Hi Kari
This could be any number of causes, i.e., the parent swans or other waterfowl accidently stepped on him, some type of injury from entering or exiting the water or neurological caused by lack of Vitamin A in the diet ( cracked corn) or other issue such as fungus, parasite, bacteria or viral. The best thing to do is to have him looked at immediately by an experienced avian/ waterfowl veterinarian. If it is spraddle leg, this must be treated immediately, or the outcome is not good, especially surgery. The use of bands to keep the legs together has been used, but better results seem to be the use of a cup in which a young bird is placed in a cup so that the legs are kept together and basically immobilized until the legs get stronger and grow in tbeir natural position. This may take a few days to a week for the condition to improve. The major point is to have a soft pad under the bird so that it does not rub against the rim of the cup and cause an injury. You might google this procedure to see how it is properly done. We hope this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan
