Work in Progress. *************
If our Open Water Area is not as Large as we hope it will be, we might use a length of Garden Hose running out 5 to 8 feet toward the Main Pond Body. We will be doing some Trials to get this to Work, Cutting the Hose until it Works the way we want.
We will use the Female End of a Hose Repair Kit on the Hose to Attach to the Pump Discharge.
The Force of the Water Discharge is apparently Strong.. A Garden Hose might Float and Whip around. To Weight the Hose (If we use this ??? ) and to keep the Hose from “Whipping” around, I Purchased a 10 Foot Length of Stainless Electrical Pipe.. Not very Heavy.. $6.50
We had the Pipe Cut into several Sections: (1) 4 Foot, (1) 3 Foot, (2) 1- 1/2 Foot Pieces.
We will thread the Pipe Sections as Needed on the Hose and use the Male End of the Hose Repair Kit as a Stop to keep the Pipe Sections on.
To Extend the Water Flow out into the Pond, it might work better with Plumbing PVC Pipes.. with some gentle angles to Direct the Water Flow out toward the Open Pond.
Our Pond Friend knows how to Heat and Bend these PVC Pipes.. I KNOW Nothing about Plumbing, so here I am a Blank Slate. IF this is used, I will add images.
************ The “Thermo Cube Outlet”.. Is Temperature Sensitive.. Model TC-3 Turns the Electric ON at 35 Degrees.. and OFF at 45 Degrees.. The Pump will only Work when Needed.
Check Frequently that the Thermo Cube is Working. They are NOT Dependable.
Thermo Cube By Farm Innovator: I Purchased on OnLine.. Also, Found the ThermoCube at our local Home Depot. These may be available at other Hardware Supply Stores, Animal Feed Suppliers – Like Tractor Supply. ?? Check.
Plugging in a LED Nightlight will let us know from a Distance when the Electric is ON or if the GFCI NEEDs to be Re-Set. Optional. We will know the ThermoCube is Working if the Light is ON.
Some Winters are Mild and DeIcing may not be Needed. Some Winters are LONG and COLD, DeIcing is Needed. We are Ready to see how this Set-Up Works.
We put our Set-Up in the Pond in Late October. Turned it ON and WATCHED… ************ The Swans STARTED to Alarm ! ! >>> Something NEW in THEIR POND..
But, they did come over to see what was in THEIR Pond. Since we were there, they Quickly Realized there was no Danger.
The Pump will be Turned ON for a Few Minutes a Day, while Feeding the Swans. This way they will become Familiar with the Pump Noise and Water Current Near their Feed Station.
*****
Observing the Ripples move across the Pond, it looks like a Nice Size Area will remain Ice-Free. Min-Max Thermometer with Magnet.
Our Local Weather Station Forecasts the Average High and Low Temperature for the Day in our General Area. The Temperature by a Rural Pond at Night may be several Degrees different.
It is nice to get an Idea when the Submersible Pump will be needed.
We placed a Min-Max Thermometer on the Shady Side of a Sturdy Post. The Electric Supply to the Pump can remain OFF until the Pond has a Potential of Ice Forming.
Mid-January 2016 It is Finally becoming Frigid at Night. Days are Colder also. The Pump is Running 24/7 now.
We are NOT Sure we can depend on the ThermoCube to Turn ON. The Pond Water is Ice-Free approximately 80-90 Feet out to the Island. Colder Winter Weeks are due during the Remainder of January and February.
After Eight Winters Caring for Swans, I am still AMAZED how well they do in the ICY-Open Water.
Winter is Getting into the COLD Months… It is Mid-January.
Images are from 2014 – 2015 – 2016 Two Swan Ponds. This is the Deep End of the Pond.
*****Above the Open Water Area is Shrinking… TIME TO CLEAN the PUMP.
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MID-MARCH Snow and Ice Linger… Warmer Days are Coming.
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UPDATE March 2016
We got our Swans through the Winter.. Reasonable Open Water as long as the Pump was Clean and Running..
But, this Submersible Pump Set-up was MORE WORK for Everyone then we expected.
Every Pond is different.. Our Friends at the “Country Music Pond” Only Needed to Clean their Pump Occasionally during the Four Winter Months..
Their Dock and Pump are at the Opposite End of the Pond from the Water In-Flow.
There was ONE Frigid Night the Young Males PULLED the Electric Plug OUT of the Socket. Their Pond was Totally Frozen by Morning. Only Once. ****** Our Submersible Pump Set-up is in Shallow Water by the Dock-Feeder. This is the Location where several Fields Drain into the Pond. The Rain and Snow-Melt carried lots of Silt, Twigs, Leaves, etc. into the Pond close to the Tub-Pump. The Debris Floated into the Tub and Collected on the Pump Debris Screen. All this Junk NEEDED to be Cleaned FREQUENTLY. Not much Fun on Cold Winter Days.
WE are going to look into a Different Type of DeIcing for the Pond Next Winter. It was Worth a Try… We Learned what Did NOT Work Well.
This is a Exit Drainage Flow Stream at a Golf Course.. Easy to See it would have LOTs of Debris if Flowing into the Pond. *******************************************
Hopefully, you will get the idea.. It is Try This – Try That. Get to Know “The Ins and Outs” of your Water Environment..
