NUMBER ONE THING to DO… !!!!
Is CHECK the Cygnets are PINIONED
Before you RELEASE them to your Pond/Lake.

Right Click the Images to Enlarge in New Window.

## BEFORE You Buy Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/before-you-buy-swans/
*************************

All Adoption Fees should be Settled before Swans are Moved.
ALWAYS GET a WRITTEN RECEIPT for these Adoptions.

## SWAN INVOICE-PAID RECEIPTs ( These are Printable Files. )
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-invoice-paid-receipts/
*************************

## Keeping a Record for Your New Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/keeping-a-record-for-your-new-swans/
*************************

I Remember how Bewildered we were with the First Swan we Rescued..
We knew we Loved “Handsome Fellow” .. But, we knew so little..
I was Seeking Info Everywhere..

“Handsome Fellow” was an Amazing Teacher..
We got through some VERY Difficult Days..
I am a “Never Give Up” Person.
It was our Crash Course of SWAN 101.

Review these Topic Pages so you are READY..
There is MUCH to Learn about Swans.. I am Learning Every Day.
There is Joy and Heartbreak when Loving Swans.
Hopefully, with Knowledge there will be more Joys.

Captive Swans are a Joy to Watch and Care for.
They have Interesting Behaviors that Change with the Seasons.

Swans All have Different Personalities.
There are some Common Behaviors..

The First Year with Swans will be a BIG Learning Curve..
Each of these Topic Pages will only take a Few Minutes to View..
But, you will get a LOT of Information this way..

Since you are Planning to Adopt Cygnets that will be 4-8 Months Old..
They will Basically be Old Enough to be Cared for as Adults..

As you Speak with the Families with the Cygnets..
And Start to make Plans to Adopt their Dear Cygnets…
Ask about the Feed they are Using..

>>> Except for being VERY CAREFUL with their Legs,
which are Fragile.. Try to be GENTLE with their Legs.

The First 4-5 Months the Legs of Swan Cygnets are Growing Fast..
Stretching into their Adult Shape and Size the Bone Structures are Thin..
For the First Year their Legs can be Damaged if Mechanically Stressed.
With Time their Bone Development Changes to Strengthening the Bones.
More Minerals are Added to the Scaffold Bone Structures..
Firming them will take Another Year + Plus..

Swans are Considered Mature by 36 Months.. Their Bones will be Stronger..
but, Never as Solid as Mammal Bones.
Always Lighter to Allow for Flight.. Always Handle with Care.

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

Being Young and UnRelated..  ( Important for Genetic Diversity.)

You and the Cygnets will have a Better Experience Adjusting
if you Shelter the Cygnets Together in a Secure Shelter for Several Days.

This way the Cygnets get to Know Each Other..and when they are Released
to your Pond/Lake they will be Less Afraid, Less Bewildered..
>>> NOT Two Bewildered Cygnets Heading in Different Directions.

During this Time.. Visit with them.. Talk to them.. Sit Quietly.
Have Family Children Read to them. Sing to them..
Let them get to Know you.   Be sure they are Eating.
Everything will be New.. Food, Smells, Sounds and People.

Before Release > > > CHECK THAT ONE WING is PINIONED.

## PINIONED or FULL Wing
https://swanlovers.net/category/pinioned-or-full-wing/
*************************

ALWAYS CHECK the WINGS before RELEASING to your POND !!!
BE SURE THE SWANs/CYGNETs will be GROUNDED !!!!
 New Swans/Cygnets have NO REASON to Stay if they can Fly !

IF these Swans are NOT Properly Pinioned or are FULL-WING..
CLIP THEM !!! ASAP   This will Prevent them Flying Away !

This Link will have Information about WHEN to CLIP.. if Needed !

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

 On the Day you Release the Cygnets to your Pond/Lake…
Have Several People there to Assist keeping them in the Water..

When Released to a New Body of Water, it is TYPICAL for Swans/Cygnets
to Swim to the Far Side of the New Body of Water..

AND it may take a Few Days for them to Come Back to where you are..
They are being Cautious.. This is Normal.. Trust Takes Time.. (-;

The Entire www.SwanLovers.net WebSite is a Work in Progress..
There are Many other Topic Pages Organized.. Not Listed here..
All are Available and So am I..
Call or EMail > > > ALL Questions are Welcome.

## Detail History of How Mute Swans Lost their Federal Protection
https://swanlovers.net/category/how-mute-swans-lost-their-federal-protection/
**************************************************

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

## Check Your Area for an Avian or Exotic Veterinarian
https://swanlovers.net/category/check-your-area-for-an-avian-veterinarian/
*************************

## BASIC Care Working with Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/basic-care-working-with-swans/
*************************

## Helpful Things to Have Caring for Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/helpful-things-to-have-caring-for-swans/
*************************

## Swan Cygnets Grow SO FAST
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-cygnets-grow-so-fast/
*************************

## Mute Swans – Royal vs Polish Cygnets
https://swanlovers.net/category/mute-swans-royal-vs-polish/
*************************

I AM HERE for ANY Question..
>>>  As you Transport..
>>>  Let me know when you are Planning to Adopt your Cygnets..

 >>> During Adjustment Time..  ALL Questions are Welcome..

>>> When you are Ready for Release..

>>> And Especially the First Year.. BIG Learning Curve.
www.SwanLovers.net is Growing as Time Allows..

## Transporting Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/transporting-swans/
**************************************************

## Bringing New Swan/Swans Home
https://swanlovers.net/category/bring-new-swan-home/
**************************************************

## Before You let a Swan onto Your Pond.
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-on-pond/
**************************************************

THE POND INTRODUCTION.

There are FIVE Typical Behaviors that you will Witness
when a Swan or Cygnets are First Introduced to a New Pond or Lake.

1. Explore the Pond or Lake..  ( Swim/Flutter to Far Side.)

2. Taste the Pond or Lake..   ( What is Natural to Eat..)

3. Take a Splash Bath.. ( Starting their Immunity )

4. Sit Along the Bank and Preen.. ( This is Acceptance ! )

5. AND, for the First Day or Two…
they may STAY on the Far Side of their New Water Environment..

## Trust – Regaining Trust
https://swanlovers.net/category/regaining-trust/
**************************************************

## COMMON Mute Swan Behaviors
https://swanlovers.net/category/common-mute-swan-behaviors/
*************************

## Swan Keeping Terms
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-keeping-terms/
**************************************************

## Swan Body Language & Vocals
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-body-language-n-vocals/
**************************************************

## Basic Mute Swan Anatomy
https://swanlovers.net/category/basic-mute-swan-anatomy/
**************************************************

## Mute Swans Annual Moult
https://swanlovers.net/category/mute-swans-annual-moult/
**************************************************

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

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

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

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

## Feeding Swans in the Winter
https://swanlovers.net/category/feeding-swans-in-winter/
**************************************************

## To Shelter or Not in Winter
https://swanlovers.net/category/shelter-or-not-in-winter/
**************************************************

## SWAN CATCHING IDEAs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-catching-ideas/
**************************************************

## COMMON Swan Injuries
https://swanlovers.net/category/common-swan-injuries/
**************************************************

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

It might Seem Like a Lot to Read and Absorb..
But, my Goal is for you to be Successful..
and your Swans to be Happy and Healthy.
(-; PA SwanLover Linda

## A Name Fit for a Swan
https://swanlovers.net/category/name-for-swan/
**************************************************

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

This List of Topics was Organized over Time.. Never Finished..
AND, I ADD, Tinker and Tweak the Existing Topic Pages..
when I have New Information or Notes..

PA SwanLover Linda      August 2025

I am here Most Days… (-; Senior Staying at Home.
ANY QUESTIONs.. ANY TIME after 9:30AM..
I Need my COFFEEeeee First..

Have Questions Ready.. and I will be Happy to Share
to GET you Ready for the “Wonderful World of Swans.”

HOME ( 717 ) 732-6216          StarBug@comcast.net
NO Cell Phone                         NO TEXTING MESSAGES
www.SwanLovers.net     CUMBCo Camp Hill, PA

Call When it is Convenient.. If I do not Answer..
Leave a Message and I will Call you as Soon as
I Check our Answering Machine..
I do not Run for the Phone.. Too Many Robo Calls..

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

I ENJOY Talking about the Swans Also..
WE “Swan Loving Folks” are a Unique Group..
NO One Else can Understand our Passion for these Enchanting Birds..
And we Learn from each other.. Share Idea, Info and Contacts.
What is Common and what is a Concern..
I could Talk for Hours about Swans without taking a Breath.

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

The post HOMEWORK 101 for Adopting Young Swan Cygnets appeared first on Swan Lovers.

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

Mute Swan Mating & Nesting Begins in the Winter Months.

In April & May, Nesting Swans are Hatching their Precious Cygnets..
but, a Few EGGs will Not Hatch..  “WHAT to Do ? ”
Read On.. and you will Know “What to Do..”

You have been Watch the SIX to EIGHT EGGs in your Swans’ Nest..

Your Pen has been Faithfully “Sitting” on the Eggs in her Nest..

ALL we can do is WAIT … through the Long Days & Nights..

What Seems like Endless Days Pass..

Your Cob has been a Pain in the Neck,
Chasing Everything that Moves in the Areas of their Nest..

Finally, you Hear or See the First Tiny Cygnets Moving in the Nest..

Hatching has BEGUN !! It is EGGCiting !!

All Fertile Avian EGGs Need to be Incubated at their Specie’s
Specific Conditions for the Embryo in the EGG to Develop into a New Life.

Fertile Mute Swan EGGs should Hatch on Day 37 +/_ One Day.

If there are One or Two Live Cygnets in the Nest.. Drying and Fluffing..
.. ANY Other EGGs Should Hatch within 48-72 Hours at the Most..
On Rare Occasions.. there will be an EGG that Hatches beyond 72 Hours.

At Least the First 2 Days, Watch the Swan Family from a Distance..

Leave the Swans and Cygnets Alone while they Imprint..

You will Hear the Parent Swans Squealing to the Tweeting Cygnets.

ONLY Intervene if there is an Emergency..
This is a Good Time to have Binoculars..

The Cygnets have a TWO to THREE Day Internal Energy Supply
that they Absorbed into their Abdomen just before Hatching. ( Remaining Yolk )
If they DO NOT Leave the Nest for Two Days they will be OK.

The Pen will Take her Healthy, Fluffy, Dry Cygnets OUT to Learn to Graze..
when she Feel they are Ready..

OR To a Feed Station if your are Suppling the Cygnets Food.

Remember for the First 10-14 Days.. Cygnets Need a High Protein Diet..

## Feeding Swan Cygnets
https://swanlovers.net/category/feeding-swan-cygnets/
*************************

If there are EGGs that do NOT Hatch..within 72 Hours..
They are Very UNLIKELY to Hatch.. ( Not a 100% Rule. )

When the Swans are Away from the Nest, CAREFULLY SNEAK to the Nest.

******

It is Good to have an Assistant or Two.. Check the UnHatched EGGs.
Have a Bucket – Double Lined with Plastic Bags.

Check if these EGGs SMELL Terrible.. ARE there FLIES ?? !

******

Rotting EGGs can be Quite FOUL !

Before Removing Unhatched EGGs from the Nest to Discard..
HOLD Them… If an EGG Wiggles.. > > > PUT it BACK !
LISTEN to Them… If you Hear “Piping” > > > PUT it BACK !
There is a Chance that EGG is Ready to Hatch..

IF the EGGs SMELL NASTY.. ( It is Wise to Wear Gloves.)
CAREFULLY REMOVE to Bucket > DISCARD..

DO NOT SHAKE the EGGs.. They are STINK BOMBs !!!
If they Explode in the Nest, it is a Nasty Mess for the Cygnets.

Their Dam will take the Cygnets back to their Nest for Several Days..
for Naps and Safety at Night.. They Need her to Brood them for Warmth..

******

You do not want the Pen to keep Sitting on Rotting EGGs.

You want her to Care for her Healthy Cygnets,
AND Go Out on the Water to EAT !! SHE will be HUNGRY !!!

******

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

IF you KNOW the EGGs are NOT Fertile or have been Spoiled..
( The Pen below had No Cob to Mate with..)
Her EGGs will NOT Hatch.. Just Remove them after 42 Days.

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

Some Reasons Fertile Swan EGGs Did Not HATCH.

Did the Swans Start their Clutch.. when the Weather was COLD ??
Spring can be Warm One Day and Very Cold.. Wet the Next..

Pens Lay their EGGs every Other Day..
She May/Will Not Sit on them Much until the Clutch is Complete..
She will be BUSY Eating.. Getting Ready to “Sit” for 37 Days..

Either Swan, Pen or Cob may Sit Off and On to Protect their EGGs.

The Pen CAN NOT Incubate the EGGs until she “Feathers the Nest.”

So, it is Possible that the First EGGs.. became TOO Cold.. Froze..

Frozen EGGs often Crack.. Those will have Little Chance to Develop.

BUT these FOUR Images.. DEFY Reason !!            > THE EGGs just MIGHT Hatch !

DID the Swans have a Nest that Drains Well.. ???
OR Did their EGGs get WET with Spring RAIN.. ???

If the Pores in the EGGs Absorb TOO Much Moisture
the Embros may Not Survive.. A GOOD Draining Nest is Important..

## Swans Gather Nest Materials
https://swanlovers.net/category/swans-gather-nest-materials/
*************************

ARE your Swans Young.. ???
Some Two Year Old Juvenile Maidens are Ready to Nest and Lay EGGs…

BUT, is a Two Year Old Male Mature Enough to Fertilize them ??
These First Years may have Variable Results..

When there is a LARGE Clutch.. Seven to Nine EGGs,
it is Not UnCommon for One EGG not to Hatch..
The Pen Contributes ALL the Materials for the EGGs from her Body..

The Last EGG Laid may have been Short Changed or may become a Runt..

****************************************
Mute Cygnets Rejected by their Parents..

Example:  A Mature Pen had 6 Cygnets Hatch..
They Hatched over 24 Hours.. The First Two Days.. ALL Ok…
Things Changed when it was Time for the Cygnets to Leave the Nest.

The Dam did not want the 3 Pictured Below to Eat.. Tried to Drown them..

( Rescued ) Two Seemed Healthy – Developed Normal.
The Tiny Runt had No Drive to Eat – Poor WaterProofing..
It Only Survived for Several Days.. ( We Gave it a Chance. )
Some Cygnet Runts have a Chance.. will Need your Extra Attention.

The Dam Did Not have a Good Diet.
It was Suspected she did not want the Competition of the Cygnets for Food.

Female Swans NEED a Good Diet to Produce HEALTHY EGGs..
A Diet of Corn is NOT a Healthy Diet..

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

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

Some Parent Swans will Dispatch Cygnets that are Weak..
They will not Tend to Cygnets that will Slow the Family.

If the Adult Swans Sense there is Something Wrong with a Cygnet..
>>> InBreeding may Demonstrate Genetic Defects.. or a Runt..
Infanticide is Common in Swans..

We have Hand-Raised Cygnets that Swan Parents Rejected..
About 2/3rds do Fine.. Grow into Beautiful Young Swans..
But, there have been Others that Did Not do Well..

These Rejected NestMate Cygnets had Very Different OutComes..
One did NOT Grow.. Malabsorption.  The Other became the Mate to a Mature Cob.

He Adores her, they have Nested Several Years. 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
General Information is From Various Spring Nestings.
Gathered for Your Information before Discarding EGGs.
PA SwanLover Linda.. Linda M.Sweger    May 2024
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

******

******

The post WHEN Swan EGGs Did NOT Hatch appeared first on Swan Lovers.

I Wanted to Start this Topic with the Definition of ROGUE..
An Internet Search Yielded some Vague General Descriptions.

ROGUE: Definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary
https://dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › rogue.
*************
Not Behaving in the Way that is Expected or Wanted.

In other Sources – Terms and Comments Define Rogue..
>>>>  Very Charming, an Idle Vagrant, Rascal,
>>>>  Scoundrel, Mischievous, Scamp…
But One who is Nevertheless Like-able or Attractive.

The Rogue Cob below is a Beautiful Swan..  ( A Successful Rescue.. )

On this Topic Page…. I am Applying the Term Rogue to Swans..

A Rogue Swan is NOT Part of the Normal Swan Pairing.
A Swan who Causes Trouble in a Playful way.
OR
A Swan who Causes Trouble on an Established Swan Pond.

**************************
Swans are Social Birds.  They do not Want to be Alone..
If they are Wandering about Alone and happen to Locate
an Interesting Body of Water.. Especially with other Swans,
it is Understandable that they might Stop to Explore the Status of those Swans.

Click on Images to Enlarge to Read some Added Text. 

Our Rescued Mute Cob and a Rogue Feral Pen.. their Story will Follow.

IF more Domestic Mute Cygnets are Pinioned
or Clipped to Keep them Grounded,
THERE WOULD BE FEWER ROGUE MUTE SWANs.

I will Share Rogue Swan Stories here in Pennsylvania.

FIRST the SURPRISE ROGUE SWAN..

I get Several Calls every Year from Folks who are Excited.
They have a “Surprise” Swan on their Pond.
“I Looked at our Pond One Morning and there was a Beautiful Swan..!”

The Swan has been Hanging-Out on their Ponds or Lakes.
It is Alone.
The People are Seeking Information about Feeding or Winter Care..
And they want to Find a Companion/Mate for this Swan.

My First Question: “How Stable is this Swan ?? ”
“How Long has it been on your Pond..?? ”
“Are there other Ponds in your Area with Swans ?? ”
“How Social with You has this Swan Been ??? ”

“Do you have Photos that I might View ?? ”
Photos NEED to Be Focused and Close Enough to see Details.

The First Thing I NEED to Establish:
Is this a Feral Mute Swan.. ???  ( ORANGE Beak )

A Royal Mute Cygnet Less the One Year Old..
Will have Grey, Brown, Beige Colored Feathers – A Dark Beak.
These Cygnets are Naturally Chased-OFF by their Parents
in Very Late Fall and Early Winter..
Cygnets are Fairly Helpless as they Seek a Safe Place and Food.

Royal Cygnets have Earthtone Feathers..
Polish Cygnets are Pale in Coloration.

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

OR is it a Wild Tundra Swan/Swans that are in the Process
of Spring-Fall Migration. Are there More then One.. ??
Migrating Swans may Stop on Bodies of Water to Rest.
They may Remain Several Days before Leaving for their Destination.

The Tundra Swans Above have Yellow-Marks on their Black Beaks.

Most Folks are Unfamiliar with Swans in General..
It is Important to Know WHICH Species their Surprise Swans are..

If this/these Surprise Swans are Trumpeter or Tundra …

You can Enjoy and Feed them.. but, you can NOT Restrict them.
These are Federally Protected Swans and must be Allowed to Fly Free.

We Observed this Young Tundra Swan on a Creek Near us..
Likely Blown away from a Early, Spring Migrating Flock.

It Appeared after a Nasty February Storm.
It Stayed for Several Days.. We Watched it Fly-Off.

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

Then there were these TWO ! 

A Lady Called wanting to Adopt a “White Swan” for a Lonely Swan
at her Florida Apartment Complex.
There had been Five Swans – All Adopted Together.
Four had Flown Away.. ( Boo ! )  Not Pinioned.

She did NOT Know the Specie or Sex … I Asked for a Photo..
Yes, this is a “White Swan” > > A Whooper Swan.
A Very Expensive White Swan.

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

An Injured Tundra Swan Walked in a Family’s Long Driveway.
It was Calm, Weak and Thirsty/Hungry.
The Wife Called Wanting to Adopt a Mate/Companion.
She did NOT Know the Specie or Sex..  I Asked for a Photo.

I had to Inform these Folks that they could Not Keep it.
As a Federally Protected Tundra Swan,
we Arranged for it to go to a Licensed Rehabilitation Facility.

This Tundra Swan had a Poorly Healed Broken Shoulder.
It would Never be able to Fly or to be Released.  ( A Requirement )
The Rehab Facility had to Euthanize..  Sad Outcome.

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

IF the Surprise Mute Swans Come as a Pair.. Sigh !

These Mature Mute Swans APPEARED on a Rural Pond
in November and Stayed until March – Five Months.
They Flew-Off.. and would Occasional Return and Leave..
after another Seven Month.. they did not Return.

They have Probably Left their Original Home..
Try to Check your Area for “LOST” WayWard Swans..
Someone may be Searching for them. Social Media may Help..
Sites like FaceBook Groups, NextDoor.com.. etc.

When these Swans Left the Family Wanted to get a Pinioned Pair..
Their Surprise Experience was Wonderful.. “WE want Swans ! “

BUT, There is Nothing to Prevent these Feral Swans
from Returning Weeks or Months Later.
They Remember where they were being Fed..and May Return.

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

If a Lone Feral Mute Swan is on a Public Waterway,
a River, Lake, Creek, Stream

DO NOT Arrange to Release another Swan as a Companion !!

This Just Puts Another Swan in Peril..

If you Develop Trust and have an Opportunity to Catch a Feral Swan..
Arrange for a Private Property Future.
CLIP the PRIMARY FLIGHT FEATHERs
of
ONE WING before Releasing at a New Home/Pond.

This Link will have Information about WHEN to CLIP..

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

From our Experience..
It is a Challenge to Keep a Swan in Place
Once a Swan has Learned to Fly.

The Young Male Swan Above was a Feral Rescue..
Lots of Folks were Involved in his Weeks of Care and the Adoption..
He was Clipped before being Released to his New Home..
BUT, he was Not Clipped after his Annual Moult the Next Summer.
A Rogue Feral Mute Swan Flew in for a Few Days..

And this Rescued Male Flew Off with the Rogue-Feral Swan..
FULL-Wing Rescued Swans NEED to be Clipped Annually.

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

Once I Establish People have a Lone Mute Swan..
on their Private Property Water Environment-Pond/Lake..
I Explain what Needs ( should ) to be Done.
Feed >> Gain Trust, Catch the Swan.

Clip One Wing and Send a DNA Sample to Learn the Sex.
You CAN NOT Arrange for a Male to be with a Male !!

