Are these Black Runner ducklings?

[Mudstar4ever]

Hi gang!

I just picked up these three gorgeous babies (2 days old) from a neighbor yesterday. I thought they might be Cayuga or Welsh Harlequins but after I quite literally had to SPRINT after them when they scattered on the grass (and I'm an athlete - they're wicked quick!), I'm assuming I have myself some black runner ducklings. What are your thoughts? This is my first time raising ducklings.

I'm also keeping my eyes out for being able to distinguish their genders - any advice for black runner ducklings / anything I should keep an eye out for? Total shot in the dark, but one of the three is just starting to grow little tailfeathers, but nothing from the other two. Perhaps he is a drake and the others are female? Or am I making that up?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Alexandra33]

Personally, they look like cute little Cayugas to me. I'd expect a more upright stature out of a Runner.

 

[Mudstar4ever]

That's what I thought too! Are Cayugas fast, though? All I know is these guys moved like a bat out of hell bulleted across my yard!

 

[Mudstar4ever]

SOLVED! I contacted our neighbor and through some detective skills - we confirmed their mother is Khaki Campbell and their father is Cayuga. She said they will either be KC-Cayuga crosses or Pure Cayuga.

Here they are with their mother the day before I adopted the three amigos. And beside them is a more recent pic of them (they are growing like weeds!)