If you've ever seen an Indian Runner duck, you know they're not your average waddling waterfowl. These ducks are built for speed and elegance, standing upright like little bowling pins with a serious case of the zoomies. Imagine a duck that decided to trade in its traditional waddle for a power walk – that's your Indian Runner!

Why I Fell in Love With These Speedy Sprinters:

• Egg-cellent Layers: These ladies are egg-laying machines! Seriously, Monique and Sherrie Dee keep me in a constant supply of delicious, large eggs. If you're looking for consistent production, these are your feathered friends.
• Foraging Pros: Indian Runners are natural foragers. They love to patrol the yard, gobbling up slugs, snails, and other garden pests. It's like having tiny, adorable weed-and-bug-eating ninjas!
• Personality Plus: They're curious, active, and surprisingly social. My two have distinct personalities – Monique is a bit more reserved, while Sherrie Dee is the queen of "what's going on?"
• Unique and Beautiful: Their upright stance and slender build make them a real conversation starter. Plus, the variety of colors is stunning! Monique is a lovely mocha brown and Sherrie Dee is tan and white.
• Quiet Quackers: Compared to other duck breeds, Indian Runners are relatively quiet. They mostly communicate with soft, gentle quacks, which is a big plus for backyard flocks in residential areas.

Sherrie Dee and Monique's Daily Adventures:

My days are filled with the sight of these two runners, exploring every inch of the duckyard. They love their kiddie pool, which they use for both bathing and drinking (sometimes simultaneously, much to my amusement). Watching them race each other across the duckyard is a daily highlight. Their foraging skills are impressive, and they keep my duckyard relatively pest-free. They are also very curious about any garden work I am doing, and love to inspect any tools I am using especially when cleaning their ducky coop.

The Not-So-Quacky Side (The Cons):

• Fast and Furious: Their speed and agility can be a double-edged sword. If you don't have a secure fence, they can be escape artists. They are very fast and can cover a lot of ground quickly.
• Less Broody: While they lay tons of eggs, they're not known for being broody (sitting on eggs to hatch them). If you want ducklings, you'll likely need an incubator or a broody hen of another breed.
• Winter Woes: Their slender build means they're not as cold-hardy as some other duck breeds. You'll need to provide them with extra shelter and protection during harsh winters.
• Water Needs: All ducks need access to water, but Indian Runners especially enjoy swimming and bathing. You'll need to provide them with a suitable water source.
• They can be a little skittish: Due to their speed, they can be a bit more flighty then other breeds.

Tips for Happy Runners:

• Secure Housing: A sturdy coop and run are essential. Their speed means they can cover a lot of ground in a short time.
• Water, Water, Everywhere: Provide a large water source for swimming and bathing. A kiddie pool works great!
• Foraging Fun: Let them forage as much as possible. It's good for their physical and mental health.
• Quality Feed: Supplement their foraging with a balanced waterfowl feed.
• Shelter from the Elements: Provide shade in the summer and shelter from the cold in the winter.

Final Thoughts:

Raising Monique and Sherrie Dee has been a delightful adventure. Their unique personalities and egg-laying prowess make them a valuable addition to my backyard flock. While they require a bit more attention to fencing and water, the rewards are well worth it. If you're looking for active, entertaining, and productive ducks, Indian Runners might just be your perfect feathered companions!

Until next time, keep clucking and subscribe to our youtube channel at Crissy O's Clucky Chronicles!

Crissy O