Don't be fooled by 'tame' swans. They're wild birds and should be treated as such
There was an upbeat story in the Telegraph yesterday about a bittern, injured after flying into an overhead cable, which had been released back into the wild by the RSPCA. Bitterns are amongst the UK’s rarest birds, but most folk are far more likely to come across the same injury in a much more common water bird: the swan.
Swans are wild birds, but in some areas, they have become so accustomed to the presence of humans that they can appear to be domesticated. There are few natural predators of adult swans, and most injuries occur following flight into overhead cables, like the bittern, or after attacks by dogs. Pollution, such as fishing tackle, or oil spills, can also cause problems.
In the winter, poor nutrition is a common cause of ill health in swans. In many places, they have come to depend on people for their food supply, but unfortunately people often offer the wrong type of food.
In the wild, swans eat aquatic vegetation, with their long necks allowing them to feed on plants growing on river beds. They also eat small creatures such as molluscs that cling to the vegetation, and small fish, frogs and worms. Swans also will graze in fields, eating grass if it is available.
Many people like feeding bread to swans and while this is unlikely to do them any real harm, it is no substitute for the proper diet that the birds themselves will seek out. Grain, such as wheat, and greenery, such as lettuce and spinach, are foodstuffs that may be better for the birds than stale bread. Mouldy bread should never be fed, since this can be poisonous to the swans.
Ideally, food should be thrown into the water to avoid encouraging the birds onto the bank, and to encourage them to take in water with their food. If they’re fed on dry land, they’re encouraged to leave the water, making them vulnerable to risks such road accidents, dog attacks or vandalism.
Swans live for around twelve years in the wild, and it is not uncommon to find sick or dying birds as part of the normal cycle in any large flock. If anyone does come across a swan in trouble, it’s best to ask for help from the professionals. The Swan Sanctuary, in Middlesex, has an international reputation for expertise in swan care, and they’re always worth a call, but there are usually local animal welfare groups who can give help on the ground.
Many swans become very tame, but you do need to remember that they are wild birds. When you’re feeding them, they’ll allow you to get very close to them, but you need to be careful. Many people have heard that a swan's wing can break a human arm, and although this is possible, it’s very rare. Swans are only likely to be aggressive in this way if they are protecting their nesting ground or offspring. It’s far more common for swans to injure people with a sharp peck, which can be a very painful experience, especially for children.
From the look of the sharp beak of that rescued bird, I’m happy to say that I’ve never been bitten by a bittern.
The top three treatments for sick pets: guess which one is under threat?
November 14th, 2014 16:12
The sickness and health of pedigree dogs
November 7th, 2014 19:26
When one thinks vet, one thinks £, and more £££. Here's the reason why…..
October 30th, 2014 19:21
Should vets be forced to explain cheaper treatment options to pet owners?
October 22nd, 2014 22:07
Euthanasia of pets: a daily drama for vets in practice
October 10th, 2014 11:43