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There are as MANY Ways to Feed your Swans as there are Ponds.
“Try This” and then “Try That”.. (Sound Familiar)
Until you find what Works Best for Your Swans.
AND You..
I have Organize some Information for you to be Aware of..
and Various Images of Swan Feeding “Ideas” we and others have Tried.
Some were NOT Safe.. We were Learning..
Above – The Hanging PVC Flower Pot Worked Well on a Steep Bank…
. . but the ROPEs > > > a Risky Tangle Hazard.
Some Examples are from Swan Ponds we would Visit..
Example this Golf Course Pond. A Very UNSAFE Way to Feed their Swans.
The Good, the Bad & the UnSafe.
Beautiful, Graceful, Healthy Swans are a Delight to Behold.
Once Pinioned or Clipped to Ground Swans,
They depend on their Caretakers to Provide a Healthy Diet.
Captive Swans are Exotic, Domestic Pets.
If a Pond or Lake has Lots of Natural Plant Growth, Insects, Tadpoles, Worms,
Snails, Grubs, etc. Swan will Do Well with a Small Amount of Supplemental Feed..
Non-Toxic Algae Blooms and Tiny Floating DuckWeeds are a Swan Buffet..
A more Natural Diet.. “Pond Stew.”
Observe what Water Plants are Available through the Seasons..
Plants Growing in the Water are FULL of Natural Minerals and Vitamins.
Not All Ponds have Adequate Plants for a Compete Healthy Diet.
Wild Waterfowl will moved from Ponds to Lakes to Rivers for their Nutrients.
Captive Pet Ducks, Geese and Swans CAN NOT do this.
Ponds, Lakes and Lawns Treated with Herbicides will Alter Under Water Plant Growth..
Beautiful to View.. May be Barren of Food for WaterFowl.
A Public Lake Treated with a VERY Dark Shade Plant Control Product.
THERE is NOTHING for the Swans to Eat..
The Pond below has a Summer Growth of DuckWeed..
DuckWeed is a Great Natural Food for Waterfowl.
There will be Tender Plants and Water Insect Critters for Munching.
Consider NOT ALL Plants are Edible.. Observe what the Swans are Eating.
Large Populations of Pond Fish… Koi, Carp, Chinese Grass Carp, etc.,
Will Consume a Large Quantity of UnderWater Plants..
As the Population of Fish Increase.. Fewer UnderWater Plant are Available.
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Feeding Swans in the Winter – Be Careful and Creative.
Remember to Supply More Commercial Feed/Corn Mixture in Colder Months.
Total Food Support in Pennsylvania is from Halloween to Saint Patrick’s Day.
There are FIVE Long Cold Months with Little Natural Food for Waterfowl.
Depending on the Winter Conditions, Swans will NEED more
Calories when they are Subject to Winter’s Cold Temperatures.
They need Daily Food for the Quick Energy Calories to keep Warm.
The MAIN Goal in the Winter is for the Swans to have a Healthy Diet..
and for you to be Safe when you are Feeding them.
We used an Extra Long Handle Pond Skimmer Net to Push the Food OUT
to the Edge of the Ice Ledge. These Feral Swans were Living along the River.
We Never Knew Where we would be Visiting Them.
We could not Leave a Feed Container for them.
During the Winter, inside a Shelter..
You will need to have a Heated Bowl for Water or the Water may Freeze.
Heated Bowls are Available OnLine and at most Farm Supply Stores.
Feeding Adult Swans – Captive Swans Need to be Fed
https://swanlovers.net/category/feed-captive-swans/
Grazing on or in the Water is more Natural for the Swans.
These Swans are on Private Ponds.
IT is IMPORTANT to CHECK the AREA you are FEEDING your Swans for TRASH !
Check on the Land and in the Water where they will be Dipping for Food.
Remove any Metal, Coins, Plastic, Glass Pieces >> Junk
so these DO NOT Get Ingested by Mistake.
Avoid Placing Feed Station where there are LOTs of Pine Needles
Ingesting Dry Pine Needles may Puncture a Swan’s Digestive Tract.
**************************************************************
Swans are Able to Reach Down Two to Three Feet into the Water.
Years Ago, While doing an Online Search I came across these Images.
The Article was Written in Russian.. I was intrigued.
Spending Years Visiting and Feeding Swans.. Camera in Hand.
These are Views I have not had the Ability to Capture.
I want to THANK Victor Lyagushkin for Pursuing this Photo Project.
From the Blog: FORANIMALLOVER
Why Swans have Long Necks…Posted by ms.tk
By Daily Mail Reporter March 7, 2012
Swan Dive: National Geographic Photographer Victor Lyagushkin,
took these Incredible Underwater Pictures of Swans Diving for Food
at the Blue Lake in Southern Russia.
Because they can not Dive like Ducks, Swans need their Long Necks.
Photographer, Victor Lyagushkin’s Eye-Popping Underwater
Pictures of Swans Stretching for their Food Shows,
“Why Swans have such Beautifully Long Necks.”
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This Topic Page has Examples.. to Spark Ideas for your Pond.
Swans are Grazers.. they Nibble throughout the Day.
When Food-Feed is only available Once or Twice a Day, shared from a Tub
or Bucket for Assorted Waterfowl, a Swan will Gobble in a hurry knowing
there will be Nothing until the Bucket is filled Later or the Next Day.
