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Hi Claudia
Glad we were able to connect. We look forward to receiving your information. The Regal Swan
Hi Martin
Just because you ask for donations, does not necessarily mean you receive donations.
Out of pocket means that we have directly paid for the research ourselves. We decided at the onset that we were going to conduct research regardless if funding was not available, which it wasn’t in most cases. In the vaccine titre testing and blood chemistry, we sought sponsorships from three laboratories to conduct the tests. There were two important reasons for this, one, we did not have the facilities to conduct the tests and second, the equipment, protocols and vaccines were proprietary under the various drug companies. We personnally paid for all other research costs to include equipment, printing of relevant charts and other documents, phone expenses, travel, meals, hotel accommodations, fuel, rental cars or buses (to transport staff and equipment).
The sponsorship by Proctor and Gamble was an in-kind donation of Dawn Dish Soap and Fairy Washing-up Liquid. This was a necessary part of the research. Through DNA Sequencing and other testing, we established that bacteria caused the condition. Since we found no internal related bacteria, it was readily determined that the bacteria was external (topical). We then, had to develop a means to remove the bacteria and someone mentioned various products along with P&G soap products as they had been safely used in wildlife to remove oil from petroleum spills. We contacted Proctor and Gamble to procure samples of Fairy Liquid in the U.S. so testing of both products could begin as well as other products (non-P&G) that could theoretically be used. We had to conduct additional testing to determine if there were specific ingredients within the various products tested which would show efficacy against the bacteria and identify the specific agent(s). Once that testing was completed, we were able to positively recommend and identify specific ingredients that showed efficacy and the (P&G) products were chosen. Finally, we asked P&G to sponsor several caseloads of Fairy Liquid to be used in the U.K. to wash affected swans along the Thames in an expanded field test. Swans affected with the bacteria were taken to a swan sanctuary where many volunteers began washing the swans and the swans were kept for one week at the sanctuary to test for further efficacy. At the end of the trials, we donated the unused soap product to a U.K. swan sanctuary. We hope this information is of benefit. The Regal Swan
Swans and other waterfowl must have non-abrasive substrates with zero entrance water features. Steep inclines can cause serious leg and foot injuries. The substrate can have no abrasive features (concrete, gravel, rocks, etc.), or the birds can develop a condition known as bumblefoot, a highly contagious staph infection.
Now, with this basic understanding of swan needs, there would be several concerns about using artificial grass:
1. Swans are grazers, meaning they eat grass. The swans will probably pick at the fake blades, not only tearing up the surface, but possibly eating the artificial material which would not be healthy. Eating the material could also cause choking.
2. Artificial turf can be prone to molds and fungus in extremely wet conditions. The substrate would need to be pressure washed or otherwise cleaned to keep the surface clean from bacteria (from swan poop), molds and fungi. Remember, waterfowl are prone to bumblefoot, so this surface would need frequent cleaning. The chemicals used to clean and prevent mold and fungi, may be toxic to the swans.
3. The artificial turf is a nylon woven material. Think of the rows of blades being interwoven in a netting type material. Swans have claws and the claws could become snagged in this netting material. We had a swan get its claw stuck in some temporary nylon fencing, and the claw was torn from the foot. Not good, and no one ever considered that a swan would get into the nylon fencing, much less sustain such an injury. Birds and animals do not behave in a manner that you would expect, therefore you have you to consider many possibilities for the chance of injury.
4. Even though swan pens and habitats do require much work to keep clean, the best substrates are soil, natural grass (although swans will eventually eat and turn to soil), or straw.
Due to the above reasons, we would strongly encourage the use of soil or more natural substrates, not artificial grass. The Regal Swan
No one paid for the research except out of our pockets. No public funding has ever been used for our research. Lab tests were provided as an in-kind donation from private laboratories due to the technicality of developing blood chemistry panels exclusive to swans and titre testing for vaccines. So, again, no public funding was provided. Sheila Bolin, The Regal Swan Foundation
Hi Martin
We were asked to weigh in on the feeding of bread by the U.K. officials, after they had already endorsed the feeding of bread to swans.
At that time, we provided Her Majesty’s Swan Marker, Her Majesty’s Swan Warden, veterinarians and Diector of Operations, Swan Support and the Swan Sanctuary a copy of our research which was peer-reviewed and published in Exotic DVM, a journal published by and for Licensed veterinarians. If you go online and search for this info, you will in fact ascertain three points:
1. We did in fact get published
2. The publication is out of print and archived.
3. If you can access the archives, you must provide your licensed veterinary credentials. We do not control access to these archives.
Our research discussed various veterinary protocols, drugs to be used, dosages of various drugs, etc. All involved, including our veterinarians and those at the swan sanctuaries have agreed that the information should only be provided to licensed veterinarians. None of us want to be responsible for someone (with no veterinary experience misinterpreting the data or trying to procure the drugs and experimenting on a swan or other animal. If you look at one of the posts, someone has already stated they were going to conduct their own research on swans. We know for a fact, this person is not a licensed veterinarian. Exactly,what we do not want to occur. So, our releasing information to only licensed veterinarians, has nothing to do with hiding anything. It is totally to protect the swans and other animals from being extremely injured or killed by someone who thinks that they conduct this type of research with no veterinary training.