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

Many Lone Female Swans will Act like a Male as a Survival Behavior.
They Display their Wings and Busk and Snort more !
FOR Two Years we Thought this BIG, Bossy, Feral Swan was a Male.

Surprise.. He is a She ! 
IF they Nest and there are EGGs > the Swan is Female.

There is a Long and Winding Story to this Feral Mute Female.
She was Full-Wing.. Could Fly. The Result.. She was Shot.

Early Spring is Nesting Time..”most” Mature Females will Lay Eggs.. ( NOT All. )
If you are not seeing any Eggs >> that can be a Clue..
Males will Collect Materials for a Nest.. But NO Eggs..
Males will Gather a BIG, Messy Twiggy Nest..
A Female will Gather more of a Grassy Cavity Nest.

Young Male and Female Swans can not be Sexed
by Visual Appearance or Behavior.. You are Just Guessing.
It is Best to have a DNA Sample Submitted for Sex Determination.

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

**************
Banding is a GOOD IDEA – So YOU Can ID your Swan if it Leaves.

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

If a Hunter sees a Banded Mute Swan, Maybe they will Spare it.
DO NOT CALL your State WildLife Service.. ( DNR )
They may Destroy these Feral-Rogue Swans.

So Far, Few Free Flying Rogue Swans have been Caught
or Stayed with these Excited Folks.

Some of these Swans will Come, Eat, Enchant and Go,
Gone for a While, Maybe Returning at Random..
Especially, Folks that are Dealing with Feral Full-Wing Swans.

These are “Rogue” Swans.. They are Basically Feral-Wild..
They have NO Loyalty to you or your Pond.

I Hesitate to Arrange for a Companion Swan for any Rogue Fly-ins..
Full-Wing Swans and Cygnets
that have Learned to Fly are VERY Unpredictable..
Clipping is Helpful to keep them Grounded..
If they are Stable for a Period of Time.. then Maybe Adopt Another..

On Cool, Windy Days Swans have a Natural Desire to FLY
if they are NOT Grounded… Plus they CAN Still Walk Away..
Swans that Fly know the World is a Bigger Place.

Rogue Swans Frequently just Fly Away leaving the Pond Owners
a Bit Heart Broken.. and a Purchased Pinioned Swan Alone..
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I will Share Antidotes of ROGUE Swans we have Known.
There are Too Many Stories Shared to me by Other Swan Folks.

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

This WHOLE Story Starts in 2006 – I have Condensed it..
This Summary Account Covers 11 Months..

The Cast of Characters in this “Swan Soap Opera.”
“Handsome Fellow”  -  Little “Hannah”
“Jezebelle” <<<->>> “Sweet Harmony”
Rob  “Meadow”  Linda

“Handsome Fellow” was our First Feral Rescue.. July 2007.

We Learned so much about Swans while Caring for him.
After Nine Months he was Finally on a Real Pond.. But Alone.

We Acquired the Only Female Mute at a Country Auction.
Little “Hannah” was Young, very Scared and Dirty… April 2008..

“Handsome” Adopted this 10 Month Old and Raised her.
Soon “Hannah” became the Pond Princess.. So Cute !

By December 2008 they were Starting to Pair-Bond.

January of 2009 the Pair were Mating.. They were Good..

We had Wonderful Summer thru Winter Days by their Pond.
Below the Swans were Play Chasing.. Silly Fun.

February 13, 2009 was a Sweet Day.  The Last One.

On February 14th, 2009 a Mature Rogue Female Mute Swan
Circled and then Landed on their Pond.. ( FROM WHERE ?? )

We had NO Idea what was about to Happen.

“Handsome” was IMMEDIATELY Attracted to the New Swan.
In a Few Hours they were Mating ! We were Bewildered !
and so was our Dear Young “Hannah.”
I gave the Intruder a Name, “Jezebelle” – it Fit.

Early each Morning, One of us had been going Up River
Appx. 6 Miles to Feed a Lone Feral Swan, “Sweet Harmony.”
A Local Man would Feed “him” again after his Work Shift..

“Harmony” had gone Missing. We Checked for Weeks.
We Feared he had been Shot.. PA Hunters had that Right.
The Local Man said, he would call if “Harmony” Returned.

“Jezebelle” Charmed and Claimed “Handsome.” He was Smitten.

They Shunned “Hannah” to the Farthest Area of the Pond..

We watched her become Fearful if the Two Looked her way.
It was Hard to Watch “Handsome” Chase Little “Hannah” !!

She did not Understand “WHY ?”

“Jezebelle” started to Chase, determined to Attack “Hannah.”
Then “Handsome” joined the Chase to Drive “Hannah” Away.
We had NO way to Stop this Drama.. “Jezebelle” was in Control.

At One Point, “Handsome” was Chasing and “Hannah”
turned toward him.. Sat in the Water Facing him..
He Stopped.. He did not Chase her Again that Day..

For SEVEN Days we Watched almost Helpless…
Finally with Focused Intent “Jezebelle” forced “Hannah”
along a Muddy Bank >> Up into my Arms.

We had NO Choice, we took “Hannah” Home with us..

Sadly, we had to Rehome “Hannah” with Good Swan Friends.
Their Mute Cob had been Alone for Close to a Year.
It Took Several Months for Older Cob,”George” to Accept “Hannah.”
Dear “Hannah” was Much Loved at her New Home.

About Three Weeks Later, “Handsome” and “Jezebelle”
were a Bonded- Pair.. Mating Several Time a Day.

One Night Rob was Comparing Close-up Photos
he had Taken of “Harmony” to Photo we Snapped of “Jezebelle.”
He showed me.. We were Stunned.

THIS BIG Bossy Female, “Jezebelle” was the Missing Swan from 6 Miles Away..
that we Thought was a Male..!!!

Her Behavior was SO DIFFERENT. But, It did Explain,
Why “Jezebelle” Liked Graham Crackers that First Day.
“Harmony” and “Handsome” were Together Again..

They had been on the River together for Two Years,
“Handsome” had been Rescued 20 Months Earlier..
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We had a Protected Nesting Site Ready for the Swans.
“Handsome” Spent Time Arranging the Material..
“Harmony” Totally Ignored the Area.. Weeks Passed..

March 23, the Swans were Sitting on the Pond Bank when we Left.

The NEXT Afternoon, the Swans were GONE.. REALLY GONE !!

We Frantically Searched and Located them on the Local Creek.

They were Exploring.. Seeking their Own Nesting Site.
We had NO Way to Catch them.. Very Helpless..

Their Perfect Nesting Place was Picked.. We Asked Permission
to Visit the Water’s Edge behind that Creek Property.
We Spent most Afternoons Feeding, Watching, Guarding, etc.

Heavy Rain Flooded their Nest/Eggs Twice – All Lost.

They Recycled and Nested a THIRD Time.. 5 BIG EGGs.

During the HEAT of July, Three Tiny Cygnets Hatched.

Only One Survived to Leave the Nest.. “Meadow.”

The Happy Parents took “Meadow” Out to Explore the
World of the Creek.. We Visited as Much as Possible.

At 38 Days Old.. a Snapping Turtle Bit “Meadow’s”
Tiny Foot Almost in Half. HE was Bleeding..

Hearing “Handsome” and “Harmony” Screaming
when we Took “Meadow” from them, to Save him,
is a Sound that Haunts my Memory..
We had to Try to Save him.

Success was 11 Months of Vet Visits, Surgeries, Healing.
“Meadow” has a Badly Damaged Semi-Functional Foot.
In the Water he is Magnificent..
In Summer 2026, “Meadow” is 17 Years Old.

On November 15th, 2009, “Harmony” had Lead “Handsome”
Downstream in the Creek to the River.
They were Full-Circle – back where they Started.

“Handsome” was Happy to be with “Harmony.”
He had taken his Life back as a Free Swan..

Trying to Return them to the Safety of the Private Pond
was not Realistic.. They would Likely Leave again..
Their Return to Life on the River had NO Future..

One Day Later, “Harmony” aka “Jezebelle” was Shot by a Hunter from Maryland.
He was Proud of his Kill… Bragging to Folks at a Diner.

“Handsome” was Spared.. and Alone..
He Searched and Called for “Harmony” for Days..
All we could do was Watch him..
“Handsome” Understood being Alone.

Early December 2009, “Handsome” Swam back UP the Creek
to the Parking Area of a Small Public Park.

We made Plans to Capture him and Return him to the Private Pond…
and Hoped for the Best..

We Visited Daily, Spent Time Trying to get Closer to him..

Almost.. almost… The Creek Flooded our Last Hope..
January 25th, 2010 was the Last Day we saw “Handsome.”

We Searched for Weeks, Months.. Nothing.. No News of “Handsome.”
It is June 2026, We Never Learned his Fate.

At Home we had “Meadow” with a Huge Surgical Wound to Care for..
“Meadow” had to have his 4th Toe Removed…
We had to Focus on his Needs..

We have “Meadow” Thanks to Feral/Rogue “Sweet Harmony,”
but we Lost “Handsome Fellow” as their Story’s Tragic Outcome.

For One Enchanting Summer these Swans had a Feral/Wild/Free Life Together.
We Learned many New Things while Visiting with them.

This Rouge Swan… Changed EVERYTHING for Us,

when she Flew onto our Swans’ Pond Out of a Grey Winter Sky.

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I will Add Two or Three more Random Stories..

I will Condense-Summarize these Examples.
A Few Photo Images are NOT the Mentioned Swans.
But they are Good Examples of the General Topic.
Our Adventures with Swans have had LOTs of Twists and Surprises.

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SO Many Wanted to Help this Abandoned-Feral-Rogue Swan.

This Summary Covers THREE Frustrating Months.

For Years, a Lone Swan was seen in a Very Shallow Swampy Pond
as People Drove along a Busy Highway.. Then in Summer 2022,
Plans to Develop this Property were about to begin.

A Local Couple wanted to Rescue and Find a Home for the Swan.
I Got a Call… Could we Help. I Collected Info and made Calls.
I Contacted a Variety of People WILLING to Help.. It was June.

The Work Site Foreman said, Now that this was a Construction Site,
he could Not Grant Permission for Anyone to come on the Property..
We would have to Contact the Florida Corporate Office.
Several Calls. > NO. They would Not Allow Anyone to Feed or Rescue the Swan.

We had a Window of Time, while the Swan was Moulting..
To Rescue the Swans while it was Flightless.. BUT, NO Permission !

Earth Moving Equipment Fill-in the Swampy Water.. It was July.
The Water was Disappearing Day after Days. The Swan Flew Away.

Landed in a Township Dump-Waste Pond with a High Locked Fence.
Permission Denied.. the Area was TOO Dangerous for Public Access.

Weeks Later the Swan Flew Out.. TO… the Local Fire House..

It was Late August.
Seeking Company, the Swan Explored the Fire House..

The Firemen were Happy to Welcome this Unique Surprise Visitor..

They Posted to Social Media.. Hundreds of Comments Followed.
From seeing the Photos, I Suspect “Charley” might be a Pen. ( Female )

I CALLED and EMAILED.. Trying to Contact ANYONE at the Fire House.
>>>> PLEASE Close the Doors and Someone will Come for the Swan..!!

We had a Team of People Ready, to Rescue, Transport, Shelter..
Plans for a Veterinary Check-up.. and then to a Private Property Home.
With the Flood of Social Media Interest.. I was Ignored. UNTIL….

I Got a Call from the Fire Chief.. I Explained we wanted to Rescue..
He Informed me.. that after about 10 Days.. the Swan Flew Away.
It was Now Late September,
TWO Days.. before the Beginning of Fall Hunting Season.
The Swan they called “Charley” was Never Seen Again..

 I want to Acknowledge, that there are Lots of Caring People
who are Willing to Help.. But, the Odds are Against us.

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This Rogue Swan Story will be Short.

A young Pair of Seven Month Old Mute Cygnets
were Settled on their Country Pond.  ALL Good.

I Got a Frantic Call from the Wife….
There was a Larger Swan on their Pond CHASING the Two Youngsters.

Her Husband was Outside, Yelling and Banging a Metal Pan,
trying to Scare the Rogue Swan Away..  Not much Luck.
But, he was Definitely Scaring their Young Pair.

The Rogue Swan would Fly-off and Return for Several Days.
Finally Left and did not Return.
Another Day of Harassing the Young Cygnets
there would have been a Fatal End to the Rogue.

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One More – A Terrible Easter Morning Memory.

In Early February a Pair of Unrelated 9 Month Old Mute Cygnets were Adopted..
to a Family with a Lovely Four Acre Rural Lake.
The Young Female was VERY Shy.. she Kept her Distance for Weeks.

As the Weather Warmed so did her Trust of her New Family.
Early in April, I got a Call.. There were TWO LARGE Swans
Flying about their Pond and Chasing their Young Pair.

Through Social Media, they Located the Swans’ Original Family.
WHO Said, “That’s Ok, you can Keep them.”

Being New to Swan Care, the Cygnet’s Family had NO Idea
what their Right were or what to do..

It is the Responsibility of the Original Family to Remove
these Two Full-Wing Wayward Swans and Rehome them..

Several People were Hired to Catch the Wayward Swans..
It was Hopeless, they just Flew about Avoiding their Attempts.

To the Horror of the Lake Family… Early Easter Morning..

A Hunter stood by the Lake and Shot both Rogue Swans.
One was Killed Immediately, the other was Fatally Wounded.
It was Left to Bleed to Death
while a Four Year Old Child Witnessed this Gruesome Action.
The Child was VERY Fearful for his Pet Swans.

The Family had to Deal with the Bloody Body once it Floated to Shore.

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Are there Other Rogue Swan Stories..??  Yes, but this is Enough.

The Basic Point I want to Make..
IF you have Swans.. Please be Responsible for them and their Offspring.
Pinion Cygnets.. have them Sexed Properly…
Arrange for New Homes for them..
Help Prevent Rogue Swans.. 

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Compiled & Organized by  (c) Linda M.Sweger    Updated June 2026
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To the Memory of  “Handsome Fellow.”

The post Beware of the Allure of a ROGUE SWAN appeared first on Swan Lovers.

I am not Going to Bash or Complain about the Sport of Fishing..

It seems to be a Popular Way to Spend Time Outside.

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

FISHING: If you Allow Anyone to Fish in Your Pond or Lake..

Ask them to be EXTREMELY Careful
with Fishing Line, Sinkers and Hooks..

It is Safest for your Captive Pet Swans if NO Fishing is Allowed..

I am Always Happy to See Ponds Designated “NO FISHING.”

A BRIGHT Red Bobber… Someone was Fishing on a NO Fishing Pond.

The Pond or Lake Your Swans Live on.. is their Home.

What is Difficult to Accept is the Careless Disregard for the Environment
by Some – Not All – People who Fish..

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Fishermen Say they Love the OutDoors.. > > > Why do they Trash It. ? ?

Mute Swans get Blamed for All Kind of Negative Impacts
on the WaterWays they Live on.. But, this is Not Swan Waste..
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THIS is People TRASH ! !

I Want to Share with Folks interested in Having Swans
what Can Happen if Fishing Hooks, Lines and Sinkers
are Left in the Water where your Captive Pet Swans
and other Water Birds Live.

Your Domestic Ducks and Geese will Suffer Injuries that Mangle them.
Many of these Fishing Related Tangles and Puncture Wounds
will Require a Visit to a Veterinarian..
Wounds can be Time Consuming to Treat.  Many are Fatal….

This Tiny Cygnet was Barely OUT of the Nest and it is HOOKED !

This Female Mallard became Entangled in a SIX-Pronged Barbed Hook.
She was First Hooked in the Webbing of her Foot.
Trying to Free herself with her Beak, her Tongue became Impaled.
She was Lucky, Found, Helped and Released.

Discarded Fishing Line Around the Leg of this Goose was Cutting
in so Deeply, Saving the Leg was Questionable.

One Hook can Destroy the Future of an Entire Swan Family.

A FISHING Hook is Literally a TIME BOMB
waiting to Kill any Bird or Animal that Swallows One.

Use GREAT CARE when Capturing a Swan/Cygnet that may have
ingested a Fishing Hook.
Do your BEST NOT to handle the Neck. Keep Stress as LOW as Possible.

VERY GENTLY – Touch the Neck ALL Around to feel
for any Lump that might be the Location of a Hook !!

WHAT YOU CAN NOT SEE ! !       A Swallowed Fishing Hook  ! ! !

This would Required Risky Surgery to Remove.  Outcome Unknown.

If an Unfortunate Swan/Cygnet Swallows a Fishing Hook
OR any Bird or Waterfowl…
The SOONER it is Removed the Better the Chance
that no Long Term Harm or Death will occur.

One of the Young Cygnets above Swallowed a Length of Fishing Line..
The Cygnet’s Owner CUT the Line at his Beak and Released him.
NO Plan to Find Out if there was a Hook or to Help him..
“He is a Wild Creature. God will take Care of him..”      ( B… S… ! )

My Heart SANK, when I learned they turned the Cygnet out to their Pond.

DO NOT CUT SWALLOWED FISHING LINE SHORT
– there MIGHT be a HOOK…
This will Aid finding the Hook.. Leave Several SECURED Inches Visible.

The Bird or Animal will BEST be helped by a Veterinarian.

We Arranged with the County Cruelty Officer for this Cygnet
to be Removed from the Farm Pond.
He was Taken to a Veterinarian for Help.
His Weight was 40 % below what he should have Weighed.

There is NO WAY:  > > > WITHOUT an X-RAY
No way to know how Large the Hook is..
No way to know how the Hook is Oriented..
No way to know how Far Down the Hook has Gone..
NO WAY to know how many Barbs the Hook has..

If a Painful Puncture and Bleeding does Not Kill the Animal/Bird,
Fishing Hooks will Dissolve/Rust over Time..
Depending on the Size, this can take Weeks to Months..
Dissolving Metals will S-L-O-W-L-Y be Absorbed..
Heavy Metal Poisoning.

In the MEANTIME:
As the Swan/Cygnet moves about the Hook Barbs may change its
Position and Location.  Swans Twist their Necks to Drink, Eat and
Preen.. It will likely cause PAIN as it Stabs into Tender Tissues.

Throat Tissues may become Swollen, Sore and Ulcerate.
High incidents of Infection.. Bacteria – Fungus.. Necrosis.

A Swallowed Fishing Hook may cause Chronic to Severe Bleeding..
Especially, if it Punctures a Carotid Artery or Jugular Vein.
Massive Bleeding, Loss of Blood to their Brain.
Obstructive Blood Clots.  Many Fatal Potentials.

Plant Material, which Swans Try to Eat, may be Caught and Choke
the Cygnet/Swan. Prevent Eating – High Risk of Starving.

Hook Barbs may Migrate to the Trachea – cause Airway Obstruction,
Bleeding into their Lungs. Painful Fatal Outcome.

Hook Barbs may Migrate to their Neck Vertebrae.
Damage Nerves-Impair Function. Imagine the PAIN !!

By the Time the Swan/Cygnet is in Distress from a FISHING HOOK,
it will be more Difficult to Save them. The Longer the FISHING HOOK
is in the Throat the more Treatment will likely be Needed.
Poor Prognosis.

This Young Cygnet was Lucky. He was Rescued and taken for Help.
He did not have a Fishing Hook in his Esophagus..
BUT, he did have a Wad of Balled-up Fishing Line in his Gizzard.
The Line was Abrading the Lining of his Gizzard, causing Bleeding.
The Fishing Line was Removed, he was Treated with Antibiotics,
Time to Recover and Gain Weight.. Adopted to a New Home.

If you SEE Fishing Line Hanging from a Swan’s Mouth…
DO NOT CUT the Line. – Leave SEVERAL Inches Visible.
Find a Way to KEEP it from being SWALLOWED Further.
TIE the Fishing Line Around a Kids SOCK.. or a Small Wash Cloth.
Something Soft that the Swan/Cygnet can NOT Swallow.
Your VET will have a BETTER Chance of Removing the HOOK.

The Young Swan Cygnet Below was Rescued – Not Saved.. Died.

Carelessly Discarded Fishing Line, Hooks and Lead Sinkers
have been Responsible for “Way Too Many” Waterfowl Deaths..

Painful Tissue Injuries might be Treated after Days of Bleeding
when Infections have started.. All Blood Loss is an Emergency !

What you are Seeing is a Result of FISHING..
and NOT being Responsible for Fishing Line.. and HOOKs !

The Pain and Stress the Swans Endure May Contribute to a Poor Outcome..

At a Pond that was to be Designated “No Fishing” – Public Fishing Continued.

The Young Swans on this Pond were Hooked and Injured Several Times.

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We Arranged for a Rescue to Occur on a Wednesday..
A Veterinarian Appointment was Made for that Evening.

The Owner Arranged for Someone to Shoot the Juvenile Swan on Tuesday.
They were Tired of all the Expensive Veterinary Bills..
The Young Swan was a Victim Twice.. through NO Fault of his. So Sad.

They did Allow the Rescuers to Collect his Brother.
We found him a New Home.  In 2023, he was a Sire to Three Cygnets.

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The Line was Caught on Rocks.. Luckily the Swan Pulled Free..
We Could Not get Hold of her.. The Hook Eventually Rusted Off.

A Lost Bobber.. Floating out in the River..

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The Saga of a Rescued Swan.. Who Knows how Long she was Hooked.

A Family that had been Visiting and Feeding her… Took her Home.

It Took Repeated Tries to Capture this Feral Mute Swan.

A Trip to their Veterinarian.. Hook was Removed and Treated.

Weeks of Recovery Time.. the Swan Continued to Struggle.

She was Using her Wings to Assist her Walking.

This Swan’s Leg was Not Ok.. She Struggled to Walk.. Victim of a Hook.

Now she has a Home.. Beautiful and Graceful in the Water.

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SINKERs:
Lead Poisoning is a BIG Problem for Wild and Domestic Waterfowl.

Swallowed Lead will Slowly Cause Toxic Heavy Metal Poisoning.
Difficult and Time Consuming to Treat.

