Runner ducks eat a complete duck or waterfowl feed (about 16 to 18 percent protein for adults), plus whatever bugs, slugs, snails, greens and weeds they find while foraging. They are famous slug hunters. Give them fresh water deep enough to dunk their whole bill, because ducks need water to swallow and to clean their nostrils and eyes.
What Runner Ducks Eat Every Day
- Waterfowl or duck feed: pellets or crumbles are the base of the diet. If you can only find chicken feed, choose an unmedicated one and add brewer’s yeast for niacin, because ducks need more niacin than chickens.
- Foraged food: slugs, snails, insects, worms, tender weeds and grass. Runner ducks spend most of the day on the move looking for these.
- Greens: chopped lettuce, kale, peas, duckweed and other leafy greens.
- Grit: offer insoluble grit so they can grind food. Laying ducks also need oyster shell in a separate dish.
Feeding by Age
- Ducklings (0 to 2 weeks): unmedicated starter feed at around 20 percent protein, with niacin added if needed. Do not use medicated chick starter, because ducklings eat much more than chicks and can overdose on the medication.
- Growers (2 to 16 weeks): a grower feed at roughly 16 to 18 percent protein, with plenty of greens.
- Adults: maintenance or layer feed. Laying females need extra calcium from layer feed or oyster shell.
Good Treats
Peas, chopped greens, cooked rice and small pieces of cucumber or tomato are fine in small amounts. Treats should be a minor part of the diet.
Foods to Avoid
- Bread and crackers, which fill ducks up without nutrition and can cause deformities in growing birds
- Avocado, chocolate, onions, raw dry beans and anything moldy
- Salty or sugary human snacks
Water Matters
Ducks should always have water near their food. They take a bite, then a sip. Dirty water is a common cause of illness, so refresh it daily.
Related Guides
See what to feed Indian runner ducks, how to make homemade duck feed, and the best duck snacks.
Bottom Line
A balanced waterfowl feed, access to foraging and lots of fresh water keep runner ducks healthy. Use unmedicated feed for young ducklings, and keep bread off the menu.
This is general information. Ask a poultry vet if a duck seems unwell.
