Mute swan tricks!

[kookykate328]

Is it possible to teach a mute swan anything?

 

[swarm]

honestly I don't know

but this reminds me very much of the trumpet of the swan. one of the best children's books I have ever read. That swam learned to play the trumpet!

 

[chickenzoo]

I'm sure you could teach them some things, they are very smart. I have black swans and they know if my hubby is feeding the dogs, which dog they can steal food from. They learned how to use the auto dog feeder.. They know if they come to fence and wait till they see a light on, then start honking...I normally will come out. They get jelous if I pay attention to anyone else.... They tried to help me bury waterline pipe....they kept throwing stuff in the trench.....

 

[kookykate328]

Hahaha thanks. I'm not sure if ill be able to teach him to play the trumpet but does anyone have any ideas of what I should try to teach him???

 

[chickenzoo]

You could probably get him to play a kids piano board...hehe. Anything you do, it's all food as reward. . Roll a ball...... Step up onto something..as long as its not to high. They use their beak a lot, so think of things they naturally do and use it to create a trick.

 

[kookykate328]

Okkkk I can try some of those ideas. And I'll tell you how it works out. Also are there any special treats that he might like?

 

[chickenzoo]

Swans can be picky....I know mine like dog food.... Anything they really like, each has their own personality. Some like bread, corn, peas, Romane lettuce...... Just try a bunch of stuff and see what they really beg for.

 

[kookykate328]

Ok I can try some of those i know he really likes bread. He'll try to take it from me if I turn around or if I'm not watching him

 

[chickenzoo]

Sounds like breads a winner..... Just try using some of their natural talents to their advantage. Start out with simple tasks...like teaching him to touch something on command. Once they understand that they are doing a task for the reward, they pick it up faster and you can then up the difficulty in small increments. If he gets frustrated, go back to something he understands and can do to rebuild his confidence. Always end training on a good note for him.

 

[kookykate328]

Ok sounds good ill try that today