Over the Years, we have Talked with Pond Families and Helped Rescue
Way TOO Many Swans and Cygnets Entangled-Snagged
by Fishing Hooks, Lines.. So Far No Sinkers or Shot Gun Lead.

Well, that has Changed.. Late July 2023.. I Received a Call..
A Young Cygnet was being taken ASAP to an Animal Medical Hospital..
It was Found early in the Day.. Very Weak..
An XRay at a Local Vet’s Office showed a Fishing Split.
It had to be Resuscitated on Arriving at the Hospital..
Sorta Stable for 36 Hours..
Then Seizures Ended this Tiny Life.. Before Treatment could be Started.

The Cygnet above with the Weak Neck Muscles..
Very Suspicious of Lead Poisoning..

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This OnLine Image became Real for One of Our Swan Friends.

The Female is Young, the Cob is Older.
They were Getting to Know Each Other.

A Fishing Bobber Floating into their Pond from the Source Stream.
The Young Female Swallowed it ?? Hook and Line. ???
It was NOT going to Pull OUT.. WAS there a HOOK ???
The Fishing Line would CUT if Tugged to Hard.

An XRay did not Show a HOOK..
But the Fishing Line was Very Tight in the Gizzard Muscle.
First Vet Said, Nothing Could be Done… but, Euthanize her.

I Recommended taking this Young Female to another Vet…
that we Know..  Dr. L. gave her a Little Sedation..
That Relaxed the Gizzard Muscles and the Fishing Line
was Gently Pulled UP and OUT !!!

It was a 90 Minute Drive Home.. By then she was Totally Awake..
And Released Back to her Adoring Mate..  LUCKY & Happy Ending.

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A Distressed Swan Rescued after having Tongue Impaled
by Discarded Fishing Hook.

Some Hooks will Come OUT Easily..
Some Hooks Embed Deeply.. Cause Bleeding and Pain.

These are the Painful Punctures Suffered by a Swan in the U.K.
after Swallowing Fishing Line attached to TWO Hooks.

Fishing Line Tangles Wings, Legs, Necks..
Tissue Damage and Permanent Injuries are Common.

One of their Four Month Old Cygnets was Tangled,
Struggling Likely Broke her Wing.
She Died during the Night, before she could get to the Vet’s Office.

There are many Sad Stories I could share..
“PiP” is Another One. He was between 4–5 Months when Rescued.
A Caring Team of People spent Months Helping him Recover.
Thanks to All.

He was Lucky to Survive his Encounter with Fishing Line.
Any Waterfowl, Birds… and other Animals can become Tangled
in Fishing Line left in their Living Environment..
Fishing Line is Strong and does not breakdown..

He was Found with his Foot Tangled with Fishing Line.
His Struggling to Free himself caused Mutilation
of his Left Foot’s Web Tissues.

When Rescued, the Damaged Tissues were Surgically Removed.
All the Network of Blood Vessels between his Toe Digits were Damaged.

It was Over a Year before he was Ready for Adoption to a New Home.

The Primary use of Webbed Feet is for Paddling through Water.
Webbed Feet have more Surface Area to Push Water Backwards
and thus Propelling the Waterfowl Forward.

The Large Network of Blood Vessels in the Webbing is Important
to Aid Waterfowl Regulate their Body Temperature.

This Nasty Damage will Affect his Life.. He will Need to Adapt.
His Foot will Sink into Soft Muddy Dirt, be more Easily Cut.

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Entangled Waterfowl Can NOT Fly, Swim, Forage for Food
or Protect Themselves from Predators.
Tightening Constriction around the Body can cause Suffocation.

If Fishing Line gets Wrapped and Tight enough it can AMPUTATE
Legs, Wings, Strangle their Neck Affecting Breathing, etc.
While causing Gangrene as a Body Part Slowly Dies.
The Poor Helpless, Tangled Swan can easily Starve if it does not get help..

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Another Young Swan’s Life has been Changed.. Forever.

Once Tangled in Fishing Line, the Line Tightens around her Leg
to the Point it Cut through the Skin and into the Bone
as she Struggled to Free herself.

Infections incur, Circulation is Cut Off Resulting in Amputation.

A Little Local was Given to Finish the Amputation..

This is Where the Leg was Damaged – No Hope to Repair.

She will Not be Able to Walk.. Swans are Too Large to Hop on One Leg.

It is Hard to think about this Live Bird Suffering Endless Hours
for over 2–3 Weeks – Alone in Pain and Scared.
I do not have Words..

A Series of Dedicated People Tended Tirelessly to Help this Young Swan Recover.

An Experienced Rehab Angel in Florida.. Welcomed this Young Female.
Close to Round the Clock Care.. Weeks of Therapy.

In the End, the Swan kept Trying to Stand to Preen..
Then Plop-down on her Abdomen.
The Abdomen Skin was Bruised Over and Over..
Damaged beyond Healing.

If this Swan would have Stayed in the Water,
she might have had a Chance.
Her Loss was Heart Wrenching for Everyone
who Tried so Hard to Save her.

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Countless Birds Suffer an Agonizing Death.

Birds/Swans often Pick-up Fishing Line to put in their Nest.
This may have a Fatal Outcome for the Cygnets.

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Do a Simple Internet Search for ** Images Swan Fishing **
Many Photos of Swans and Cygnets “Hooked” are Posted.

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WaterFowl Do NOT have TEETH..

They Ingest their Food in Bites that can be Swallowed.
Swans are Vegetarians and Eat a Diet with Lots of Tough Fiber.

These Foods Need to be Ground into Smaller Bits that will
Pass into their Digestive System.

Most Waterfowl Swallow Small Bits of Gravel that Act as “Teeth”
in their Gizzard, Breaking Down the Tough Plant Fibers
thus Aiding Digestion.

Ingested Fishing Line can cause Intestinal Blockage and Bleeding.
Balled-up Wads of Line will Churn in the Gizzard Muscle..
Pain and Bleeding..Slow Starvation..

Not Being a Person who Goes Fishing..
I am Using Wikipedia for the Following Information..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_sinker

A Fishing Sinker or Knoch is a Weight used in Conjunction with a
Fishing Lure or Hook to increase its Rate of Sink, Anchoring Ability,
and/or Casting Distance.

A Lead Fishing Sinker is a Weight used to Sink a Lure
or Bait to the Bottom of the Waterway.

Sinkers are Formed into many Shapes for Diverse Fishing Applications.
Depending on the Metals.. Swallowed Sinkers will Poison Waterfowl.

Most Fishing Sinkers are made of Solid Lead.
Lead is Inexpensive to Produce and Mold into a Large Variety
of Shapes for Specific Fishing Applications.

Fishing Sinkers may be as Small as 1 Gram for Applications
in Shallow Water, and even Smaller for Fly Fishing Applications,
or as Large as Several Pounds or Considerably more for Deep Sea Fishing.

There are many Environmental Concerns Surrounding the use
of Lead and other Materials in Fishing Sinkers.
Lead in Fishing Sinkers causes Lead Poisoning in WildLife.

Anglers should be Careful when using Lead Sinkers
and if at all Possible Never Leave Lead Sinkers
in the Environment they are Enjoying.

Any Lead Fishing Items Swallowed by Waterfowl will
Slowly Poison the Birds.. There are MANY Articles onLine..

Treating and Saving a Swan Suffering from Lead Poisoning
is a Long and Difficult Process.. if Successful.

When I see Fishing on a Pond or Lake where Swans are Living..
I feel myself Tense – Cringe .. Immediate Worry..
> > > Too Many Sad Stories.

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A Clean, Litter Free Environment Benefits All.

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Do an OnLine Search:  Fishing Hooks Swans.. Lots of Sad Photos.

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You Get the Idea..  Swans and Fishing do NOT Mix Well !

Swans would LOVE to SEE more of these SIGNS ! ! !

You would have FEWER Injured Swans, Ducks, Geese !

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Thoughts, Information and Memories Collected – September 2023
An Unfortunate Work in Progress. (C) Linda M.Sweger
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We can Share the Great OutDoors.

Fishing, Boating, Enjoying Wildlife Safely.
Did you know you can Recycle your Used Fishing Line?

The Fishing Line Recycling Unit above was Installed by an Eagle Scout
as a Community Service Project for a Large Lake Community.
GREAT IDEA.

We hope more Fishing Folks will Use this Type of Recycling.

Do a Search for: Fishing Line Recycling Program.

Fishing Line will be Sent Back to be Recycled into Fish Habitats.

There are Products to Help Fisher Folks Recover Line.. and Hooks.

I Learned that there are Effort to Provide Ways to ReClaim
and Dispose of Hooks, Lines and Fishing Stuff…

Please Help Reduce the Suffering.

******

******

It is Just a Matter of Time.

The post FISHING and SWANs.. NOT a GOOD MIX appeared first on Swan Lovers.

Look that those CUTE LITTLE LEGs..

As I have been Gathering Examples..
It has been Disheartening how many Swans/Cygnets
We know that have had their Legs Injured Permanently.
Many will not be Mentioned here.

It is Important with Young Cygnets to be Careful Handling them.
IF Possible. > > NO Chasing ! No Twisting when you Pick them UP.
Set Cygnets Down on the Ground Gently.

**********************
Within Hours of Hatching Swan Cygnet are Ready to Leave their Nest.

Within 24-36 Hours Swan Cygnets are
READY to Leave the Nest and will Learn to EAT !

I Had to Laugh Seeing the Tiny Cygnet Tasting his Sire’s Feathers. 

For THREE Months Swan CYGNETs are Eating Machines !
They EAT and Poop !   Lots of Poop !!

Cygnets have VERY Fragile Legs when Young..
A Poor Diet the first 5-6 Months.. does not Help..

Calcium is the Main Mineral they need to Develop Strong Bones.
Tiny Water Insects are Rich in Calcium and Proteins..

“Crunchy Munchies.”

They will Soon be Floating on the Water that is Only
a Very Short Waddle from their Nest to Start Life as Very Young Swans..

Imprinted they Follow Close to the Tail Feathers of their Parents..
Their Little Legs will be Very Active.

Swan Cygnets will Grow VERY FAST..
When Cygnets Hatch..
Their Tiny Bodies are Much like a Balloon before you Inflate with Air..
( One Way to Think of it. )

In 4 to 5 Months they will be 12-20 Pounds..
Depending on Many Factors..

Their Bones can not be Firm, they must be able to Stretch
into the Proper Shapes. Their Bones are just Thin Scaffolding..

First the Cute Little Webbed Feet >>>GROW..!!
Exaggerate for Fast Paddling.
They Must Keep Up with their Parents..

Then their Necks Shoot UP

… Within 5 Months they are Close to the Size of their Parents.. !!

Healthy Cygnets will be “Feathered OUT..” by 5 Months.

Swans Evolved to Float and Fly.. Not to Stand or Walk..
When we Pinion them.. we Change this..
Pinioned Swans are Safer as Domestic Pets.

For Cygnets that are NOT Pinioned.. ( Please Pinion your Cygnets )
4 to 6 Months is their Instinctive TIME to Learn to Fly
and Leg Injuries are Common.
( The Cygnet Below is Pinioned.)

Their First Primary Wing Feathers are Larger then they will be
the Rest of their Lives..
Larger Feathers for more Control.. Softer Landings..
These are Nature’s “Training Wheel.”

At Six Months their Bones are Close to the Adult Size..
NOW it is Time for Bone Development Changes
and for Minerals to Start to Strengthen the Bone Scaffolding.
They will SLOWLY become Firm – more Solid/Dense..
This will take Another Year + Plus..

BUT, Their Bones are Still Developing.. Their Legs are Still Fragile !
HANDLE Cygnets Gently. Very Little Pressure on their Legs.
They Bend Easily.. Handle like a Fine Stemware Wine Glass..

The Cygnet Below: Notice her Leg Bone ( Blue Cable Tie) is Bent.

Cygnets at 4-6 Months are Old Enough to be Cared for as Adults..
>>>Except for being VERY CAREFUL with their Legs,
which are Still Fragile and Injure Easily..

DO NOT Chase them or Put ANY Pressure on their Legs,
No Twisting their Legs as they are Growing..
Take Care when Traveling with Young Swans/Any Swans
that you DO NOT take Turns TOO Fast or STOP Suddenly
and Knock the Swans OFF their Feet.

If there is Room in their Travel Container Swans may Stand
to Stretch their Leg while your Vehicle is Moving.

Any “Pressure Bends” CAN NOT be Corrected.
The Internal Struts in their Hollow Bones are Damaged.

The First 6-9 Month the Legs of Cygnets are Growing Fast..
Stretching into their Adult Shape and Size the Structures are Thin..

Cygnet Legs Start to Firm from ca. 8 to 24 Months..
Swan Bones are NOT as Solid as Mammal Bones.
Bird Bones Remain Light Weight.. so they can Fly..

If Hand Raised Cygnets are Kept in a Shelter with Very Little SunShine,
Depending on their Diet, they may have an Inbalance
of Bone Healthy Vitamins, Minerals and Exercise.

Bone Density Reflects Mineral Content for Bone Firmness.

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

Some Years Mute Cygnets Hatch VERY Early in the Spring.
and they are Sheltered to Protect them from the Cold…
and/or the Predators that Snatch these Tiny Fuzz Balls..

The Swan Family below Started with 6 Cygnets..
A Red-tailed Hawk Snatched 3 Cygnets within 10 Days.

Black Australian Cygnets often Hatch in COLD Weather (March)
and are Often Sheltered the First Several Weeks
when they Legs are Growing SO FAST.
Not Sure Most will have even a Kidde Pools.. or SunLight

Being in the Water to Work their Legs is GOOD.
Allow them to SWIM as Much as Possible. ( being Safe..)
Be Sure they can get IN and OUT of the Water Easily…

Below we Used a Kidde Pool on a Slope with the Side Cut to the Ground.
This Cygnet’s Legs were Bent when an Adult Male Sat on her..
Her Legs were Bent-Very Sore, she Scooted on her Belly.

Cracked Corn is NOT a Complete Diet.. !!!!
The General Cygnet Feeding Tips are on this Topic Page..

Feeding Swan Cygnets
https://swanlovers.net/category/feeding-swan-cygnets/
*********************************

We had Several, NOT a Large Sample of Cygnets,
that had some Leg Issues due their Poor Diet..

Correcting their Poor Diet most Cygnets did Improved..
“Abigail” is an Example..

The Commercial Poultry Feeds will have Vitamins and Calcium..etc.
Swan are Birds – Poultry Feed is for Birds..

They Need to Keep their Body Weight in Balance
with their Leg Growth.. This can be Tricky..

As they Rapidly Gain Weight, their Legs are often under Stress..
Stress may Cause the Leg Bones to Twist.
The Bones are Stretching and Growing RAPIDLY.. They are Thin..
At Times the Cygnets Walk as if their Legs are Sore..

Some Young Cygnets may have Shaky Legs when Walking or Standing..
They Avoiding being Out of the Water.. Sitting more then Walking..

Young “Philo’s” Owner was Worried about his Shaky Legs.
As he Grew his Shaking Legs did Stop.

I Presume this is Similar to Kids with “Growing Pains.”
I have Observed this when we Hand Raised Cygnets.

************************************
So being in Water Helps keep their Weight OFF their Legs.
And Works ALL their Leg Muscles.

SUNLIGHT is Important for Vitamin D.. ( Shade on HOT Days. )
Hopefully as they Grow, their Legs will Strengthen
in the Proper Shapes. Nature is Moulding them.

Personally, I would Add some Crushed Boiled Egg Shells.
A TSP to a Gallon of Feed Mixture….( OR Fine Oyster Shell )

The Cygnets with Injured Legs were Never Quite Right..
In the Mute Swan Community, MANY Swans Limp..

The Precious Young Female below was Lucky.
She was Attacked by a Bob Cat and Escaped. One Leg was Twisted.
It took Close to a Year for her to Walk well.  She Limps.
In her Pond she is “Princess Hannah.”

Swans that Limp or have Some Leg /Foot Issues is VERY Common.
In the Water they do Fine.. On Land.. Far from their Pond/Water..
they are more Vulnerable.. Especially when Pinioned..
Encourage your Swans to Stay Close to their Water.

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

I have Learned of Too Many Swans who had Broken Legs..
They are Seldom OK..

Most of the Cygnets or Swans with Displaced Leg Fractures..
did not Survive very Long.. These Fractures did not Heal..
A Poor Blood Supply and Damaged Nerves the Legs will not Function.

These Two Black Swan Cygnets had Poor Union of their Fractures..

One had been Dropped Over a Fence, the Impact Broke his Leg..

The Other ( Poor Diet ) his Leg Broke when he was Hit
with a Chunk of Lettuce.. OUCH !

This Mature Cob was Pushed Sideways.. It Broke his One Leg.
It was Pinned and he was Confined for Weeks.. It did not Heal..

Their Legs Died..and so did they.

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

The Xray Attached is of a Young Cygnet..
who was Fluttering Down a Hill and Landed in Shallow Water.
His Foot Hit a Flat Rock and Cracked his Leg Bone..

He was a Lucky One.. his Leg Healed.. Xrayed Three Times.
His Adoption was Delayed 6-7 Weeks.

Be Gentle with Swan Cygnet Legs..

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

Some Broken Wings … Can be Splinted

or if Needed be Removed..

Captive Waterfowl will Adapt to a Damaged Wing being Removed.

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

CHECK Your Pond Area for Tangle Hazards !

********

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

This was a Fun Topic Page to Organize..

Swan Cygnets Grow SO FAST Day 1 to 12 Months..
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-cygnets-grow-so-fast/

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

I am Only going to Provide Basic Information about Avian Bones..

Watching with Aww Birds Flying is Something many of us have Done.
Soaring High in the Sky.. Zipping into Trees.. Landing on Lawns.
OR Watching Waterfowl Glide onto a Water Surface.

A Bird’s Skeleton must be Very Strong to Meet the Demands of Flight.
And Birds Need to be as Light as Possible in Order to Fly.
The Bones of Birds are Lighter in Weight than those of Mammals.

What is the Main Difference between Bird Bones and Mammal Bones?

Bird Bones are Hollow or Semi-Hollow and have Large Air Chambers.

Mammal Bones are Filled with Bone Marrow and Spongy Tissue.

All Birds that Fly have Hollow Bones that have many Pockets of Air.
Their Bones are held together by Thin Bar-like Structures called Struts.

The Struts Prevent the Bones from Collapsing Inward with the
Pressure of Landing.. Healthy Mature Bird Bones are Stronger
than Mammal Bones because their Bones have Denser Calcium-Minerals.

When Bird Bones Break, they tend to Shatter and Splinter
while Mammal Bones tend to Break Relatively Cleanly.

Birds have Evolved for Flight by a Reduction in Absolute Bone Mass.
Unlike Humans, who have Massive Bones, Birds have Pneumatized Bones.
Their Bones contain Hollow Structures Accessible to Air.

Their Hollow Bones are Part of the Avian Respiratory System.
These Hollow Air Chambers are Honeycombed with Criss-Crossing Struts
which Increase Structural Strength while Reducing Bone Mass.

The Pneumatic Bones, include the Skull, Humerus, Clavicle, Keel,
Pelvic Girdle, Lumbar and Sacral Vertebrae.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Organized for Your Information by Linda M. Sweger August 2023.

Below I am Adding some Individual Cygnet-Swan Stories.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

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

Sadly we have to Rescue and Move a Brood of Cygnets.
After Hours Traveling together the Cygnets were a Poopy Mess.

We had the Cygnets in our Spare Shower for Several Days.
The Slippy Surface Caused their Legs to Splay in ALL Directions.

Terry Towels on the Shower Floor Provided Traction.

This Brood was SO CUTE !

I Pinioned them and we Arranged for them
to go to a BackYard Rescue with a Pond to be Hand Raised.

One more Shower Clean-up and we are Heading to the Rescue.

The 7 Cygnets Grew that Summer and ALL were Adopted.
A Rescued Mute Cob cared for them as his.  So Cute.
Some Adult Swans will Accept Unrelated Cygnets
OTHERs will Reject and Attack them.

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

The Story of “Little Cutie.”

My Summary of her Groin Injures will be Brief.. 

There were a Number of Unrelated Swans and Cygnets
on a Pond of a Swan Breeder.

One of the Adult Female Swans got behind this Cygnet,
Put her Feet between the Cygnet’s Legs,
and Flipped the Cygnet’s Legs Back and Upward.
This Pulled the Groin Muscles.

This Action Disabled the Cygnet.. She could not Walk.
The Muscles were So Sore she would Barely Swim.
For Months “Little Cutie” had to be Carried from Place to Place.

It was Puzzling to me.. This Cygnet Stopped Growing.
Her Nest Mates on the Pond Grew Normally.
By December of that Year.. “Little Cutie” Passed.

I have Witness this Disabling Behavior by Adult Pens.
If they Disable Unwanted Cygnets.. they do not Survive.
In the Wild these Cygnets would be Left Behind and Perish.

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

Many Adult Swans want Nothing to do with Unrelated Cygnets.

This Young Cygnet’s Legs were Bent
When a Adult Cob Sat on her.. to Kill her.
He wanted to Push the Air OUT of her Lungs.

WEEKs of Quiet and she was Standing !
Her Overall Growth Slowed Down.. She Stunted.

Stunting occurs when there is Insufficient Nutrition
to Grow and Develop.
It is often Exacerbated by Disease and Poor Health.
“Regina” did not have a Good Appetite..

We Named her “Regina” – Little Queen..
Her Adopters Renamed her “Queen Elizabeth” > “Lizzie.”

It was Several Months before “Regina”/”Lizzie”
was able to Leave the Pond and Graze in their Grass Yard.

Watching “Lizzie” Struggle to Walk was so Sad..
She was Very Vulnerable out of the Pond..
A Predator Ended her Struggle.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&    

  “Lily” was Found in our Neighborhood
after a Tropical Storm Blew Through. She was Full-Winged.
She was taken to a Swan Farm as a Rescue.
If Possible it is Good for Swans to have Company.  BUT…

The Older Swans Attacked her Over Night.
We brought her to our BackYard Enclosure to Recover
until we could Arrange a Forever Home.

