The black swan, native to Australia, is a striking member of the swan family and one of the most recognized ornamental birds worldwide. Its appearance is predominantly white, with dark feathers on the back and wings, and it features a distinctive V-shaped white marking on its chest. The bird has a long, S-shaped neck, bright red eyes, and a black body. It weighs between 4 to 7 kilograms and is known for its elegant posture and gentle nature, making it easy to raise.
Black swans are highly adaptable and can breed twice a year in spring and autumn, especially when stimulated artificially. They can lay up to 30 eggs per season, and their simple feeding habits combined with strong disease resistance make them efficient for farming.
**Housing and Environment Requirements**
For free-range breeding, select areas far from human settlements to minimize disturbances. The water area should be large enough—approximately 1 goose per 100 square meters. Plant emergent vegetation in the pond and use the surrounding land as seasonal grazing areas. Shade trees should be planted for summer cooling, and the area should be enclosed with a 1.5-meter fence or mesh to prevent predators. Water should be treated regularly using lime or bleach at a rate of 50 kg of lime or 20 kg of bleach per mu (approx. 667 square meters). To prevent flying, black swans should have their primary feathers clipped once a year after molting, typically cutting 5-6 feathers.
In cage systems, each enclosure should be around 30 square meters, with a 10-square-meter pool of 60 cm depth. Each house can house one pair of swans, and the water should be changed regularly.
**Feeding Standards**
During breeding, feed primarily with layer pellets, supplemented with green feeds like grass and vegetables. Add 5% fishmeal and 3% shell powder to the diet to support egg production. Goslings require a diet of 70% concentrated feed and 30% green feed, with high-protein chicken feed used for better growth. Young swans over four months old can transition to layer pellets with free access to green feed.
**Breeding Pairing**
Swans begin pairing at 18 months. Free-range pairing allows natural bonding, while unpaired individuals can be placed in adjacent cages to encourage interaction. If they show affection by nodding, they can be moved together. If not, repeat the process until successful.
**Breeding Management**
Provide nesting materials such as dry grass and straw for swans to build nests. Natural incubation is possible, with swans laying 1–6 eggs every other day. A small shelter should be built over the nest to protect it from rain. For artificial incubation, remove the first few eggs and replace them with dummy eggs, then collect real ones later. Incubation lasts about 35 days, with temperature adjustments: 38°C for the first 15 days, 37.5°C for days 16–32, and 36.8°C for the last three days. Humidity should be increased after day 32 to improve hatchability.
**Brooding Goslings**
Naturally hatched goslings can be raised by the parent swans. For artificial brooding, maintain temperatures starting at 35°C, decreasing by 1–2°C weekly. Administer 0.5 ml of goose quail serum within 24 hours of hatching. Feed goslings every 2 hours, 6–7 times daily, and provide antibiotics in drinking water for the first three days.
**Health and Disease Prevention**
Keep the breeding area clean and disinfect regularly using quaternary ammonium or iodine-based products. Monthly administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin or Chinese herbal medicine helps prevent disease. In early March, inject geese with goose tick serum and paramyxovirus vaccines.
**Common Diseases and Control**
Black swans are prone to gosling plague, E. coli, paramyxovirus, fowl cholera, and parasitic infections. Regular observation is essential for early detection and treatment. Isolate sick birds and apply targeted medication to prevent outbreaks.
With proper care, black swans can thrive in both free-range and controlled environments, offering an attractive and manageable option for poultry farming.
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