Why would an Injured Cignet be chased away?

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  • #57757 Reply
    Dee
    Guest

    Hi… This year the Male and female swan had 5 cignets. They have been together since they hatched, several months now – always fed and groomed together. Last week I noticed that the smallest cignet seems to be injured, my guess would be a broken wing, as the feather tips hang down to the ground when she is on land… now the mother swan and larger cignets chase her away.. they peck at her and agressively chase her… is this normal behavior? Some type of swan surival of the fittest? Is there anything I can do to help the injured swan?
    Thanks

    #57760 Reply
    Swan Expert
    Keymaster

    Hi Dee

    Nature protects a species, flock or family from being attacked by a predator tracking an individual member that is sick or injured. The parents are protecting the rest of the family by removing the injured cygnet from the area.

    You might contact a local rehabber or wildlife rescuer to see if they may help in rescuing, treating and relocating the injured cygnet. If the cygnet is continually chased, it may become so stressed that the cygnet succumbs to dehydration, hunger or predation. Ultimately, it may die.

    Now, having said this, you need to be extremely cautious in contacting a wildlife facility. Federal and state wildlife officials are trying to kill all Mute Swans in the U.S. so that the larger Trumpeter Swans can be introduced for Trophy Waterfowl hunting purposes. If you live in a state where wildlife officials require wildlife facilities or veterinarians to kill the cygnet if it is taken to them, then they may also try to kill the entire family. The cygnet does need help, but you must first determine if anyone contacted will indeed help. You may have to contact several wildlife rehabilitation facilities before you get the answer. Animal control or state wildlife officials should not be contacted. The Regal Swan

    #57761 Reply
    Dee
    Guest

    Thank you so much for your response. I was hesitant to contact anyone because NY is one of those states that wants to eliminate mute swans and I do not want the location of the other swans to ever be known, we have fed and loved them for many years. I will pray that she heals and is able to make it on her own… while each year the brood has suffered loss (last year the entire nest) somehow this is just so much sadder considering how grown she is at this stage. Thank you again for providing me with an understanding of what is going on, truly appreciated.

    #57765 Reply
    Swan Expert
    Keymaster

    Hi Dee

    Yes, we are aware of the NY DEC’s killing plans we have actively been fighting the plan for the past 4 years. The moratorium on killing/controlling the swans is up this Nov. and the DEC is trying to introduce the same non-scientific plan as before. They were told to provide reliable valid scientific research before any plan could be implemented. They have not.

    Hudsonia LTD, provided research last year showing that the swans were not detrimental to the habitat, were not any more aggressive than any other wildlife, and basically called the DEC’s research non-existent to shoddy. So, please contact your state representatives to ensure that no plan can go forward this year, especially with no current valid research from the DEC.

    As far as the cygnet goes, her wing may be treatable at this time and further delay could cause a problem. You still might be able to ask around anonymously to see if someone might help. Otherwise, the cygnet may survive the parents if it is older, but may not survive in the long run with such an injury. You can contact us directly at Bolin.S@att.net and provide us with your phone number.

    Please DO NOT provide us your info on this forum.

    We may be able to provide you with someone that may be able to help. The Regal Swan

    #140619 Reply
    Jan Kirkconnell
    Guest

    I have lived on a small lake. There is a pair of swans and every year
    They have 6-9 cygnets, usually in May.
    Just this week one of the cygnets is no no longer part of the family. This
    Has never happened before. What could be wrong? The cygnet doesn’t
    Appear to be injured.

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