Jump to content

Swans and how to get rid of em


sirweste

Featured Posts

3 minutes ago, BWM said:

Surely they introduce themselves via migration?

Canada Geese do not migrate to the UK from Canada a few ( 1 or 2) of a smaller race turn up as vagrants each year.

 

They were first introduced in 1665.  When I was a boy late 40s early 50s they were virtually unknown since then there has been a huge population explosion.  Recently they have been increasing by 1 or 2% a year.  The adults have a life span of 10-25 years so they produce a lot of young during their life time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, BWM said:

Surely they introduce themselves via migration?

Mink first migrated to The UK via cages in 1929.  Hardly their decision.

They first started breeding in the wild in the mid 50s when some escaped from breeding farms and the misjudged actions of animal rights activists.

Anyone who has stumbled upon a wild mink would realise the problem.

I was moored up the Welford Arm years ago and during the night heard scampering up and down the tug deck. I let my two German Shepherds out to deal with the shenanigans.  I was immediately bowled over when they returned at speed knocking both doors wide open.

Next morning I was carrying a bag of coal along the towpath and met one of the beggars coming towards me.  Talk about arrogant, I simply didn't exist, it walked straight at me making it clear I was getting out of his way ... I did!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Murflynn said:

Henry VIII used to eat them - has anyone here tried?

 

You must be joking, what with there being an Aldi or Lidl tucked behind most bushes along the cut these days.

Anyway they taste too much like owl for my liking.

Edited by zenataomm
There, they're, their .....
  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Opener said:

But when are swans ringed and who does it?  Surprised to see obvious juveniles with mummy and daddy on the L&L but already ringed.

Birds are ringed by trained and qualified ringers, any enthusiast who can find a trainer near them can qualify.  Most ringers tend to specialise in a bird they want to study.   Birds in general are ringed either by being caught in mist nest or as pulli (nestlings).   Most swans I suspect will be ringed as pulli.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Loddon said:

 A very good way of spooking Canada geese is a laser pointer, once they see the dot on the water or on other birds plumage they get very agitated and leave, don't know if it works with swans.

Just make sure you don't damage their eyesight as laser pointers can do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, restlessnomad said:

any advice for canada geese? I find their hissing terrifying.

I have never known one come close to me.  I would expect treat then the same as I said works on domestic geese.   Grab them by the beak and hold them until they get tired of it then they go away.  It has to be remembered that neither geese nor swans can do you any real hard, OK they may create a bruise if allowed to peck hard or hit you with a wing, but that is it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, BWM said:

Surely they introduce themselves via migration?

Yes they do migrate, and yes they do get to Northern Europe, but no, in the main they were introduced for the purpose of hunting, in the 18th century.  Or maybe they were introduced for the purpose of populating thee emerging canal network!

  • Happy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never found swans a problem. Beautiful creatures . But keep your distance especially when they are nesting . 

 

In the garden issue there must be some deterrent bird scarer.

Edited by MartynG
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, Jerra said:

I have never known one come close to me.  I would expect treat then the same as I said works on domestic geese.   Grab them by the beak and hold them until they get tired of it then they go away.  It has to be remembered that neither geese nor swans can do you any real hard, OK they may create a bruise if allowed to peck hard or hit you with a wing, but that is it.

well, common sense suggest they cant do any harm but then I see this thing hissing at me like snake. once I waited 10 mins on canal towpath for them to leave. lol

spacer.png

Edited by restlessnomad
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, restlessnomad said:

well, common sense suggest they cant do any harm but then I see this thing hissing at me like snake. once I waited 10 mins on canal towpath for them to leave. lol

spacer.png

That is a domestic gander they are all front, grab them by the neck and hold them for a few minutes I haven't had one bother me after that.  Hold gently not squeeze or somebody willsay n o wonder they don't bother you they are dead.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

34 minutes ago, Jerra said:

That is a domestic gander they are all front, grab them by the neck and hold them for a few minutes I haven't had one bother me after that.  Hold gently not squeeze or somebody willsay n o wonder they don't bother you they are dead.

sorry could not find a fitting pic with open mouth, I did mean black necked canada geese, that makes a hissing noise if the chicks are nearby. but I guess they all respond to gentle neck sqeeze.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, restlessnomad said:

sorry could not find a fitting pic with open mouth, I did mean black necked canada geese, that makes a hissing noise if the chicks are nearby. but I guess they all respond to gentle neck sqeeze.

personally I doubt a Canada would allow you to get close enough to get hold of it.   NO need to squeeze just hold so the goose has to do what you are wanting not what it wants.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Jerra said:

personally I doubt a Canada would allow you to get close enough to get hold of it.   

A chap at our marina  fed the canada geese a few winters ago . He could hold and stroke the birds neck  . It was totally domesticated. Not sure if it was just the one bird that took to this.

The downside of course was the pontoon covered in goose poop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, MartynG said:

A chap at our marina  fed the canada geese a few winters ago . He could hold and stroke the birds neck  . It was totally domesticated. Not sure if it was just the one bird that took to this.

The downside of course was the pontoon covered in goose poop.

he should be shot and fed to the seagulls

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.