This is NOT Normal Eating Behavior for a Swan.
This is the way Ducks and Geese Eat.. they are Gobblers.
The Frantic Eating Behavior of Gobblers will Overwhelm the Swans.
If at all Possible, ONLY Feed Swans by their Pond – Lake.
Try to find a Way to Feed your Swans so they do Not Need to Leave the Water.
Swans are SAFEST in the Water.
About a Cup of Mixed Floating Cereals is a Nice Treat.
Swans Enjoy Plain Whole Grain Cheerios, Kix, Plain Corn and Bran Flakes.
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Well Fed Swans Eat VERY Little at Night..
They Naturally Grazed from SunRise to SunSet.
Instinctively, Swans Float Quietly out in the Deeper Water at Night..
Trying not to be Noticed. They are Prey Birds..
They Sleep VERY Lightly at Night.. Taking Turns. (unless alone)
They may Sleep more during the Day along the Banks..
Put Feed out in Early AM – have Available During the Day.
Swans Normally Start Grazing around SunRise..
They do Look Forward to BreakFast… Cute..
You will See them Nodding “Hello” and Snorting “Thank You.”
It is Wise to take the Feed Container in at SunSet to Discourage Rodents
Raiding the Feed. Smaller Rodent may Attract Larger Predators..
Feed and Corn will Attract Mice, Shrews, Moles, Voles, Rats, Muskrats, Mink,
Squirrels, Rabbits, Woodchucks, Opossums, Skunks, Deer, Raccoons.
.. I am Sure I Missed a Few.
All these Rodents may be Carrying Dangerous Diseases/Parasites.
As they Raid a Feed Container, Rodents Contaminate the Feed
with Saliva, Urine and Droppings.
There are Several Nasty Diseases carried by Raccoons.
Raccoons – Their CUTE Faces.. Mask Many Dangers..
Raccoon are a known Rabies Vector.
They Carry other Pathogens – Baylisascaris,
Leptospirosis, Listeriosis, Tetanus, and Tularemia.
Baylisascaris infection is caused by a Roundworm
Found in an Average of 80% of Wild Raccoons.
This Roundworm can infect People as well as a Variety
of other Animals, including Dogs.
Children MAY pick up Raccoon Roundworm by Playing
in their own Back Yard!
The Parasites Invade the Eyes (ocular larva migrans),
Body Organs (visceral larva migrans)
And/or the Brain (neural larva migrans).
You do not want Raccoons “Pooping” where Children will be Playing.
Raccoons are a Predator for your Swans/Waterfowl.
They Steal their Eggs. Raccoons are Feeding their Young in the Spring Time.
Many Swans have their Eggs Stolen during the Night by Raccoons.
Scuffle Scratches with your Swans may become Infected..
AND, Raccoon are Responsible for Killing MANY Swans..
They Typically take only the Head.
Needing to Remove Raccoons seems to be an Endless Problem..
Do NOT Hesitate Arranging to have Raccoons REMOVED from you Property.
There are Professional Wildlife Removal Services
who will be able to do this Safely.
The Smaller Rodents may Attract the Larger Night Predators.
The Carnivores – Fox, Coyotes, Coywolves, Bobcats, Roaming Feral Cats.
Depending on your Location maybe a Bear would be Attracted to a Feed Container.
Feed and/or Small Rodents may Attract Skunks, Weasels, Mink.
These may Snatch the small Ducklings, Goslings and Cygnets.
Keeping the Swans’ Feet in the Water while they Eat helps keep them Safe.
Thanks to D.Long for Raising Healthy Rescued Cygnets.
All were OFF to Forever Homes.. by the End of Summer.
*****
Swans WANT Water with their Feed-Food.
Wet Feeds goes down the Swan’s Esophagus Easily..
For Swans to Eat DRY FEED, Extrudes or Pellets without Water,
there is a RISK of the Feed Absorbing a little Moisture in their Esophagus,
Clumping, getting STUCK, Blocking Swallowing, and Causing
a Condition called “CHOKE.”
Especially, if a Swan tries to Eat Dry Feed TOO Fast.
“CHOKE” can be VERY Serious.. an Emergency ! ! !
In our Back Yard Rescue/Recovery Enclosure…
This Polyvinyl Toboggan Worked Well as a Water and Feed Station.
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DO NOT PUT SWAN FOOD ON THE GROUND
Dumping Swan Feed on the Ground or on Rocks is Wasteful..
The Feed is Very Difficult for Swans to Pick-up..
Wet Feed, Corn and Vegetables can be Sucked-up Easily with Water.
There is Always some Feed Left in the Dirt.
Leftover Dry Feed or Corn on the Ground Encourages Rodents,
Mold, Insects, Parasites, etc. Plus Swans Poop in/on the Feed..
This is a VERY Poor Practice.
Feed on the Ground will lead to More Environmental Diseases.
Bacteria, Fungal, Mold, Mildew, Protozoal & Parasite Disease.
Roundworms are intestinal Parasites that can affect both you
and your Pets AND SWANs.
Roundworms include Hookworms and Whipworms.
Hookworm Infections can cause Anemia and Affect Physical Growth.
AND Death.
Your Swans can be Infected by the Same Parasites as your Dogs.
Ascaris Roundworms can cause Intestinal Disease,
leading to Blockages and Perforation of the Intestinal Wall.