Her Groin Muscles had been Pulled. She could barely Stand.
It took WEEKs for “Lily” to Stand, Walk and Turn Normally.

We Arrange for “Lily” to be Pinioned by a Veterinarian.

“Lily’s” New Home was Full of Adventures.

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

” Why is this Happening ? “

I Received a Call and an EMailed Photo of this Trumpeter Swan Cygnet.

He was One of a Brood of Four.  Three Cygnets were Healthy.
This Cygnet was Under Weight and Withdrew from the other Cygnets,
and his Legs were Turning Inward. 

???? Is this a Runt.. It is Not Developing Normally.
This Cygnet did not Survive very Long.

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

I Hope ALL your Cygnets will be Healthy !

AND HAVE CUTE LEGs !

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

The post SWAN CYGNETs have FRAGILE LEGS. appeared first on Swan Lovers.

Hardware Disease is a Problem for All Pets, Farm & Wild Creatures.

Click Images to Enlarge.

A Basic Definition..
“Hardware Disease” in backyard Chickens and other Birds is caused
by the ingestion of Metal Objects present in their Environment.
These Objects range from Sharp Objects that Abrade and ultimately
Penetrate the Gizzard to Objects that may contain Zinc or Lead
leading to Zinc or Lead Toxicosis
or some other Heavy Metal Toxicosis > POISONING !

The Term, “Hardware Disease” is a Misnomer.
It is not a Disease. But various Health Complications that can
Result when Poultry and Waterfowl Eat Coins, Screws, Nuts,
Bolts, Nails, Staples or other Metal Fragments in their Environment.

Chickens, Ducks, Geese and Waterfowl are Attracted to
Shiny Things they find on the Ground or in their Water.
Things like Coins, Nails, Screws, HOOKs, Staples,
Aluminum Foil, Jewelry, Bits of Wire > TWIST TIES.
( Broken Glass is ALSO Shiny. ) Pieces of Broken Glass or Pottery.

This is Extremely Dangerous and can Lead to Serious
Health Problems and Death as the Metals Break Down.

The Dissolved Metal enters the Blood Stream and Slowly
Poisons the Birds or Animals.

Small Pieces of Broken Glass or Pottery are the Cause
of Internal Cutting of the Digestive Track..

The Esophagus, Gizzard, Intestine Lacerations or Punctures
from the Ingestion of Sharp Things are Likely Fatal.
Causing Bleeding and Infection.

One of the 2 Year Old Female Trumpeter Swans in my Swan Network
was found Floating by her Pond Edge..  Her Necropsy found Several
Cuts in her Intestine – She Bleed to Death.  WHAT did she Swallow ?

Heavy Metal Disease is the Number One KILLER
of Healthy, Domestic Waterfowl.

It may take Days or Weeks for Symptoms to Emerge,
and by that Time it is generally Too Late to Save them.

The Birds may have a Delayed Crop Emptying, Sour
or Impacted Crop, Green Diarrhea, Stained Vent Feathers.

If you Suspect your Chickens or Waterfowl have Swallowed
something they should not have, get you Bird to a Vet ASAP for X-Rays.

A Blood Test for Metal Poisoning may be Requested.
And if Possible Check for Internal Bleeding. ( Bloody Poop )

Pieces of Heavy Metal within the Upper Digestive Tract
may be Removed Endoscopically, via Gastric Lavage or Surgically.

Awareness and Prevention is Easier then trying to Treat
Birds/Waterfowl that have Swallowed any Foreign Object.
This is True for ALL Animals or Birds that Live InSide or OutSide.

Birds/Poultry/Waterfowl do NOT have Teeth.
They Do NOT Chew what they Eat.
Their Digestive System has Adapted to Unmasticated Foods.
They “Just Swallowing ANYthing” that Fits in their Beaks.

There are a Number of Processes that Modify Ingested Foods to make
the Nutrients and Organic Molecules Accessible for Cellular Function.

Avian Digestive Systems are VERY Different from Mammals.

In the Esophagus of many Birds there is a Pouch called a Crop,
which Stores Quickly Eaten Foods.

Swans are Grazers not Gobblers like Ducks and Geese.
When there is Adequate Foods Available,
Swans will Eat Small Amounts throughout their Day.

Ergo, Swans do NOT Seem to have much of a Crop.
Ingested Foods/Items Settle at the Bottom of their LONG Neck..

Food Passes from the Crop to the first of two Stomachs.

The First Stomach is the Proventriculus,
which Produces Digestive Juices that helps Soften Firm/Fibrous Foods.

The Second Stomach of Birds is the Gizzard,
where Food is Stored, Soaked, and Mechanically Ground.

Here is a Basic Sketch and Information for the Avian Digestion System.
https://blog.mybirdbuddy.com/post/bird-digestion

AVIAN GIZZARD – is the Muscular Part of their Stomach
between the Sac-like Crop and the Intestines.
It Needs and uses Grit – Small, Hard Particles of Pebbles or Sand
to Mechanically Grind Seeds, Grains and Plant Fibers into Smaller Particles.
Food is Ground-Mashed-Softened into a Digestible Mush.

Birds/Swans Swallow small Stones or Grit as they Graze
to Aid the Grinding Process in the Gizzard.
These Hard Objects from their Environment remain
in the Gizzard longer then Softening Food Materials.

From the Gizzard, Digestible Food Passes into the Small Intestine.
Chemical Digestion and Absorption Occurs in the Intestine
so Nutrients can be used by the Body.

Birds do not have Separate Openings to Excrete Urine and Feces.
Instead, Uric Acid from the Kidneys is Secreted into the Large Intestine
and combines with the Waste from the Digestive Process.
This Waste is Excreted through an Opening called the Cloaca.

HARD Metal Objects DO NOT Just Pass through a Bird…
Depending on the Size..
If they Ingest a Hard Object, such as a Coin, Screw, Lead Fishing Sinker…

… these will NOT Pass through their Digestive System the way
they “might” in a Cat or Dog..
Instead they remain Rolling in the Gizzard and Slowly Dissolving..
Releasing Toxic Metal Chronically.

Iron, Lead, Copper, and Aluminum.
These Metals are Prone to Corrode-Dissolve over Time.

When “Hardware” is Swallowed the Grinding Action of the Muscle
can cause Damage to the Gizzard.
These Birds-Poultry Die from Septicemia (Blood Infection or Sepsis).
This is a Very Painful Process.. they are SUFFERING !

One Symptom the Swan has NO Pink Color in its Tongue..
It is Severely Anemic and can Barely Breathe.. Few Red Blood Cells..
Open Mouth, Labored Breathing is Serious..
The Birds and/or Animals are Helpless to Tell Anyone how they are Suffering.

The Larger Pieces will Remain in their Gizzard,
Smaller Objects “may” pass through the Digestive Tract
Causing Lacerations, Perforations, Bleeding and Infections.

Domestic and Wild Waterfowl Pick up Lead Shot in the Waters
where Wild Birds are Hunted.  Waterfowl sift Mud and Silt through
their Beaks, swallowing the Grit and other Small Items.
These Small Lead Pellets are Ingested with the Grit Fowl
need to Grind Down Food in their Gizzard.

A Swan’s long Neck allows them to reach further down
under Water and this is why more Swans become Poisoned
by Lead than Ducks or Geese.

The Lead, being soft, is ground down by the Gizzard and Absorbed
into the Blood Stream, Resulting in Muscular Problems.
The Swan or Cygnet CAN NOT not hold its Neck Erect..

This Gives Swans the Appearance of having a Kinked Neck, as the
Muscles Weaken and the Swans are unable to Support their Neck Correctly.

It is Suspected that Low Levels of Lead Poisoning may Contribute to
Deaths caused by Flying Accidents, as Agility and Eyesight may be affected.
>>> No Studies have been Conducted..

The Birds/Waterfowl become Victims of their Environment.

Some Birds are able to Regurgitate Undigested Material
> Food Pellets.
Birds of Prey > Eagles, Falcons and Hawks, Spit-up Pellets.
Pellets allows them to remove some Indigestible Material
from their Proventriculus.
BUT, Even these Birds may Retain Metal Items.. and become Poisoned.

It only takes ONE Lead Shot Gun Pellet to Kill an Eagle.

Having Domestic Poultry/Swans is like having Small Children.
We NEED to be Aware of Objects within their Environment
that may be Ingested.

An X-ray can Detect Hardware in a Bird’s Gizzard.
The Sooner this is Checked the Better the Chance
the Object can be Removed Successfully by a Scoping.

But without Symptoms of Illness or Suspecting or Seeing
an Ingested Metal Item NO X-Ray is ordinarily taken
of a Bird/Waterfowl/Animal with Hardware Disease.

After the Metal Object is in the Gizzard for a While..
Surgery into the Gizzard is Technically Possible,
but usually too Risky to be Considered a Reasonable Option.
Especially when the Bird is Weakened by Metal Poisoning.
***********************

Early Symptoms of Hardware Disease include:

Decreased Appetite and Spending Time Alone.
( they are in Pain..)

More Advanced Symptoms may include:

Loss of Appetite ( possibly increase of fluid intake)
Dehydration . . . . .Vomiting
Weight Loss . . . . . Weakness and Lethargy
Watery Bright Greenish or Bloody Droppings
Drooping Wings . . . Loss of Vision
Unsteadiness . . . . Difficulty Walking
Seizures . . . . . . Death ( Suffering Ends )

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
PREVENTING – REDUCING HARDWARE DISEASE

Check Areas around your Pond, Barns, Pastures and Home
where your Waterfowl might be Wandering and Foraging.

Make Frequent Inspections of any Free Range Area
for Small Metal Objects, Coins, Glass or ANY Trash.

Small Items of Construction Materials Buried in the Dirt
from a Former Owners may Resurface.
Chickens are Good at Digging Things Up that have been
Dropped and Covered with a Thin Layer of Soil.

The Chickens are Less likely to Eat these Metal Pieces..
but your Ducks, Geese and Swans are at Risk of Ingesting them.

They will Suffer Copper, Zinc or Lead Poisoning from
Eating Lost Coinage.. Pennies, Dimes, Nickels, etc.

Sweep with a Metal Detector after Construction or
Building – Fence Repair Projects.

Keep Track of Earrings or other Jewelry that could be Lost.

Avoid using Galvanized Metal Feeders, Waterers and Fencing.

DO NOT use Glass or Pottery in Areas the Waterfowl Visit.

When using Weed Whackers, Lawn Mowers, Chainsaws
or other Types of Equipment near your Poultry/Pond Area
be Aware these may cause Small Metal Pieces Flying about !

Check Bales of Hay, Straw and Shavings for Debris before
using them as Bedding.

Potential Sources of Lead Toxins

Fishing Weights, Sinkers and Lures. Lead Gun Shot.

Lead-based Paint and Paint Chips (especially Around older Structures)
Christmas ornaments, Toys and Toy Parts Imported from China
Coins, Costume Jewelry, Batteries.

Potential Sources of Zinc Toxins
( also known as New Wire Disease )

Galvanized Aviary Wire, Galvanized Nails and Staples.
( the more Shiny the Wire, the Higher the Zinc content )
Galvanized Metal Feeders and Waterers.
Coins, Fertilizers, Metal Contaminated Soil.

They are Hard to See in this Picture..
there are Dozens of 2 Inch Pieces of Wire Fence Trimmings
Left Laying on the Ground…. So Careless.. Deadly.

Zinc Hardware ( Washers, Nuts, Wire )
U.S. Pennies Minted after 1983

Potential Sources of Iron Toxins

Nails, Water from Older Iron Water Pipes
High Levels of Iron ( Ore ) in the Soil.
Scrap Metal, Machine Parts, Decaying Metal Structures.
Insecticides Check Ingredients and Follow ALL Instructions.
Multi-vitamins
( especially a Concern if you have House Chickens or Ducks )

***********************
Burn Pits where Folks might Burn Old Wood may have Small Pieces
of Metal in the Ashes.. NAILs, STAPLEs, SCREWs, ETC. CHECK..
BOTTLE CAPs, SODA CAN TABs.. FOIL !

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

Over the Years I have Heard People Say:
“Pennies are NOT Worth Picking UP.”
YES, THEY ARE !!!

Objects as Simple as Lost Coins can be Fatal if Swallowed.

The U.S. Minted Penny has been Pressed/Struck
from Different Combinations of Metal over the Years.

1909-1956 . . . . . .95% Copper & 5% Tin and Zinc.
1856–1864 . . . . . .88% Copper & 12% Nickel.
1864–1942 . . . . . .Bronze > 95% Copper & 5% Tin and Zinc.
1943 Steel Cent . . . .Zinc-Coated Steel.
1944–1946 . . . . . .Gilding Metal > 95% Copper & 5% Zinc.
1947–1962 . . . . . .Bronze > 95% Copper & 5% Tin and Zinc.
1962–September 1982. .Gilding Metal > 95% Copper & 5% Zinc.
October 1982–Present .Copper-Plated Zinc > 97.5% Zinc & 2.5% Copper.

*************************************************
Most Nickels are 25% Nickel and 75% Copper.
1916 – 1938 Buffalo Nickel are 25% Nickel and 75% Copper.
1942 TO 1945: the SILVER WAR NICKELS
War Nickels are 56% copper, 35% Silver, and 9% Manganese.

*************************************************
Our Tiny Silver Dimes.. Easier to See and Swallow.

1796 to 1837 Dimes were Composed of 89.24% Silver & 10.76% Copper.
The Silver Percentage was Increased to 90.0% with the Seated Liberty Dime.

Dimes from 1965 to the Present are Struck from a Clad Metal
Composed of Outer Layers of 91.67% Copper & 8.33% Nickel Alloy,
Bonded to a Pure Copper Core.

*************************************************
Today’s Quarters are “Clad,” which means Coated.
Both the Quarter and Dime have a layer of Pure Copper
inside layers of a Nickel-Copper Mix.
On the Outside of a Quarter “the Bread” is a Nickel-Copper Mixture
that is Silver in Color. The “inside Filling” is Copper.
The layers of Metal help the Coins last longer in Circulation.

A Quarter’s overall Composition is 8.33% Nickel & 91.67% Copper.

Before 1965, U.S. Quarters were made of 90 % Silver.
The U.S Mint stopped making Quarters with Silver in 1965.
**************************************************
U.S. 50 Cent Piece..
In 1965, the U.S. introduced layered-composition coins made of
a pure Copper Core Sandwiched between two Cupronickel Outer Faces.

The Silver Content of Dimes and Quarters was Eliminated,
but the Kennedy Half-Dollar composition contained Silver
(reduced from 90% to 40%) from 1965 to 1970.

The Kennedy Half Dollar has been struck in four different
compositions: 90% Silver, 40% Silver Clad, Copper-Nickel, Clad, and Gold.

The Kennedy Silver Half Dollar refers to Half Dollar Coins struck
by the U.S. Mint from 1964-1970.
Only the 1964-minted Coins were composed of 90% Silver.

1965 through 1969, the U.S. Mint issued a circulating Half Dollar
with 40% Silver.

************************************************************
What is the Metal content of the Susan B Anthony Dollar?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, clad to a pure Copper Core.

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

The Information for the Penny and Dime Metal Contents
is from Wikipedia.

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

ENOUGH EXAMPLES: You get the Idea..
Metal is Dangerous.  NOT for Eating.. 
So is Broken Glass, Pottery and Shards of Hard Plastics.
**********************
Hardware Disease is EXTREMELY SERIOUS.
This NEEDS to be Treated ASAP – Should NOT be Ignored.

A Visit to a Veterinarian is the Only Way to Know
what can be done.. and what Treatment will Help you Pets.

If you Suspect ANY Type of Poisoning.
Treatment by your Vet may include:

A Chelating Agent which Works by Binding With
and Filtering the Heavy Metal OUT of the Body. Takes TIME !

Vitamin B Complex ( Thiamine in particular ) to Prevent further
Poisoning and Allow the Body Tissues to Recover.

Anti-Convulsants to Prevent Seizures.

Bulking Agents can be Fed to Assist in Removing Small Particles
from the Intestine.

Surgery under Anesthesia to Remove Large Piece of Metal.

Antibiotics to Prevent Infection while the Bird is Recovering.

Euthanasia if Surgery is not an Option.
It is Unkind to allow these Birds to Suffer and Slowly Die.

Prevention IS Better then Treatment !
Be Vigilant at Keeping their Area Free of Metal Debris..
All Human Trash has a Potential to Cause Harm.

Hardware Disease ( and/or Heavy Metal Poisoning ),
is Very Difficult to Treat, but Most is Preventable.

Metal Detectors to Clean Pond Areas of Small Pieces of Metal..
Great Idea.

Magnetic Sweepers.. WIDE Range of Prices.
Doing a Sweep for Hidden Metal may SAVE your
Chickens and Waterfowl from this Painful Condition.

A Magnetic Sweeper Pickup Tool has Limits.
U.S. Coins are NOT Attracted to Magnets.

DO NOT TOSS Money in WATER where Waterfowl Live.

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

THIS TOPIC PAGE was Organized.. During 2022 and 2023.
After a Sad, Tragic Death. “What did he Swallow ?”
Compiled by PA SwanLover Linda .. (c) Linda M. Sweger

My Soul is in the Sky.
— William Shakespeare,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act V. Scene I.
********************************************************
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
THIS TOPIC PAGE will be Cross Referenced with another
TOPIC Page.. about Heavy Metal Poisoning.. Coming Soon..

The post DO NOT “NICKEL and DIME” your SWANs to DEATH. appeared first on Swan Lovers.

This Topic Page will be Much Like the Subject,
BIG and MESSY…
And Filled with Memories.

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

February 2nd is “Ground Hog Day.”

It is a Good Time to Start Planning for your Swans Nesting.
In Six Weeks they will be Nesting.

I Realize how often I have Attempted to Shared this Information Verbally
with Folks New to having Swans..

They are Excited to Experience Swans Nesting for the First Time..
Many want to Know “WHAT Can we DO to Help the Swans ?”
or Simply What to Expect..

We have had the Fun of Visiting a Fair Number of Nesting Swans.
Some were Feral Wild – Most were Domestics on Private Property.

Some we had Visited Several Years..

If you can See what Natural Mute Swan Nests Looks Like..
Then you will Know what Materials to Gather for them.

Folks in my Swan Network have Shared their Nesting Photos.
As a Result, I have Lots of Examples.. Thanks to ALL ! 

Here Goes..!

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

Remember there are NO 100% Rules.. working with Swans.
These are General Common Behaviors..
What I am Sharing are from our Swans Adventures.

I am Sharing this Info about Nesting Material FYI..
To Reduce the Loss of Fertile EGGs by Dampness Spoiling..
AND to Reduce the Risk of Fungal Lung Infections for the Pens..

In the Image Below.. the First Cygnet has Hatched..

First a Basic Time Line of the Mute Swan Reproductive Season…
These General Behaviors are Similar with all Swan Species.
When they Nest during the Year will Vary.

Late Fall – Early December
The Annual Reproductive Hormones of Mute Swans are Increasing.
Pair Bonded Mute Swans will Start Courting.
Swimming Side by Side.. Sometimes Dipping their Heads..


Watch for the Cobs to Start Moving Twigs About.. Cute !

. . . and More Chest to Chest with Head Turning – a Display of Affection..


The Swans will Often “Snort” with Happy Affection to Each Other.

This is a Mature Cob ( 23 Years Old ) and a Maiden Pen ( 3 Years Old.)
This was their First Year as a Bonded Pair.

By this TIME YOU Need to Give the Cob more Space ( and Understanding )
Your Cob will be Protective and Aggressive..

” NEVER Turn your Back on a Hormonal Cob ! “
DO NOT Wear White or Take White Objects when you Visit.
WHITE Triggers the Cob to Attack.. 

Never Turn Your Back on a Hormonal Male Swan
https://swanlovers.net/category/hormonal-male-swan/

Your Cob’s Brain is NOW Controlled by his Hormones.

Swan Cobs “Strut” and “Busk”.. Threatening..!
Get TOO Close and they will FLOG !! OUCH !

Working Around an Aggressive Swan
https://swanlovers.net/category/working-around-an-aggressive-swan/

GIVE him SPACE and Understanding..
He is doing the Job his Instincts Require.

Swans are Ground Nesting Birds..
Cobs NEED to be Fierce when Protecting their Female.
Pens are MOST Vulnerable while Nesting.

Nesting Swans will Draw Attention..
The Curious Public can be a BIG Problem !!!
From Getting TOO Close > > Causing the Cob to Attack..
..to Doing Harm to Stationary Pens or Destroying the EGGs.
Nesting is a VERY Vulnerable Time for Swans.

If the Swans’ Nest is Easily Viewed by the Public..

It is a Good Idea to Protect your Swans and their Nest.
You may need to Erect a Temporary Fence !
Be Sure the Swans have Access to their Water..

And a Sign to Warn the Public to Keep a Safe Distance.

The Pen will Depend on her Cob to Protect her and their Cygnets.

DO YOUR BEST to ENCOURAGE your Swans
to NEST on your Property.

This Nest Needed LOTs of Coarse Dry Material..
Her Pond has Over Flowed at this Spot.. Draining Under her Nest.

We Spent a LOT of Time with Some of these Nesting Swans..
Some Trusted us..

Some we just had to Respect and Keep our Distance.

You WANT your Cob to Protect their Nest !

This Mute Pen in a Public Park is Standing over her EGGs.
Her Nest is a Huge Pile of Old Tree Leaves..
Her EGGs did not Hatch..

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

Mating Activity will Begin in January..

Mute Swans will Mate Frequently until All their EGGs
are in their Nest and Incubation has Begun.

Early to Mid-March the Mute Swans will Select a Nesting Site..

Sometimes the Cob Picks the Site, Sometimes the Pen Decides.

This Pair of Mute Swans were Nesting in a Wild Feral Setting.

