Indian Runner Ducks Profile Guide
The Indian Runner duck is beautiful and graceful. Its breed is interesting. It is known for its agility. It doesn’t spend much time in the water. It spends its time walking and running on land. It gets along well with other animals. That is why it is called a runner. It is known for its high egg production. It is popular among farmers and home breeders. People keep it because of its beauty and friendliness. It lays more eggs than other ducks. It is more profitable.
For more information about other Ducks
History and Origin of Indian Runner Ducks:
The Indian Runner Duck is a special type of duck. It is known for laying more eggs and running faster. It prefers to walk and run on land instead of spending more time in water like ordinary ducks. That is why it is called a runner.
Where did it originate?
Indian Runner Ducks originated in South Asia. It is especially found in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In ancient times, farmers used to raise them to eat crop pests. It protected crops by eating insects that infested the fields.
How Did Indian Runner Ducks Spread Across the World?
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it was sent from Asia to Europe. It became famous among people because of its high egg production. After that, it also reached America, Australia, and other countries.
Importance in agriculture and poultry industry:
Indian Runner Ducks can lay two hundred to three hundred eggs in a year. Due to this, it can be called a beneficial poultry bird. It is also raised to kill pests in the fields. Because it protects the soil by eating harmful insects from crops. It is easy to care for. It has a friendly temperament.
Physical Characteristics of Indian Runner Ducks:
The Indian Runner Ducks is completely different. Because it stands upright. It runs fast. Its body is thin and long, which makes it unique from others. It likes to walk on the ground.
Standing style:
Indian Runner Ducks always stand upright. Due to this, it looks bigger than other ducks. Its neck is long and the body is thin. It runs fast. That is why it is called a runner.
Size and weight:
- It is medium in size.
- Its male weighs two to 2.3 kilograms.
- The female weighs 1.6 to 2 kilograms.
- It is light, which makes it easy to move around.
Different colors:
This duck comes in different colors. Such as: white
- Black
- Brown
- Blue
- Spotted
- Chocolate
- It looks beautiful with different color varieties.
Egg Production and Benefits:
Indian Runner Duck is famous for its excellent egg production. It is raised more for its eggs than for its meat. It lays two to three hundred eggs a year.
Egg-laying capacity:
It lays 200 to 300 eggs. Its eggs are larger than chicken eggs. Their color can be white light green or blue. With good food and care, it can lay more eggs.
Benefits of eggs:
Its eggs hatch more quickly than chicken eggs. Indian Runner eggs contain more protein than chicken eggs. Duck eggs are also considered more useful in bakery. Some people prefer their eggs over chicken eggs. Because they are good and delicious.
Behavior and Temperament:
It is usually calm and docile. Sometimes it can be mischievous. It gets along well with humans. If it is properly cared for, it will quickly recognize its owners.
Friendly Behavior:
- Indian Runner Ducks like to live with chickens.
- It does not make much noise. But if it feels threatened, it will make a sound.
- If it is kept with humans from childhood, it becomes like a pet.
Alert and active:
- It is fast-moving. Therefore, it is better to keep it in an open place.
- It is used for eating insects and grass. Due to this, it is beneficial for the fields.
Housing and Care Requirements:
It is easy to care for. It is important to give them a good place and food. So that they remain healthy.
Habitat:
These ducks should be kept in a clean and dry place. They like water. But like other ducks, they do not stay in the water much. Therefore, it is better that a small pond in their habitat is enough for them. A safe place should be arranged for them at night so that they are safe from the eyes of predators.
Food and Health:
They should be given good food. Which includes grains, vegetables, and insects. They can also find and eat their own food. Which is good for their health. Their place should be kept dry. So that they are protected from many diseases.
Breeding and Incubation:
- The Indian Runner duck does not sit on its eggs. An incubator is used to hatch its eggs.
- It is best to choose a healthy male and female for breeding.
- A male duck can live with four to five females.
- The eggs hatch in 26 to 28 days.
- The young should be kept in a warm and safe place after hatching.
Common Health Issues and Solutions:
Swollen feet:
This problem occurs due to living in a very dirty or wet place.
Respiratory disease:
If the place is not well ventilated they may have difficulty breathing.
Digestive upset:
Indigestion can occur due to not giving good food.
Solution and precautions:
- Always keep their place dry and clean.
- The food should be given well and balanced.
- They should be provided with fresh water.
- If a duck gets sick contact a veterinarian immediately.
Indian Runner Ducks v/s Other Duck Breeds:
Indian Runner ducks stand upright. While the common duck stands hunched over. Their body is slim and light. While other ducks are heavier, on the contrary. They lay two to three hundred eggs a year. This is more than common ducks. Other ducks are mostly raised for meat. But this one is raised for eggs. It is very smart and fast on land. While the other one prefers to stay in the water.
Best Practices for Raising Indian Runner Ducks:
- It lives in an open space.
- Arrange a good place for them.
- A clean and dry place is necessary.
- So that they can live comfortably.
- A good place should be chosen to keep them safe at night.
- And give them good food.
- Grain vegetables and insects should be included in their diet.
- They should have fresh water available at all times.
- Take special care of cleanliness.
- So that diseases do not spread.
- If a duck gets sick get it treated immediately.
Conclusion:
This duck is famous all over the world for its egg production. It is not difficult to care for. It is friendly and easy to run. It needs a clean place good food and proper arrangements. The Indian Runner duck is an excellent one for eggs.
