Indian Runner Duck

A gorgeous breed of domestic duck the Indian Runner Duck is an amazing addition to your backyard! As the name suggests they run rather than walk, standing erect and stately.

You can expect 300 – 350 jumbo eggs per year from your hens in whites or blues. Originally found on the Indonesian Islands and quickly became worldwide travelers due to their popularity as layers as well as meat birds.

They are unable to fly and rarely go broody, tending to drop eggs wherever they go instead. If they do go broody they do a great job but ducklings will need to be removed as they are terrible mothers.

They do enjoy swimming however you are more likely to find them foraging through the garden. They are excellent pest controllers, enjoying snails, grubs, worms and more. If you do have newly planted seedlings they may require some protection as baby plants are especially tempting to them, ours seem to favor lettuce seedlings over any others.

They are a quieter breed of duck with only the females quacking and the males making a hoarse whisper type sound. They also consume less feed than other table breeds, finding most of their own food through foraging.

Duck eggs are often said to have a richer taste than chicken eggs although this depends on who you ask. Their larger size and higher nutrient content makes them a perfect alternative or addition to your chickens. Interestingly, people who are allergic to chicken eggs are generally able to eat duck eggs due to a difference in the proteins that cause the allergic reaction. (If you are allergic to chicken eggs and want to try duck eggs you should consult your doctor before doing so.)

Back to Breeds