Keeping Ducks in Ireland – The Indian Runner Duck

We’re often asked about how easy our ducks are to keep.   I’ve heard the comment ‘ducks are messy’ so many times and agree this can be this case, but with the right approach it doesn’t have to be!   Duck keeping can be done without all the mess, but two things are required – first, the right environment and second of equal if not more importance, the right breed of duck, which in our experience comes in the form of the Indian Runner Duck.

Let us first look at why the Indian runner is a good choice for anyone keeping ducks.

The Indian Runner duck has some characteristics which make it an excellent choice for anyone considering keeping a few ducks.  The first thing you will notice about the Indian Runner ducks stance is different from all other ducks.  A runner duck’s stance can be considered to resemble that of a penguin; in fact they were originally known as Penguin Ducks, but unlike penguins they are a fast mover, but for a reason.

Indian Runners prefer to spend their day predominately foraging than on water, unlike almost every other duck.  This foraging characteristic has gained them the reputation as a real gardener’s friend, by being highly effective in organic slug control.   In Germany, runner ducks can be rented for the purpose of organic slug and insect control - link.   They are also used in South Africa, where a large flock of runner ducks are used daily in a Vergenoegd vineyard for natural pest control.   It should be noted that slug pellets should not be used if you have runner ducks as these are poisonous to ducks also.

Indian Runner ducks are a great choice for anyone wanting their own duck eggs.  Few other pure breed ducks can match their laying ability.  Runner ducks typically weigh no more than 2kg, which means they will not eat a lot compared to some other larger laying ducks, yet they will reward a keeper with up to 200 eggs per year.  This is why they are recognised as one of the most efficient laying ducks.  Runner ducks typically begin laying eggs at around 6 months of age, but the start of laying may be delayed when the days are too short during the winter months.  Adult ducks typically don’t lay during those months due to insufficient daylight also.

Indian runners are not fussy eaters and will eat most cereals and greens.  It is very important that keepers are careful to ensure that the diet meets the nutritional requirements of the any birds kept.  Layers pellets contain this nutritional need when it comes to runners, so it is important that they have access to a feeder containing a ready and fresh supply of these, particularly during the laying season.  Poultry layers pellets are fine, but if you can find a specialist waterfowl pellet, that is even better.  Wheat is a good supplement in their diet, particularly in winter.  Runners are by no means glutens and if they have good free ranging they will eat surprisingly little.

Now let’s look at the environment.

Water in the form of a pond, big or small, is what can typically make ducks messy. Indian Runners prefer to forage than spend time in water, so runner ducks will take advantage of a pond if it is available, but to a much lesser extent than most other ducks, and it is by no means a requirement if keeping a few runners.  The will live a very fulfilled and happy life without it.  However, lots of fresh clean drinking water is an absolute requirement.  A clean bucket of water each day allows runners to drink and wash, if you can get a suitable automatic drinker, big enough for the ducks to immerse their heads, then that is even better.

Runner ducks, like most ducks will not roost on perches, so at night they sleep on the floor of the house.  A clean and dry bed of wood shavings or straw in a secure house is all that is needed.  When it comes to housing, the other thing to note with ducks is that unlike chickens ducks cannot climb.  Therefore, it is important that the door of the house is low to the ground so they can access the house easily at dusk, no more than a few inches

The Indian Runner duck has a huge character and personality, and it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Runners reward any keeper with so much, including lots of fresh eggs as well as endless enjoyment watching them busily go about their ‘work’ each day.  Indian Runners come in a variety of pure breed colours and make a wonderful addition to any flock or garden.

Check out our Indian runner ducks by clicking here