#INDIAN RUNNER DUCK FREE#

It is mainly kept for its egg production these days, but it is a breed that has been used to create some of the modern breeds of duck. This breed has many color varieties but onlyДЄlthough the Runner duck comes in many colors and was first accepted into the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association in 1898. It was not known as the runner duck back them but rather as the Penguin duck due to its waddle and a rather upright stance. They fast became very popular in Britain due to their unique appearance, highly efficient foraging abilities and great egg laying. The duck eggs would be collected from the structure early the following morning before the ducks were herded off to the rice paddies again.ДЇor centuries the ducks were chosen for the foraging abilities, they had to be good walkers and prolific egg layers.ДЄs they adapt the breed to these specific standards it was of this quality that was exported to the United Kingdom in the 1850вЂ™s.

#INDIAN RUNNER DUCK FREE#

There the ducks would keep the rice paddies insect free whilst gleaning the scattered seeds and weeding the paddy.ДЄt night when it was time for the flock to go home the herder would herd them back to where they would be kept in either a protective clay or bamboo structure. Using his herding pole, he would drive the ducks to the rice paddies during there day. This pole had strips of cloth attached to the one end of it.

They would keep an eye on his long bamboo cane that the herder would carry with him. They would train flocks of ducks to stay in their herdersвЂ™ site. There are carvings of this duck on the worlds of ancient Java Temples.Дucks have been kept and herded in this area of the world for centuries.

The Runner or Indian Runner duckвЂ™s history can be traced back to over 2000 years ago where they existed in Indo China. If you do not want to risk having your ducks shipped check with your local poultry farms for advice on your nearest supplier. Or check with the American Livestock Conservancy Purely Poultry, Metzer Farms, Indian Runner Duck Club has a list of breeders or you can check with your local poultry dealers/farms, the APA Indian Runner Duck Club or It is best to check with the American Poultry Association for various clubs and or organizations. Not Listed For more information on poultry, conservation status, check the American Livestock Conservancy Website Ducks like to have a few duck friends aboutД¬heck with animal control in your area for known predators Try to keep the flock at a minimum of two. It must also be large enough to prevent overcrowding of the ducksДЄ nice little splash pool or pond that is not too deep for them to dip in Ensure the hutch has good ventilation and insulation. They love to forage for various insects, grubs with their favorite food being a juicy slug or twoДЄ nice cozy hutch that can be locked up tight to keep them safe and sound at night. Just make sure there is enough space and fresh foraging ground вЂњMedium to large garden with place for them to waddle around and forage for slugs and snailsвЂќД«ut they do not like to be and may get a bit grumpy Watch your dogs or cats around your ducks. They tend to shy away from other domestic animals. They will interact with most any other duck or birdДЄny domesticated duck breed will be fine to mix with this breed. They are not the strongest flyers and usually do not attempt to fly I would not leave a child unattended around themДЎ0 BEST DUCK BREEDS TO KEEP AS FAMILY PET It is best to mate the younger drakes of up to about 4 years old

They are quite good pets and are very entertaining They are skittish and can be a bit snappy when spooked Start to get fertile at around 3 вЂ“ 4 months Should only start to breed them at 6 months old Indian Runner, Bottle Necks or Penguin Ducks Yes Recognized by the American Poultry AssociationД¬umberland Blue, Date of acceptance: 1977 They are quite happy with a small splash pool they can dip their feather in. They are also a breed that does not require as much water to splash about in like most other ducks. Although they can be a bit skittish they are actually quite a pleasant bird to have around. Mainly kept these days for their exceptional egg laying abilities and their dynamic garden pest control. They are quite an ancient breed of duck with a long history as being a domestic utility breed. It has an elegant long neck and slim body. The Indian Runner duck has a very upright posture as such it looks quite tall.

Indian runner duck