Indian Runner

Indian Runner ducks are upright, narrow-bodied domestic ducks descended from landrace ducks of the Indonesian archipelago and developed into a show and laying breed after importation to Britain. Instead of the broad, low stance of many ducks, a Runner stands tall with the legs set far back, giving it a bottle-shaped outline and a quick running gait. The breed comes in many colors, from fawn and white to penciled, black, blue, chocolate, and mallard-type patterns. Runners are best known as prolific layers and lively foragers rather than heavy meat birds.

They suit keepers who can provide room to range and a routine that does not make the flock skittish. Runners are light, active ducks, so fencing, herding, and handling need to be calm and predictable; they are often used in gardens, orchards, and small farms for slug and insect patrol. They do not require a pond, but they do need drinking water deep enough to clean the nostrils and regular access to bathing water for feather condition. Breeders select for the tall carriage, clean movement, egg production, and color standards, while avoiding birds that are so narrow or upright that they lose balance.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Cumberland Blue, Emery, Fawn, Gray, Magpie, Mallard, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White