ANOTHER LONG WINTER IS FINALLY OVER ! !
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& This Information is a Work in Progress….. As I learn more I will add to this information.. Compiled by (C) L.M.Sweger >>> UpDated MARCH 2021 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
January 31st, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Swans Death Necropsy - (Comments Off on Swan Death Necropsy)
IN THE SAD EVENT YOUR SWAN HAS DIED
OH NO ! ! WHAT Happened ! ! WHAT Happened ! !
This is a Topic that is also Important.. but, not the Fun Part of what I do…
As Sad as the Loss of a Pet/Swan will be.. This is Information Good to Know…before it Occurs.
This is a Topic Page I am Organizing the Best I Can.. So Many things keep Changing.. so, I will NOT have all Details.. Every State has a Department of Agriculture.. with an Animal Pathology Laboratory. Each State’s Department of Agriculture will have their Own Services, Policies and Programs to Help you.
When I get a Call that a Beloved Swan has Died.. I Hear the Disbelief and Anguish in the Person’s Voice..
When their Swan has been Taken/Killed by a Predator.. They know what Happened.. a Violent End to their Beautiful, Pet Swan..
BUT, when their Swan is Found Unexpected.. without a Mark.. It is Bewildering.. So many Questions.. “WHAT could have Caused this” ??
There are SO MANY Possibilities…
Was it Something they Swallowed..?? Something they Ate..??
Was it Something in the Feed Mix..??? Is it Contaminated..?? Mold..??
Did the Swan Eat anything with Mold..?? Like Old Bread..?? Did the Swan Inhale a Fungi or Mold from Dusty Bedding..?? The Young Swan below Died of an Advanced Aspergillosis Infection.
We Rescued this Black Australian Cob.. He was Starving due to Food Competition. After Weeks of Slow Progress.. he Failed.. Several of his Internal Organs had been Damaged from Lack of Nutrients.. ( So Sad.. he was a Nice Swan.)
Did the Swan have a Parasite Infestation..?? Did the Swan Drink Pond Water Infected by Wild Waterfowl..?? Many Waterfowl Diseases are Spread during Migration Season..
Did the Swan Succumb to a Mosquito Borne Disease..?? The Tiny Cygnet below had Necrotic Encephalitis from a Mosquito Bite. Has the Pond Water become Unhealthy.. Stagnant..?? When the Water does not Refresh.. Bacteria Counts get TOO High..
Did a Venomous Snake Bite Kill your Swan..?? Do a Search for : Venomous Snake where you Live..
Did a Toxic Substance Drain into the Swans’ Environment..??
Did a Bumble Sore become Septic..???
Did the Swan Consume a Pest Poison like Rat Poison..?? The Cob below.. Died Suddenly… The Owner Feared he had Eaten Rat Poison that was Tucked under the Feeder.. Testing Concluded, he Died of Avian Cholera. Likely from the Rodent Saliva Contaminating his Feed.. Not the Poison..
Did the Swan have an Under Chin Impaction Preventing Eating..??
Did the Swan have a Birth Defect.. that became Fatal as it Grew..???
The Cygnet below had a Neck Deformity that made Eating VERY Difficult.
Did the Swan Fly..??? Injury from a Difficult Landing..??
Did the Swan Freeze – Frozen Out from any Open Liquid Water..??
Was there FOUL Play.. Human Vandalism..?? BB Gun Pellets..?? Blunt Force Trauma..??
Was it Possibly Electrocution..?? Electrical Leakage..?? Did a Faulty Electrical Cable in the Water Shock-Electrocute the Swan..??
Common with Waterfowl that Fly > Power-Line Collisions.
Electricity Sources, Primarily Overhead Power Lines.
Tissues are Damaged Directly and Via Burns. Electrocution may cause Apnoea ( Cessation of Respiration ) and Ventricular Fibrillation ( Irregular Heart Beat ) Death may Not Occur Immediately.. but, Resulting from Internal Tissue Damage.. Days or Weeks Later.
A Lightening Strike..?? > Yes, this is Possible..
Electro-Coagulation Injury or Limb Paralysis. Lightning will Spreads in Water and Living Creature in the Lightning-Charged Water may be Physically Damaged or Killed.
ETC. ????? Questions..?? Questions..?? Guessing, Guessing..
If you want to Know and NOT just Guess.. This Information will Help you Learn. You can Submit your Swan for Necropsy. So you are NOT Wondering, Wondering with No Answer.
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Your Immediate Action will Determine whether you will have a Chance to have your Dear Swan Evaluated..
> > > When you find your Swan Deceased: > > > DO NOT TOUCH the Body with your HANDS.
> > > FIRST: Look at the Body for Signs of Trauma -Blood – Feathers Torn Out – Body Parts Missing..
If the Swan was Killed by a Predator make some Notes of the Damage to the Body.. Where it was found. Take a Photo or Two.. Anything that might be of help to Identify what Predator may have Killed your Waterfowl/Swan. This is Gruesome, but this may Help ID the Predator..
Doing a Necropsy will not be of much Help if your Swan/Waterfowl was killed by a Predator.
If you have any Pet/Swan that Dies from an Animal Attack.. > > > Protect Yourself.. Hands, Arms, Eyes, etc.
Your Swan/Waterfowl may not have had any Diseases, but the Animal that Killed it will have Bitten and left Saliva all over the Carcass..
