How to Breed Swans
Gliding serenely over the surface of a pond, nothing is more beautiful than a pair of swans. Their beauty and presence in fairy tales and myths worldwide have made swans a popular bird. When you consider that they are also good for keeping wild geese out of a pond or yard, you may want to try breeding swans for your enjoyment and to share with others.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Mating pair of swans
- Wire mesh and fence posts (for a temporary pen)
- Commercial swan feed and feeder
- Straw bales
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1
Buy a pair of adult swans, as they are easier to start than cygnets. There are many breeds available from poultry supply catalogs and Internet sites. Your pair will form the basis of your breeding program.
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2
Set up a temporary pen. Your swans will need to live in the pen for seven to ten days, to allow them to become used to their new home. It should be made of small wire mesh, five feet high and at least ten feet square.
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3
Provide access to water. Ideally, the pen will be half in the water and half on land. If that is not possible, make sure to provide fresh water every day for the swans.
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4
Feed the swans commercial food from a platform in the middle of the pond. They will also eat tubers and plants from the bottom of the pond.
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5
Supply straw bales for the swans to use for nesting material. They will prefer to build their nests in areas where there are reeds or tall grasses for cover.
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6
Let nature take its course. Your pair will begin breeding and raising their cygnets during their second year in their new home. Enjoy watching the entire family swim on the pond.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be careful about approaching swans when they are nesting or raising their cygnets, as they can be very territorial.