A Common Parasite – Giardia is very common in Pennsylvania Pond/Lake/River Waters.
During Warm Weather Insects and All Types of Flies will lay their Eggs
in any Feed Material that is Damp on the Ground.
…There will be MAGGOTs in a few days.
MAGGOTs : This was a Sub-Topic that I Learned some Surprising Things.
I do not want to get into the Details.. But, there are BackYard Poultry Folks
that Raise Maggots in their Vegetable Scraps. Then Feed these Protein Rich
Maggots to their Chickens and other Farm Animals.
This Maggot Farming is Controlling the Flies-Insect Larva they are Growing.
Free Flying Flies and Insects may Carry Disease from their Out & About
Feeding Behavior. They are Attracted to POOP !!!
There is Risk of Serious Diseases in the Maggots found in Spoiling Poultry Grains-Feeds.
On Average, it takes 3 Days for Insect Eggs to Hatch into Maggots.
INSTRUCTIONs on FEED BAG.. “Provide Fresh Feed and Water Daily.”
DO NOT PUT FEED for Swans on the Ground.
Even a Cheap Frisbee would Keep the Feed OFF the Ground. 
Mute Swans can Live a Very Long Time with Good Care. (And Luck)
The Less they need to Dig in the Mud/Dirt for Nutrition,
the Less Chance they will acquire Parasites, Ingest Toxic Molds, etc.
You will NOT Prevent All Diseases – but you can Reduce the Risks..
It is Safer to Put their Feed Mixture in a Pail of Pond Water..
Swans will Enjoy this Soggy Wet Food. There is Very Little Waste this Way.
The Feed is WET and the Swans just “Suck it Up.”
Great to do in the Cold Weather Months.. when we Supply more Feed.
The Pail Works Well. THANKs T.J.Millichap for Sharing this Photo.
Swans will need to Trust a Feed Bucket.. that it is Safe to Put their Head in.
You may have to start by Laying the Container on it side on the Ground
until the Swan understands there is Feed in it….
Wet Feed Smells like Dog Food.. Just start with a Cup of Feed Mix…
Put Chucks of Yummy Lettuce in the Bucket..
Swans are Smart, they will Learn Quickly….
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WATCH for Dangerous Plant Growth in the Water.. Be Aware !
The Retention Pond Above was not Tested for Blue-Green Algae.
The Swans Left the Pond on their Own in the Mid- July Heat
and Spent Several Weeks on the Property Stream.
The Pond Water was NOT Safe for them to be in.. The Swans Knew it.
During Warm Dry Months, Stagnant Muddy Water may put Waterfowl
at Risk of Fatal Clostridia Bacteria.
Avian Botulism is Associated with Decaying Organic Mud – Muck.
We Lost Two Beautiful Females to Clostrida Infection they Developed during Nesting..
When they were Not Eating and Flushing these Pathogenic Bacteria through
their Intestinal Track.. It was HeartBreaking. They were the Sweetest Pens.
We Learned what caused their Deaths.. by having a Necropsy
Preformed at the PA Department of Agriculture Pathology Laboratory.
****************************************************************
There is Value in having a Necropy when Swans Die of Unknown Cause.
You may be able to Treat and Save their Companion or Mate..
Some Diseases can be Treated.. Or Nutrient Deficiencies can be Corrected.
Years ago, when a Basically Healthy Male Swan died, the Owner thought
she might have Poisoned the Cob by Putting Rat Poison out.
The Cob was Found not Sleeping – but Dead..
There was Spilled Feed all over the Ground.. (Several Feeding Stations)
and Rats were Scurrying about Raiding the Feed Buckets.
Rat Droppings were Readily seen in the Feed.
The Cob Frequently Ate the Feed that was Laying on the Ground..
PLUS the Feed Stations were Large Metal Galvanized Trash Cans.
WHICH are a Potential for Heavy Metal Poisoning !
The Rat Poison had been Carefully placed where the Swans
would not get into it.. Could he have Gotten some of the Poison ???
We Arranged for a Necropsy at the PA Department of Agriculture
Animal Pathology Laboratory, to Learn what really happened.
There was NO Sign of Ingested Rat Poison in the Cob’s Body..
Most Rat Poisons have a Blue-Green Dye that can be Seen
during the Gross Necropsy.. …The Lab Studies told the Story.
So Sad, “Lynn” a Gentle Cob, Died from Avian Cholera.
Likely from Rat Saliva Contaminating the Feed on the Ground.
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Whole Corn Softens in Very Shallow Water.. Swans Love Softened Corn.
The Swans can Suck-Up the Wet Feed/Corn.
Always put in Shallow Water where they can See the Bottom.
This will Help them Avoid Snapping Turtles that Sneak Close..
Frequently CHECK for Trash in their Feeding Areas.
By 3-4 Months Mute Cygnets will do OK with WET Whole Shell Corn.
With the Smaller Black Australian.. Wait until they are Older.
Watch them Closely when offering Wet Whole Corn..
Any Feed Put Out for Swans should be Checked Daily.
In the Summer it Spoils VERY Easily if it gets Wet.
. . . Especially Above 65 Degrees.
Spoiled/Soured Feed can make a Swan VERY Sick.
Not Sure Why…. but, the Swans Show Little Interest in Eating on Rainy Days.
***********************************************************************
DO NOT use Metal Containers as Feed or Water Dishes..
