Hey ya'll , duck lovers! I’m Crissy O, and I’m thrilled to share the story of my Indian Runner ducks, Sherrie Dee and Monique, who’ve brought so much joy (and a bit of chaos!) to my flock. These quirky ducks are unlike any other, with their upright stance and speedy runs. Let’s dive into their fascinating origins, the ups and downs of raising them, their gorgeous color types, unique quirks, and how fast they can go. Plus, I’d love for you to follow my YouTube channels—Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles for duck-keeping adventures and Cluck Norris Studios for kid-friendly educational songs featuring animals like my ducks!

Where Do Indian Runner Ducks Come From?

Indian Runner ducks have a rich history that goes back over 2,000 years! Ancient Javan temple carvings in Indonesia show ducks with their signature upright posture, suggesting they’ve been around in the East Indies—think Bali, Java, and Lombok—for centuries. They were first called “Penguin Ducks” because of how they stand, and their name “Indian Runner” likely comes from the East India Company’s sailing ships, though they’re not actually from India. Southeast Asian farmers trained these ducks to forage in rice paddies, eating pests like snails and insects, then herded them home at night to collect their eggs. They made their way to Europe in the 1800s, arriving in the UK around the 1830s, and became popular for their egg-laying skills by the late 19th century. Today, they’re loved worldwide for their charm and utility.

Pros of Raising Indian Runner Ducks Like Sherrie Dee and Monique

Sherrie Dee and Monique have been a delight in so many ways:

Amazing Egg Layers: These girls can lay 150–300 eggs a year, often white or blue-green, which are perfect for baking. Sherrie Dee once laid an egg every day for a month straight!

Pest Control Superstars: They’re incredible foragers, gobbling up slugs, snails, and insects in my garden without damaging plants. Monique loves hunting for bugs—it’s her morning ritual!

Low Maintenance: They don’t need a pond (though they love a kiddie pool) and are hardy in hot or cold weather. A simple coop with soft bedding keeps them happy.

Entertaining Personalities: Their upright stance and speedy runs are hilarious to watch. Sherrie Dee and Monique always make me laugh with their antics!

Social Butterflies: They love being in a flock, often sticking together like best friends, which makes them great companions for each other.

Cons of Raising Indian Runner Ducks

As much as I adore my girls, there are some challenges:

Not Great Moms: Indian Runners rarely go broody. Sherrie Dee made a nest once but didn’t sit on her eggs, so if you want ducklings, you’ll need an incubator or a brooder.

Need Space to Roam: They’re active foragers and can get vocal if cooped up too long. Monique will quack loudly if she doesn’t get her morning run!

Predator Risks: Their smaller size (3–5 lbs) and curious nature make them targets for foxes or dogs. I’ve had to reinforce their coop to keep them safe. Hardwire cloth was a good option for us. 

Messy Eaters: They can make a mess with water and feed, especially if they get too excited. Sherrie Dee loves splashing in her water bowl!

Flighty Nature: They can be a bit skittish without regular handling. It took a while for Monique to warm up to me, but now she’s a sweetheart. They are also good with our 3 boys but not so much around the hubby. They tend to run and hide unless he has mealworms to give them. 

Color Types: A Rainbow of Feathers

Indian Runner ducks come in more color varieties than any other duck breed, which makes them so fun to admire! The American Poultry Association recognizes: Black, Buff, Chocolate, Cumberland Blue, Fawn, Gray, Penciled, and White. You’ll also see shades like Fawn-and-White, Mallard, Trout, Blue Trout, Apricot Trout, and Silver in non-standard varieties. Sherrie Dee is a stunning Fawn-and-White, with soft tan and white feathers, while Monique is a sleek Chocolate with a rich, dark brown coat that shines in the sun. Their pink skin peeks through no matter the color, adding to their charm.

Quirks That Make Them Special

Indian Runners are full of personality! Sherrie Dee and Monique have the classic upright stance—like walking bowling pins or penguins—which always gets a laugh. They don’t waddle; they run, often in a flock, rushing around the yard like they’re on a mission. They’re not big on swimming but love splashing in shallow water to clean their feathers. They’re also super social—Sherrie Dee will quack at Monique if she wanders too far! One quirky downside: they might drop eggs wherever they’re standing since they rarely nest. I’ve found eggs in the strangest places!

How Fast Are Indian Runner Ducks?

These ducks are speedy! Unlike other breeds that waddle, Indian Runners can run at a surprising pace thanks to their legs being set farther back on their bodies. Sherrie Dee and Monique can dash across the yard at about 5–7 mph when they’re excited—faster than I can catch them sometimes! Their upright posture (45–75 degrees above horizontal) and slender bodies (standing 20–30 inches tall) make them agile, especially when chasing a bug or running back to the coop at night.

Tips for Caring for Indian Runner Ducks

Here’s how I keep Sherrie Dee and Monique happy:

Coop Setup: A predator-proof coop with soft bedding and enough height for them to stand upright. They need space to roam during the day.

Diet: I feed them 14–16% protein duck feed, with treats like chopped greens or pumpkin seeds. Fresh water is a must—they love to dunk their heads plus it's essential to clean out their nares. They get yummy snackies twice a day with fresh greens, fruits, veggies and wormies! 

Social Time: Keep them in pairs or groups—they’re happier with friends.

Health Check: Regular checks for parasites (I use diatomaceous earth in their feed) and a shallow pool to keep their feathers clean.

Follow My Duck Adventures on YouTube!

Want to see Sherrie Dee and Monique in action? Check out my YouTube channel Crissy O’s Clucky Chronicles for duck-keeping tips and fun moments with my flock. And for the kiddos, head over to Cluck Norris Studios, where we sing educational songs about animals—like the “Slow Blues Turtle” song that teaches patience and nature facts! I’d love for you to subscribe to both channels and join our feathered adventures. What do you love most about Indian Runner ducks? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

Keep it Quacky! 

CrissyO

CrissyOShow.com