Mammal Saliva MAY CARRY Rabies or other Contact Diseases. Swans do not get Rabies.. In General Birds do not..
If you have ANY Pet that is Attack be sure to Protect Yourself..
> > > Carefully WITHOUT Touching the Body, Put the Body into a Bag/Double Bag-Secure for Disposal. > > > WASH your Hand WELL after Bagging the Body.
************************************************************** Once you have your Observation Notes:
If your Swan/Waterfowl Dies Unexpectedly.. Suddenly… or after a Period of Declining Health – Weakness – Wasting.
Did you Notice any Different Behavior in the Last Week or So..??
IF you can not Determine the Cause of the Death.. and you want to Submit for a Necropsy.. Evaluation..
To Preserve Deceased Swan/Waterfowl for a Necropsy:
> > > Immediately, DO NOT Touch the Body with Bare Hands.
> > > PROTECT Yourself.. – Wear Gloves & Protective Gear..Protect your EYEs ! ! – No Safe Gloves > Use a Barrier such as an Inverted Plastic Bag.
> > > CAREFULLY Put Deceased Swan in Thick Plastic Trash Bag. – Swans are Large and 2 Large Garbage Bags will be Needed. – Secure Opening.. then Place the Wrapped Body in Second Bag. > > > Tape a Note on inside Bag – with Your Name, Phone, Birds Name, Date. > > > Also Tape the Same Information on the Outside Bag.
> > Refrigerate until you Contact your State Animal Path Lab.. – OR Place in a Cool Place. A Very Large Ice Chest with Ice/Cold Packs. I keep a LARGE Styrofoam Cooler on Hand.. for this Purpose.
> > > WASH your Hand WELL after Bagging the Body ! !
> > > Always Call the State Animal Pathology Lab for Instructions. You will be asked Questions and to fill-out a Form with General information about the Bird’s Age, Living Environment, Feed, other Animals on your Property. Any Signs of Illness ?? A History to help the Lab know where to focus their Immediate Attention. The Submission Forms are Usually Available OnLine.. or by EMail..
> > > If you Read the Link for the Avian Influenza Information..
DEADLY AVIAN INFLUENZA is on the Wing. https://swanlovers.net/category/deadly-avian-influenza/ ************************* > > > If this is a Possible Cause of Death.. Do NOT Bury.. > > > Until you Speak with the State Pathology Lab.
A Person from the State Path Lab Staff “may” Come to YOU.. You may not Need to take your Swan to them.. They will Collect Swab Samples for the Testing. > > > Keep Body in a Cool, Dry Place in Large Plastic Bags..
Check on your Other Swan, Waterfowl.. Make some Notes..
> > > NEXT- Concern “HOW is your Remaining Swan..?? ” ??? Maybe Both Swans are Affected.. All Birds Hide any Illness or Impairment until they are in Real Trouble. Learning what Caused the First Swan’s Death may Save the Other..
When I hear Folks say, the Old Wives Tale, which I will Loosely Quote: > > > “If a Swan’s Mate Dies, the other will Die of a Broken Heart.”
Personally, I Believe… the Remaining Swan may ALSO have been Ill…
And if you Learn what Caused the first Swan to Die.. You will have a Chance to Save the Remaining Swan.. Example: Parasite Infestations will Affect both… Prompt Treatment will Help.
When a Bonded Pair have been Together for a Number of Seasons.. The Remaining Swan will be Bewildered when their Mate-Companion is Gone.
Swans depend on each other for their Common Safety. Each watching for any Sign of Danger. They take Turns Sleeping..
WATCH for your Remaining Swan to go Wandering to Look for their Mate.. Walk them BACK to their Ponds..
A Lone Swan feels more Vulnerable and you will Experience a more Cautious Behavior. They are more Guarded. They go into a Survival Mode. Not wanting to come close to You now is Normal. Sleeping at Night is Less Safe.. They will Nap more in the Day Time..
You can Help your Swan.. by Spending Quiet Time near the Pond. Make Extra Visits each Day, even 5 Minute Visits.. Take some Lettuce or Treats. Talk Quietly or Work Nearby. Swans do Grieve, become Subdued.. Quiet.. They are Different.. There is a Sadness about them.
Your Company will be Comforting during this Lonely Time.. It may take Several Days or Weeks for Remaining Swan to adapt to being Alone..
Healthy Swans Adjust.. But, they are always Happier with another.. Given a Few Weeks to Mourn, Swans will Accept a New Companion/Mate.
Then after that Time.. Introducing a New Swan is OK.. They will Accept a New Companion much Easier..
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SWANs are Indicator-Sentinel Species. Biological Species that can Help Monitor the Environment.
To Study Animal Indicator-Sentinel Species Gathers Important Information for a Given Region. Especially around Annual Migration Seasons.
An Indicator of Disease Outbreak, Pollution, Species Competition or Effects of Climate Change. Indicator Species are an Early Warning to Monitoring Biologists.
SEE Additional Information at the End of this Topic Page..
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Your STATE should have a Department of Agriculture. You will be Contacting their Animal Pathology Laboratory. Ask to Speak with the Poultry Inspector or Avian Specialist. Check their Locations and Phone Numbers – being Prepared is a Good Plan. Your Depart. of Ag. can be helpful with Pond Environment Problems.
