Are all swans wild, or are some kept as "pets?"?

Question

I've seen many swans, perhaps as many swans in the first half of my life as ducks in the later, but I know almost nothing about them. I'm not looking into aquireing one *not only do i have no idea how i would keep it, but it would eat my dog* but I do wonder, are they pettable?

Obviously the wild ones aren't. We all know from AFV reruns *or first runs, for the older peeps out there* that they're territorial. Serious, have you watched an entire episode where there wasn't an attacking swan? Search results bear little fruit tonight, and if I don't get some nugget of knowledge to chew on I'll never get around to planting the catnip in the yard *everyone needs a hobby, and i pick the one that may attract the local large cats. yay me*

Can anyone give me info on swans, possibly on their care and "pet-ability" and all that good stuff? Just curious, and a useful site would be, well, usefull. Thanks much for your time.

Answer 1

Swans are a essentially a large breed of goose. You can 'own' them, but they are not good pets. They can get quite mean and they are incredibly messy. If you want a large bird as a 'pet', think instead of a peacock, and I wouldn't recommend them either as they are noisy and messy and don't like people much.
How about an Emu? Not real cuddly but better than a swan!
Better yet, how about a dog? Soft, cuddly, loves to be petted, will play with you, protect you and your family and feeding them is never much of a problem.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I have a pair of pet black swans. They are two of my favourite pets. If you are looking for one that will stay friendly, then I recommend getting a young cygnet and rearing it as an "only child". Like most birds they bond with whomever plays the role of mum. Once they pair off they can be very aggressive during the breeding season. My cob (male) acts really tough, but unlike my geese, he has never actually attempted to bite or hit me with his wings (which is much more painful than their bite). Unlike other backyard waterfowl, a sizable dam is a real necessity. They are very awkward and gangly on land, and much prefer the water, but also must be provided with safety from foxes at night. Swans are flighted and therefore need to be pinioned as young, or you will have to clip it's flight feathers regularly or your swan will fly away. http://www.feathersite.com has a lot of good info on backyard fowl keeping and http://www.pwsa.org.au/ is also a great resource that has listings of folks by state who sell waterfowl. They are a relatively hardy species and are not particularly difficult to feed or house. But, I would not recommend them to someone with no previous experience simply because they are such a large bird. You will also be required to have a permit to legally obtain and keep them.

Answer 4

I,m Sorry I got to be quick Do you know who Steve Irwin was.
Well anyway's, I believe that you must approach an animal or mammal with caution if they have been in the wild Oh say more than 3 month's even the harmless bird's can feel threaten by you
if you are not easy going and show you have no fear of them.On the otherside if you raised them from birth it might be a different story even with those animals of damaging nature However it can also prevent other animals from harming you if they are of the same specie's and wild when you are are not being harmed by there kin you raised all in all cautious only in thought not in rapid movement of your body lanquage.

Answer 5

PJJ has a great answer, and I like that there are attached sites. But mostly, I like that recommending of trimming the feathers, I recommend that of ALL pet birds, we woudlnt have near as many "oh they slipped out the door', ran into the ceiling fan, dog at it... etc, if they stay in their area and have lots of toys, and any other animals put out while they are loose. And yes, one will bond better than two who will bond to each other usually. This is general advise for all birds.

Answer 6

care for them much like ducks or turkeys. ask a turkey farmer