You will See the Pen EATING, EATING.
She will be Poking into Soft Mud for Insect Larva..

This Supplies Protein and Calcium for her EGG Development.
It is a Good Idea to Provide a Feed Mixture with Layer Pellets
Starting in January – And again when Nesting is Over.
Female Mute Swans Eat VERY Little while “Sitting.”
This is NORMAL !!

The Cob will Gather Branches and Twigs for the Base..
One Piece at a Time.. Often Tossing them Over his Shoulder.

The Cob Swings a Twig in the Direction of the Nest,
Picks it Up AGAIN and Swings the Twig Closer to the Nest.

It can be Interesting to Watch ALL this from a Safe Distance.

The Cob has Claimed this Area.. and he WILL Protect it !

The Cob will become more Protective of his Female.
She will be EATING, EATING, EATING !

The Cob below is Guarding the First EGG in their Nest.
The Pen will NOT Spend much Time on the Nest
until she is Ready to Incubate her EGGs.

Mute Swans Gather Lots of Twigs and Branches.. for Drainage.

This was a Very Cute Behavior.. “Pretty Girl” was Out on the River.
It was Very Breezy.  She would Lift her Wings and “Sail” Up the River
while Singing to “Handsome Fellow.”  So Cute.
She would Turn, Float back Down River.. and Repeat..

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

Mute Swans will Select a Nest Site near Water..
Their Cygnets will be taken to the Water soon after Hatching.
The Cygnets Need Lots of Insects their First Two Weeks.

Somehow, the Pens know where there will be LOTs of BUGs !

It is a Good Idea to Learn about Feeding Domestic Cygnets.
So you are READY if/when they Hatch.

Feeding Swan Cygnets
https://swanlovers.net/category/feeding-swan-cygnets/

As You View these Nest Images you will see how BIG they ARE !
And the Types of Material the Mute Swans Naturally Gather.

Many Mute Swans will Select a Place with One Protected Side..
A Large Tree Trunk, Large Rock, Hill, Wall, etc.

A Protected Solid Wall in a Public Park.

These Sister Mute Swans are Nesting with a Fence to their Back..
Their Pond is Steps Away.

When Pens are Nesting without a Cob,
their Nests are Basically Cavity Nests.
They are Less Likely to have a BIG Twiggy Nest.

Without a Male their EGGs will Not be Fertile..
They Still NEED to Nest !

The Link Below will Provide Helpful Information.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-replacement-eggs/

Female Swans without a Mature Male to Protect them are VERY Vulnerable.

MUTE SWAN EGGs are BIG…

As the BIG EGGs are Being Laid.. One Every Other Day..
The Pens will Preen Loosening Contour Feathers from her Brood Patch.
Her Brood Patch has Extra Blood Vessels to Transfer Warmth.

This Allows her Warm Skin to get Close to Incubate her EGGs.

And this Lines the Nest Cavity with Soft Feathers.
“Feathering the Nest.”

A Mute Swan Clutch may Vary from 3 to 9 EGGs.

Six BIG EGGs is a Nice Average.

A Clutch of SIX EGGs takes ELEVEN Days to Complete.
A Clutch of EIGHT EGGs takes FIFTEEN Days.

Healthy Swan EGGs can Support 25-26 Pounds of Weight Pressure.

We were Learning.  I did Put Food Near the Nest. >>WRONG !
Then I Read that this is NOT a Good Idea.

DO NOT PUT FOOD by a SWAN’s NEST
https://swanlovers.net/category/do-not-put-food-by-a-swans-nest/

Do your Best to Remove Hazards from the Nest Area.
Things like Ropes, Cords, Wires, Trash, etc.

The Swans will Rarely Poop In or Near their Nest.

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

If you want to Assist your Swans by Gathering Materials for them…
These Examples will Give you Ideas of what they would Collect Naturally.

I am Sharing this Info about Nesting Material FYI..
To Reduce the Loss of Fertile EGGs by Dampness Spoiling..
AND to Reduce the Risk of Fungal Lung Infections for the Pens..

IF POSSIBLE.. Avoid Hay or Straw as Nesting Material..
NO Pine Tree Branches.. Pine Pitch gets Sticky..
NO Wood Chips.. TOO DUSTY.. for Inhaling..

A Lovely Old Pine Tree Stands by Itself..
Its Strength Stands Firm while Touching the Sky.
Its Branches Stretching Wider over the Years.
Under the Layers of Boughs there is Shelter
from Sun, Rain, Wind and Snow..
Breezes Whisper Sweet Music through the Pine.
It is a Place I Love to Be.
But, it Drops POOR Nesting Material.. TOO Sticky.
************
Small Tree Twigs.. DRY Grasses.. like Ornamental Grass..> >  are Good..
OR Last Fall’s.. GRASS that turned Dry Over Winter..

YOU want the Nest to DRAIN Well.. Somethings do not Drain..
and the Nests develop Mildew and Mold..

Over the Years,
I have Observed that Nests with Hay or Straw have more Failures..
And the Risk of the Pen Inhaling Mold Spores when Turning her EGGs increases.

These Lung Infection Over Time Weaken the Pens.. and they Eventually Succumb.
Fungal Infections in the Lungs are VERY Difficult to Treat..
It can takes Months of Medications..
By the Time a Fungal Infection is Diagnosised,
it is Often  TOO Advanced to Treat to Save the Swan..

The young Swan below was Housed in a Building with Old Hay for Bedding.
When it was Noticed he was having Trouble Breathing.. it was Too Late..
He was Surrendered to us.. He Died before we could get him to see a Veterinarian..

Aspergillosis is a Fungal Infection generally affects the Respiratory System.
( common with Young Poultry where Husbandry is Not so Great.)

Penn State Extention:  Aspergillosis in Poultry..
https://extension.psu.edu/aspergillosis-in-poultry

HAY – is an Edible Grass.. it has Starch- Calories..
It is Food for many Animals – Horses, Goats, Rabbits,,,etc.
The Starch will Develop Mold.. over Time in Winter Storage..
In Storage it Cycles from Warm to Damp Air to Warm -Repeat..
By Spring Bales that were Stored in the Fall.. have Mold in them..

STRAW – Packs – Does not Drain Well.. Slowly Rots when Wet..
will Develop Mildew-Mold.. The Nest Cavity Stays DAMP…

IT is the Mold Spores that can Easily get into a Swan’s Lungs..
when the Pen is Turning her Eggs Several Times a Day.
To Reduce this Risk.. It is Safer NOT to Use Hay or Straw.

When the Pen Rolls her Eggs she Breathes in the Spores…
Or the Dampness Seeps into the Eggs along with Bacteria and Mold.
Dampness may Soften Egg Shells, Increase Cracking, Spoiling the Eggs ! 

## SAFE Swan Bedding
https://swanlovers.net/category/safe-swan-bedding/
*************************
More Details are in the Above Topic Page.

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

If Trash is Near the Nest.. It will Likely End Up in the Nest.

Once the Pen Starts to “SIT” Full-Time.. Incubation Begins.
Make a Note of this Date.. ! !

Timing Swan Eggs to Hatching
https://swanlovers.net/category/timing-swan-eggs-to-hatch/

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

The First Two Feral Mute Swan Nests we Hoped to Visit and Observe in 2006
were Flooded by Snow Melt and Heavy Spring Rains..

The Gathered Reeds Acted as a Raft and their Nest Floated.
Until the Rising River became Swift and the Nest was Swept Away.

Their Second 2006 Nest was OUT on an Old Crumbled Bridge Pier..
The River Flooded their Nest after several Weeks..

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

In the Spring of 2007, the Swans’ Luck Changed and so did Ours.
The River did Rise within a Foot of Ruining their Nest Again.

We had been Visiting with “Handsome Fellow” and “Pretty Girl”
for Close to Three Years.. Several Times a Week..
It was Wonderful how much Time they Allowed us to Spend with them.
Thanks to Digital Photography, we were able to Document this Adventure.

We went to their Remote Nest along the River every Three Days..

Watched Quietly Sitting within Feet of the Nest..
Their Nest was HUGE..

I was Intrigued with their Relationship.. Watching the Cob being Protective.
Listening to their Muttering Vocals.. Seeing their Tender Interactions.

The Cob would Position himself between Us and his Pen.

The Tender and Polite Behavior between them was Surprising.

I Learned a Great Deal during these Visits..

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

The Pens Incubates their EGGs at 101 Degrees.

The Mute Cobs can Protect and Keep the EGGs Warm,
But they CAN NOT Incubate.

These are Beautiful Swans …. No Words can Express.

It was ALL Brown and Muddy – No Greens when they Started to Nest.
With each Passing Week the River Plants Helped to Hide their Location.. Almost.

I Calculated when the Nest might Mature.. I was Off by Two Days..
As we Walked into the Nest Site we were Greeted by the Swan Family.
Three Tiny Cygnets had Hatched from their Clutch of Six EGGs.

After 30 Minutes along the River “Pretty Girl” headed back to the Nest,
her Tiny Cygnets close behind.. It was Nap Time..  SO Cute !

We did not get to see them at the Nest after that Day.
The Other Three EGGs.. ??? Were Missing ???

During the Next Visit..
We Noticed that “Handsome’s” One Wing was Broken.

“Handsome” had Protected his Family from Someone !!
His Injury was Consistent with being Hit by a Boat Oar.

There were So Many Perils Living Free and Feral.

We were Not the Only People Watching the Swans.
All the Joy was about to become a Series of Sadness.

Before the Cygnets were 2 Weeks Old, All Three would be Taken.

Weeks Later we were Told a Person Removed the Cygnets.
All the Folks Along the River were Disappointed. Most Enjoyed the Swans.

By Mid-July we had to Remove “Handsome Fellow” from the River.
He was Injured Several Times.. We wanted to Save him.

We had Lots more to Learn.. ! !
And No Idea where all this would Lead. 

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

The Following is an Example of Poor Nesting Material.

“George” would Annually Gather a Nest
in the Corner of the Family Herb Garden.

This Year the Nesting Material was Mostly Dry Leaves and a Few Twigs.

“Gracie” had been Laying EGGs.. Burying them while she was Off Eating.

The Area had Several Days of Heavy Spring Rain… Soaking the Nest.
The Dried Leaves became Soggy Mush.

The Clutch was WET and Very Blue.. Likely Spoiled. ( They were. )

The Swans’ Owners kept Hoping the EGGs would Hatch.. 15 Days OverDue.

We Assisted in Removing the EGGS !

THEY SMELLED TERRIBLE.. Surprised they DID NOT EXPLODE.

In 2014, Heavy Spring Rains Ruined their EGGs Again..
The Nest was Getting Soggy and Mushy..

On Day 42, we Stopped to Help Remove the Smelly EGGs.

I Suggested Next Spring the Family Give their Swans
a LARGE BUNCH of Ornamental Grasses from their Landscaping.

Allowed to Stand and Dry Over the Winter..
Coarse Ornamental Grasses make Good Nesting Materials.

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

THE HAPPY NEST BUILDER. 
This Older Cob, “George” was a Favorite to Visit..
While Selecting these Images I Smiled and Cried.
The Spring of 2015 he had Lots of Dry Material for their Nest.

One Warm Spring Day, I Sat in a Safe Place and Observed “George”
as he Happily Worked with the Long Dried Grasses Left for him to Use.

It was Wonderful to see how Happy “George” was Organizing the Stems.

His Mate, “Gracie” was Out on the Far End of their Pond.. EATING…

I Watched “George” Working for an Hour.  He was So Happy.

It was Time to Go.  I Enjoyed this Show..

As we Prepared to Leave…
I Noticed there was ONE BIG EGG in the Nest !

We Stopped again when “Gracie” was Sitting Full-Time. 

Now we Watch and Wait..  Sigh !

“George” was Everything a Mute Cob should be.

 In 2015, “George” was 28 Years Old..

He Lived to be 30 Years Old..  I Miss “George.”

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

In 2015, we had Three Mature Mute Swans on a Lovely Country Pond.

All Rescued in 2009 & 2010 when Young Cygnets..
NestMate Sisters “Brooke” & “Spring.”  And Unrelated “Meadow.”
We were Very Lucky this Threesome was Happy Together.

We wanted to Encourage the Swans to Nest on the Pond’s Island.
Over the Winter Months we Collected Lots of Fallen Tree Debris.

The Swans Watched us for Weeks as we Put the Branches and Twigs on a Pile.

In Early April we Started to Add Dry Ornamental Grasses.
The Swans Got the Hint !! and Did Start to Work All this into a BIG Messy Nest.

“Meadow” was Surprisingly Tolerant of our Being Close to the Nest.

“Brooke” is Usually the First to Nest.  “Spring” Two Weeks Later.

BIG SMILE >> There are EGGs in the Nest !

NOW “Meadow” was Protecting the Nest Area !!  
Time for us to Observe from a Safer Place.

This Spring the Sisters Decided to Nest Together.
Most Years they Gathered Separate Nests..

“Meadow” was Patrolling, Busking, Macho BIG and Doing his Job.

Incubation is 37 Days.. Not Much Happening..

Watching the Girls Turning their EGGs.. ALL Wings and Necks..

This was the First and LAST Time they Shared the Same Nest.
The Girls Learned it is Better to have “Your Own Nest.”

They were Very Patient with Each Other..
And, I did Enjoy having this Photo Opportunity..

The Girls took Turns Leaving the Nest for Short Breaks.

“Brooke” Left the Nest on her 42nd Day.. She did Not Return.

Sweet “Spring” had TWO More Weeks to “Sit.”

Most of their EGGs had been Stolen by Raccoons.
Several were Unfertile and had Started to Rot.. Smelling Awful !
Several of the Replacement EGGs made from Real Swan EGGs were Missing.

It was Time to End “Spring’s” Nesting for this Year..  So she would Start to Eat.
I Walked Slow toward her and Watched her Leave the Nest.
She went into the Water for a Break.  I had Tossed Chopped Green in the Water.

She was Busy with the Floating Vegetables as I Removed the Last Three EGGs.

By the Following Morning.. the Nest was Closed.
“Spring” did not Return..

In a Few Days, we Gathered all the Nest Material for Compost.

Old Nests are Great Places for Mice, Snakes, Insects, etc.
The Old Nest Materials will Rot and Mildew..
It is Better to Start with New Nest Materials Next Year.

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

The Pond below had Two Females Living Together.  No Male. 

The Pens have their Nest Very Close to the Pond..

They were Gathering Dried Flower Bed Debris..

By the Time her EGGs were ALL in the Nest,
The Plants were Growing.. to Surround her.

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

This Nest was Gathered by a Pen that did not have a Male
to Protect her Nest.

Each Time she Laid an EGG it was Stolen.
The Pen can NOT Protect or Sit on her EGGs until ALL are in the Nest.

With a Brood Pair, the Cob will Guard the EGGs until ALL are Laid.
His Body Can NOT Incubate the EGGs..

This Proud Cob is Protecting their EGGs.

SIX BIG BEAUTIFUL EGGs.  It is TIME to Incubate.

Several Times a Week we would Bring a Handful of New Material
for her Nest.  “Nest Gifts” Ferns, Twigs, Dried Grasses.

This gives the Pen Something to Do.. while she is “Sitting.”
ONLY Do this if your Swans Trust You !

OR Put your “Nest Gifts” in a Place your Pen can See them.

“Meadow” was 13 Years Old.. Summer 2022.

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

The Mute Swan Nesting below is on a Pile of Straw.

By the End of her Time the Nest was Very Damp and Mildewing..
None of her EGGs Hatched.

These Trumpeter Swans had Straw for their Nest.. None of their EGGS Hatched.

Over and Over Straw OUT in the Weather had Poor Results.

The Straw Nest Below was Sheltered from Rain.. and Cygnets HATCHED !

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

In the Spring – Summer of 2009,
we had a Number of Heavy Rain Storms.

Our Pen SAT Tight on her EGGs.. Keeping them Dry.
She Spread her Wings a Bit so the Rain Ran Around the Cavity.

Her Nest had Good Drainage and the EGGs were Dry.

Pens Count their EGGs before Leaving the Nest
for a Quick Break.. and Again when she Returns.

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

The Young Pen below was Living Alone on her Pond.
She was Using this Stand of Dried Ornamental Grass to Create a Nest.

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

This Mature Black Australian Cob liked this Raked Pile of Fall Leaves..
No EGGs, No Mate .. Just an Instinct to “Sit.”

Black Australian Swans Nest Twice each Year.
They will Frequently use a Shelter to Nest.. ( Needs to be Secure at Night.)
Using Clean Straw is Reasonable since it will Not be Getting Wet..

These Black Swans did Hatch Cygnets..

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

This Pen’s Nest is Perched on a Fallen Log.. Great Drainage.

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

This is the Remains of a Swans’ Nest we found Along a Creek.
The Swan Family had Left by the Time we Learned of them.

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

Semi-Wild Mute Swans Nesting on a Large Community Lake.

******
Different Swan Nests from the Same Large Lake..
Another Mute Swan Nest from the Same Large Lake..

This Nest was Gathered on the Bank of a Private Pond.

Lots of Plant Material to Gather for her Nest.

Beautiful Mute Pens “Sitting.”

This is a VERY COOL SHOT… THANKs Nick !

These are Mute Swans on a Large Private Mountain Lake.

I Love to Snap Photos..
and I have Learned many Interesting Things as I Review these Images.

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

These Pens had Unfertile EGGs.  No Cygnets.

Look Closely.. there are Tiny Cygnets.  

Swan Photos have been Share from Far and Wide.

The Swans Below Placed their Nest Next to Ornamental Grasses.
The Pen had a Solid Wall behind her.. and was Close to the Pond.

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

We Set-up this Temporary Fencing to Help Protect a Nest Area.

There were Numbers of Foxes and People
that Moved Freely in this Semi-Public Place.
Occasionally People Walking their Unleashed Dogs..

I was able to Find this Wooden Snow Fencing at Tractor Supply.

We Collected a Variety of Twigs and Dried Ornamental Grasses.

We Fed the Swans Close to the New Fencing..

Lots of Photos were Taken on Cloudy Days.. Terrible Color..

The Swans seemed Comfortable by the Nest Site.

For Days we Observed “Handsome” Working inside the Fencing.

The Swans were Mating, Mating, Mating.

We were Sure our Plan was Working.

A Busy Cob Arranging the Nest Materials.

We were Enjoying Watching the Swans at this Early Stage of Nesting.

We Expected to See EGGs in the Nest Soon..

One Spring Morning the Swans were Gone.. !!
The Rogue Swan, “Jezebelle – Harmony” did not want to Nest by the Pond..
There were Spring Golf Carts Buzzing About, Trees were being Cut Down.
Large Trucks were Rumbling by Several Times a Day.
She had Lived Feral and wanted a More Private Place.

Our Best Guess… the Swans Walked Down the Small Stream
that Drains the Fine and Private Place Pond.
We Found the Swans.  They Decided to Nest along a Local Creek.

These were Two of the Swans we had Visited for Years along the River.
“Handsome Fellow” & “Sweet Harmony”  ( aka “Jezebelle” )
They had Lived Free and Feral.. They had Taken their Wild Life Back.
We Tried to Keep them Safe.. Now we had Little Control.

“Handsome Fellow’s” Previous Female “Pretty Girl” had been Shot
at the Beginning of the 2008 Canada Goose Hunting Season..

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

More and More I Hear Swan Owners Planning for a Floating Platform
for the Swans to Nest on..  Pens are SO Vulnerable while Nesting.

SWAN FLOATING NEST Box-Platform
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-floating-nest-box-platform/

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

There are Many Types of Swan Nests.

I Added some Dried Hydrangea Blooms just for Fun.

The Bushy Growth of Ornament Grasses make Good Camouflage.

“Meadow” had Fun Play-Hiding under the Tall Grasses..

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

LOCATION is Also a Factor for a Swan Nest.

Their Nests are Close to Water.
Along a Creek or River Flooding is a Problem.

We Watch the Swans Living Wild-Feral Lose most of their Nests.

These Swans were Flooded Twice in Spring 2009.
They Surprised us by Gathering a Third Nest.
Adding MORE Mud Under the Twigs..

“Harmony” laid Four Eggs for her Third Early Summer Clutch.
One was Stolen… Three Hatched July 14-15th..
Two Cygnets Died in the Nest.. The One Surviving Cygnet is our “Meadow.”

Above…
The Nest was SO HIGH.. that it Took the Tiny Cygnet quite a while to Climb
UP into the Nest the Very First Time..  “Harmony” Called him from the Top.
“Handsome” Encouraged and Guided his Little Legs from below.

While the Swans were Out on the Creek with Little “Meadow”
We Added Mulch Type Material for a Soft Easy Ramp.

One of the Adult Swans would Check the Nest
before the Cygnet Waddled Up for his Naps.

Each Time we Witnessed the Swans Returning to their Nest,
One of the Adults would Approach the Nest and Check for any Danger
before Allowing the Cygnet to Scamper Up.

The Swan Family Used the Nest for Four Days and Nights..
The Fifth Morning, “Handsome” Stood for a Very Long Time
Studying the Nest.. Watching.. Listening.
He did not Allow the Family to Return.. Instead Closed the Nest.

I have Witnessed Several Cobs do this.. Check the Nest One Last Time.
Place a Few Twigs in the Cavity.. and Leave for the Season..
Reminds me of Closing Up a Summer Home and Leaving.

The Swan Family headed off along the Creek..
“Thank You” to ALL the Home Owners along the Creek
Who Allowed us to Visit with the Swans along their BackYard Water’s Edge.

These Swans’ Sagas are Long and Winding..

In the End..  We had to Rescue Little “Meadow” at Five Weeks Old,
a Snapping Turtle Severely Damaged his One Foot.

In November 2009, “Sweet Harmony” was Shot..
“Handsome Fellow” Disappeared at the End of January  2010.
We Never Learned his Fate.

“Meadow” was in our Care at our Home for Nine Months.

There are Many Chapters to our Swan Stories from then to Now..

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

YES, Back to Water, Water Everywhere !  AND Nest Examples.

Spring Rains Often Spoil EGGs.