Hi Martin
Sally Goulden is a licensed veterinarian and submitted her credentials. Because the research is specifically written for Licensed veterinarians, you would need to provide us with your appropriate credentials. If you are not a licensed veterinarian, you can contact Wendy Hermon, Swan Support or Steve Knight, Swan Sanctuary, to confirm that their veterinarians are in possession of our research. These two swan rescue groups are promoting the feeding of bread to swans. The Regal Swan Foundation
Hi UK Swan Lover:
We are not advocating not providing the swans with alternative foods such as cracked corn and poultry layer pellets. We are advocating bread for those indivuduals who may not have these foods readily available or cannot afford them. We are stating that the negative impacts of bread that has been spread by wildlife officials, bird feed companies and others do not hold up when investigated scientifically. Bread is a good energy source during the winter months. Also, note, the RSPB does not say bread is bad. They state to use cake crumbs and crushed biscuits which contain some of the same contents as bread, only some cake and biscuits may contain more sugar than bread which may not be as healthy. Again, we are promoting bread as a supplemental food to prevent starvation. If all that people have is bread, or can afford, then feed bread. It beats the alternative of death. The Regal Swan Foundation
Hi Sally:
I am going to send you the information to your private email as this site will not allow for the large upload necessary to get the info to you. The Regal Swan
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
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
Hi Winnie
First, are you absolutely sure that the female is the swan that is missing? We ask this question because it is usually the female that cares for the cygnets. The male may leave the immediate area to patrol the perimeter of the habitat as we have seen this in several swan pairs. The male will still remain within earshot of the family to return and protect them if necessary. But, 2 weeks is usually a very long time to be separated.
We have also heard about male swans that will find another mate and have 2 families. So, without being sure that it is the female that is missing, it is difficult to know if either of these scenarios fit your situation.
Finally, regardless of gender, there is always the possibility that something happened to the other swan. If attacked by a predator, serious injury or death could be the reason for the separation. If killed by a hunter, state or federal wildlife official (yes, there is a concerted effort to kill Mute Swans so the habitat can be freed for the introduction of the larger Trumpeter Swans for Trophy Waterfowl hunting), then obviously the swan will not return. If the other swan were to be ill, it would go away so as not to spread disease to the family. If it recovers, it will return.
Again, a 2 week separation from the family is highly unusual, but we have heard of extreme separation for whatever reason, only to have the missing member return. Please let us know how this situation progresses and if the swan parent returns. The Regal Swan
Hi Maxine
Without seeing or examining the cygnet, it is difficult to determine the significance of the lump. It could be anything from an abcess (infection from injury or illness), pine straw penetration, hook or fishing line, the list could on. The cygnet needs to be captured and taken to a wildlife rescue facility or veterinarian and returned to the parents within 2-3 hours, if possible so they will not abandon the young swan. If treatment cannot be rendered within this time period, the cygnet will need to treated and then be placed in a safe secure home and raised with other waterfowl. It cannot be returned to the parents as they will reject it once it has been out of their sight for any extended period of time. They will chase the cygnet to keep it away from their habitat causing great stress, possibly death to the cygnet. The cygnet cannot be placed back into the wild or on another pond at this age because it cannot fend for itself which is why a wildlife rescue facility may be the answer.
Additionally, some states like New Jersey and Michigan want to kill all Mute Swans and may require that the cygnet be killed. So, you need to cautiously inquire if the veterinarian or wildlife facility can help the cygnet without killing it. Lastly, if the cygnet is injured or sick, the parents will abandon the young bird unless it can be quickly treated and regains its health which may be what you are now observing. The solution is to get the cygnet to a veterinarian quickly. Please let us know how this situation progresses. The Regal Swan
Hi Jeanne
You are very welcome. Also, if the Tennessee relocation works out, you will need to research what predator defense systems are in place to protect the swans. Tennessee has many predators that Arizona has, i.e., soft-shelled and snapping turtles, coyotes, raccoons, otters and other predators such as bears. The swans will not be used to some of these. In any case, their habitat will need to be fenced or have some other means to protect them from predation. The Regal Swan
Hi Jeanne
Unfortunately, the only two solutions are to keep the swans in their present habitat until their demise as this is their only known home. The second option is to let us know if this is not a valid option and we will try to place the swans in another home.
The complication is that many states want Mute Swans dead and will not allow the import of the swans into their state.
This Mute Swan killing program has been in existence since the late 80’s when unscrupulous politicians began working with hunters and wildlife officials to permanently eradicate an entire species-Mute Swans.
Through misrepresentation to taxpayers, wildlife officials began a collaborative hoax to paint the swans as non-native, aggressive, invasive (detrimental to the environment and other wildlife). Under the radar of taxpayers, media and other politicians, wildlife officials began killing hundreds of thousands of Mute Swans across the U.S. This killing and misrepresentation of Mute Swans was never based on any reliable valid scientific research. Wildlife officials only used shoddy or non-existent research to promote the program to taxlayers which are paying millions of dollars on an annual basis at both the state and federal levels.
The real reason for the killing program is to free-up habitats inhabited by Mute Swans to aalow the introduction of the larger Trumpeter Swans for Trophy Waterfowl hunting purposes. In many cases, the Trumpeter Swans were never found in areas the government is placing them. This million dollar hoax is continuing today. Politicians and wildlife officials state that hunting is not the reason, yet in 2016, the first hunting of Trumpeter Swans was allowed in Minnesota by indigenous people.
Immediately, wildlife biologists were asked if Trumpeter numbers were adequate to begin hunting by the general public. Trophy Waterfowl hunting permits are more expensive than general waterfowl permits and can help maintain hunters and recruit new ones. The problem is that hunting of any swan except the Tundra Swan by indigenous people of Alaska is in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
U.S. wildlife officials funded by the unknowing taxpayer, has been violating the Treaty since the 1980’s.
So, removing your swans may insure their death by wildlife officials in other states. We would suggest that you thoroughly consider the ramifications of trying to remove your swans. The Regal Swan
