Thinking about getting some Indian Runner Ducks, any tips!!

[tplummer]

We have always thought they were cute but never took the time to really look into them. They are a really cute bird and I would love to have some. Do they help reduse bug population like my muscovies or etc. What is special about them what are they good for. My daughter was curious on quite a few things about them. Her main concern is OMG their sooo cute!!!
Thanks for any help!

 

[FenDruadin]

I have Runners and really love them. They are excellent bug control--mine have completely eliminated an overwhelming Japanese beetle problem on our acre lot--and they only spend part of day on our property and the rest on an adjacent lake.

They are also excellent egg producers. Mine lay an egg a day all summer, and part of the winter too.

And they're cute.

 

[duckyfromoz]

They are a wonderful breed of duck. I have wanted some for years and finally got my first about 9 months ago. I found that even as week old some showed more personality than other ducks I have owned and to see a group of them all walking together with that gorgeous upward stance is just amazing.

I had one little fellow I called Stompy as he stomped his feet as he walked- he always walked over to the side of the brooder when I was near and wanted a cuddle. When they were let outside for a swim- everyone except Stompy would run for the pool- he would come and sit in my lap for a snuggle.
Apart form the fact that they are great egg layers and simply beautiful birds- they come in so many different colours- And yes...........they are very cute.

 

[Amiga]

I have my first runners now, a month old in a couple of days.

Reasons I chose runners:

I need pest control - slugs, Japanese beetles
Side benefits - free fertilizer, good layers, charming looks (I live in a suburb)
Not the loudest, nor the quietest duck
Bred to be herded from place to place (working rice paddies)
Hardy
Small (females generally three and a half pounds full grown)

These girls are wonderful to work with - they get a little nervous when I pick them up, but settle down quickly. They come over and crawl up into my lap, or just sneggle next to me when I sit with them. They can be alarmed easily, but settle back down quickly. Mine are chocolate (dark) and black (with iridescent flecks in their feathers, similar to grackles).

They are very personable, and love a routine.

 

[houndit]

They lay lots of eggs plus they are the funniest duck I know of. You probably should get them!

 

[tplummer]

i have one that seems to be a runner but she doesn't really look like any of the colors accept maybe fawn and white. Thanks, I think I will get some!!
-- FLF

 

[Cottage Rose]

I have a really bad Japanese Beetle problem but my Muscovies
as good as they are with controling flies and mosquitoes
don't seem that good about snatching up JB.
I've always admired Runners and was wondering are they better
than Muscovies at getting beetles in peticular?

 

[CityChicker]

I love Runners. I cannot say enough good things about them. I breed them now in about ten different colors and every year they take over more and more of our duck space, LOL. They are definitely entertaining.

 

[FenDruadin]

My Runners completely wiped out our Japanese beetle problem. They love them!! And I believe they eat the beetle grubs out of the lawn, too, preventing the next year's infestation. Three years ago, when we moved into this house, the beetles were so bad you could hardly see the plants for all the beetles. They completely destroyed our grape vines and damaged several fruit trees. The ducks immediately went to work on them as soon as they were large enough to eat them. The following year, no beetles, and we haven't seen but a few at a time since.

I don't know if all Runners are great at it or if maybe you just have a worse problem than ours, but I swear by my ducks for Japanese beetle control!

 

[Cottage Rose]

Quote:
Sounds like you had a pretty bad problem.
I wonder if all Runners are this good at beetle eating or are some strains or colors better than others?
Where did you get yours from?