Runner ducks are a breed of domestic duck that originated in the East Indies. They have a penguin-like appearance with legs set further back than other ducks.
They make wonderful family pets and will enjoy spending time with you! However, they may become a bit skittish if they don’t receive regular interaction from people.
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Eggs
Running ducks often eat eggs. Their eggs are slightly larger than chicken eggs and come in an array of colors.
These eggs are great for baking and can be consumed by those with egg allergies. Furthermore, their harder shell means they won’t break as easily as chicken eggs do.
Indian Runners, like other domestic duck breeds, are bred for their egg production. These ducks can be bred to lay up to 200 eggs annually.
Egg laying ducks require sufficient nutrition in their diets to stay healthy. Feeding them the correct ration will guarantee they receive enough calcium for strong shells and will enhance their egg-laying capacity.
Meat
Indian Runner ducks are highly active foragers, meaning they’ll explore large areas in search of insects and wild greens. As such, it is best to keep them in a large coop and run environment.
They don’t roost like chickens, so a secure shelter is necessary to protect them from predators. While they don’t get sick as frequently as other duck breeds, they are susceptible to worms and should be dewormed regularly.
Hens produce eggs almost daily during the summer season, with one hen having the capacity to lay up to 350 large eggs with blue, white or green hues.
Fruits
Ducks often enjoy fruits like watermelon, berries and pitted fruit as a source of niacin. These provide them with essential nutrition.
In addition to fruit, you can also give your ducks vegetables. Corn, peas, lettuce, Swiss chard and carrots are all excellent treats for ducks.
However, some fruits should never be fed to ducks due to their potentially toxic contents. Steer clear of citrus and avocado fruits with high acid content, as well as apples, cherries, peaches and plums with seeds or pits that contain seeds or pits.
Vegetables
Ducks enjoy a variety of vegetables in addition to eggs and meat, such as peas, lettuce, kale, cabbage and squash. Vegetables such as peas, lettuce, kale cabbage and squash all make great treats for them.
Other veggies they love include corn, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. You could also give them some of your garden fruits like berries or grapes.
Plant fruit bushes in your edible landscape to provide you and your ducks with fresh berries to snack on until winter arrives.
If you grow stone fruits such as apricots, cherries, apples, peaches, pears or plums in your backyard garden, make sure to remove their pits and seeds before feeding them to your ducks. Many stone fruit pits contain trace amounts of cyanide which is toxic for ducks.
Water
Ducks do not typically eat meat; rather, they primarily subsist on water-based food such as seeds, weeds and water plants. Their diet also includes frogs, fish and other animals.
Runner ducks live a long life and lay between 150 and 200 eggs annually. Their egg yolks are vibrant orange in color due to natural pigments found in their food source.
Raising runner ducks requires providing them with a nutritious diet. Furthermore, make sure they have access to water throughout the day; ensure it remains free from mud and other impurities so the birds can drink without getting sick.