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I was a Hospital Laboratory Technologist during my Working Days.. It is an Environment that Looks for Answers when People are Sick or Injured. Diagnosising and Monitoring Treatment or What Happened..?? If a Person Dies Suddenly/UnExpectedly, an Autopsy is Done.
With our Furry or Feathered Pets-Livestock.. a Necropsy is Done. Refers to a Post-Mortem Examination on an Animal Species.
We have had many Dear Swans Necropsied over the Years.. Always a Surprise when the Reports were Finished.
You will have Help learning the Cause of Death and will be able to Consult with the Pathology Lab Specialists and get Advice from your State’s Department of Agriculture.. Some Problems can be Very Difficult to Resolve without their Help. The Department of Agriculture Contacts are there to help you..
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Most Department of Agriculture Pathology Labs. Basic Necropsy Services, Schedule and Procedures..
> > > CALL them FIRST – You will be Interviewed.. Follow Instructions If you Submit a Swan for Evaluation:
This is what may be Checked during the Necropsy.
Basic General History of the Swan > > > You will be asked Questions when you call.
Test: Microbiology Aerobic Culture ( Where Blood Flows. ) *** This is to ID Bacteria that live in Oxygen Rich Environment..
Test: Microbiology Anaerobic Culture ( Oxygen Poor Wounds. ) *** This if for Infected Bites, Abscesses and Gangrene. Many Anaerobic Bacteria produce Enzymes that Destroy Tissue or sometimes release Potent Toxins. Example: Assorted Clostridium Strains Untreated are Often Fatal.. C. tetani ( Tetanus) C. Botulinum ( Botulism )
Test: Microbiology Antibiotic Susceptibility ( MIC ) *** This is to ID Bacteria Sensitivity to various Antibiotics that should successfully Treat any Bacteria Identified as the Primary cause of Illness.
Swabs of Liver – Brain – Intestine Tissue Pool – Salmonella Culture Avian Serology Testing – Virology Parasitology – Exam for Parasites Mycotoxicology – Fungus Identification
They may Check for Insecticide or Herbicide Toxicity, other types of Poisons, Heavy Metal Toxicity.. depending on the History you Provide.
The Young Female below Died Suddenly.. NO Warning.. She had Ingested a Small Piece of Iron that was Dissolving in her Gizzard. The Iron Toxicity had Severely Damaged her Heart, Liver and Kidneys.
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You will get the Following Reports by U.S. Mail and/or EMail:
#1 Preliminary Report Same Day Report.. ( Visual Impressions. ) Occasionally within a few Days of Submission.
#2 Interim Report .. 3-10 Days.. with Some Sample Results-Findings.
#3 The Final Report.. Generally 3-6 Weeks.. When ALL the Tests Preformed have been Completed. This will have the Conclusion.. a Summary of All the Findings.
I have Sadly Learned many things over the Years.. How Many Unexpected Things can Happen..
Submitting your Swan/Cygnet for a Necropy will have the Benefit of Learning..
If there is No Clear Reason for a Swan’s Death, I want to know, so I have a chance to Correct a Problem that I am not aware of. Valuable for Future Care – Knowing what Happened rather then just Guessing.
Considering what you may have Paid to Adopt your Swan/s. Spending $50.00-$100.00 to learn what Happened may save the Life of other Swans and Waterfowl in your Care.
” You become Responsible, Forever, for what you have Tamed.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I am Always Sad to hear this Type of News.. I Appreciate your Heart Ache..
It is Emotionally Traumatic when Something Happens so Suddenly.. or Unexplained. Swans become a Part of our Lives.. I Understand how Haunting their Memory is.. We have been there.. A Pond, Lake or River Never Looks the Same when Swans are Gone. …. Wish I could Say something Comforting.. *******************************************
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IN THE SAD EVENT YOUR SWAN HAS DIED Compiled by Linda M.Sweger – Updates August 2025
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SIDE NOTE – The Value of Testing Wild Swans.. Because of their Limited Diet in the Wild Environment, Mute Swans are a Sentinel Species, concentrating Contaminants in their Livers and Revealing the Presence of Chemical Toxicities in Fresh Water. Rather than Eliminating Swans, we should Pay Attention to their Struggle to Survive and What it can Tell us about the State of our Wild Areas.
TESTING the Wild Swans: 2017 in Michigan: A Health and Disease Surveillance Project was being conducted in coordination with the Management of Mute Swans, which received Funding through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ( EPA ) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant and a Cooperative Service Agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The Avian Health and Disease Program provided Funding for Health Monitoring and Disease Surveillance Activities. Samples collected from Mute Swans are being tested for: Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease Virus, Avian Cholera, Duck Viral Enteritis, Intestinal Parasites, Toxoplasmosis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, LaCrosse Encephalitis. Environmental Contaminants, Toxic Herbicides and Pesticides.
Results will help establish Avian Health Baselines that can then be monitored periodically, identify existing and emerging Avian Health Risks, provide for the early detection of any Introduced Diseases, and provide guidance for Population Management.
A specific Example of applied Research Results will be through the Collection of Data on Ingestion of Environmental Contaminants and Pesticides. Feral-Wild Mute Swans feed on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, and are therefore more prone to Ingestion of Contaminated Sediments, making the Species’ Ideal Biological Indicators of Ecological Health. Heavy Metals and Pesticides will accumulate in Tissues over Time.