Use Clean Dedicated Polyvinyl Containers for Feed Safety.
Is PVC Safe for My Bird?
MakeYourOwnBirdToys.commakeyourownbirdtoys.com
Although the Manufacture of PVC is NOT an Environmentally Friendly Process,
the Stability of the final Product in its Rigid Form Renders it Non-Toxic
and Safe for Birds.
Most Farm and Feed Supply Stores will have an Assortment
of Animal Safe Containers.
Is Plastic Safe for Birds?
MakeYourOwnBirdToys.commakeyourownbirdtoys.com
Brittle Plastics should not be given to Larger Birds because
when they Break Very Sharp, Cutting Edges are formed and
if Swallowed Accidentally could Result in Ruptured Organs.
Degrading Plastics release Environmental Damaging Chemicals
– Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxins.
We had One Precious Rescued Polish Cygnet Die from Elevated Levels of PCB..
We have NO Idea how she was Exposed.. It was Ingested… ???
DO NOT use a Container that had any Chemicals in it..
You can Wash them.. but, there will be Residuals in the Surface.
A Container Originally used for FOOD.. OK.. Like Flour, Donut Mix, Ice Cream, etc.
We Found Very Nice 5 Gallon Buckets at a Donut Store for $1.00.
You can get NEW Food Safe 5 Gallon Buckets for about $6-8.00.
*****
Thanks for Sharing.. K.Anderson.
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One of My New Swan Friends Shared this Idea… I LOVE This..
Their Swans are Safely Eating in the Water ! ! !
GREAT Idea… A 5 Gallon Vinyl Bucket and Kitchen Vinyl Colanders.. !!
This Feeding Station Bucket has the Bottom Removed. That Allows the
Bucket Base to be Twist-Wiggled into the Soft Silt-Mud in their Pond’s
Shallow Water. Easy to Move About as Needed.
Having the Bucket Bottom Removed makes it Extra Easy to Clean.
In Many of the Ponds and Lakes we have Visited, the Rocks and Shale would
Prevent Pushing the Bucket into a Soft Silt-Mud Substratum.
It is Likely, that Partially Filling with Water,
the Bucket with Intact Bottom would be Stable in Shallow Water.
This is a Great Idea – With or Without the Bucket Bottom.
Adjust the Height for Easy Eating for the Swans..
Hello, Sweet Swans. It Time for Dinner !
THANKS for SHARING – H.Thomas..
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This Saucer Feeder is at a Level Good for the Swans.. Not for the Ducks.
The Terra Cotta Strawberry Planter is a Solid Support to Cradle a Vinyl Bowl.
THANKs for SHARING – S.Mesry.
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A Swan Cafeteria (I Love this One)
Be Careful with Any Ropes.. KEEP them VERY Taunt !
THANKs for SHARING – L.Arfaras
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OR Skip the Ropes.. Keep the Feed Dishes Very Close to the Water.
Thanks for Sharing this Photo… S.Campanelli
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This Lake has LOTs of Wild Ducks.. that Love the Swan Feed.. So…
This is a Creative Feeding Container.. Thanks… B.Foy.
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Wood Feed Boxes.. Often Build by Creative, Caring Hands..
They Look Nice. But, Out in the Elements.. they are Not Safe.
Feed will get Wet. These are Difficult to Clean Completely.
Molds, Fungus and Bacteria will Grow in the Wood Cracks.
The Wooden Feeder above…Over Time became UNSAFE !!
This Did Prevented the Canada Geese from Reaching the Feed..
Glass – Ceramic – Pottery BREAK – Small Broken Pieces might be Eaten.
In the Gizzard these Sharp Pieces will Cut the Gizzard Muscles..and NOT Pass Through.
Try to Remove all Visible Debris from your Pond Area.
Prevent Hardware Disease.
HARDWARE DISEASE KILLs Birds and Animals.
https://swanlovers.net/category/hardware-disease-kills-birds-and-animals/
AVOID METAL FEED CONTAINERs
Aluminum, Copper, Tin, Zinc, Lead, Brass, Iron will
Contaminate their Feed, Risking Heavy Metal Poisoning..
Birds are VERY Sensitive to Heavy Metal Poisoning.
I was Surprised.. Even Stainless Steel is to be Avoided.
The MOST Common Heavy Metal Concern is Lead Poisoning.
Old Fishing Sinkers, Lead Shot in the Water..
Flaking – Rusting Galvanized Metal Chicken Feed Containers.
Porcelain Pans – Bowls Most Cook Ware have Metal Cores.
I Love these Red Cast Iron Enameled Casserole Pot..
But, they are NOT Safe to use for Feed or Water for Birds.
Cast Iron and Aluminium Pots React with Fermenting Feeds.
*** Swans are VERY Sensitive to METAL.
Best NOT to Store their Extra Feed Mixture in a Metal Container.
UNLESS it is Lined with a HEAVY Plastic Bag..
or Kept in the Original Feed Bags.
Stored Feed will Attract Rodents..
Storing in a Sturdy Metal Container may be Necessary..
Line it So the Feed does not Touch the Metal..
It is Good to have Extra Feed in the Winter Months. Stored in a Cool, Dry Place.
In Warmer Months.. Having Extra Commercial Bag Feeds is Less Ideal.
Stored in a Place where there is Heat and Humidity.. the Feed may Spoil.
