Indian Runners or Chickens?

[igorsMistress]

Hi all. I’m currently without a flock and it’s depressing. I’m quite familiar with chickens but I’m considering Indian Runners instead of chickens. I’ve read quite a bit about them and I know ducks tend to be pretty hearty which is why I’m thinking about keeping them vs chickens.

Since you’re the experts, what are the pros and cons?

I’m thinking four to six ducks max but what about drake to hen ratio?

Will Indian Runners use a nest box or do they prefer to nest on the ground?

I’m assuming they don’t roost so some hay on the floor is ok for bedding? And no deep litter right?

 

[Beaglegal]

I don’t have Indian runners, I have Cayugas. I also have chickens. My ducks are better foragers and have more personality. They have also been healthier then my chickens. Mine have a lot of room to roam so I have avoided the mud problems others report. Overall I like my ducks better but prefer chicken eggs

 

[Beaglegal]

Thanks for your perspective. Why do you like chicken eggs more than duck eggs?

I like my eggs sunny side up, and I think the duck egg whites are too stiff and rubbery. They are fine for everything else, but I love my ss up eggs

 

[Beaglegal]

I like my eggs sunny side up, and I think the duck egg whites are too stiff and rubbery. They are fine for everything else, but I love my ss up eggs

Although my husband thinks they taste the same.

 

[Teneniel]

Runners will just drop their eggs wherever. Only one of my ducks lays in a consistent spot. Straw over shavings is what I use and it works nicely, as I can scrape the straw off and only replace the shavings when they get stinky.

Just one drake will be all you’ll want with a flock that small.

I do use deep litter outside in the run, but they range during the day. I’m in a wet temperate climate so ducks are a good match here!

 

[Texag87]

Runners

 

[Beaglegal]

Ok!
I don’t know if I’d keep a drake or just a few girls. Is a drake necessary or not really?

I don’t think a drake is as necessary as a rooster. My guy looks out for predators but he can’t fight them off like my rooster. We did have a near miss with a bald eagle where my drake was either leading it away from his ladies OR running away and leaving them... we chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. He is pretty, though.

 

[igorsMistress]

I don’t have Indian runners, I have Cayugas. I also have chickens. My ducks are better foragers and have more personality. They have also been healthier then my chickens. Mine have a lot of room to roam so I have avoided the mud problems others report. Overall I like my ducks better but prefer chicken eggs

Thanks for your perspective. Why do you like chicken eggs more than duck eggs?

 

[igorsMistress]

I like my eggs sunny side up, and I think the duck egg whites are too stiff and rubbery. They are fine for everything else, but I love my ss up eggs

I can see that as a problem here too. If they soft boil well then that might be ok.

 

[featherhead007]

I.M. You have been waiting a long time to get your birds. (I'm very glad you chose to get more)
I wish you well in whatever you choose for your next flock! And I'm looking forward to hearing about what you get!