By testing Year-old Swans, Researchers get an Indicator of the Current Status of the Ecosystem, which may be of particular interest in EPA designated Areas of Concern, where large Multi-Year Ecological Clean-up Projects are currently underway.
January 30th, 2015 | Posted by LadyNerkle1 in Feeding Swans in the Winter - (Comments Off on Feeding Swans in the Winter)
Feeding Swans in the Winter
NO Two Ponds or Water Environments will Experience the Same Conditions in the Winter Months. You may need to become Creative to Ensure Your Swans are Getting Enough to Eat.
Click to Enlarge Images
Swans like all Birds and Animals need Food to Live.
During the Cold Winter Months Swans NEED Supplemental Grains – Pellet Poultry Feeds – Vegetables.
Your Captive Swans are Pets – They Depend on You.
Trying to Rescue and Move a Swans in Frigid Temperature, when Ice is on their Water Environment.. Lake – Pond, etc. is VERY Dangerous.
The BEST Thing you can do for your Swans is Prepare for Winter during the Fall Months. AND then Feed them Daily so they have the Calories for Quick Energy to Keep them Warm.
We Always want our Swans to Stay IN or Near their Water.
BE SAFE when you Feed your Swans !
Try to Find a Safe Way to Push Food Items out to the Swans. In this Situation I used a Long Handled Pool Skimmer Net.
Whole Corn provides Extra Calories.
Whole Corn is Not a Complete Diet.
Add some Whole Grain Cereals.
MultiGrain Cheerios, Kix, Plain Corn and Bran Flake Cereals.
Select the Plainer Cereals
Mix in Vegetables – Lettuce, Chopped Apples, etc.
Choose Cereals without Yeast or Color Dyes.
Whole Grain Cheerios and Plain Corn and Bran Flakes.
Our Swans LOVED Honey Graham Squares.
Puffed Wheat – Puffed Rice – Kix Cereals.
Plain Graham Crackers are a Safe Treat.
This Only works with Mute Swans. A Visual Indicator of Weight –
A Healthy Adult Mute Swan will have a Full Knob.
If they are Underweight their Knob will start to Shrink.
A Mix of Chopped Vegetables and Cereals.
When our Swans were on a Large Body of Water, I brought their Lunch in a Colorful Bucket that they would see from a Distance.
Having Water Close to their Food-Feed makes Swallowing much Easier.
Swans are Grazers.. Many Wild Birds, Ducks and Geese are Gobblers. It can be a CHALLENGE to ensure your Swans are getting their Proper Share of the Food you Put Out for them.
You will need to be Creative..
The Type of Food-Feed Containers you use may help. Every Situation is Different.
Duck and Geese will Clean-Up most Leftover Foods.
When Winter Nights Freeze their Vegetable Basket, Put Vegetables that Float on their Water.
Swans will be Grateful for the Food you Bring to them.
Many Swans will Snort “Thank You.”
Winter Support = Healthier Swans.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Information Compiled by (C) Linda M.Sweger November 2015 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
********************************** To Shelter has so many Meanings.. I think of the many things we do to Protect – Shelter ourselves. Homes, Garages, Barns, Sheds, Porches, a Lean-To, a Roof,Walls, Doors, Windows, etc.
Swans Naturally do NOT Like to be inside any Structure.******
The first Year of Swan Care is a BIG Learning Curve. For YOU and the Swans, Especially for the Young Cygnets. We have been doing this over 10-17 Years (2021) during the Winter Months. Some were Feral Swans along the River.. Mostly for our Captive Pet Swans.
I have Worried and Planned.. and Worried.. and taken Steps to keep our Swans as Safe and Happy during the Winter as I Possibly can. I Plan for the WORST Conditions. And Enjoy the Best of Winter.
So Far, we have NOT lost any Swans to Nasty Winter Weather. Nor to any Predators. We have been Lucky.. ( Knock on Wood ) We have Lost Swans.. Sadly YES. Heart Breaking.******
Doing this Project and Arranging Swan Connections.. I have heard some very Sad News.. Deaths due to Frozen Ponds.. and Unseen Night Predators.. Snapping Turtles.. SNAPPING TURTLEs are NASTY BEASTs https://swanlovers.net/category/snapping-turtles-nasty-beasts/
Too many Sad Stories.. Too many Lost to Unknown Causes.
It is a Challenge to Keep Swans Safe.. So, if what I have Learned..might help others.. I want to share.. Especially to those new to Swan Care.
Swans look Fragile – Delicate… They look like Expensive Plush Toys Gliding with Elegance on the Calm Mirrored Waters of a Pond or Lake.
Healthy Swans are Surprisingly Durable..Every Place is Different.. and Swans will Adapt Differently.
To Plan for a Shelter.. is a Judgement Call… Every Environment is Different.. the Risk Factors are Different.. This Topic Page is meant to Aid you Evaluating your Place. Then make Plans that you are Comfortable with..
************ Try to have the Swans Floating over Water that is at Least 4 Feet Deep. It would be Difficult for most Predators to Reach them.
Wild Waterfowl will use their Wings to Fly away from Danger or to Seek Open Water when your Pond is Covered with Ice.