High Humidity may Result in Mold Forming in the Feed. DISCARD ! ! !
Summer Heat will Cause the Tiny Insect Eggs in ALL Feeds to Hatch.
Corn Weevils do NOT Fly, Wheat Weevils DO Fly..
If there are Only a Few that Hatch.. Waterfowl will Enjoy these Tiny Bugs.
Many Commercial Feed Products are Now Available for Home Delivery
when Ordered from Chewy.com > > > Very Convenient.
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Having a Mixed Population of Waterfowl – Swans, Geese and Ducks..
you will need to have Different Feeding Containers.
Shallow Dishes around the Pond for the Shorter Ducks and Geese..
And a Swan Feed Container Mounted or Arranged for the Swans.
Some Corn and Pellets BroadCast out on the Pond Surface for Grazing .
Floating the Lettuce for all the Waterfowl.. A Welcome Treat for ALL..
There are Ways to Discourage Wild Geese..
Arrange the Feed Containers about 18 Inches High..
Adjust for your Shortest Swan..
This Covered Bucket Feeder was Home Crafted…. Nicely Done.
The Front Opening to Access the Feed Mixture is 18 Inches above the Water.
The Swans can Keep their Feet in the Water. They can Eat some of the Feed
Mix they Drop.. AND, their CareTakers can Safely Service the Feeder.
Thanks for Sharing Your Photos .. R.Becker.
************************************************************
Swans are VERY Messy, Wasteful Eaters.
A Few Ducks are Good for Clean-up.
We have Noticed that on Snowy or Rainy Days..
the Swans Eat Much Less – if at All. Not Sure Why… ??
But, we would just put some Corn Out on Bad Weather Days.
During Winter Months, the MOST Important thing to Consider
is the Safety of the People Feeding the Swans..
Working around a Pond, or Lake .. Frost, Ice, Packed Snow..
Take Extra Care..
Are you Familiar with Ice Cleats.. ??? THESE WORK. !!!
Most Sporting Goods Stores Carry these.
These were the First Cleats I Found.. I have Used them for YEARS !
There are Small Spikes that Grip into Packed Snow and Ice.
There are Cleats that will Fit on Boots and Shoes.
There are a Wide Variety of Brands to Choose from.
DO NOT Walk on a Solid Surfaces with these..
Like Side Walks, Asphalt or a Tile Floor … there they are Slippery ! ! !
Try to Find a Place you will be SAFE Servicing their Food in the Winter.
Winter, with Snow and Ice.. think ahead where you will be Safe.
The First Year you will be getting to know the Swans
and all the Variation that make Things Work for your Pond.
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Stationary Feeders Work Well for a Pond where the Water Level
is Fairly Constant.
SWAN FEEDER – Aut-O-Dine 25
A Dry Dog Feed Container Adapted for Swans.
This is a Common Feeder Used by Folks with Swans..
These will keep all but a few Geese OUT.. if Positioned Properly.
These LOOK like a GREAT Idea.. Well, Review this Topic Page.
Swan Feeder – Aut-O-Dine 25
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-feeder-aut-o-dine-25/
When there are Canada Geese.
The Basic Idea is to have the Opening about 18 Inches High..
Watch to be sure the Shortest Swan can Reach the Feed..
This way Very Few of the Canada Geese can Raid the Feed..
If the Water Level goes UP Canada Geese can Help themselves.
If the Water Level goes DOWN the Swans may not be able to Reach..
If you see the Swans Nibbling Comfortably then they are Happy..
Over the Years I have “Heard” of Several Problems with Box Type Feeders.
These Feeders are OUT in the Summer Sun and Humidity.. Morning Dew.
Feed in the Feeder for Several Days may become Moldy.
In the Winter if the Feed Gets WET.. It Can Freeze.
Tube Nests of Mud Dauber Wasps..
Wasp Nests inside the Roof.. YOU MAY GET a PAINFUL SURPRISE !!!
Wasps or Bees or Hornets or Yellow Jackets.. Could Sting You or the Swans.
A Paper Wasp Nest… Constructed Inside the Feeder..
Another One, Maggots from Flies being Attracted to the Protein
in the Feed..after it was Damp.. You have NO Idea what Pile of Poop these
Flies may have Visited before Depositing their Eggs in the Damp Feed.
YUCK !!!! Frequent Cleaning Helps.. Best to ONLY have Two Days of Feed.
It takes about 3 Days for Insect and Fly Eggs to Hatch..
Seems there is Always Something to Worry with.. Sigh !
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A Simple Bucket can be an Easy Feeder.. and EASY to Clean.
Be Aware Handles can be a Tangle Hazard.
Tie them Fast.. or Remove.. or Anchor with a Stake..
WE Sat with these Swans while they Ate from this Bucket..
Then Dumped the Left Overs in Shallow Water for the Remainder of the Day.
A Five Gallon Bucket is an Easy Feeder. Propped on an Angle it is Hard for Geese to Raid.
Just Laying on the Bank, Supported by Plant Clumps.
We Used this Feeding Bucket to Catch Several Swans..
When they Put their Head into the Bucket.. Quickly get HOLD of their Neck…
DO NOT JERK.. Just Hold. Have Someone Nearby to HELP !
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A BIG BASKET with a Vinyl Bowl Liner..
