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The Indian Runner Duck is an ancient breed known for its unique upright posture and high egg production. It stands out due to its tall, slender appearance, resembling a penguin when walking, and its history as one of the oldest domesticated duck breeds. Here's a comprehensive overview similar to the format provided for the American Pekin.
- Medium-sized, lean ducks with long necks.
- Colors vary, from greenish to orange.
- Wide variety, including fawn, white, black, chocolate, and blue.
- Tall and cylindrical, resembling a wine bottle in shape.
- Dark or orange, depending on the variety.
BREED & ORIGIN
Indian Runner & Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia (Bali, Lombok, Java), brought to Europe in the 19th century.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
8-12 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Drakes (males): 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg)
Ducks (females): 3.5-4.5 lbs (1.6-2 kg)
Duckling: 0-6 weeks
Juvenile: 6-16 weeks
Adult: 16+ weeks
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Active, nervous but gentle. They are not as calm as Pekins and can be shy.
Activity Level
Highly active; known for being excellent foragers. They are constantly moving and searching for food.
Climate Tolerance
Can adapt to a range of climates but prefer moderate environments.
Genetic Traits
Upright body posture, high egg production
Egg Laying Capacity
Highly prolific layers. 250-300 eggs
per year
Broodiness
Rarely broody; artificial incubation
often required
Feeding
A balanced diet of grains, greens, and protein-rich duck feed is necessary. Indian Runners are superb foragers, and their diet can be supplemented with insects, snails, and worms they find outdoors.
Housing
Require ample space due to their active nature. They need protection from predators and weather, ideally in a coop with 3-4 square feet per duck. A safe outdoor space for foraging is ideal.
Health
Generally hardy, though their active nature can make them more prone to leg injuries. Clean water for swimming and hygiene is vital for their health.
Breeding Practices
Not bred for meat, but rather for their exceptional egg-laying abilities. Breeding focuses on maintaining the upright body posture and egg production traits.
Ducklings grow quickly, requiring protein-rich starter feed. They need warmth and a secure brooder for the first few weeks.
Nutritional Needs
Balanced nutrition with ample protein, especially during the laying season, is essential for sustaining their high egg output.
Flygrubs provide essential protein and calcium, supporting egg production. It complement their diet, providing high protein, healthy fats, calcium, and phosphorus and can be integrated into the diet from ducklings to adulthood. Easy to incorporate, can be fed
dried or rehydrated.
The Indian Runner is an essential duck breed in agricultural settings for small farms and homesteads due to its prolific egg-laying capabilities and ease of care. Its distinct appearance has also made it a favorite in exhibitions and backyard flocks.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Breed |
Indian Runner |
Origin |
Southeast Asia (Indonesia) |
Temperament |
Active, alert, and nervous but gentle once they trust their environment |
Common Health Issues |
Leg injuries, respiratory infections in damp environments |
Commercial Use |
Primarily used for egg production; not commonly raised for meat |
Climate Tolerance |
Tolerates a range of climates; prefers moderate conditions and shelter in extreme weather |
Conservation Efforts |
Watchlist (due to declining population) |
Fertility Rates |
High fertility but low broodiness, artificial incubation needed for best results |
Backyard Use |
Popular for backyard flocks due to their high egg production and entertaining behavior |
Population Status |
Not endangered; widely bred and popular |
Ideal Weight |
Drakes: 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg); Ducks: 3.5-4.5 lbs (1.6-2 kg) |
Exhibition |
Judged on body posture, feather color, and shape |
- Excellent egg producers, laying up to 300 eggs annually.
- Hardy and adaptable to various climates.
- Active and proficient at foraging, helping with pest control in gardens.
- Unique upright posture and entertaining behavior.
- Nervous disposition, they can be flighty if not handled regularly.
- Not suitable for meat production due to their lean build.
- Require ample space for foraging and exercise.
Indian Runner ducks are primarily used for egg production, with their prolific laying capacity being their most valued trait.