Another Reason EGGs are Spoiled.. COLD Spring Weather !
Snow and Freezing Temperatures when they Nest Early.

Out in the Elements.. Many EGGs Freeze and Crack..  DISCARD These.

When Cygnets Hatch in Cold Weather, they Need a Dry Nest
for their Dam to Keep them Warm.
Tiny Cygnets can NOT Thermo-Regulate..

They Need the Warmth of the Adult Swans.

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

It is Wonderful when the Swans are Safe.

With Your Planning and some Luck.. 

******
This is the Goal of Nesting Swans..  Tiny Cygnets..

******
Thanks for Allowing me to Ramble about Some of Our Swan Adventures. 

*****
I am about Finished.
*****
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This Topic Page is Being Uploaded with Images we have Gathered
Over the Years we were OUT and About Visiting Swans.
THANKS to ALL who Shared their Swans with Us..
PA SwanLover Linda M. Sweger       UpDated  March  2024
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The post SWANs GATHERING NESTING MATERIALS appeared first on Swan Lovers.

Here in Pennsylvania
https://extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza

If you suspect HPAI in your BackYard Flock ( Swans ) contact:

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) emergency number:   ( 717 ) 772-2852
  • (press option 1 to reach the veterinarian on call)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) toll-free hotline at   1  ( 866 ) 536-7593

This is a Topic that I Hoped I would Never NEED to Post to SwanLovers.net

Click Images to Enlarge.

I am going to Post a Basic Summary here as of November 2022

InterChangeable Terms:
Avian Influenza – Bird Influenza – Avian Flu – Bird Flu.

Every Spring for the Past 12-15 Years, I have Scanned
the Internet for Articles Posted about Positive Avian Influenza Cases.
I made Note of which U.S. States had Positive Cases.

Outbreaks are all too Common in Other Countries..

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

Avian Influenza Outbreaks are Increasing around the World.
During the Opening Weeks of 2022, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
found a Total of 317 New Outbreaks in Poultry were Reported by 25 Countries and Territories:

Europe is having Large Outbreaks in Wild, Domestic Birds and their Poultry Industry.

European Countries are Culling many Millions of Birds trying to Control the Spread..

HPAI A(H5N1) is One of the most Contagious Viruses occurring among Birds.
Infected Wild Birds on their Migratory Route are the Main Way that these
Viruses are Spreads.

Birds Shed Avian Influenza A Viruses in their Saliva,
Nasal Secretions, and Fecal Waste.

Hundreds of Species of Bird and Waterfowl Carry these Viruses.

There are Numerous Strains of Avian Influenza.. Appx. 144 are Possible.
Some are Mild.. but, the Deadly Strains are Just that.. Deadly.

More CDC Information if you Want to Read it..     New as of July 2025
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

I am Sorry to see how much the CDC has Changed their Data Reports.
Do Searches for Avian Influenza Reports by your State’s Department of Agriculture.

Until this Year, it has been a Rarity for the Avian Influenza Virus to be Found
in the Northeastern United States.  Pennsylvania is in the Atlantic Flyway.

No Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses had been
detected in Pennsylvania since the 1983-84 Outbreak.

*************** This Warning was Issued in Early 2022.

In January 2022, the Virus was First Detected along the Atlantic Flyway in South Carolina.

As the 2022 Spring Bird Migration moved North Numerous States along the East Coast
Reported Positive Cases in Wild Birds and Several BackYard Flocks.

WildLife Organizations had to Turn Away Sick and Injured Birds Fearing their
Facilities would be Contaminated and Sicken or Kill the Birds Currently in their Care.

By March 25, 2022 Millions of Birds in at least 17 States were being Rapidly Killed
in a Determined Attempt to bring a Dangerous Strain of Avian Flu under Control.

As of April 15, 2022, Infected Birds in Commercial and Backyard Poultry Flocks
had been Confirmed in 27 States including most States surrounding Pennsylvania.

April 18, 2022 a Dead Bald Eagle found in Chester County, PA Tested Positive !
So it Began in our State of Pennsylvania.

PYS.ORG  https://phys.org/news/2022-12-million-birds-affected-outbreak-avian.html

The Wildlife Futures Program and
the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS),
Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine has ramped up its HPAI-related Diagnostics Work,
supporting agencies including the Pennsylvania Game Commission and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture in monitoring for the disease
.  .  . in both wild and domestic birds.

Even when there is not an Active Disease Outbreak,
PADLS regularly performs Avian Influenza Tests as part of Statewide
Surveillance Monitoring .
“We are available every weekday and are on call over the weekends.”

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – USDA

In May 2022, USDA says Department of Agriculture Reports Bird Flu in 34 States.

This Year the Deadly Virus has been VERY Active in Pennsylvania.
Statewide, HPAI has Infected at least 17 Commercial Turkey and Chicken Farms
and at least One Backyard Flock, leading to the Culling of more than 4.2 Million Birds.”

Numerous Poultry Farms in Lancaster County PA were Quarantined for Months..

As of October 2022, 45 States had Positive Cases..
More then 44 Million Domestic-Commercial Poultry have been Depopulated
on Poultry Farms in Multiple States.

Resulting in the Price of Turkey, Chicken and Eggs to Increase.

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Updates

Bird Flu Current Situation Summary
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

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

H5N1 Bird Flu Detections across the United States ( Backyard and Commercial )
This Site will Show the Distribution of Avian Influenza across the U.S.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/data-map-commercial.html

In 2025, the CDC has Significantly Changed their Reporting.. 

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Realistically, Swan Lovers are Helpless to Prevent this..

Until an Effective Vaccine is Available..  This may be a Long Way Off.
I have been Reading about the Challenges of Developing Effective Vaccines
for the Poultry Industry.  What Additional Costs will this Mean ??

What Vaccine Dose is Effective ??
How Long does the Effective Immunity Last ??
How Often will Booster Vaccines be Needed ??
Will there Still be Mild Active Cases in the Birds ??
Will this Lead to Mutations and New Variant Strains of the Viruses ??
How do Farms Monitor Thousands of Birds ??
Will People be Willing to Consume Poultry that was Vaccinated ??

France is Working on this Research for the Poultry Industries.
Culling to Control the Avian Influenza Viruses is Not Working as Hoped.
Millions of Ducks, Geese, Turkeys are Destroyed during OutBreaks.

Having a Vaccine for our BackYard Poultry is not Realistic in 2022.

Since December of 2019 Covid-19 and its Variant Viruses have Spread
to ALL Parts of the World and has been Handled Differently by each Country.
If this has done Anything, it is to make Humanity AWARE of how Difficult
it is to Control and Avoid a Tiny Protein Fragment that we can not See.. ( SIGH )

We are now Living with the Covid Viruses.. it is Endemic – here to Stay.
These Avian Influenza Viruses are now also Endemic in North America.

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To Protect our BackYard Poultry and Captive Pet Pond Swans –
The Standard Recommendation is:
To Put our Domestic Waterfowl INSIDE during Spring and Fall Migration Seasons..

Spring Migration Averages February through Early April.
Fall Migration Averages Late September through November.

Swans would be Sheltered Inside 5 to 6 Months of the Year.
Swans become Hormonal and Start Mating in January.

Swans NEED to be in 3 to 5 Feet of Water to Safely Mate..
NOT in a Kidde Pool. This would be Dangerous for the Pen.

Mute Swans are Nest Building in March..

They Continue Mating as BIG Eggs are being Laid in their Nest.

I Can NOT Imagine Confining our Swans this Way..

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

There are Lots of Informative Websites
to Read for the Location of Current Avian Influenza Outbreaks.

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

The Current Policies of Individual States..
What to Do.. ??? Who to Call.. ???
when your Healthy Domestic Pets Die Suddenly with NO Warning.

FIRST STEP    WEAR MASK and GLOVEs. 
Carefully Place your Pet/Bird in Double Plastic Bags.
Keep in a Cool Place.       Wash Well Afterwards.

Consult your States Department of Agriculture..AS SOON as Possible.

Here in Pennsylvania
https://extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza

A New Lines of Research by Penn Vet Researchers aims to understand
at the Genetic Level, the Reasons this Particular Virus is causing so much Harm.

If you suspect HPAI in your BackYard Flock ( Swans ), contact:

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) emergency number:  ( 717 ) 772-2852
  • (press option 1 to reach the veterinarian on call)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) toll-free hotline at   1  ( 866 ) 536-7593

For Questions Concerning your ** Domestic Poultry.

>>> IN PENNSYLVANIA – Reporting Requirements
If you Suspect your Domestic Poultry is Infected with Avian Influenza,
PLEASE Report your Concerns 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services
at ( 717 ) 772-2852, Option 1.

This Information Helps the State Know what Areas
or Counties need to be Watched or Warned..

*********

Report Sick Domestic Birds or Unusual Deaths
to State/Federal Officials, either through your State Veterinarian
or through the U.S Department of Agriculture.  ( USDA )
>>> Contacted Toll-Free at 1 ( 866 ) 536-7593.

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

>>> Report Sick or Dead Wild Birds to:
The Pennsylvania Game Commission at
1 ( 610 ) 926-3136 or pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov.

They will Provide the Current Information about what to do with these Birds.

Call and Someone may come for a Test Sample.
These Agencies have Trained Staff to Collect Samples.
DO NOT Take Dead Birds to Anyone..Unless Instructed.

WEAR MASK and GLOVEs. 
Carefully Place the/these Dead Birds in Double Plastic Bags.
Keep in a Cool Place.       Wash Well Afterwards.

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

Poultry Owners should get a Premise Identification Number
from the State Department of Agriculture.
Applications can be Filled-out Online by Clicking on
the “Premises Registration Form” Link at www.agriculture.pa.gov

This will Allow the Dept of Agriculture to WARN you
if Avian Influenza is Found in your Area.

If you have had Contact with Sick or Dead Domestic or Wild Birds
and are Not Feeling Well, Contact your Primary Care Physician
or the PA Department of Health at 1 ( 877 ) 724-3258.

If Any of these Phone Number do not Work..
Check OnLine for a Number..

**************************
SUDDEN Death of Healthy Waterfowl/Poultry.
Seeing your Pets Die Suddenly is Shocking.

Clinical Signs of Avian Influenza.
The Incubation Period is Hours to Days, Depending on Age, Sex,
Species affected, Concurrent Infections and Pathogenicity of the Virus Strain.

Mortality is Rapid with the Virulent Strains.
“We have seen Cases where the Birds were Perfectly Fine,
and then TWO Hours Later, a Third of the Flock was Dead.”

Poultry: You will Observe Unusual Behavior, Nervous Disorder,
Depression, Sinusitis, Off Feed and Diarrhea may be seen.
Their Upper Respiratory System Fills-up with Fluid,
Notable Respiratory Distress, Coughing, Sneezing, Rales.

At their Endpoint, the Birds may Suffer Hemorrhagic Conditions.
You may see Spots of Blood around their Nares,
Bruising of the Face and Legs as they Succumb to the Disease.

The Presence of Clinical Disease Symptoms alone is not Diagnostic.
There are other Viruses and Pathogenic Bacteria that are also Deadly.

Duck Viral Enteritis – DVE Spreads during Migration.
Duck Plague is a Worldwide Disease caused by Anatid alphaherpesvirus – 1
of the family Herpesviridae that causes Acute Disease with High Mortality
in flocks of Ducks, Geese, and Swans.

Avian Botulism – Anaerobic Clostrida Bacteria that Secretes Deadly Toxins
are commonly found in Sticky, Decaying, Organic Mud.

Avian Botulism causes Flaccid Paralysis.  Infected Birds often show Weakness,
Lethargy, Inability to Walk, Fly, or Hold their Heads up.
Paralysis can Lead to Drowning before Progressing to a more Advanced Disease State.
The Degree of Clinical Signs depends upon the Amount of Neurotoxin Ingested.

We Lost both of the Sweet Pens below to Avian Botulism soon after Nesting.

There are Many Viruses and Bacteria that can Infect our Domestics.
With a Wide Range from Mild to Deadly Affects.
You will Only Know the Cause of the Death by having them TESTED !

TYPE OF SAMPLES FOR Avian Influenza DIAGNOSTICS
Swabs of the Trachea or Oropharynx and Cloaca are used to Test
for Influenza Virus.

The Preferred Sample for Waterfowl is a Cloacal Swab.

How Long does Avian Influenza Last in the Environment?
Avian Influenza (AI) Viruses can Survive Outside a Host for Long Periods
depending on Temperature and Humidity of the Environment.
The Virus can LIVE for up to One Month Inside a Poultry House at 40 ºF.

Species Affected:
Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Pheasants, Ostriches, Peacocks, Sea Gulls,
Vultures, Crows, Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Quail, Geese, Swans, etc.

>>> ANY Feathered Bird.

*******************
Avian Flu Symptoms for Birds – Sudden Death without any Physical Signs.
Lack of Energy, Coordination and Appetite.  Diarrhea.
Nasal Discharge, Swelling of the Head, Eyelids, and Hocks.
Purple Discoloration of the Wattles, Combs, and Legs.
Soft-Shelled or Misshapen Eggs.

*******************
Per the USDA – In October 2022
Currently if you have a Domestic Bird or Birds Test Positive…
they are NOT Requiring your Healthy BackYard Poultry to be Destroyed..

But, they will Ask you to Quarantine your Property for 10-14 Days.
No Movement of Poultry during that Time..
*******************

Requirements will be Different for Commercial Poultry Farms.

In 2025, the State of PA.. Required Stricter Guideline.. Culling Positive Flocks.

******* Various States along the East Coast are having Fall OutBreaks.

During the Summer and Early Fall of 2022, I have heard Too Many SAD Stories
of Captive Pet Swans Dying SUDDENLY – No Warning, NO Signs of Illness.
A few have been Tested.. Most Positive for Avian Influenza..

The Healthy Swans above Died within 36 Hours of Each Other.  SHOCKING.

******************
With Time they are Learning more about Avian Influenza.
and the Other Species of Concern.   ( 2025 )

Felines are Very Vulnerable.. Avoid Raw Milk for House Cats.
Outside Cat will Easily Catch Weakened, Sick Birds..

AND Dairy Cows.. are Testing Positive…

For the Forseeable Future.. Migration Season will be a Worry.

Will the Wild Swans Survive Avian Influenza.. ??

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Updated August 2025  by Linda M. Sweger

I HOPE ALL Your Swans & Pet Poultry will be OK.
It will be a Scary Time for ALL of Us during Migration Seasons…
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Take Time to Enjoy your Swans Every Day..

The post DEADLY AVIAN INFLUENZA is ON the WING. appeared first on Swan Lovers.

DO NOT PUT FOOD Near a SWAN’s NEST

I Must Warn Against Placing ANY Food by a Waterfowl – SWAN’s Nest.

I Thought this would Not be a Large Topic Page..
Then as I Collected Notes and Learned about
” WHO EATs WHO ? “ This Page Grew..

We have All Experienced a Chain of Events that Ended Badly.

I am NOT going to be Able to Include EVERY Possible
Combination of the Chains of Natural Food Webs..
I think you will get the Idea from what I am Including..

I Hope you will Think about this to Protect your Swans.
IF ALL this Helps SAVE just ONE Swan..
It will be Worth the Time it Took me to Organize this Page.
***********************************

Rob and I had the Opportunity to Visit with Several Feral-Wild
Mute Swans Living along our Local River System..

We Visited these Swans and their Nest Areas Several Days a Week
over Several Years. It was a Magical Time.

Lots of Photos.. Lots of HeartBreak. Learned a LOT.

We Learned Wild Swans will not “Nest” where they Live…
and they do not Live where they “Nest.”

Generally they would Go a Half Mile or so Away…
Picking a Location AWAY from Humans..
Away from the Food Treats and Support.
This is in Early Spring. There is Little Natural Foods.
The Swans KNEW what they Needed..

Before these Pens Start to “Sit,” while they are Laying their Clutch of Eggs..
they will be EATING.. Lots of Eating.

She is Digging in Soft Mud for Insect Larva..

But, Once the Pens are ON their EGGs “Incubating,” it is Close to Fasting Time.

As Ground Nesting Birds, Swans are VERY Vulnerable…
The Cob and/or Pen may be able to BEAT off a Predator..
but, they may Develop Fatal Infections if Bitten or Scratched..

The Pens are the most Likely to be Killed while Nesting.
Many Pens will “SIT” on their Eggs as they are Being Attacked.

Swans and Most Waterfowl are Prey..
They become Food for Meat Eating Birds, Mammals, Reptiles..

Putting Food Near the Nest is Risky.. It Invited Predators.
Swans are So Messy when they Eat that Some Feed Gets Dropped on the Ground..
Wet Feed Smells like Dog Food..

Most Swan Nests are Near Water..
Dampness will Aid in the Breakdown of Foods..
Dampness is a Great Environment for Mosquitoes..
Which can Carry Viruses: West Nile, Viral Encephalitis, Zika Fever.
We had a Tiny Cygnet that had Encephalitis..
It Damage Areas in her Brain.. She behaved more like a Lizard..
We had to make a Hard and Sad Decision for her.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus is a Mosquito-borne Alphavirus,
It Cycles between Mosquitoes and Birds in Freshwater Swampy Areas.

Your Cob will Still be Eating – Patrolling and Guarding.
Place his Feed Container Away from the Nest Area..

Keep ALL Feed/Food at Least 30-40 Feet from the Nest.

A Pan of Clean (Change Daily) Cold Water on Hot Days
Placed several Feet from the Nest is often “Welcomed” by the Pens.

Nature Evolved the Mute Swan Pens to Barely Eat During Nesting.
Nature WANTs these Pens to be HUNGRY when the Cygnets Hatch..
SO, the Dam will Take her Cygnets to Feast
on Tiny Water Bugs and Critters and Plant Materials
that she will Stir up as she is Finally EATING again..

After 35 Days of Incubating her Developing Eggs..
the Cygnets will Start to Wiggle and Peep..
This Signals the Pen.. and her Hunger Returns.

The Pen’s Sudden Hunger is a “Symptom” of Imminent Nest Maturity.
Usually One to Two Days before the First Cygnet Hatches…
the Female will Spend Time OFF the Nest Eating EVERYTHING
she can find within a Short Distance of the Nest.  …Over 30 Feet Away.Their Cygnets are Wiggling and “Piping.”  WE Could Hear them ! 

The Clutch/Brood of Cygnets will Generally Hatch within 48 Hours..

The Pen and Cob will Take their Healthy Cygnets to Areas
where there are LOTs of Insects.. A “Buggy Cafeteria..”

The Cygnets must go to the Water by their Third Day to Start EATING.
“BUGS are the GRUB” for their First 10 Days… LOTS and LOTS of Bugs.

This is Nature’s Plan..
Your Role is to Provide a GOOD Healthy Diet during the Winter Months..
so you Pen is Healthy going into her Nesting Weeks..

Keeping Food AWAY from the Nest Area..
is NOT Going to Completely Prevent all the Hazards to the Nest..
But, Why Invite Trouble. ??

Just a Little Protein Based Feed or Starchy Corn/Wheat
can Result in a Chain Reaction of Unwanted Pests > Predators..
********************************************

Dropped Feed will Invite a Wide Range of Unwanted Creatures..

FIRST GROUP:
The Spoiled-Decomposing Food Droppings will be Replaced by
“The DECOMPOSERs” BACTERIA, MOLDs, YEASTs, FUNGUS.

BACTERIA:  There are Thousands of Environmental Bacteria.
…..A Fair Number of these Cause Serious Diseases.
…..Staph and Coliform Infections are Common and a Challenge to Treat.

…..There are Millions of Animals who EAT Bacteria as Part of their Diet.
…..BACTERIA are Very Good at Absorbing Mineral Nutrients from the Environment.
…..BACTERIA are at the Bottom of most Food Chains on Earth.
…..BACTERIA Attract a Wide Variety of Critters.

MOLDs:  Old Food Sours, Smells and Rots..

…..The Smell of MOLD Attracts TERMITEs.
…..FUNGUS GNATs and MOLD MITEs are two Pests closely Associated with MOLDs.
…..COCKROACHEs, CRICKETs, SLUGs, and MILLIPEDs are Attracted to MOLDs.
…..These Critters will Attract SPIDERs..

…..Environmental MOLDs
YEASTs:  Yeast is Single-Celled Organism that belongs to the Fungal Ecosystem.
…..There are more than 500 Species and Thousands of varieties of Yeast
…..that can be found in the Soil, Sugary Liquids (in the fruit and flowers)
…..and on the Surface of Plants and Animals.
…..Some YEASTs are Mild to Dangerous Pathogens.
…..Especially Candida albicans, Histoplasma, and Blastomyces.

FUNGUS:  Fungus, ( plural Fungi ), any of about 144,000 known Species
…..of Organisms which includes the YEASTs, RUSTs, SMUTs, MILDEWs,
….MOLDs, MUSHROOMs.

…..Common Diseases: RINGWORM – THRUSH – ASPERGILLOSIS
….. CANDIDIASIS – PNEUMONIA – Breathing them in has WORSE Effects
…..than Eating them – Causing Respiratory Symptoms & Diseases..
…..ASPERGILLOSIS – The Young Swan below had Lungs Filled with this Mold.
…..  He did not Survive.******

…..Who Eats FUNGI – DEER, DEER MICE, SQUIRRELs, Small RODENTs,
…..BIRDs, TURTLEs, and many Species of INSECTs.

…..Over Time we got to See a Wide Variety of Mushrooms and Tree Fungus.

PARASITEs:  PROTOZOANss, AMOEBAE and Microscopic Crustaceans,
…..They are the Biggest Consumers of Bacteria.
…..NEMATODEs ( Worms ) GASTROPODs ( Snails, Slugs )
…..and Insects like ANTs, GNAT & FLY MAGGOTs, TERMITEs..

PARASITEs in the Ground:  WORMs, TAPEWORMs, HOOK WORMs,
…..SLUGs, SNAILs.  All these Tiny Creatures have Body Waste that Spread Diseases.