Try Different Containers.. The Swans will Adapt…
Depending on Container.. Some will need to be Weighted with a Heavy Flat Stone..
or Anchored with a Stake.. Avoid “Loose” Ropes.. Tangle Hazard..
When we had our Swans at a Local Country Club we used these Large Baskets.
(Used – from the Good Will Stores) One Lined with a Gallon Vinyl Bowl.
Another Basket for their Vegetable Salad.
It allowed the Cold Pond Water in and kept the Vegetable from the Large Carp in the Pond.
The Swans could Graze all Day.
Swans Are Vegetarians
https://swanlovers.net/category/swans-are-vegetarians/
We Dumped any Left Over Veggies & Feed – Refreshed Daily.
(The Carp and Blue Gills Cleaned-up.)
We could move the Baskets when needed..
We used a Garden Tool
– Cultivator to Move the Baskets in and out of the Shallow Water.
Rob keeps the Cultivator with him to Grab any Trash he finds in the Ponds..
as a Walking Stick.. Multi-Purpose Tool.
There were few Canada Geese Visiting that Pond.
The Canada Geese can be a Worry for the Swans.
The Swans may Spend MORE Time Chasing then Eating….
All the While, Geese are Snatching Bites of the Feed-Foods.
When you have Spring or Fall Migrating Canada Geese..
You many need to Change your Regular Feeding for a Few Days.
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My Favorite Feeding Station is a Tire and Bucket..
It has more Flexibility.
When the Bucket is Angled the Swans can Reach inside..
the Geese and Duck can Not.. Well Most can Not..
The LARGER Canada Ganders might Help Themselves..
Place the Tire and Bucket Close to the Water’s Edge..
The Cygnets/Swans want Water with their Food.. Dry Feed can get Stuck in their Throat..
You will have a Cleaner Yard with the Feed Station Close to the Water..
Swans are Messy Eaters..
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A VERY Clean Bucket that did not have Chemicals in at some Point.
PolyVinyl is Safe… The Spackling Bucket in these Images.. Used Along the Creek.
Had been Washed Over and Over for Years…
An Internet Search.. Spackling Compound has a Very Low Toxic Concern.
We were Using this Improvised Feeding Station along a Local Creek..
We were Learning.. Now we use New Food Dedicated Buckets.
Metal Buckets are NOT Safe … Risk- Heavy Metal Poisoning.
You can Move this Feed Station when the Water Level Changes..
Some People do not like the Look of a Tire and Bucket..
BUT, it Works.. is Easy to Clean..
Pick a Nicer Tire.. THEN Cut Drainage Holes on the Bottom Side..
to Prevent Water Pooling Inside and Creating a Mosquito Breeding Puddle.
DO NOT Place Feed Near a Nest.. Keep at Least 30 Feed Away.
That is why we were along a Local Creek.. Our WayWard Swans were Nesting.
They Left the Safety of a Private Pond.. Things were Never the Same..
DO NOT PUT FOOD by a SWAN’s NEST
https://swanlovers.net/category/do-not-put-food-by-a-swans-nest/
One of the Ponds.. “The Feathered Friends Pond” used the “Bucket-Tire”
for a few weeks. Lovely Green Lawn.. It made the Expected Marks.
Had this been almost in the Water less Damage to the Lawn.
If Left out, Deer may Find the Feed Buckets.
Over Night these Buckets are a Free WildLife Buffet.
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I Tried this Vinyl Flower Pot Hanging by Ropes from a Stake. Watching for a Few Weeks.
I Started to Worry that the Rope would be a Tangle Hazard. Time for a New Idea.
TANGLE HAZARD WORRY
Dry Feed is Not Easy for Swans to Eat, they Drop about 1/2.
You will have Ants and Insects.. and Rodents if there is Feed on the Ground..
Mixed in the Water..they can Suck up the Dropped Feed..
Make Sure the Shortest Cygnet/Swan can Reach..
One Day’s Worth of Feed.. then Refresh Next Day..
We were Learning.. New to Swan Care.
.. Trying Different Ways to Feed Our Swans..
We used this Flower Pot Feeder for Several Weeks..
The ROPE Could be Adjusted as the Water Level Changed..
I Started to Worry about the Swans getting Tangled in the Rope..
We Stopped using this Pot Feeder.. TOO Risky.
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PVC PIPE GRAVITY FEEDERs
We have Never Assembled One of the PVC Pipe Feeders..
We had Swan Friends who had been using this PVC Gravity Feeder for a Number of Years.
I know D.R. had been Tinkering with the Design..
He Started with the Lazy S Downward Turn at the Feeding End..
I Think he was trying to keep the Feed Mixture Dry..
But over time, Changed to the Basic Candy Cane Shape.
Easier for the Swans to Reach in… Easier to Clean.
Only a Few are using these PVC Pipe Feeders.
There is a LOT of Wasted Feed if Positioned Over Deeper Water..
The Feed Falls Down. Any that does not Float is Lost to the Fish.
The Swans want their Feed Wet – So they Dip and Lose a Lot..
All I have are the Photos to Share this Idea..
I Think the Parts are All General Plumbing PVC Items.
This Feeder Works.. just Watch the Water Level..
Do Not Over Fill.. If the Feed Mixture gets Damp.. it can Clump or Spoil..
About 2 Days Worth of Feed at a Time.. 3 at the Most in Cool Weather.
When the Pond Water Level goes UP… the Canada Geese can reach in..
