Indian Runner Duck

Description

The Indian Runner duck may be simply referred to as the Runner duck. Despite the name, there is no evidence these ducks came from India.

Origin: Duck herding has been part of traditional
agriculture in parts of the Malay Peninsula and some Indonesian islands for centuries. Farmers guide herds of ducks over land and roads to
forage in rice fields, where they devour insects, snails, and other pests. Over their long domestic history, these ducks became the fast-running, long-ranging foragers first documented by Europeans in the 1850s.

They love to swim, so a wading pool is nice as long as the water is kept clean and the surrounding areas are not allowed to get muddy. Ducks can, however, live well when provided with nothing but fresh drinking water; it must be deep enough to cover their bills so they can use it to clear their nostrils. Water needs to be replaced at least twice a week. Cayugas can forage for their own food when given enough space (1/4 acre for five ducks). Where space is limited a commercial duck feed is needed. Ducks need small gravel or coarse sand to help them digest their food.
Well-kept Cayugas produce between 100 and 150 eggs per year. The first eggs of the season are black and lighten to gray, blue, green and even white as the season goes on. Cayugas are hardy and can produce a large quantity of offspring despite cold temperatures. Unlike most duck breeds, Cayugas will brood their own eggs which hatch in 28 days.
Cayugas have a quiet, docile temperament. When they are hand raised, they make wonderful, tame pets. With quality care, they live 8 to 12 years.
Leg position and body shape make them excellent rangers and foragers. They need space to roam, but are non-fliers. Water is not necessary for breeding, but they need enough to wash, and appreciate the opportunity to swim. Housing for Indian Runner ducks can be a simple wooden hut with soft bedding for sleeping overnight. Longer confinement will require enough height for them to stand fully upright and flap. As highly social beings, they are happier in groups. Most females do not brood. Indian Runner duck lifespan is 8–12 years.