The ducks have a slim body and long neck, and stand very upright and tall, so much so that they are sometimes described as a bowling pin with legs. They don’t fly, but can half-scramble in the air for a couple of yards / metres.
There are over 24 different colorations. 8 are recognized in America; more in the UK and in Europe.
The birds are very capable of foraging for themselves. Some people like to keep them as pest controllers, as the ducks are very aggressive about seeking out bugs.
Indian Runner Ducks don’t need to be raised near water. They do enjoy swimming, but they are happy with a bit of water to plunge their heads into from time to time.
They will be shy at first until tamed.
Both males and females will weigh between 4 and 4 ½ pounds (1.8 to 2 kg.)
The females can lay up to 300 white-shelled eggs a year.
History Notes
Indian Runner Ducks were introduced into England possibly by the 1830s in the Earl of Derby’s collection, definitely by 1850, and into America by the start of the 1900s.
They originated in India, possibly in China before that.
In Asia, the ducks were traditionally herded during the day into rice paddies to feed on insects etc. Thus, over time, the breed became selected for being good walkers.