Some swan questions

SwanMom said:

bdfive, I'm sorry to hear about your peacock.  We lost our cygnet sometime after 7 pm last night.  Albert & Victoria showed up at our dock this morning childless.   It doesn't take long for the feathered friends to take space in our hearts so I can well imagine your sense of loss.  Your pen sounds well designed and I'm not sure that I have much else to add.  Keep us posted on how Gunther and Gracie are doing.

Lake Morton has swan holding pens used each year for the roundup prior to the veterinarian's health check of the birds.
    http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc69691.php

Here are some pictures of swan pens
    http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/Problems.shtml#PhotoPen

This is more information on swan pens.
    http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/cgi-bin/ask/index.pl?read=8686
    http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/cgi-bin/ask/index.pl?read=5701

Michigan has set standards for swan enclosures.
    https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/CAPTIVE_190659_7.html

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Thank you SwanMom, I do miss Einstein so much. Have spent every day with him for many years always making sure he has fresh water, feed and healthy treats. He loved grapes. Ugh, don't want to start crying.

The links of information you provided are very much appreciated. I see information in them I've not been able to find. Reading about pen/aviary size is a relief. I'm happy to say the 2 locations I'm considering are larger then required. I 've decided to use a 300 gallon Rubbermaid water trough that is 2 feet deep for now but after necessary research regarding filtering, etc may go to a ground pond. Problem with the trough is ramping it so they can get in. I need it above ground to be able to open the drain on the side toward the bottom. Are they any suggestions you can give me? Also don't need the sliding over the rim where there is no ramp falling to the ground. Would be nice to have a deck all the way around it but there is no solution as good as them to be able to naturally walk on gently sloped ground into the water.

Getting daylight....need to go open the gate. Have contractor coming to give me estimate on removing huge embedded rocks with a backhoe. Our tractor has removed what it's capible of.

Mother swan died there are 5 eggs. What do we do?!?!?! I know we should candle them to see if they are alive but what else?

We tried putting our remaining egg in a terrarium w/hot rocks, but when it became pungent, it was tossed. They have to be kept warm and turned but I don't know how. Sorry I'm no more help. What happened to their mom? I'm sorry for your loss.

"Problem with the trough is ramping it so they can get in. I need it above ground to be able to open the drain on the side toward the bottom. Are they any suggestions you can give me?"

bdfive, since our swans are on a lake, we don't have the issue you have. I did see ramps, though...
http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/cgi-bin/ask/index.pl?read=63

Been so busy. Gracie and Gunther are a lot of work but they are a blessing in my life. I'm going nuts right now listening to them cry because they don't have water to sleep in tonight. Their sounds are carried to me loud and clear by a baby monitor. It's going to freeze so figured them floating in cold water wasn't a good idea for their health. Am I right? A swan rescue person told me Black Australian Swans should be put in a closed up building if it gets colder then 40 degrees. Their new habitat has a room with concrete floor covered in plenty of hay to help keep them warm but they prefer to be out in the run on the sand. All is roofed except for their yard they access during the day. Sure wish I knew more about taking care of them. Have been trying to find out what to worm them with but no success. Can't find an Avian /Exotic Vet in this area. If any of you can tell me how and with what you worm I'll appreciate it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

We just lost our beloved female black swan on Monday. We are just devastated as she was attacked by a dog. We are interested in purchasing a cygnet to raise. Our Lucy was a wonderful pet who followed us around like a dog and loved all people. Anyone know where we can purchase a cygnet? We would also be open to hatching egg/s. We have hatched duck eggs several times. Thanks.

denisepitt, you have my heartfelt condolences. I'd cry my eyes out if I lost Gracie or Gunther, my 2 Black Aussie swans I raised from cygnets. I'm working on their swan yard now before I let them use it. The fence is 5 feet high and I'm putting wire around the perimeter laying it out 2 1/2 feet attached to the bottom of the fence so nothing can dig under. They will only use it during the day.....go in their safe predator proof aviary nights. Was it your dog that killed her, neighbors or stray? I'm so sorry. It's going to be difficult finding a young cygnet. I tried for awhile and most keep them until older and charge a big price. Good luck.

bdfive said:

Been so busy. Gracie and Gunther are a lot of work but they are a blessing in my life. I'm going nuts right now listening to them cry because they don't have water to sleep in tonight. Their sounds are carried to me loud and clear by a baby monitor. It's going to freeze so figured them floating in cold water wasn't a good idea for their health. Am I right? A swan rescue person told me Black Australian Swans should be put in a closed up building if it gets colder then 40 degrees. Their new habitat has a room with concrete floor covered in plenty of hay to help keep them warm but they prefer to be out in the run on the sand. All is roofed except for their yard they access during the day. Sure wish I knew more about taking care of them. Have been trying to find out what to worm them with but no success. Can't find an Avian /Exotic Vet in this area. If any of you can tell me how and with what you worm I'll appreciate it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Forgot this was still active. I have had my swan for 9 winters now and she does fine in winter.i have an outdoor wooden shed with straw and a red heat lamp. I give her a fresh five gallon bucket of water attached to hook to prevent tipping and she preens in this daily. I also have a small kiddy pool that I put in run area on above 30 degree days if and when I can defrost the water spicket. They will get used to the change in routine and be forever greatful on the. Warmer. Days and the occasional bath. I have never wormed my birds with wormier but I do feed pumpkin, which they love and from what I'm told they. Use this on chickens and other critters as it has natural deworming properties. I also make up dishes of cooked rice with crushed redpeppers and broth which they also love,I believe I read the hot redpepper(dried) also has natural worming properties. Now I have NO. Proof that it works. I can tell you I have never had worms to the best of my knowledge, the birds love the monthly treat and everyone (chickens,quail,ducks,geese, pigs and yes my swan. I live in northern Illinois. Hope this helps. My email is [email protected] if you need to contact me further. Merry Christmas, Dawn