Since Capture Swans are Pinioned or Clipped, they can not Fly Away from Danger or Fly to Open Water. A Common Plan is to THINK Shelter..
IF You are Willing to Construct a Shelter for Your New Swans.. First LOOK at your Whole Picture.. and what you know about your General Climate, Water Environment and Predator Population..
In PA, I hear more and more Accounts of Eastern Coyotes – CoyWolves..
A coywolf is a canid hybrid descended from coyotes, eastern wolves, gray wolves, and dogs. All of these species are members of the genus Canis with 78 chromosomes; they therefore can interbreed. One genetic study indicates that these species genetically diverged relatively recently. Wikipedia
These Large Wild Canine may travel in Packs.. may Stalk-Hunt during the Day Hours. Their Numbers are Increasing ALL the Time. I hear them Mentioned More and More as I Speak with Swan Owners.
Several Years Ago, I did a Search for the CoyWolves in Pennsylvania. I Read that there are an Average of 40,000 Removed Annually ! !
The Coyotes – CoyWolves have been responsible for too many Loses of Domestic Swans, Geese and Ducks..
Swans, especially the Trumpeters and Mutes do NOT like (HATE) being confined in a Building or Shelter – they feel TRAPPED.
The Main Way Swans Protecting themselves is with their Wings. Buildings have Corners and Limited Space. In a Structure it is TOO easy for Swans to become Cornered-Trapped.
In a Building Swans can not Spread their Wings to (BEAT) “FLOGGING” and Drive Off Predators, which is their Primary Defense. They have NO Teeth and very little Bite Pressure..
During the Cold Months when the Temperature drop below Freezing, Captive Swans NEED to be in Liquid Water to keep Warm.
Inside a Structure they are Out of the Direct Weather, Cold Wind or Rain.. But, depending on the Air Temperature it may still be VERY Cold.. TOO Cold.
The last several Winters, we have had Periods of VERY Bitter Cold Days and Nights. Temperatures WELL into the Minus Degrees. Conditions that Worry MANY Folks with Ponds and Domestic Waterfowl… “TO Shelter or Not to Shelter…” that is the Question I get.
A Fluffy Pile of Fresh Straw.. ( NO Hay ) can provide a Place to Snuggle in. ****** DO NOT USE Wood Shavings or Hay for Shelter Bedding. Wood Shavings are TOO Dusty. Hay has a Higher Risk of MOLD.
If Straw is not available Old Blankets or Towels to Snuggle into will Help.. Try to Keep their Feet off a Hard, Frigid Floor.
I have Never used Hay for Bedding.. TOO Risky.. Too much Mildew-Mold.
Do a Simple Search for : Fires caused by Heat Lamps. Very Risky.
Basic 80 to 100 Watt Light Bulbs will help to Warm the Still Air in a Building.
******************************************************* Predators tend to be Animals with Claws and Sharp Teeth.. Swans only have the Power Stroke of their Wings to Defend Themselves.
But, Swans are Always at a Disadvantage & at Risk when there are Humans intent to Harm them.
You know if you have a Predator Problem. Do the Ducklings and Goslings Survive or do they Disappear ?? That will need to be Factored into your Swan Care Plan. I do know several Swan Owners that keep their Swans inside every Night.Making sure they are Secure with a Sturdy Door..
Opened in the Morning..****** It is Wise to Removed ALL Feed from the Pond at SunSet. Small Rodents will Visit the Feed.. and Attract Large Predators. You Do Not Want to Invite the Night Creatures that will Stalk your Swans.
Having to Clean-up for these LARGE Messy Birds is an Extra Chore. If they can be Safely Cared-for out on their Pond – your Life will be Easier.
Ponds with an Isolated Island have a Safer Place for Nesting in the Spring, Roasting-Resting in the Summer and Fall Months.
Sitting out on these Islands will not keep them Warm in the Winter Months, they will be Subject to the Air Temperature.
Plan ahead to Equip your Pond or Lake Side with DeIcing Equipment. Keeping an Area Open that is over Water at least 4 Feet Deep.. is where Waterfowl will Generally be Safe and Happy. There are ALWAYs Exceptions.. I have Never had to deal with a Bear..
WE Make sure our Swans have a Winter Wake.. And so Far, the Swans we care for have been fine for 12 Winters Outside..Every Day they are OK.. I Count my Blessings.
We keep a Back-Up Plan Ready… just in case..
IF the Electric Power goes OUT during a Nasty Winter Storm, will you have a Back-up Plan ????
Liquid Water is NEVER Colder then 33 Degrees.. ( there are exception. )****** Healthy Waterfowl are VERY Well Insulated. All the Preening you see them doing, is to Condition their Feathers for this Reason.. Having Adequate, Proper Food Daily gives them the Calories they need for Quick Energy.
Watch for Shivering. A Little should be OK.. Shivering more then a few Minutes will Drain Energy too Quickly. They are not Coping with the Cold. The Wind Chill may be what is too Much for them to Deal with.. It may be Wise to take the Swans inside and let them Rest for a while.. ****** Check their Weight.. They may be Underweight and Need Shelter..
It is Nice to have a Friendly Companion to Snuggle with.
Healthy Swans generally do Fine in a Winter Wake.
