Indian Runner Ducks?

[The Dobie Zoo]

I am thinking of getting Indian Runner Ducks.... (I am a poultry virgin!!!)

1) Can you get part of the pack first and then later introduce more and would they still bond or would that mean I had 2 packs??

2) How easy is it to train them to be free range ducks with no fencing?? (only when I am home of course they would also have a fenced outdoor area) Can you teach them boundaries so they don't go to the road?? How much would they travel/ walk?

3) How much difference will I find in their eggs to a chicken egg?

4) I have read that they are fearful & skid-ish....will cars 200+ft away scare them? (I did read they don't fly is that correct?)

5) How young should they be to get them in order to have them bond to us?

6) Can you add chicken later to the group, say next year when I feel owning Ducks are under control? Or will they have to be separated?

Thank you for all your advice and I look forward to this new adventure in life!

Cheers,
Aletha

 

[cracking up]

My first two ducks were indian runners and they were real tame. later I hatched out eight and you couldn't get near them. I think it's probably better to get them in small groups, they seem to like to hang together. We've introduced single ducks and groups, they always seem to fit in. The first set will just follow you around until they get comfy with the surroundings. If you give them a kiddie pool they won't go too far. They're eggs are great for baking, more nutritious than chicken eggs and some people say they taste strong. I like them. How busy is the street? They will probably keep their distance and get used to the cars. They don't really fly, might jump off a wall and glide a little. They should bond with you pretty quickly if you have treats. I suppose if they've been abused it would be hard to get them to settle but if they're tame you'll be fine. Chickens will be fine with them.

Good luck, Have fun!

 

[FenDruadin]

Hello and welcome! Ducks are so much fun. Also messy and willful.

I raise Runners and here is my experience:

1. I frequently add to the pack and it's not usually a problem. When introducing two small groups, it's usually a good idea to keep them near each other but not quite together for a week to let them get used to each other--otherwise, there is sometimes a little brutality that goes on.

2. Mine free range and it's no problem. However, mine DO go in the road, and they have no regard for the cars no matter how fast they are going. They just stand there in the middle of the road and stare. Luckily, the neighbors are very understanding and so far I've not had any accidents. The biggest problem in the past was getting them to go in their pen at night. I solved the problem by feeding them ONLY in their pen at night--so they are hungry and ready to go in by late afternoon.

3. Almost none. Duck eggs are slightly richer, and somewhat firmer. Chicken eggs feel runny to me now that I'm used to duck eggs. If you LIKE runny eggs, you can add a little milk to the duck eggs to achieve a similar texture. Duck eggs are BETTER in baked goods--much more loft.

4. Mine are not bothered by the stuff they are used to. Do make sure they have an area where they will feel somewhat sheltered--even two walls that provide a visual barrier from the environment is helpful. But most likely they will just sleep in the open anyway, but it's nice if they're not completely surrounded by stimulation.

5. They can bond with you at any age. Ducklings are adorable and a hand-fed hand-raised duckling can be INCREDIBLY friendly. On the other hand, a friend of mine rescued a few ducks from a bad situation and they were TERRIFIED of people when she first got them. After a few weeks of careful handling and good treatment, they tamed right down and now eat out of the children's hands.

6. I have no expertise on this. Sorry!

Good luck! Ducks are awesome.