Lone Warwickshire Cygnet with injured foot/leg?

[MartinL]

Some friends have a cygnet with an injured foot.

They took it to the local vet, who has administered anti-inflammatories and the obligatory antibiotics (at some considerable expense). The vet was also concerned with a "swelling" under its bill, (an internet search indicated that this is normal for its age).

Can anyone help with ideas for its recovery and future longevity? Current diet is grain and lettuce!

Is it the case that all Swans/ Cygnets are the property of the crown, and therefore protected??????

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by MartinL

Is it the case that all Swans/ Cygnets are the property of the crown, and therefore protected??????

I can't help with suggestions for the best diet, but a mix of grain and greenery would seem reasonable.

As for the ownership of swans, technically it is correct that the crown has the right to claim ownership of swans in the UK - but not all of them. Rights of ownership have been granted to others by previous royals, and two livery companies still maintain their right of ownership on the River Thames (which is one of the only waterbodies where the Queen still exercises the royal right of ownership, if not the only one) - look up "swan upping", the traditional way of marking ownership. The ownership rights were put in place to protect the swans so that they were available for banquets!

Nowadays swans have the same protections that are given to all wild birds.

[MartinL]

Originally Posted by RoyW

I can't help with suggestions for the best diet, but a mix of grain and greenery would seem reasonable.
---on the River Thames - look up "swan upping", the traditional way of marking ownership.

Thanks, seem to remember Richard Stilgoe singing about "Swan Upping", anyone know where I could get a copy on DVD ?

[MartinL]

It's all over.

Found just its wings this morning!!

Probably mink or stoats. Thought Foxes less likely to swim and would have taken the whole carcass.