When the Pond Water Level goes Down.. the Swans may not be able to Reach.
So, it is Good to have a Way to Adjust the Height..
Ideal Average Height is 18” above the Water..
Then be sure your Shortest Swan (Cygnet) can REACH.
This Tiny Cygnet was READY for the Wet Floating Pellets.
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ASSORTED Domestic WaterFowl are Fun Pond Pets.
A FUN IDEA.. Worth a Look – DUCK Feeder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0qc930nCGA
I SMILED through the Entire Video.. What a GREAT Idea..
NOW to Adapt for the Swans.. Suggestions.
Larger Diameter Pipe – Maybe a 6 or 8 Inched PVC Pipe.. & Shorter..
But, that would depend on what Puzzle Parts would Work..
Swans are MESSY Eaters.. They can WASTE 30-50% of their Feed..
If this Design Helps to Control some of the Splattered Feed..
Worth a Try.. I LOVE the Idea.. We have NOT Tried this.
Not Helpful if Canada Geese are a Problem. Well Maybe if Elevated..
Feeding Stations to Discourage Canada Geese.
Arrange Feeder 18 Inches High or Deep like a 5 Gallon Bucket..
Most Geese (and Ducks) can not Reach the Feed.. One Day’s Rations.
I Found this Idea onLine.. A Bucket and PVC Pipe Combination.
Wonder if this would Work.. Hummm….
At Least One Swan Pond, just Sits the 5 Gallon Bucket Out..
The Swans can Reach their Feed..The Geese CANNOT !!!
Smooth Side Bucket Sitting Up-Right makes it Difficult for Mice and Rats
to Contaminate the Feed. Rodent Saliva and their Droppings Spread DISEASE.
I Suggest Either Removing the Handle.. or Securing it ! !
It May Never Happen.. but, Nosy Swans Might get Tangled in the Handle.
Swans can get their Necks and Legs in the Darnedest Places ! !
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Observe the Mute Swans’ Knobs.. Mutes are Unique.
Their Knobs will be Full and Round when they have a Healthy Weight.
Their Knobs will Shrink when they are Losing Weight.
The Cobs have more Swollen Knobs from December through May..
After Nesting, the Cob’s Knob will be Full but not AS Large.
The Females – Pens do the Same. Their Knob SWELLs and then Shrink after Nesting.
Pens do Lose Weight during Nesting.. and NEED Good Nutrition afterwards.
You will get to know their Annual Cycle.
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Containers Tall Enough will Discourage Canada Geese Raiding Feed.
A 5 Gallon Bucket – Works well for Adult Swans.
Use a Smaller/Shorter Container for Smaller Juveniles or Cygnets.
When you Set-up a New Feeding Container..
It May take a Few Days for the Swans to Accept New Objects in the Pond.
– it may need a Few Adjustments.
Try to Watch for a Few Minutes that the Swans are Able to Reach the Feed..
This will not Discourage Raccoons and probably not the Muskrats…
Sorry. Taking the Feed in at Night Helps with Night Raiders.
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FEEDING Cygnets..
Tiny Cygnets are So Cute.. AND Very Messy.
*****
If you have a Shallow Feed Dish with Wet “Start-N-Grow,”
(Never Chick-Starter)
it Helps to Place a Stable Object in the Middle.
OR the Cygnets will Climb into the Food Dish to Swim. > > > And POOP !
As Cygnets Grow during their First Four Weeks.. IMPROVISE.
Watch that ALL the Cygnets are Eating..
A Long “Pecking Order” might be a Problem for the Smaller Cygnets.
Large Cygnets may be Pushy..
Below the Polish Cygnet is NOT Eating with the Brood.
Cygnets will Graze from the Pond as Soon as they Leave the Nest.
Float various SMALL Food Treats..
Swan Cygnets GROW VERY Fast.. Change their Feed Stations as Needed.
Swan Cygnets Grow SO FAST ( This is a Fun Page.)
https://swanlovers.net/category/swan-cygnets-grow-so-fast/
I Liked this Basic Idea.. Handle to the Back PLEASE..
The Feed Mix inside Container CAN be in Water.. Or Veggies in Water.
THANKs for this Feeder Idea.. D.Reindollar.
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This was Used to “BAIT” the Cygnets into a Catch Fence.. Without STRESS.
A Dish Pan with Yummy Salad Greens.
This Young Swan walked into the Fenced Area.. We just Closed the Gate.
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Some Fun Ways to Feed your Swans.
Lettuce Play – “Let-Us-Play”
https://swanlovers.net/category/lettuce-play/
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Hand Feeding the Swans
We had the Pleasure of Visiting a Variety of Swan Ponds.
Most were Swans we Rescued and Arranged Forever Homes for.
Hand Feeding the Swans is Enjoyable. Some Swans will Easily Hand Feed..
Some will Come Close.. but NOT take Food from your Hands. Trust Takes Time.
Try No Eye Contact. Holding the Food and Do NOT Looking at the Swans.
The Cobs above.. One would take Lettuce from us.. the Other would Not.
When Trust is Established with Your Swans..
Trust – Regaining Trust
https://swanlovers.net/category/regaining-trust/
Well Socializing Cygnets make them Wonderful Pets.
Some Cygnets are Grabby…. Some are Shy…. It is Fun to Hand Feed.
We have NO Pond. Our Swans have Lived on Various Ponds.
