Ideal hatchery and breeds

[katiebrock]

Mystery ducks!

 

[Loopeend]

Thank you for your input! I did not know that about the black runner coloration.

I may call the hatchery and just see what they say.

Yes, I did a search for indian runner/cayuga mix and the ones I found from a post on here that were known to be 50/50 were still more slender and upright than my birds. So these might be several generations mixed.

I got these ducks in big part for their eggs, I hope I am not disappointed in their production.

My ducks are very small though, I believe cayugas are supposed to be more medium sized, like 7 or 8lbs? I just weighed the biggest duck and she was 4lbs, so my girls must all be in the 3-4lb range which is small for a pure cayuga but the correct range for runners. Today they are 16 weeks old from their shipped date. Not sure if I can expect them to get much bigger.

I can't answer all that. Just only; if you were told these were runners; you have been scammed. They are 0 runner. After 50% "generations mixed" is just nothing in it. 50% isn't even anything. They could have better lied that they were cayugas.

But; this does not say it are not nice, lovely, healthy, good egg-laying ducks. And I can see now they also will have better duck-meat then runners; but that might not be your thing.
Allthough not runners; they don't seem to be less aible then other ducks to lay good eggs. And if you like them; it's perfect. Enjoy them.
Just maybe don't get your ducks from that place the next time; they are clearly not reliable.

They seem to be lovely ducks anyway; breed is just a "tag".

 

[PATOS]

My ducks are a bit over 15 weeks now. I purchased sexed females from Ideal Hatchery out of TX. I know these aren't "show" birds and are bred more for production in a backyard flock setting. My ducks are beautiful and I really enjoy them. I am just a bit surprised at their final shape. I was expecting a little more of an exaggerated upright shape or stance. My one crested girl has the slenderest shape and is slightly more upright than her sisters. I am thinking maybe this line was bred with some cayugas? Maybe? Just curious if anyone has thoughts on this subject.
I can't wait for duck eggs in a couple months!

they are great ducks!!!!

 

[PATOS]

Those are NOT Indian runner ducks.
The waddle like any duck; and don't walk like an indian runner. They aren't even 50% Indian runners. Neck too short, feet to short, body turned the wrong way, bill the wrong shape, just nothing Indian runner about it.
Are you sure they didn't actually mistakenly gave you some "cayuga's?"

Sidenote; Black Indian runners can have green and purple sheen. It's both the oil on their feathers in the right light, ánd some green/purple from males/females shining through. The amount of "sheen" wanted in Indian runner ducks is what we LIKE to see in the breedingnstandard; but unwanted green or purple lustres still happen very often.

hey @Loopeend
I want you to look at my ducks and tell me what you think

 

[Loopeend]

I'm open to it that you show them to me

 

[MerryMeridional]

I can't answer all that. Just only; if you were told these were runners; you have been scammed. They are 0 runner. After 50% "generations mixed" is just nothing in it. 50% isn't even anything. They could have better lied that they were cayugas.

But; this does not say it are not nice, lovely, healthy, good egg-laying ducks. And I can see now they also will have better duck-meat then runners; but that might not be your thing.
Allthough not runners; they don't seem to be less aible then other ducks to lay good eggs. And if you like them; it's perfect. Enjoy them.
Just maybe don't get your ducks from that place the next time; they are clearly not reliable.

They seem to be lovely ducks anyway; breed is just a "tag".

Yes, they are lovely. I just went into this with different expectations!

We shall see about the egg laying and then decide if/about rehoming after purchasing other ducklings. It will come down to quantity of eggs which I am not sure about at this time.

I emailed Ideal. They say that these are typical of their black runner ducks but that they would refund my money since they want 100% customer satisfaction. I do appreciate that of them.

I probably would not purchase from Ideal again.

 

[Loopeend]

Yes, they are lovely. I just went into this with different expectations!

We shall see about the egg laying and then decide if/about rehoming after purchasing other ducklings. It will come down to quantity of eggs which I am not sure about at this time.

I emailed Ideal. They say that these are typical of their black runner ducks but that they would refund my money since they want 100% customer satisfaction. I do appreciate that of them.

I probably would not purchase from Ideal again.

I don't know much about cayuga's and eggs. Indian are allomst 365 egg-layers. If that is a concern and cayuga's don't lay as much; rehoming(eating) is an option.
And you should get that refund; they are just not black indian runners no matter what they claim; invite them to come prove it...
They waddle. Booty to the left and the right. Indian's walk and no booty shaking.

I tried to make a movie from my black Indian runners; but my phone did a booboo. Their hips are different. The main thing you can recognize a runner; is their walk. And not waddle.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Yes, they are lovely. I just went into this with different expectations!
[…]
I probably would not purchase from Ideal again.

Me too! - To a certain degree i don't know if i ever will buy from Ideal again.
On one hand the "Magpie" ducks look more like Swedish, but with a white belly - nice ducks but neither Magpie nor Swedish and the "Buff Orpingtons" definitely have some Saxony in them, they have a blueish, lavenderish speculum in their wings and my drake is way too massive for a BO.
On the other hand, i have ordered my Spring Ducklings from Metzer Farms and from Ideal and in comparison the ones from Ideal were much more vigorous and active. @Magnolia Ducks has made similar experiences.
But as @Loopeend said: Breed is just a tag, many people love their »mutt ducks« and they are often very healthy and good layers.

 

[PATOS]

Me too! - To a certain degree i don't know if i ever will buy from Ideal again.
On one hand the "Magpie" ducks look more like Swedish, but with a white belly - nice ducks but neither Magpie nor Swedish and the "Buff Orpingtons" definitely have some Saxony in them, they have a blueish, lavenderish speculum in their wings and my drake is way too massive for a BO.
On the other hand, i have ordered my Spring Ducklings from Metzer Farms and from Ideal and in comparison the ones from Ideal were much more vigorous and active. @Magnolia Ducks has made similar experiences.
But as @Loopeend said: Breed is just a tag, many people love their »mutt ducks« and they are often very healthy and good layers.

Imagine my choices....In Chile we have NO runners or KC ducks and the only breeder has Muscovy and Pekins... Metzer told m he would ship hr but for $$$

 

[turboharpoon]

They are still pretty young to guess their weight. They are either mixed or the Hatchery inbreeds their brood fowl. Which can cause serious variation. Loopend is correct on his ID. My guess would be 3/4 1/4 runner. Just a guess.