….A TAPEWORM LIFE CYCLE

….A ROUND WORM LIFE CYCLE

COCCIDIOSIS:  is a Protozoan Parasite Common on Farms.
…..In Poultry, affects their Intestines Reducing a Birds Ability to Digest
…..and Absorb Nutrients. Diarrhea, Weakness to Death.
…..The Disease is Transmitted by the Fecal Waste of Insects and Wild Birds.

AMOEBAE:  are Microscopic Free-Living in Fresh Water,
…..They are Commonly found in Pond Water, Ditches, and Lakes.

…..Amoebiasis or Amoebic Dysentery can have Mild or Severe Symptoms:
…..Loss of Weight, Colonic Ulcerations, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea or Bloody Diarrhea.
…..Anemia may develop due to Prolonged Gastric Bleeding.

SPIDERs:  Black Widow Spiders are Native to Pennsylvania
…..are generally found Outdoors.  Insects Attract SPIDERs.
*******We See these Spiders ALL the Time.  They do have a Job Eating Insects.

INSECTs:  There are MANY Insects that have a Larve-Maggot Stage.

FLIES, TICKs, GNATs, MOSQUITOES, BEEs, WASPs,
…..CENTIPEDs, LICE, MITEs, SPIDERs, etc.

GRUBs and MITEs:  will Consume some Bacteria.

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

FLIEs Around a Swan Nest are a SIGN of Trouble.
…..Remove any Cracked, Spoiled or Foul Smelling Eggs.

…..FLIEs Carry Many Types of Diseases.

FLIEs:  are One of the largest Insect Orders.
…..It Numbers more than 120,000 Species World Wide.
…..There about 18,000 Species found in North America.

FLIEs are a Common Insect Pest on the Average Farm.
…..Where there is Animal Waste in Fields and Pastures.. and Decaying Compost Piles.

…..A Female HOUSE FLY can lay up to 600 Eggs in her Short Lifetime.

…..Most FLIEs Lives an Average of 15 to 25 Days.
….HORSE FLIEs are Common on Farms..

FLIES – BRITANNICA LIST
https://www.britannica.com/animal/fly-insect

At the End of this Topic Page..
There is a Section on the BLOW FLIES.

ADULT FLIEs Feed and Deposit their Larvae-Maggots on Organic Decaying Material.
…..This includes, Fruit, Vegetables, Meat, Animal and Human Feces.

FLIEs.. FLIEs are a REAL CONCERN Near a Nest..
…..I Read an Article Years Ago… A Mute Swan Necropsy Report.
…..A FLY or FLIEs had Lay their Eggs on the Pen’s Cloaca.
…..It is Warm Moist Tissue..
…..The MAGGOTs Went Up into the Pen’s Cloaca and were Feeding on her Vagina..
…..She DIED from the Bleeding and Infections..
…..This was a Horrifying Image.. Imagine her Suffering.

…..Eating MAGGOTs or Maggot-infested Food can cause BACTERIAL Poisoning.
…..Most Foods that have MAGGOTs are NOT Safe to Eat,
…..Especially if the LARVAE-MAGGOTs have been in Contact with Feces.
….HOUSE FLIEs and HORSE FLIEs use Animal and Human Feces as Breeding Sites.

FOXEs, RACCOONs, POSSUMs, BIRDs all eat MAGGOTs when they get the chance.
**********************
ANTs.. Sting and Bite.. can Kill Tiny Cygnets..

INSECTs will be Attracted to the Cygnets’ Eyes.
…..Various INSECTs will Sting the Wet Cygnets. ( Ants )
….Some will Eat their Eyes.. Any Part that is Moist.

…..When the Cygnets are Still Wet with Egg White
…..and there is a Little Blood in the Shell they are Especially Vulnerable.

Then there are BEEs, CARPENTER BEEs, HORNETs,

YELLOW JACKETs.. WASPs and MUD DAUBLER WASPs.
…..These Stinging Insect are Attracted to Sweet Food Waste.

Both WASPs and YELLOW JACKETs are Beneficial INSECTs in Nature.
…..They help Control the Populations of many other INSECTs and SPIDERs.

BUT, they ALL STING !

******* Any Pond or Lake Environment has a Complex Network of Creatures..  

BARN SWALLOWs, EASTERN KINGBIRDs, CHICKADEEs
…..and PURPLE MARTINs are Helpful – their Diet is Mostly INSECTs..


WORMs, TERMITEs, CRICKETs, SLUGs, BEETLEs, etc..
…..will Attract.. MICE, VOLEs, MOLEs, SHREWs, CHIPMUNKs, RATs..
….FROG and TOADs are Beneficial… They Eats LOTs of Insects..

MICE and RATs have been Reported to Eat Hatchlings and/or their Faces.
…..Especially when they First Hatch..  They will Drag the Cygnets Out of the Nest.

MICE and RATs that are Near a Swan Nest will Attract FOXEs, SNAKEs, etc..
…..In the Spring FOXEs  -  and most Predators are Feeding their Young.

Most Water Environments have WATER SNAKEs..

And SNAPPING TURTLEs..  You will Need to Check Annually for these Harmful Turtles. 

SNAPPING TURTLEs:  ( Try to Remove Them.)
…..They will Hang Around Areas where there is Spilled Feed/Food.
…..Tiny Cygnets are an Easy Meal for SNAPPING TURTLEs.

SNAKEs:  Common US Snakes
…..Depending on WHERE you Live..
….EASTERN HOGNOSE, COPPERHEADs, KING SNAKEs,
….BLACK RAT SNAKEs, WATER SNAKEs, RATTLESNAKEs,
….COTTONMOUTHs, BOAs and PHTHONs

SNAKEs will be Attracted to the MICE, VOLEs, MOLEs or RATs..
…..and the SNAKEs will Grab the Tiny Cygnets as they Waddle to the Pond..
***************
…..Cygnets are taken Back and Forth to the Nest for Several Days.  

…..The Adult Swans will Check for any Danger before Bringing the Cygnets Back to the Nest.
…..This Sire below Stood and Watched their Nest for Over 30 Minutes.
…..There was Something in the Nest that he was Alert to.
…..Their Cygnet was Kept Out of the Nest.
…..The Swans Never Took their Cygnet to this Nest Again..
…..The Nest was “Closed” the Next Morning.
**********************
MICE and RATs have been Reported to Eat the Cygnets
…..as they are Trying to Hatch Out of their Shell.
**********************

SMALL CREATUREs:  MICE, MOLEs, VOLEs, SHREWs,
….CHIPMUNKs will all Attract SNAKEs to Live Near Water
….AND the LARGER PREDATORs..WITH BIGGER TEETH AND CLAWs..

These FURRY CREATUREs:  Will Attract OWLs, CROWs,
….CATs, FOXEs, BOBCATs, COYOTES..

FURRY ANIMALs:  Commonly spread TICKs, VIRUSEs and PARASITEs.
….TICKs are Seeking WARM Blooded Animals or Birds to have a Blood Meal..

….TICKs can Carry Serious Diseases-Viruses > > Lymes Disease, West Nile, Babesiosis,
…..Powassan, Tularemia, Viral Encephalitis.

…..Diseases Transmitted by Ticks.
…..https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html  ( You will Need to Copy and Paste. )
**********************
FLEAS, TICKs and other PARASITEs:  are commonly Spread
…..by FOXEs to Domestic Pets – Cats and Dogs.

SMALL RODENTs:  may Attract SKUNKs, RACCOONs,
….OPOSSUMs-POSSUMs, WEASELs, MINK.
…..These may Snatch Small Ducklings, Goslings and Cygnets.

SKUNKs:  SKUNKs prefer Meat, will Eat Plants and Vegetation.
…..INSECTs, Small ANIMALs, BIRDs, EGGs, POULTRY, WORMs, Berries,
…..GRUBs, BEETLEs, CRICKETs and GRASSHOPPERs – Foods with a Strong Odor.

OPOSSUM – POSSUMs:  Eat a Large Number of TICKs..
…..Ranging from Fruits, Grasses, INSECTs, SLUGs, SNAILs, MICE,
…..RATs, MOLEs, FISH and even CARRION.

…..POSSUMs are not totally Immune to Rabies, they Rarely Carry it.
…..As a Marsupial, Possums have a lower Body Temperature than most other Mammals,
…..so their Bodies do not provide a suitable Environment for the Rabies Virus.

RACCOONs:  Raccoons Carry and Spread a Number of Dangerous Diseases..

…..PARASITEs:  Deadly Ones.. Try NOT to Attract them. They may have Rabies.
…..RACCOON Roundworm – Baylisascaris found in the Pest’s Feces.

…..LEPTOSPIROSIS: A Bacteria spread via Excrement
……which causes Fever, Headache, Chills, Muscle Aches,
……Jaundice, and potentially even Kidney or Liver Failure.

…..GIARDIASIS: Gastrointestinal PARASITE Ailment
……that induces Bloating, Vomiting, Indigestion, and loss of Appetite.

…..SALMONELLOSIS: A BACTERIA when Ingested causes Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea.

…..YOU Do not want RACCOONs Pooping Near the Swan Nests.

RACCOONs are the Common Swan Egg Thief..
…..They will Attack and Kill Swans.. Typically only Removing the Head.

….Finding Broken Eggs near the Nest or in the Water Nearby is Disheartening.
…..I Wonder what our Pen is thinking when she Sees a Raccoon Eating her Eggs.
From Raising Chickens
…..What kind of Animal Bites the Heads off Poultry and leaves the Rest.

RACCOONs and WEASELs:  will do this, they are after the Brain.
…..The Brain has the Best Nutrients and Fats for getting Winterized.

RACCOONs and WEASELs:  are known for Killing Everything they can Catch.
…..They are Responsible for Frenzied Killing in Chicken Coops.
…..They can not eat it all and they can not carry it all away.
…..So they go for the choice Pieces – The Heads.

…..Personally, I Like having the Swans’ Feed in a Bucket
…..and Take this Food Inside at SunSet.

CATs, FOXEs, CANINEs and BIRDs of Prey:  will Generally
…..only take One Bird or Mammal at a Time, Leave to Eat Elsewhere.
…..They will Likely come Back for another Easy Meal.
…..But they Generally do NOT Slaughter and only Eat the Head.
….FOXEs have been known to Carry Rabies.

WEASELs: are Carnivores and will Eat almost All Animals they find.
WEASELs: Eat Small MAMMALs, INSECTs, LIZARDs, FROGs, BIRDs.

HAWKs and OWLs:  Sit up in Trees and Watch for Small Fuzzy Things to be LUNCH !
HAWKs and OWLs:  Are Feeding their Young in the Spring.

MINK:  Their Dens are usually near Water, they are mostly Carnivorous.
…..They Eat CRAYFISH, FISH, Small FROGs, SNAKEs, EARTHWORMs and SNAILs,
…..Small MAMMALs, RABBITs, CHIPMUNKs, MICE, VOLEs and SHREWs..
…..DUCKs, FARM POULTRY – CHICKENs, GEESE, and TURKEYs..

MINK are Agile and Fierce Fighters, Killing Prey
…..with a Hard Bite to the Back of the Skull.

PREDATORs of MINK include:  WOLVEs, LYNX, BOBCATs, FOXEs,
…..HAWKs, GREAT HORNED OWLs, EAGLEs, and RIVER OTTERs.

The BOBCATs is the most abundant Wildcat in North America.

…..A Carnivore, they feeds on RODENTs, RABBITs, LIZARDs,
….SNAKEs and some BIRDs And CARRION.

BOBCAT KITTENs are being Feed in Early Spring.
…..The BOBCAT is an incredibly Elusive Predator that Silently Stalks
…..in the Dark before Pouncing with Incredible Force.
…..They are seen as Pest for Farmers Preying on LIVESTOCK and POULTRY.
…..I have had Several Sad Calls about Swans/Cygnets being Killed by BOBCATs.

…..Predators of the BOBCAT include MOUNTAIN LIONs,
….COYOTEs, FOXEs, WOLVEs, and HUMANs.

Depending on your Location BEARs.
…..Swan Can Not Defend themselves from a Bear Attack.

BEARs can Smell Foods from Long Distances.

*************************************************************
In 2020, While talking about Common Swan Predators with a Man
who lives in a Rural Area of Pennsylvania. I mentioned the Problem of Raccoons
Stealing Swan Eggs even on Isolated Islands.

EGGs are Great Nutrition for the Female Raccoon with Spring Kits..
Raccoons can be Nasty.. Fighting for the Eggs..

He Said, Over the Years Fur Trapping has Declined due to Campaigns
by Animal Rights Groups.
More and More People are Refusing to Use or Wear Fur from Animal Pelts.

The Decreased Market for Animal Pelts has a Side Effect..
Large Animal Predators are an Increasing Problem for  Farmers and Folks
living in the Wide Open Spaces..

Our Discussion was mainly about Raccoons.. How their Numbers have increased
in some Areas of Farming.. The Raccoons are Destroying Corn Crops.
They Pull the Developing Ear down and Munch on the Corn..
Knowing that Raccoons Carry many Serious Diseases, some in
their Saliva and some in the Body Waste.. It is Consequence of
Saving these Large Nocturnal Rodents.. Cute as they are to See..

I am not Suggesting that Trapping is OK..
But, I do not want the Predators Harming our Swans..
We Pinion Swans to keep them Safe from the Perils of Flying..
then make them more Vulnerable to being Harmed or Killed
because they can not Flee from Dangerous Animals.      >> A Real Moral Dilemma..

For Help with the Larger Predators .. FOXEs, RACCOONs, COYOTEs, etc.
You might get Help by Contacting:
WildLife Control Services or Your State’s Trapping Association.

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

Mute Swan Pens Evolved to NOT Eat during Nesting..
KEEP Foods Away from the Nest.. !!!
She will Eat if she want to go to the Feed Container..

WATER.. is OK.. This will Help the Pen Flush her Gizzard..
Hopefully Reduce the Infections that might Develop in their Gizzards.

Female Swans barely Eat while they are Incubating their Eggs.
Mother Nature wants her to be VERY Hungry when the Cygnets Hatch..
Have some Feed Mixture where she can Find it..
Take the Feed in at SunSet.. Out in the Morning..
Away from the Nest.. She will be OK.. Nature has a Plan..

It is Safest to Keep all Foods at Least 30 Feet or More from the Nest.

The Cygnets will only Weigh about 8-10 Ounces when they Hatch…
they may be Prefect Meals for Snakes Living Close to the Nest.

Even with the Nesting Platform.. Once there are EGGs..
STOP Placing ANY Food on the Platform.

*************************************************
The Swan Pen will need to Leave the Nest if she Needs to Poop..

Adult Swans do not Poop in their Nests.. ( or Seldom )
The Nest Cavity is Kept Clean for the Cygnets.
YOU Do Not want a Swan to Poop near the Nest.
Swan Poop has a Very Distinct Smell and will Attack Predators..

A Good Swan Nest has NO Poop in it..

NO FOOD NEAR A SWAN NEST !

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FLIES: BLOW FLIES

There are approximately 80 species in North America.
In the Fly Order, Diptera, they are Metallic Blue, Green, or Black in Color
…..and are Noisy in Flight.  They are Slightly Larger than Houseflies.
…..They are found with Animal Carcasses, Animal Feces, Garbage Piles,
…..and Piles of Decaying Vegetation > Decaying Compost Piles.

BLOW FLY LARVA are a Problem for all Cavity Nesting Birds.
BLOW FLY Biology varies among the Species and with Environmental Conditions
…..so the following information is General.

BLOW FLIEs Seek Areas that provide a Layer of Loose, Damp Soil and Litter
…..where their Larvae may Thrive and Pupate.

…..Each Female BLOW FLY Deposits Thousands of Eggs over her 2 to 8 Week Life Span.
…..Egg Masses may consist of 1500 to 2,000 Eggs. The Larger Egg Masses are usually
…..the result of Several Females Depositing Eggs on the Same Location.
MAGGOTs Hatch in LESS than 24 Hours when Conditions are Warm and Humid.

MAGGOTs Feed at Night, Moving Down into the Nesting Material during Day Hours.

This Adaptation has Evolved over many Centuries of a Close Association
…..of BLOW FLIEs with Cavity Nesting Birds.  The LARVAE-MAGGOTs
…..Avoids being Eaten by the Adult Bird during the Day, and Feeds only after Dark,
…..when the Helpless Nestlings are Easy Prey.

…..Blood is usually Sucked from the Feet or Legs, often from between the Toes.

…..Depending on the Temperature MAGGOTs Complete Development in 4 Days.

…..At the End of this Period, MAGGOTs Typically Burrow in the Nesting Material
…..and Pupate for 5 to 7 Days then the Adult Flies Emerge.

…..A Week Later, Females begin to Deposit Eggs and the Life Cycle is Repeated.
….BLOW FLIEs Generally Develop from Egg to Adult in 10 to 25 days,
…..they can have 4 to 8 Generations a Year.

HELP ! – WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE SEE FLIEs ! ! 

FLYS-X is a Natural Organic Spray – Repellent.  
…..Take Care to Avoid Spraying on the Swans..

 

ABSORBINE FLYS-X Natural Fly Repellent
…..Ready-to-Use For Multi-Species Live Stock Use.
…..Repels & Controls BITING FLIEs, MOSQUITOEs, GNATs and TICKs.
…..Natural Ingredients:   Use ORGANICs – ONLY if Needed..
…..Rosemary Oil, Thyme Oil, Citronella Oil,
…..Cedar Oil, Clove Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Geraniol.

DO NOT SPRAY Directly into the Nest..
…..Spray 4-5 Feet OUT from the Center of the Nest..
…..Spray Away from the Pen.. On Calm Day.

**************************
FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH:
…..IS an Organic Crawling Insect Killer.

With all the Concerns about Pesticides DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
is Safe & Effective. It is NOT a Poison.
DE is Finely Ground Fossils of Prehistoric Fresh Water Diatoms.

Apply the Dust Lightly in Infested Nest Areas.
DE Kills Common Household and Garden Pests:
WORMs, SNAILs, ROACHEs, ANTs, FLEAs, BEETLEs and MAGGOTs.

DE is a Long Lasting Control -Sprinkles easily into Cracks and Crevices
where Insects Hide and Eradicate them. When Soft-Bodied Insects come in Contact
with this Fine Powder-Dust, DE causes Massive Loss of Body Fluids and Death.

When the Dust is Eaten by Insects, the DE Inhibits Breathing, Digestion and
Reproduction of Insects and their LARVAE-MAGGOTs.
Find this Product in most Lawn and Garden Departments.

TIP: Use a Plastic Mustard (pull up cap) Bottle to Squeeze
a Small Amount of the DE Dust into the Middle of a Nest.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I have Gathered Information from Many Sources.
I have Used Images and Charts from Searches OnLine..
I have Added Credit to All these Files.
I GREATLY Appreciate those who Created them.
I Hope they will be OK with their Use here.
My Goal is to Save the Lives of the Swans we Care for.

Organized APRIL 2022 …. PA Swan Lover Linda M.Sweger
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Swans do not have an Easy Time While Nesting.

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The post DO NOT PUT FOOD Near a SWAN’s NEST appeared first on Swan Lovers.

Click Images to Enlarge.

Each Fall and Winter Veterinarians and Wildlife Rehabilitaters in many States
may have Multiple Calls about Young Mute Swans found in Distress.

Some Young Swans are Found by the General Public..

Maybe in their Yards. Maybe along the Road. Maybe on their Ponds.

The Young Swan Below was on the Property Owner’s Pond when she came Home from Work.

I get Several Calls every Year from Folks who are Excited they have a Lone Surprise Swan.
Now they want to Find a Companion/Mate for this Swan.  They have NO Idea of the Age or Sex.

I Explain what Needs to be Done.
Feed-Gain Trust, Catch the Swan, Clip One Wing and Send a DNA Sample to Learn the Sex.
So Far, Few Free Flying Rogue Swans has been Caught or Stayed with them.
Some Swan will Come and Go, Gone for a While, Returning at Random..

These 7-8-9 Month Old Rescued Cygnets Below were Likely Chased Away by their Parents,
when the Adults were Getting Ready for their Spring Nesting Season.

These Growing UnPinioned Cygnets have Nowhere to Go.
They are Chased into the Larger World Totally Unprepared.
No Idea how to Care of themselves.

Young Cygnets are very Vulnerable to Predators and Dog Attaches when Feral..

When Rescued.. Many are Injured, have Wounds and Broken Bones.
Sadly, many will be Euthanized..  This was the Fate of the Young Swan Below.
Evaluated at an Animal Clinic..  Advanced Infection, Wounds Full of Maggots.
Unknown Blood Loss, Badly Mangled Foot.. Euthanized to End Suffering.

Many Rescued Swans are UnderWeight..
During Fall and Winter there are Few Natural Foods for them to Eat, if they can Find any.

The Cygnet below was Very Scared when Brought to a Rescuer’s Home..

As I have been Reading various Article about Department Natural Resources
WildLife Services ( Different States ) Mute Swan Management Methods.
I have come across a Number of Very Disturbing, Cruel Practices.

It is Far Worse to Allow a Cygnet or Swan to Fly Away to be Abused and Destroyed.
Slaughtering these Helpless Swans can not be much Enjoyment for the WildLife Services
who are Trained and Employed to Protect WildLife.

My Opinion:
I Feel it would be MUCH more Ethical to Prevent Cygnets Hatching
then to have them Endure the Perils of being Feral and the Potential End
of their Lives by the WildLife Agencies various Cruel Slaughtering Practices.

Having Cygnets every Year can be Demanding – They are Cute and Work.
They NEED to be Pinioned.. DNA-Sex Determined..
and New Adoptive Homes Arrange between 4-9 Months Old.

It MAY be Tempting to just let the Cygnets be Chased off..
Out of Sight…Out of Mind.. Now Someone Else’s Problem.

Being a Responsible Swan Keeper.. YOU will Not Let this Happen.

Or Maybe you just want to “Take a Year OFF..”
Prevent Cygnets Hatching in Years that other Things in your Life have Priority.
And just Enjoy your Graceful Adult Swans on a Peaceful Summer Pond.