The only Swans I have seen use Shelter in Cold Weather willingly, are the smaller Black Necked and Black Australian Swans.******
Once they go inside for the Night – the Door must be Secured and then Opened again in the early Morning. Cygnets that Hatch Late in the Year are Too Small to be Outside in Colder Months. The Black-Necked and Black Australian Cygnets will Need to be Sheltered as they Grow. Tiny Cygnets are Eating-Pooping Machines.******
All Swans and Cygnets are VERY MESSY…LOTs of POOP. Life is easier if the Swan are able to stay on their Pond.
Putting either an OLD Plastic Shower Curtain, OR Large Trash Bags, or a Thick Plastic Drop Cloth or a Cheap Tarp on the Ground, Decking, Concrete Surfaces as a Barrier will help with Clean-up and avoid Staining. Any Place the Swans would be Pooping.. and Spilling Food..
Then LAYERs of NewsPaper with a Flake of Straw spread about for a Soft Bedding-Substrate. You want to keep their Webbed Feet off the Hard Floor. The Layers of NewsPaper let you just ROLL-up Most of the Soiled Straw..
Putting your Swans in a Barn, Shed or Garage – Check for Hazards. Sharp Objects, Glass, Things that Might Fall, Places to get Stuck in.
If Swans get Bored, they will get into Trouble.
Check if they could Reach any Broken Windows. Check the Shelter will be Safe from Predators Coming IN ! ! ********************************************************************* &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& *********************************************************************
Cygnets with Parents to Raise them Generally Live on their Pond. Young Cygnets are VERY Vulnerable to Hawks, Owls, Snapping Turtles.. It will increase their Survival to Hand-Raising them.. Sad, but True. The Cygnets Below are the Survivors of a Brood of Five. Three Taken by Hawks. Hand Raised means without their Parents. ************** When Hand Raising Cygnets.. ( without Parents ) Tiny Cygnets need Supervision when out in the Yard or Pool during the Day.****** They NEED to be Sheltered until they are at least 6 Pounds.. And after that depending on your Predator Population.
Except for Hawks, we had a Low Risk of Predators in our Back Yard. Hand Raised First Year Cygnets will March into a Structure for Safety and Shelter every Night, Once it is their Regular Routine.
Healthy Cygnets 4 Months Old ( 12 to 20 Pounds ) may do Very Well over Deep Water at Night.****** Thin Ice was Forming along the Bank. “Hannah” is Biting at the Ice. ***************************************************
Swans Generally do not Eat a Night.. Unless there is a Pecking-Order Problem – Competition for Food. It can be an Extra Safety Factor to take their Feed inside at Night.. This will Reduce Small Night Rodents which in turn may Attract the Larger Predators..
Plus, Small Rodents, Chipmunks, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Moles, Voles, Groundhogs, Opossums, Skunks, Muskrats, ETC, Etc, etc.. may carry Diseases in their Poop and Saliva.
These Sneaky Nocturnal Rodents Love Raiding your Swans Food Containers at Night.
********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* There are a few Situations when Sheltering is Safer for Waterfowl..
A Hurricane BLOWING Through is a Good Reason to Shelter Swans. We have Rescued Several Lost-Wayward Swans after High Wind Storms.. Mostly Full-Wing Swans.. This Female was Found after Hurricane Irene. This Young Full Wing Male was Rescued after a Nasty Summer Storm. ****** Full Wing Swans may “Take to Air” and be Blown Far Away from their Homes. This Summer Storm Developed with Noisy, Rolling Thunder. Spring and Summer Storms can Fuss-up Quickly.. What to Do ?? If there is a Storm with HIGH Winds.. and or HAIL.. OR ICE… Maybe ??? An Icy Winter Storm will Coat EVERY Thing, Including the Swans.
A Forecast for a Severe Lightning Storm.
There will likely not be enough Time to Safely do Anything.. Be Aware, Waterfowl can be Electrocuted from a Close Lightning Strike. Rare but Possible. Here Weigh Human Safety vs. Swan Safety.
In the 17 Years we have been Involved with Swans, I only know ONE that was Killed in a Summer Storm. A Pair of Swans were put in a Shed to Protect them during a Nasty Storm. Sadly, a Tree Fell on the Shed and Killed the Female. So Sad… AGAIN a Judgment Call..
****************************************** Another Time a Shelter is Necessary.. is to Recover an Injured, Weak – Swan whose Health is Compromised. When Wound Bandages need to be kept Dry..and Medications are Prescribed. It is GOOD to have a Plan Ready.
For Long Periods of Time INSIDE… Bring them Pond Water Twice a Week to Keep their Immunity Active. ****** ****** ****** Inside – Inside Kennel Fencing – in a Dog House.. Resting and Healing. He needed Surgery for Debridement of Painful Bumble Foot Sores. ******************************************
Some People like to Keep a New Swan inside a Safe Place for a few Day.. For an Adjustment to a New Home. ***********************************
Shelter can be Shade where there is Lots of Summer Sun..and few Natural Shade Structures like Trees or Shrubs. Pool Water in Full Sun can become HOT.. During the Winter a Kidde Pool will Freeze.. This Bucket Heater Worked. ******************************************
Another GOOD Reasons to have a Shelter.. For Protection during Nesting – Especially with Two Female Pairings. They have NO Male to Protect them. Two Females are Very Vulnerable – Female Nest Mortality is HIGH. ************************
Nesting Female Swans like a Solid Structure on One Side of their Nest. A Hill, Bank, Thick Tree Trunk, Fence.. or a Wall ..****** ***********************
Few Swans want to Nest inside a Structure.. a Few Might.
