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Indian Runner Ducks |
Indian Runner Ducks Wisconsin
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Indian Runner Ducks Wisconsin |
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The Runner ducks have a long history as evidenced by ancient Javan temple
carvings indicating that Runner-type ducks existed in Indo China 2000 years
ago. People in this region of the world have been herding ducks for many
centuries. Flocks of ducks were trained to stay in sight of a herder's long
bamboo pole with cloth strips attached to one end and were driven out to
rice paddies and fields by day to glean scattered grain, weed seeds, snails,
insects, larvae, small reptiles and such. The herder then drove the flock
home at night and kept them in a protective bamboo or clay enclosure. In the
morning the eggs were gathered and the herder then set off again with his
ducks for another day of foraging. Over many centuries, these conditions
selected ducks that were good walkers, excellent foragers, and prolific
layers. It was this specially adapted bird that was introduced into the
United Kingdom from Malaya by a ship's captain around 1850. Their high egg
production and unique appearance caused Runners to become widely popular.
The Runner duck also known as the Indian Runner duck weighs between 4 and 4
1/2 pounds. Their slim body and long neck has prompted the description of a
"wine-bottle with a bill and feet. Its head is slender with eyes set
high, the bill is straight, and the legs are set far back on their bodies,
resulting in the upright carriage characteristic of the breed. Typical
carriage is well above horizontal and when threatened some will stand still
perpendicular to the ground. There are more color types of Runner
ducks than any other breed of duck. Varieties recognized in the American
Standard of Perfection are: Fawn & White, White, Penciled, Black, Buff,
Chocolate, Cumberland Blue, and Gray. Nonstandard varieties include Fairy
Fawn, Blue Fairy Fawn, Golden, Saxony, Blue Fawn, Pastel, Trout, Dusky,
Khaki, Cinnamon, Silver, Lavender, Lilac, Blue-Brown Penciled, Blue-Fawn
Penciled, Emery Penciled, Porcelain Penciled, and Splashed and breeders
continue to develop new colors and patterns. Runner ducks are prolific
layers and good strains will lay well in excess of 200 white, hen-sized eggs
per year. They are the most active forager of all breeds and cover a
large area in search of snails, slugs, insects, and other edibles.
While not capable of sustained flight, Runners can scramble over a two to
three foot enclosure when startled or hungry. Due to their small size
they are not considered a meat bird but are edible and many regard Runners
as having a flavor similar to a wild Mallard. The ALBC's 2000 census
of domestic waterfowl in North America found 2,916 breeding Runner ducks.
Twenty-six people reported breeding Runners, and there are 12 primary
breeding flocks with 50 or more breeding birds currently in existence giving
them their watch status. Runners make excellent show birds,
entertaining pets, wonderful pest control and fine layers.
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