OR Maybe your Pond is Really NOT Suitable for a Large Brood of Eating-Pooping Cygnets.
Maybe Limit the Number of Cygnets that Hatch.

The 0.48 Acre Retention Pond Above & Below became FOULED with Swan Cygnet Poop.

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Neutering or Spaying is NOT an Option with Swans..

DO NOT Spay or Neuter Swans
https://swanlovers.net/category/do-not-spay-or-neuter-swans/

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

I did some Reading about Hormone Implants for Birds.
This is Expensive, May Not be Effective, Needs to be Repeated Frequently.
The Article Below was Informative.

Hormone Implants for Avian Species. … ARE NOT Practical.
https://opensanctuary.org/article/suprelorin-implants-a-critical-tool-in-chicken-health/

**************************
DO NOT JUST REMOVE OR BREAK the EGGS !

Removal of All the Eggs or Breaking the Eggs will cause the Pen
to Lay a Second Clutch of Eggs.

This will Deplete her Body more then Necessary… and Extend the Nesting Season.

Having to lay Extra Eggs may/will Deplete the Pen of the Nutrients
to Regrow Healthy Feathers after her Annual Moulting.

***********************
The Swans Above and Below Lost their Early Spring Nests to the Creek Flooding Twice.

We could only Guess… she may have Laid around 20 Eggs that Year.
Nest #1  > 8 Eggs – Nest  #2  >  7 Eggs – Nest  #3  >  5 Eggs.   ca. 15 were Lost to Flooding.

They ReCycled..  the Pen Laid 5 more Eggs ( Third Clutch ) Nesting into Mid-July.
One Egg Cracked and I Removed it.  ??? Maybe the Shell was Thinner.
One Egg was Stolen by a Raccoon.. Then there were just Three Eggs.

We were Helpless to do Anything since these Swans were Living Feral..

After a Very Long Nesting Season, Three Tiny Cygnets Hatched on July 14-15th.

In 2022, We Still have the Pale Brown Cygnet on the Left.. He is our “Meadow.”

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

During the Late Winter and Very Early Spring Months,
Roughly THREE Weeks before a Mute Pen begins to Lay her Eggs..

YOU WILL Typically SEE the Pen EATING – EATING – EATING..
Preparing her Bodies to Lay a Clutch of BIG Eggs. ( Average 4-8 )

Natural Egg Production is Stressful for Female Birds/Swans.
It Depletes their Nutritional Stores, and Predisposes them to Malnutrition,
Osteoporosis, and Life Threatening Illnesses.
They Benefit from a Proper Diet during the Winter Months.

It is a BAD Idea to Catch or Disrupt your Pen’s Egg Laying Process.
Catching your Pen during the Days that she is Laying her Eggs
may STOP an Egg from Moving through her
Uterus > Shell Gland > Vagina > Cloaca and being Expelled into her Nest.

Risking the Pen becoming EGG BOUND with all the Risks
and Serious Complications an Egg being Stuck
in the Pen’s Uterus-Shell Gland may Cause.

BEST to WAIT and Allow your Pen to Naturally Lay her Full Clutch of Eggs,
Allow her to “Sitting” to Incubate her Clutch for at Least 7-10 Days
before you do ANYTHING with your Pen during her Nesting Sequence.

You WANT to be sure she is Finished Laying Eggs.

Black Australian Swans Nest Twice a Year..
It can be Challenging to Raise these Cygnets during the Winter Months.

These Last Season Cygnets will Need to be Shelter-Raised in Cold Regions.

Maybe you Want to have just One Brood during the Warmer Months.

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Here I will State: I have No Experience with Spoiling Swan Eggs.
I have not “Actively” Spoiled any Swan Eggs with Plain Corn Oil..
So my Information is NOT Hands-On.. Just from Reading.

I have Talked with a Number of Folks who have Used Spoiling Methods
to Control other Types of Waterfowl.. Example Muscovy Eggs.

We have used Replacement Eggs most Years… Successfully.
At First Real Mute Swan Eggs, Drained, Cleaned and Filled.
But without a Doubt the Wooden Reusable Eggs have Worked Well.

SWAN REPLACEMENT EGGs
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-replacement-eggs/

We can use them to “Swap-Out” the Real Eggs to Prevent Cygnets Hatching.
OR they are Ready if Eggs are being Stolen from a Fertile Swan Nest.
OR if there are Eggs that are Not Developing and Start to STINK ! !

I Know there is a Need for this Information about Spoiling to be Available.
I am going to RELY on Reading a Number of Articles and Compile General Information.
I Suggest you ALSO Read a Variety of Articles.
If the Articles seem to make Sense.. Gathering Information is Best.

I did Call our State’s Waterfowl Specialist and Ask for Information..
I am Including this in the Text Below.

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

I hear People Troubling with the Ethics of Killing the Embryos..
They want to Remove or Oil the Eggs VERY Soon after they are Laid.
Before there is much Development..

I have Searched without Success for a SWAN Embryo Development Chart.
Chicken Chicks Hatch in 20 Days..  Swan Cygnets Hatch at 37 Days.
Each Stage on this Chart would be Almost 2 Days for the Developmental Stages of a Cygnet.
AT 7-10 Days of Incubation the Cygnet Embryos would be at 4 to 5 Days on this Chart.
It is Up to You.. when you Decide to Spoil the Eggs..   7th Day or the 25th Day..etc.

BUT, I do think it is Wise to Wait until the Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time for at least a Week..
JUST to be Sure her Clutch is Finished !

True Story: One Swan Keeper saw his Pen “Sitting” on Four Eggs.
He “Swapped-Out” Two Real Eggs for Two Replacement Eggs he made.
Goal to Allow just Two Cygnets to Hatch.. Manageable for their Enjoyment.

SURPRISE > > > SIX Tiny Cygnets Hatched.. Explanation.
Four more Fertile Eggs were Laid after the “Swap-Out.”

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COMMONLY USED METHODS for Spoiling or Reducing:

ADDLING – Addling is a Wildlife Management Method of Population Control
of Various Bird Species that are Increasing in Numbers.
Eggs are Temporarily Removed from the Nest, the Embryo Development is Terminated
and the Eggs are Returned to the Nest.

Methods that Terminates Embryo Development are by Oiling, Shaking
or Puncturing the Eggs and then placing the Eggs Back in the Nest.

It is Important Not to Change the Odor, Appearance or Texture of the Eggs.

This Allows the Nesting Female to Continue her Nesting Process..

By Disrupting the Yolks from Developing there will be No Cygnets.
AS I was Reading, One Person Leaves the Parent Swans One ”Good Egg” to Care for.
Personally, a Cygnet Raised Alone is a Little Sad..  Maybe Leave them Two Fertile Eggs.

*******************************
OILING: It is IMPORTANT to ONLY USE a FOOD GRADE OIL.

AS I Searched for Information,
I came Across the Same Field Study Article Several Times.

“Spraying Corn Oil on Mute Swan Cygnus olor Eggs to Prevent Hatching.”
1996-1997 Larry J. Hindman, William F. Harvey, IV, & Linda E. Conley

Corn Oil is an Effective, Nontoxic Method of Reducing Mute Swan Eggs Hatching.
Spraying an Oil/Oil Flour Product on the Eggs will Cut Off the Oxygen Exchange
through the Tiny Pores in the Shell.  This will Stop the Embryos Developing.

My Best Guess is that Eggs Coated with Plain Corn/Vegetable Oil
should Not be Soaked and Slimy..  The Oil can be Sprayed or Rubbed on with a Rag.
Be Sure to Coat the Entire Surface of the Egg.

It Occurred to me that this Oil might Interfere with the Pen’s WaterProofing.
She would be Sitting on the Eggs and get the Corn Oil on her Abdomen Feathers
and then Preen the Oil ALL OVER.  Hummm !

*** I am Going to see if I can Learn More.

These Oil Spoiled EGGs will Start to Rot and Stink by the End of 42 Days.

********************************
EGG SHAKING: This Method of Waterfowl Population Control has been the Standard.
Used for Decades by Fish and Wildlife Services
and has the General Approval of the Atlantic Flyway Council.

Eggs are Vulnerable to Vibration Type Injuries Early in Incubation.
Shaking or Jarring can Kill the Developing Embryo either Directly
or by Rupturing the Yolk.

The Yolk of an Egg is Suspended between two opposing Filaments of Protein
called the Chalazae.  Shaking can Dislodge the Chalazae.

Brisk Vigorously Shaking beyond the Point of Breaking the Chalazae,
will Start to Break-Up the Yolk and No Embryo will Develop.

These Spoiled Eggs will Start to Rot.. ( PPPe-UUU )

There “Might” be a Small Percentage that Survive Shaking.

June 2022… I am ADDING this Personal Note:
Last Weekend I was Preparing a Casserole that Calls for 6 Eggs..
I Thought I would SHAKE these Raw Eggs and See if they would be Scrambled
when I Cracked them into my Recipe..  I SHOOK and SHOOK.. Very Hard.
I Could Hear the Liquid Inside each EGG Rattling as I SHOOK….
I Shook Harder and Longer with Each Egg.. NOT ONE had a Broken Yolk.
ALL 6 Eggs were in Perfect Condition when I Cracked them.
PERSONALLY >>> I would not Try this Method..

The Cygnet Above was a BIG SURPRISE..   ( A Happy Surprise ! )
It was Day 42… We are there to Take All the Eggs Away ! !

*********************************
CULLING: The Word seems to have Various Meanings..
Here I am Using Culling.. as Reducing the Number of Eggs.

If a Swan has a Clutch of 8 Eggs.. Up to 5 Might be Removed
to Reduce the Number of Cygnets that will Hatch..

Removing Some or All of a Clutch.. ( REPLACE Some with Replacement Eggs.)
Leave the Pen at Least 3 Eggs to “Sit.” Spoiled or Fake or Fertile.

If you Remove Several Eggs from the Clutch.. Put them in a Container
to keep them Safe and Refrigerated.. You might Need them for Replacements.

To Reduce the Clutch Size.
Example:  You Only want 3-4 Cygnets..  Not 7-8…
Watch for 4 Eggs to be in the Nest..  The First Eggs Laid are the Healthiest..
The Swan Pens are NOT Ready to “Sit” Full-Time.. She will be Off EATING.
You might be able to Sneak Close to the Nest.. BE Careful..

>>>> Safely Mark the First 4 Eggs with a Dot ( Tricky I Know.)
Do this in Late Afternoon or Early Evening.. Only do this Once.. Not Each Day..
Try NOT to Distrub the Pen in the Morning, that is Generally Egg Laying Time.
Allow the Pen to Finished Laying her Clutch.. Then Wait a Few Days..

Removing the Last Few is Recommended.. > the UnMarked Ones..
Refrigerate the Removed Eggs.. Just in Case they are Needed..
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PUNCTURING:  I Tried Several Key Word Searches.. and I could not
Find much about Puncturing Eggs to Prevent Hatching.
I would think this Method would NOT be a Foremost Method.

Piercing with a Thin Hat Pin and Stirring the Content.. Breaks the Yolk.

From a United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service WebSite:

Puncturing—To Puncture the Egg, hold it securely in your hand, Braced against the Ground.
Insert a Long, Thin Metal Probe into the Pointed End of the Egg.
Best Results are by placing Slow Steady Pressure.  ( If the Egg Breaks-Cracks, Remove it. )
Once the Probe Passes Through the Shell, Place the Tip against the Inside of the Shell,
and Swirl with a Circular Motion.  Swirl Several Times to Ensure the York is Broken.

Puncturing the Shell would Introduce Bacteria and Dirt.
One of the Most Common Causes of In-Shell Deaths for Forming Embryos
is a Bacterial or Viral Infection Entering through a Crack in an EGG.

As the Pen Turns her Clutch Several Time a Day, I would Expect the Albumin
to Start to Leak from the Eggs.  That would Attract Insects.. and be a Sticky Mess.
As the Egg Contents Degrades the Leaking would Increase.

***********************************
If you Spoil your Pen’s EGGS…
DO NOT Allow her to “Over-SIT” Incubating Eggs that will Never Hatch.

She Needs to be Able to Start Eating..
Remove the “Eggs” from the Nest at 42 Days.

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Another Plan to Consider:
Contact a Swan Breeder who might Want the Fertilized Swan Eggs.
Talk with them about when to Remove Some of the Fertile Eggs Under your Pen.

Only Remove a Few of the Clutch…
Leave the Pen some Eggs to “Sit-On”.. Or “Swap-Out” with Replacements.

*********************
IF you PLAN AHEAD :  Arrange for Another Person to Raise your Cygnets.

Before the Cygnets Hatch.. See if you can Arrange for Another Person
to Raise the Cygnets.  Be Sure they have a Proper Environment to do this.
A Protected Pond and a Shelter for Night Time Safety.
Decide Who will Pinioned the Cygnets before 21 Days Old.
Hand Raised Cygnets have a Better Survival Rate then Cygnets Raised
by their Parent Out on an Average Pond.

All Ten of the Cygnets Above – in 2022 are Mature Swans in Homes that Love them.
*********************************************************************

I like the Replacement Eggs the Best.. Zoos use them.
The Real Unfertile or Spoiled Eggs will Start to Rot..
They Smell Terrible, Attract Flies and Some Explode.. Stink BOMBs – BIG Mess !

AND with the Sneaky Raccoons Stealing so many Eggs..
It is SO Helpful to have the Replacement Eggs.. Real Eggs Refrigerated or Wooden Fakes.

We have been using the Wooden Replacement Eggs for 5-6 Years..
They have been so much LESS Worry…  Ready when Needed..
And our Pens have Accepted them without any Problems.

( All but One Egg. )
I Never Figured-Out Why this One Egg was Rejected Repeatedly.

I Must Decline ANY Request to Make Replacement Eggs for you Folks.
I would have to make Hundreds for All the People who have Asked.. (-;

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SPOILING the EGGs in a Swans’ Nest.
This is a Helpful Procedure if you Do NOT want to have Swan Cygnets every Year.

I have Found the BEST Items to use to Protect Myself Working by a Swan Nest..
is a Folding Lawn Chair.. I Turn it Around as a Barrier-Shield.

Female Swans MUST “Sit” on their Unfertile-Spoiled Eggs for at least 42 Days.
OR They Will ReCycle and Lay more Eggs.. With or Without a Cob.
They have NO Control over this Timing.. Mother Nature is in Charge..

Normally Fertile Swan Eggs will Mature in 37 Days.. – /+ a Day.

Healthy Cygnets will All Hatch within 24-36 Hours.. 48 Hours at most.
The Pen will usually continue to “Sit” as much as Possible on UnHatched Eggs for 72 Hours..

Then She will take her Healthy Cygnets out to Begin Feeding
and Spend more and more Time away from the Nest.

The Dam ( Pen ) and Cygnets may Return to the Nest for Several Day..
for the Cygnets to take Naps. (Very Cute).  And Warm-Up Under their Dam.

Female Swans will Lay One Large Egg every other Day until ALL her Clutch is in the Nest.

She will NOT “Sit” Full Time until ALL her Eggs are Laid.
This may take 2 – 3 Weeks, if she Lays 7 – 8 – 9 Eggs.

During this Time.. the Cob and the Pen will Keep a Close Watch over their Eggs..

Especially if Someone Approaches..One or Both will QUICKLY Head to their Nest..
They may Cover the Eggs at Times.  Making it Tricky to Count the Eggs.

You might see the Cob Sitting for Long Periods on the Eggs…

The Female Only a Few Minutes.. Just to Guard and Protect her Eggs from Visitors.

The Cob can not Incubate..
He can Only Protect and Keep the Eggs Warm Once Incubation Begins..

ONCE the Pen STARTs to “SIT” Full-Time.. NOTE this DATE ! !

Incubation of the Entire Clutch will begin. THE 37-42 Days Starts.
37 Days for Fertile Eggs to Hatch..
This way ALL Fertile Eggs should Hatch within a 24-48 Hour Period.
42 Days to Remove UnHatched-Spoiled Eggs.

WAIT for a Few Days, after you KNOW the Pen is “Sitting” Full-Time.
You want to be SURE she is Finished Laying. ( 7-10 Days )

It is VERY Helpful to have Several People to Do these Projects.
Keep CALM and TRY NOT to be LOUD.. Quiet is Less Stressful.
Make Your Plan and Who will do What !! Practice – Be Prepared.
Do a Basic Practice Walk Through..

Have a Spray Can of Baking Spray with Flour READY.
OR a Plain Spray Can of Baking OIL..  Or a Cup of Salad Oil in a Plastic Container.
And a Rag for Applying the Oil.   AND some Paper Towels if Needed..
It is Helpful to have your Supplies in a Bucket.

BE SURE the CAN of Baking Spray will Spray Freely..
and that there is ENOUGH Product.
An Older Can from you Kitchen Cabinet, might NOT WORK !
This is Inexpensive and Readily Available where Baking Supplies are Sold.
Most Grocery Stores Carry this. USE a FRESH Full Can.. ANY Brand.

First, Contain the Cob.
He will generally be Hormonal and is EASY to Catch.

( This is a Good Time to Wear White. )
Most Cobs will COME TOWARD you.. Hoping to Chase you AWAY !

Have a Large Net or Large Beach Towel READY.   Let him come to you ! !
We put our Cobs into a Transport Carrier placed in a Shady Place.
Turn the Carrier away from the View of the Nest..

Approach the Nesting Pen Slowly.. Give her a Chance to Assess her Risk.
Some will Leave the Nest and Slip into the Water..
and Some Pens will Continue to Sit and Protect their Eggs.

Move Closer Talk Softly, Net or Wrap the Pen in a Large Towel.. Be Gentle.
Hold her Aside from the Nest. Cover her Head if Possible.

Have your Helper Spray the Top Side of EACH Egg..
Turn Over and Spray ALL Sides. COAT the Entire EGG.

Release the Pen…. She will Usually Return to her Eggs.

Next, Release the Cob. Open the Carrier.. let him Exit..
He will HOPEFULLY Head to the Water..
Keep Something Between YOU and the Cob..

If the Eggs are Fertile, the Oil-Flour in the Spray will fill the
Tiny Air Exchange Pores in the Egg Shell.. the Embryos will NOT Develop..

Once the 42 Days of “Sitting” Time has Passed..
A few Pens will leave these UnHatched Eggs on their Own.

Some Females will Continue to “Sit” for many more Days..

If the Pen HAS NOT left the Eggs on her own..
For her Health, it is a Good Idea to Remove and Discard the Eggs.
( THEY WILL SMELL and Attract Flies. )

The Pen does Not Realizing the Eggs will Not Hatch.
A Percentage have been known to Stay on the Nest for Weeks.
She is at Risk of Starving to Death. ReMove the Eggs.

It Took us 90 Seconds to Remove the Stinky Eggs from the Nest Above.
In that Short Time – The Pen was So Stressed that she Collapsed – Fainted.

She Scared the Heck OUT of Us.. The Stress Caused her Blood Glucose to DROP !
After about 2 Minutes her Eyes Started to Blink.. and Sloooowly she Lifted her Head.
We Allowed her to Rest – She Stayed with her Empty Nest that Day.
By the Following Morning, she was out on the Pond Eating.. Recovered.

Now I keep a Few Ounces of a Sweet Syrup like Honey with us. 
******

Timing Swan Eggs to Hatching
https://swanlovers.net/category/timing-swan-eggs-to-hatch/

If necessary do the Same as above.. Contain the Cob..
Encourage the Pen to Leave her Nest.. Be Patient about Half Will.

**********************
We had a Small Container of Concentrated Sugar – Honey, Karo or King Syrup Ready.
The Pens have Little Extra Blood Sugar to be Stressed when the Eggs are Removed.
If the Pen becomes Very Weak or Faints.. Put a Little Syrup under her Tongue..
Keep her in a Safe Place.. and Allow her to Recover from the Excitement.

Yes, we have had Pens become Very Weak.. Only One that Fainted.. This was Scary..
Within a Few Minutes, she was Awake and Recovered.. Out on her Pond the Following Morning.

Wear Protective Glove ( the Eggs will Smell )
Quickly put the EGGs in Double Plastic Bags in a Bucket.. ( they may Explode ! )

Release the Cob..

LEAVE the Swans Alone.
They need some time to Realize the Eggs are gone.

Typically, they may Spend One more Day at the Nest.
The Following Morning most are Out on their Pond Grazing.

The Next Morning the Pen was OUT on her Pond.

After a Few Days.. Remove the Nest Material..
A Decaying Nest will Attract Unwanted Critters.. Insects, Worms, Rodents and Snakes.
Plus Nasty Bacteria and MOLDs..
Better to Supply New Nesting Materials Next Spring.

***************************************
Female Swans MUST “Sit” on their Eggs for at Least 42 Days..
OR they are likely to Recycle and lay more Eggs..

Nest Mortality is High for the Pens.. So, it is BEST not to have them
Laying a Second Clutch by taking their Eggs away.

We had one Feral Female Years Ago.. She lost Two Clutches to the Creek Flooding..
Both after “Sitting” for Three Weeks.. AND they Started a Third Nest !

Started “Sitting” June 11th with Four Eggs….
Hatched Three Cygnets July 15th. IT was HOT ! ! ! ..

I would take her a Container of Ice Water in the Afternoon and put it on the Side of her Nest.

Getting Flooded Out or having a Raccoon ( or People )
take the Eggs are Common Reasons for Swans to ReCycle..

You will See the Swans Mating Again.. and More Eggs.
Extending their Nesting into the Hottest Period of Summer.

Natural has programmed their Bodies to keep Trying if they lose their Eggs
to Flooding or Predators.  We can NOT Control All Situation.

But, it is GOOD to Know your Options.

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This Topic Page was Compiled from a Combination of our Experiences
with Feral/Wild and Numerous BackYard Nesting Swans.  
And Lots of Online Reading.. and Chats with Other Swan Folks.
Organized in March 2022              (c) Linda M. Sweger
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“To Hatch or Not to Hatch” – You have a Choice.

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