my runner babies

[MommaBugg]

I have two new black runner babies, and my question is: How many gender specific traits do runners have that can help identify (other than eventual egg laying) Is there a difference in the quacks or curled tail feathers like pekins? I know theyre not color specific like mallards etc.

They are just the cutest little things, and I have to fight the urge to pick them up and smooch them everytime I see them look up at me and tilt their head

Thanks for any help!

oh also on the topic of eventual egg laying, about what age do they start laying? I hear that runners are great layers!

 

[gofasterstripe]

You should be able to tell about 4 weeks or so if they quack its a girl. Why are you stopping yourself from picking them up, the more cuddles you give your duck the better and more friendly they will be.

 

[NoseyChickens]

Quote:
X2. If you want friendly runners spend a lot of time with them. Mine started laying between 18-20 weeks old. They lay really well. The males will also have a drake feather. But you will be able to tell the difference by the quack pretty early.

 

[gofasterstripe]

Here are my 4 new Runners I picked up yesterday

 

[TLWR]

Quote:
Copy Duck

Pretty girls
The front 3 are my trio, but Blue hasn't walked upright like that in a long time

My runners were hatched 02 August and the first egg appear 03 January (I'd have to dig up the thread to be sure, but it was right around then)
A couple of Nikki's runners hatched a week later are still being slackers and not laying

 

[gofasterstripe]

Your sooo funny, at least I have a blue Runner

Yes mine are still slacking in the egg department 30 weeks old and STILL NOT LAYING... but I dont care coz I HAVE A BLUE RUNNER

 

[TLWR]

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But before yesterday, you didn't have a blue runner and a white runner in ONE! Saves on space! And mine IS laying eggs, who knows where she's hiding them now though. Jet found the last stash of soft ones

 

[MommaBugg]

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X2. If you want friendly runners spend a lot of time with them. Mine started laying between 18-20 weeks old. They lay really well. The males will also have a drake feather. But you will be able to tell the difference by the quack pretty early.

I am just really scared of any type of cross contamination. I am new to ducks, and I breed cockatiels.. I am just scared that the ducks could give something to my cockatiels.. am I just being paranoid? Those runners are awfully cute. I let them swim in the bathtub today with the rest of the ducks. They had a blast.. So cute watching their little paddle feet working

 

[gofasterstripe]

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But before yesterday, you didn't have a blue runner and a white runner in ONE! Saves on space! And mine IS laying eggs, who knows where she's hiding them now though. Jet found the last stash of soft ones

Saves on space...

I like it. I have alot of space now, I have the hallway and the bathroom to fill yet

But I must agree I did not have a white blue runner duck

 

[WriterofWords]

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I'm just torturing myself going through and looking at wonderful ducky pics,,,,, I need more!!!!