Runner ducks

[farmchick897]

I got two little runner ducks, don't know anything about them. Can someone tell me what gender they are? Can I let them roam in my garden? Thanks

 

[Cailly_Sighs]

I dont know gender but I do know they roam and eat bugs and such... I have 4 and they roam the yard, and if the driveway gate was open, the neighborhood every once in a while LOL

they always come back though. For a while they were going out every foggy morning, but then BOOM, they stopped and now stay in the yard, even if driveway gate is open.

 

[Amiga]

I prefer to wait till they get their adult voices, mine started at about three weeks.

With supervision, they are great in the garden. Left too long in one place, they eat vegetation.

 

[farmchick897]

They are older than 3 weeks now, I will get more recent pic. They are very skittish and act like I'm going to kill them every time I walk into enclosure. I hope that goes away. :/

 

[Amiga]

Sounds like my runners. Treats, patience, time, trying to stay low, talking gently, they eventually - several weeks later - came around.

 

[farmchick897]

Here is a recent picture. Can anyone tell me male or female and what color? Thanks

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Those are still babies-- too little to tell. You will be waiting awhile too. Mine that I got the 1st week of April are just beginning to get the curled drake feathers. Better clues are the voices. I would only leave them out while supervised, you've got ducklings, not adults.
...But as adults, they will be excellent bug eaters in your garden.

 

[farmchick897]

How about now?

 

[Buckas]

My guess is girls because I don't see a any curled up feather on their tail. Are they raspy chatters when they talk or quacks? I'm of no help with their color but I like it and they are super cute! Amiga is right about treats and patience etc. I think its a runner thing to be freaked out. I lure mine in with cut up cherry tomatoes and sometimes I can quickly "pet" one of them.

 

[farmchick897]

I hear very loud quacks in the morning but when I get close enough to see who is doing it I can't tell if its one or both. :/