Indian Runner ducks do best on a complete waterfowl or all-flock feed as their main diet, plus daily foraging for bugs, slugs and greens, fresh vegetables as treats, and plenty of clean water deep enough to dunk their heads. Here is how to feed them at each stage of life.
The basic Indian Runner duck diet
Runners are active, athletic foragers that burn a lot of energy running around a yard. A good daily diet has three parts:
- A complete feed (about 90% of the diet). Choose a waterfowl, duck or non-medicated all-flock feed in pellet or crumble form. Pellets are less messy than loose mash.
- Foraging. Runners love slugs, snails, insects, worms and tender weeds, which makes them popular garden helpers.
- Treats (no more than about 10%). Leafy greens, peas, chopped vegetables and a few mealworms are all good choices.
What to feed at each age
Ducklings (0 to 2 weeks)
Feed a non-medicated starter crumble. Medicated chick starter is made for chickens and is not recommended for ducklings because they eat and drink much more than chicks. Ducklings need extra niacin (vitamin B3) for strong legs, so use a feed made for waterfowl or follow the niacin guidance from your feed maker or vet. Always give water next to the feed, because ducks need to wet their food to swallow it.
Growers (2 weeks to about 4 months)
Switch to a grower or all-flock feed. Growing runners do best on a moderate protein level, and many keepers use a feed around 16 to 18 percent protein. Check the label on your brand.
Adult and laying ducks
Indian Runners are good layers, often giving around 150 to 200 eggs a year. Feed a layer or all-flock feed and offer crushed oyster shell in a separate dish so hens can take the calcium they need for strong shells. Do not mix the oyster shell into all feed for drakes and non-laying ducks, since extra calcium is not good for them.
Safe treats for Runner ducks
- Leafy greens such as romaine, kale, chard and dandelion
- Peas (fresh or thawed frozen), cucumber, zucchini and shredded carrots
- Cooked or dry oats and a little cracked corn in cool weather
- Mealworms, earthworms and other insects
- Berries and chopped melon in small amounts
Foods to avoid
- Bread, crackers and chips, which fill ducks up with little nutrition and can lead to leg problems
- Avocado, chocolate, onions, raw dry beans and anything moldy
- Salty or sugary human snacks
- Medicated chick feed
Water and grit
Ducks cannot eat comfortably without water. Use a bucket or bowl deep enough for them to dunk their whole bill and rinse their nostrils and eyes. Change it daily, since runners make it muddy quickly. If your ducks eat mostly pellets and have no access to soil, offer a small dish of poultry grit to help them grind their food.
How much do they eat?
An adult runner commonly eats roughly a quarter pound (about 4 ounces) of feed a day, and more while laying or in cold weather. Free-range ducks usually eat less feed. Offer enough that they finish it in 15 to 20 minutes, and remove leftovers so they do not attract rats.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian Runner ducks eat chicken feed?
Yes, as long as it is non-medicated. Adults can eat all-flock or layer feed made for chickens. Ducklings do better on a waterfowl formula or with added niacin.
Do Runner ducks need a pond?
No. They enjoy a pond or kiddie pool, but a deep drinking bucket and a damp area to forage are enough for their health.
What do wild-foraging runners eat on their own?
Mostly slugs, snails, insects, worms, seeds and tender plants. Foraging adds variety but is not a complete diet, so keep complete feed available.
Bottom Line
Give Indian Runner ducks a non-medicated waterfowl or all-flock feed, let them forage, add oyster shell for laying hens, and keep deep, clean water available at every meal. If a duck seems weak, limps or stops eating, call your vet, because ducks can hide illness.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
Related reading: What to Feed Khaki Campbell Ducks, What to Feed Newly Hatched Ducklings and Homemade Duck Feed.
