Squeaky Little Ducks That Light Up Your Life (Indian Runner Duck)

Member Name: Squeaky_knows

Product:	Indian Runner Duck
Date:	02/11/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A joy to watch and can be kept as pets. Produce a lot of eggs too.

Disadvantages: NONE

~Intro~
A few years ago I took a walk to my local pond to feed the ducks and as I began to throw the bread the strangest duck I had ever seen darted out of the crowd. It was white but very thin and stood almost vertical on its back legs, and it was making a funny squeaking noise like a chick. I later found out that this cute little gangly creature was an Indian Runner Duck and I was hooked.

~Origin~
As their name suggests these birds originate from the Indian subcontinent and Malaysia and were brought to England in the early 1800's. Due to the position of their legs being further back compared to other ducks - giving them a tall upright appearance - they were originally nicknamed the 'Penguin Duck'. Since then the Runner Duck has been cross bred with many other breeds and has become a domestic duck.

~Appearance~
As I have said they have a funny tall appearance extenuated by their long thin necks and slim bodies. They can grow to around fourteen inches tall although their legs are relatively short. They are flightless birds so their wings are not very big but the can run about pretty quickly, hence their name. They can vary in colour due to cross breeding including, white, black, brown, apricot and several trout, drake and fawn breeds. The Indian Runner Duck I saw was white with a blackish bill, indicating that it was a male. Lastly they make a high pitch squeaking noise rather than a quack - its adorable.

~Why Have One~
Breeding Indian Runner Ducks for show is quite common. There are special waterfowl shows to show your ducks just like a dog show and there are several breeders in the country who specialize in Indian Runner Ducks. However they are also good for producing eggs as they can lay over three hundred eggs in a year. Personally I think they would make lovely pets as they are so endearing and are flightless.

~About/needs~
Indian Runner Ducks are foragers and live off slugs, worms and grass, although corn or wheat meal is also suitable feed. Like all domestic birds they need some sort of housing that is spacious and safe however ducks should not be kept in a pen. They need space to run around and if possible a water source to keep clean. Indian Runner Ducks are especially vulnerable because they are flightless birds so some sort of fencing may be needed to keep out predators. Finally they are sensitive so should not be scared and always approached slowly and calmly. If they are well cared for then they can live for many years. The British Fowl Association provides good documentation on caring for domestic ducks.

~Conclusion~
I fell in love with that little Indian Runner Duck at the pond and visited him regularly. Although I am currently unable to keep any of my own I have found that like any pet an Indian Runner Duck can provide companionship. They have a very comical appearance that makes them a joy to simply watch. I would recommend them to anyone!

Summary: These odd little ducks can brighten anyones day!