Timing to Return Male Mute Swan to Ponds

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  • #23392 Reply
    Anita Lago
    Guest

    Hi Dearest Regal Swan, I again am in need of your Expert advice. This past Monday our resident male swan got in a fight with a local swan. He came back to the Ponds very muddy, exhausted and his bill scrapped, bleeding and bruised. I believe he was double teamed by a swan pair and was losing. So glad he was able to make it back.

    Since Monday, he has not eaten that I have seen, has been sipping water and preening. He sleeps quite a bit. Stays on land in a secluded area.

    He is bonded to a female for at least 4 years. They currently have 4 8-week-old cygnets. The adult female is molting.

    The female has continued to focus on the cygnets and comes near the male every so often. The cygnets do not join him on land.

    I’m concerned about his injuries to his bill and knob area. And his eyes. Today the swelling seemed to close his right eye. I will continue to watch him.

    So here is my question, we are trying to not intervene with the male in hopes he can heal himself. If we remove him, the female, who cannot fly will be at risk of attack, as well as the cygnets to territorially desputes. If the male takes a turn for the worse and needs medical attention, what is our time frame to successfully return him to the Ponds?

    I will email photos of his injury in case that assists you in determining how much time away he will need.

    Many grateful thanks,
    Anita

    #23514 Reply
    Swan Expert
    Keymaster

    Hi Anita

    He needs to be seen by a licensed veterinarian with bird/waterfowl experience. He basically has a bloodied nose and severe beating (think of boxer). He needs some pain meds, feeding and rest. Do not let the veterinarian try to convince you he needs to be euthanized. He Does Not, just some pain meds and rest. If you can’t find a veterinarian, try to find a wildlife rehabber with a no kill facility. Do not return him to the family until he has healed which may take 1-2 weeks. Adults can be released at anytime and will be fine. If you release him too early and he is not healed and gets attacked again, he may not survive. The Regal Swan

    #23520 Reply
    Anita Lago
    Guest

    Good morning, Regal Swan. Today the male was swimming with the family. He has made one progress. I tried to send you updated photo of eye. Do you believe he cannot heal if I leave him in the pond as he is? My worry the female will be two weeks without him and she is very vulnerable.

    #24009 Reply
    Swan Expert
    Keymaster

    Hi Anita

    Just ensure that he is not getting into any additional fights until he heals properly. If he gets beat up again, he could lose the eye or even his life. The Regal Swan

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