Swan Farmer Likes His Good-Looking Flock

Swan Farmer Likes His Good-Looking Flock AG WORLD Ag World 18-2-22 "They're nice to have around because they're so beautiful and graceful," says Carroll Abendroth, Waterloo, W is., about the swans he raises on his farm near Waterloo, Wis. Abendroth keeps a flock of about 200 swans on 8 acres surrounded by a 4-ft. high chain link fence. Currently, all of the swans swim in one large pond. However, Abendroth plans to add 60 small aerated ponds so each pair of swans will have its own fresh water. He also plans to install 30- by 60-ft. nesting pens. He sells about 10 breeding pairs a year, as well as others of all ages. Proved nesting pairs sell for $1,000 to $1,300. A pair of male and female yearlings sell for $600 per pair while a month-old cygnet sells for $200. "You won't get rich from raising swans, but it's well worth doing," says Abendroth, who's been raising swans for over 10 years. He and his sons, Rick and Randy, also raise turkeys, chickens, pheasants, quail, pea-fowl, and Snow and Canada geese. They also have a worm business. Abendroth's customers include breeders and zoos, as well as people who just want swans to "dress up" parks, golf courses, or business complexes. He has sold swans as far away as Europe. Whoopers, weighing about 35 lbs. and having a 5-ft. wingspread, are the largest species that Abendroth owns. His flock also includes several Black Australians. Each swan is pinioned - the wing tip feathers of one wing are removed so the bird can't fly. European guard dogs watch over the swans to keep them safe from predators. The birds are fed pellets especially formulated for swans. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Car-roll Abendroth, W8694 Island Road, Waterloo, Wis. 53594 (ph 414 478-2053).

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