Welcomed and Cared for by Wonderful Folks.
Many Thanks to ALL of You.
Swans have Very Good Memories.. We might only get to Visit Once a Month.
The Swans know us. Know we will have Veggies and Treats. Come to Visit.
We were Very Fortunate to have One Pair of Our Rescued Swans
Live at a Private Golf Course for close to a Year.
We were able to Visit and Feed them Every Day.. Sweet Memories..
Hand Feeding Mature Cobs will NOT be Possible When…
They are HORMONAL ! ! Watch for more Aggressive Behavior.
It is Best to GIVE Hormonal Cobs LOTs of Space..
and Wait for their Hormones to Decrease.
Swans with Cygnets will Vary in their Behavior…
Some will be Very Protective.
Others will be more Trusting. Allowing more Social Visits.
Keep Yourself Safe.. at a Distance or with Some Type of Barrier..
This was TRUST.. for the Swan Family to Come Close for Treats…
We Knew this Swan Family well.. They knew we were NOT a Threat.
The Trust we Established Paid-off when it was time to Collect DNA Samples,
Color ID Banding them.. And Later when it was Time to ReHome- Transport.
We Enjoyed our Visits with this Large Swan Family. ALL 10 of them.
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Tender Lawn Grasses are Part of a Swan’s Summer Diet.
When Waterfowl Eat Grass they Ingest Microorganisms that their Gut needs to
Produce an Enzyme called Cellulase, which breaks down the Cellulose in Grass.
Grass is Surprisingly Rich in Protein, Carbohydrates, Minerals such as Iron,
Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Grass is a Great Source of Fiber..
and may HELP to Push Intestinal Parasites through their System.
Grasses will include many Insects.. “Crunchy Munchies.” Protein and Calcium.
Swans like the Tender Blades of Growing Grass..
Try to Leave Alternating Areas UnCut for an Extra Weeks..
Maybe Divide Three Areas.. Cut One.. Leave Two.. Rotate.
Swans are Prone to Under Tongue-Chin Impactions..
Grazing on SHORT Cut Grass is a Common Culprit.
Under Tongue-Chin Impactions. These Make Eating more Difficult.
https://swanlovers.net/category/under-tongue-chin-impaction/
Swans/Cygnets LOVE “Fresh” Cut Grass..
Dump some Clean Grass from your Mower Bag on the Water..
A Gallon or So.. Floating in Shallow Water is a Favorite Treat.
Clover and Dandelions are Tasty Lawn Weeds.
Thorny Thistle Plants are a Grazing Hazard.. OUCH !!
Try to Remove these from Grazing Areas.. They are Difficult to Control.
From a Swan Friend in OHIO…. What Fun !!
“We made “Frozen Food Patties” in Muffin Tins so we could use
a Ball Thrower to get their Food out into the Lake.” J.Heidy 2019
On HOT Summer Days.. I Froze Chopped Vegetables in a Jello Mold
> > > > to Float out on their Pond..
As it Melted the Veggie Treats were Scattered About for Grazing.
A Pile of Lettuce Leaves with Mixed Veggies Along the Water’s Edge is a Swan Picnic Lunch.
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We Tried Many Ways to Feed our Swans over the Years..
Methods Varied with the Seasons..
Ideas Compiled by – Linda M.Sweger Updated DECEMBER 2022
IDEAs from Lots of Pond Visits and Shared by Other Swan Folks.
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> > > REMINDERs
I WISH ALL the Swans could be 100% Safe and Healthy..
My Goal… more “Joy” and Fewer “Sorrows.”
Captive Swans are No Different then Pet Dogs, Cats, Horses, etc.
They need to EAT. They NEED Adequate, Appropriate Foods.
Out of the Bag, the Protein Percentage of U.S. Poultry Feed is TOO HIGH
for SWANs. A Swan’s Diet – Protein Level 6 – 8 % <<<< Less then 10 %.
Mixing to a Safe Nutritional Value for Swans is Our Responsibility..
Always ask for “NON-MEDICATED/UNTREATED”
Commercial Feed & Corn or Crimped Oats – Very Important.
DO NOT FEED THE SWANS ANY FEED with
“GROWER” or “FINISHER in the Name.
DO NOT FEED THE SWANS “Game Bird Feeds.”
The Lysine Levels are too HIGH… Greater then 1.0 %.
These Feeds are Formulated to increase the Muscle Tissue
and are for Poultry Fowl Headed to Someone’s Dinner Table.
Keep the Lysine Level at 1.00% or Less.
Most Extruded Poultry Feeds Dissolve Sitting in Water.
It is more Efficient when using these Products to place
the Mixture in a Container/Bowl. Water Close-by.
For their Safety Keep your Swans’ Feet in the Water..
Below are Several Pages of Feeder Ideas from:
SWAN Breeding and Management by Loyd Stromberg
I did not want to Alter these Pages.. This Page Talks of Feeding
Turkey Breeder Feed.. The Protein Level is TOO High. NOT Safe.
These Pages were Written Many Years Ago.. We have Learned.
The Ideas are Here.. BUT… Try to USE POLYVINYL Materials.
NO WOOD or METAL Materials…
If you Create an Interesting Feeding Station.. and Want to Share Your Idea..
Send me Some Nice Photos and Basic Instruction.. and I will Share Here.
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SWANs will DO Some Very Silly Things.. SIGH !