Black Australian Swans will Nest Inside.. Frequently. Calf Hutches might be used.. >>>> They have NO Door .. You will need to Improvise. They should be Anchored to the Ground. These may Blow OVER in a Stiff Wind. They get HOT in the Sun.
Always Secure the Opening for the Over Night Hours.Personally, I do not think Plywood and Cinder Blocks are Adequate.
The Thick Layer of Straw in this Calf Hutch was Not Changed for Months. I Stopped to Visit with Injured “Little Cutie.” During the Warm Summer Days, Spider Nests Matured and HATCHED ! ! I Found the Cygnet COVERED with Tiny Spiders. EEEEEKKKK !!! She was Moved >>>>>>> and Rinsed THOROUGHLY.
The Calf Hutches Look Nice. Attractive Landscape Features. ****** ***********************************************************************
A Shelter might be needed to Move Swans to a Safe Place… IF there are any Dangerous Chemicals released to their Water Environment. Unexpected Chemical or Oil Spills do Happen.. The Pond above is a Reservoir Impoundment along a small Stream that Flows through several Housing Developments. Around 150 Homes are up Stream.
People along the Stream can dump almost anything into the Water that Flows past the Swans. ALL Lawn Care Chemicals will Drain to Pond.
Summer Heat, Organic Waste, Lack of Rain…. This Pond became a Toxic Soup of Hazardous Algae Bloom and Bacteria.
The Swan Family moved to a Cool, Flushing Stream on the Farm. Not all Properties have a Stream. The Shallow Stream Provided NO Protection from Predators at Night.
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Pond Water with Little to No Flow Through can becomes too Toxic due to Organic Decay..or INCREASED Pathogenic Bacteria Concentrations. Ponds with Poor or No Flow Through will become Stagnant during Periods of Drought. Foul Smelling Pond Water is NOT Safe for Waterfowl. This is a REAL Concern for Retention Ponds. ******
OR if there is a Disease being Spread during Migration Season. .. Listen to News Reports.. Or Check with State Agriculture Website.. for Updates on Avian Diseases. They may Advice Sheltering your Domestic Waterfowl and Poultry. Avian Influenza in Wild Migrating Birds. Avian influenzaA Viruses are Very Contagious among birds and some of these Viruses can Sicken and even Kill certain Domesticated Bird species including Chickens, Ducks, Waterfowl and Turkeys. Infected birds can shed Avian influenzaA Viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
***********Another Nasty Avian Virus Spread during Migration.
Duck Viral Enteritis – ( DVE ) is an Acute, Highly Contagious Disease of both Wild and Domestic Ducks, Geese, and Swans of all Ages. Characterized by Sudden Death, a High Mortality Rate, ( Particularly among Older Ducks ).
Muscovy Ducks are Most Susceptible.
Prevention includes Biosecurity and Avoiding Contact of Captive Waterfowl with Wild Birds. Especially During Spring Migration.
I Know of One Confirmed Back Yard Pond that was Affected. They Lost 4 of their 5 Muscovy Ducks within Several Days. Their Pond is in an Area where Waterfowl are Migrating North in the Spring.
And One Farm Pond that had Several Muscovy Died after a Feral Muscovy Visited their Pond. Not Confirmed, but Fits the Pattern.
We had a Scare with DVE when One of our Female Swans Died in May. Tests Determined it was Clostridia and Not Duck Viral Enteritis.. I HOLD my Breath every Spring.. Watching Ducks Flying North.. ..that our Domestics will be OK…
******************************************************************* There are some Reasons for Shelters that I have likely forgotten to List. ********************************************************************
****************************************************************** There are Not Any 100% Correct Reasons for Sheltering..
There are so many Variables.. these are ALL Judgement Calls. You must Decide how Your Environment may affect your Swans. Safety.. Comfort and Both your Happiness.. And YOUR Worry Factor.. How Worried are You ? ? ?
PLAN AHEAD…. Instead of Panicking.
This Shelter Worked Well for a Rescued Swan Waiting for a Forever Home. ********************************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Several Times, I have Sheltered Swans and Cygnets for a Few Days in our Downstairs Shower. It was Great for Clean-ups. Messy, Messy, Messy Little Cygnets. They are Poop Machines. God made Little Creatures SO Cute..so we will take care of them despite the Mess.. (-;
****************************************** This is a Work In Progress. UpDates August 2025 COMPILED by PA SwanLover Linda ******************************************
SHELTERs COME in MANY Forms.
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The Igloo Shelters were Used by the Chickens.. Not the Swans..
******
An Animal Rights Group INSISTED this Golf Course Provide a Shelter for their Swans. This Tiny Structure with a Ladder-like Stairs was Built.
In Over 25 Years, this Might have been Used by Rodents.
************ ************ ****** ****** ****** ****** ************ ****** ************************ ****** ****** ****** ************ ****** ****** ****** ************ It is your Judgement Call.. To Shelter or Not to Shelter. ******
This was Fun to Organize.. I HOPE Some of this Information will be Helpful. Compiled from our “Out and About” Experiences
