Are 2 runners enough?

[thebritt]

We have 2 plain old mixed ducks (females, no longer laying), and I've always loved the way runners run around, so I want to get a couple this year. We have 2 fenced in acres, and a GP, plus 3 other dogs that watch the property, so they can free range. Are runners any different than waddling ducks? Any special needs? Please excuse my ignorance, just looking for input.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TLWR]

No different from other ducks that I know of. I have just 3. Which was plenty until I wanted a boy which means at least 2-3 more ducklings LOL


Oh wait - they require lots of time to sit and just laugh at their antics

 

[duckyfromoz]

Two wont be enough... You may start with two- but you will soon be wanting more.... Runners are a gorgeous duck, they do look gorgeous running in a huge flock- but small numbers can be just as nice. The fact that they come in just so many colours is one of the great fetures of the breed- as well as the factthat they are such good egg layers.

 

[gofasterstripe]

Nope...2 Runners will not be enough.

Plus you have to think about what if 1 dies for some reason you have a lone Runner....now that would be sad, your better with at least 3 or 7 or 12 or maybe 19. Once you get 3 or more you will want to add to the crowd, they are just soooo funny
This is BamBam my 1 mouthful bird. She takes a mouthful of food then runs to get a drink, back for a mouthful, run for a drink. She must run 40 miles a day. I just found out 1 of my new Runners is a 1 mouthful bird too, BamBam and Ronnie were doing a tag team for half an hour the other day. They are quirky in their little ways but soo funny to watch

 

[Miss Lydia]

oh I love BamBam, she is so cute..

 

[thebritt]

Yea, I had a feeling 2 wouldn't be enough! They're not as easy to get around here, but the search is on!!

 

[nettie]

I started with two runners, now I have six. lol

If you have other ducks, the two will be fine. If they are the only two ducks you have, I recommend no less than three in case one dies. But if you can find a good hatchery (I recommend Metzer's for 10 or less) with lots of colors, you'll probably want more than 2.

 

[TLWR]

Quote:
And then you'll start somewhat secretly coveting colors from other hatcheries that don't ship less than 10 or sex them and be all jealous when other people start posting that they should be getting their orders soon

It's almost like greyhounds - people say you want one of every color (I really don't want one of every color greyhound)... but I'm starting to want almost one of every color runner LOL But I really don't want a bunch of ducks, so it will likely be a little black boy runner and maybe a blue girl
and maybe a nice upright white or penciled or....

 

[buzzard chick]

I have runners that need a home...ended up with them when my brother asked me to get him some and never took them home. I also have a muscovy hen that my parents found as a baby.
Jen

 

[Duck Mad]

I too think if you only get 2. and you see other people have got lots, jealousy can accure lol ....
I started with one duck, 1 led to 4, but 4 is still not enough!! ... I only have a small back garden, there might just be enough room for another 2 hehe