IMPORTANT ORDERING INFORMATION: Swans are shipped on Wednesdays, via airline cargo, and will arrive the same day. They will need to be picked up from the airport upon arrival. Shipping and transportation crate is included in the price of your birds. Swans are not available for local pickup. All swans purchased from Meyer Hatchery are pinioned, which means they are unable to fly.
As the name suggests, Australian Black Swans are graceful creatures totally covered in black feathers, with an exception of small amounts of white located under their wings, visible only when the bird is in flight. Black Swans are native to Australia and have been introduced to other areas of the world, such as New Zealand and Sweden with success. Black Swans are very social and will occupy a single pond, lake, or stretch of stream upwards of 40 years and are often happy to share. Australian Black Swans prefer warmer climates due to their native Australian heritage and are nonmigratory.
Australian Black Swans mature around 18-36 months of age and typically breed during the months of February through September. Females will lay from 4 to 6 greenish-white eggs in a clutch and they will hatch in 35 to 40 days. Black swans will pair for life in either male/female or male/male pairs and tend to their young together year after year.
Cygnets enjoy a diet of water insects and crustaceans, while adults eat only plant matter, such as algae, sea grass, and other aquatic plants. Their diet can also be supplemented with waterfowl feed, greens, and veggies.