A 15kg swan needs to find kgs of vegetation every single day. Many of us have fond memories of feeding bread to the swans in our local parks and rivers. However, opinion is severely divided as to whether it is harmful or not. One statement, endorsed by Professor Christopher Perrins of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology at Oxford University, explains that swans have been eating bread for hundreds of years, and there is no evidence that it harms them in any way— providing it isn't mouldy.
It may also be an essential supplement in winter when vegetation is scarce. The other side of the argument is that bread doesn't provide much nutritional value to swans, and if they fill up on bread, it can mean they aren't getting the required nutrients they require to survive and thrive.
Our general advice is not to feed swans bread, and instead feed them other things like corn, grains and lettuce. These types of food provide swans with much more nutritional benefits. So if you decide that you want to share some fresh bread with swans, give small quantities and stop throwing as soon as they lose interest or keep throwing and let the ducks take over!
In winter, when their typical food sources may be in short supply, greens such as lettuce, spinach, shredded carrots, celery, and other vegetables make a helpful supplement.
Remember to cut up the veg into small chunks because swans can't tear or chew their food. Fruit isn't a natural food for them, and the skin of apples may be toxic for swans — so stick to the veg! As an alternative, try throwing some green peas or corn onto the ground rather than into the water.
There have been reports of swans attacking mallards and ducklings, but this is likely due to fights over territory rather than an attempt to get a meal. British swans were in such dire straits that in the Queens Swan Marker David Barker issued an official statement backed up by research from Oxford University:. Specialist Swan Food. It is nutritionally balanced, contains many of the grains they favour naturally. And if floats, allowing them to feed in the way that is the most energy-efficient for them.
Mould can be toxic for swans and other water birds. Leafy greens. Lettuce, spinach, a bit of cabbage or other leafy greens are a healthy food to offer swans and very close to their natural diet. This is a weird one. But swans will eat raw potatoes. Flocks of them have been seen going over potato fields after harvest clearing up the leftovers.
Vegetable peelings. Potato, carrot and other veg peelings are a great, no-cost option for feeding swans. Grains and unsweetened breakfast cereal. So unsweetened cereals or popcorn are good to offer. Mouldy Bread. Mould is toxic for swans. Sugar and Chocolate. Too much sugar is bad for all of us, and swans are no exception.
Chocolate can cause digestive problems. Though swans and all water birds can process salt too much puts a strain on their system. So avoid feeding salty foods. Swans are big birds, and they can be very territorial and quite aggressive.
So give them some respect and space when you feed. On the Water. Doming out of the water uses precious energy which they have to work so hard to build up.
And out of the water, they are also more vulnerable to natural predators and dog attacks. Offer floating food. Another reason why specialist swan food is s good idea is that it will float for longer than most other things.
This allows the swans to use their proffered surface feeding method. It also means that more of the food will get eaten, with less sinking to the bottom and being wasted. Bread and a range of other kitchen scraps are fine to feed. Specialist Swan food offers the best balance of nutrition and floats best, letting them feed naturally. If you have any questions, suggestions or swan stories, we would love to hear them. Leave us a comment below. And for more articles on our wild and garden birds, why not visit our bird library here.
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thousands of sick, injured and underweight hedgehogs are rescued in the UK every year. Rescue can save a hog from death or suffering. Once nursed back to health, or just fattened up, most hedgehogs will be released back into the wild. Feeding Swans, Ducks and Geese - the right way Please note that their natural diet is best for them and that filling them up with food that is not part of their natural diet should be avoided, as it will prevent them from getting the nutrition they need as well as being potentially harmful.
Ingestion may result in diarrhea and possibly dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to death. Bread, chips, cakes, cookies, and cereal, etc - as these foods can cause digestive and serious other health problems Cooked and processed foods Foods not safe for birds What to feed: Note: Any food fed to them should be in manageable size for swallowing.
Foods should be as natural as possible, unprocessed without harmful additives. Please refer to the natural diet as described above or on the relevant species pages If possible, feed items that are close to their natural diet. Note that lettuce may be an acquired taste and the swans may take a while to get used to it. Any vegetables need to be cut up into small pieces. Remember, birds don't have teeth! Also, feeding swans, ducks and geese on land encourages them to leave the water whenever they see people, which can put them at significant risk if dogs or other predators are about.
Also remember, even though you obviously have a deep love for these magnificent birds, there are people out there who will harm them. Turning swans into trusting pets will put them at risk of being targeted by these sick individuals.
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