Types of Indian Runner Ducks

Indian runner ducks have a unique posture. They stand upright, like penguins, and their legs are set well back on their bodies, allowing them to run effectively. They are very active birds and can scramble over a three-foot fence, although they cannot fly. There are eight recognized varieties and breeders have bred many more, characterized by their colors. In 2000, there were 2,916 breeding Indian runner ducks in the United States.

  1. Types of Indian Runner Duck

    • The American Poultry Association recognizes the following varieties: gray, buff, fawn &white, penciled, black, chocolate, Cumberland blue and white. There are more than 20 non-standard varieties, including such types as fairy fawn, golden, saxony, pastel, trout, dusky, khaki, cinnamon, silver, lavender, lilac, blue-brown penciled and splashed. Indian runner ducks have more variation in color than any other duck. Breeders select for birds with a smooth running gait and strong legs.

    Characteristics of Types

    • Ducks must have very specific coloring to meet the standard for their variety. Breeders and judges look at the eyes, cheeks, head and neck. On the bird's body, they examine the back, breast, wings and flanks, and also the legs, feet and webbing. All parts have defined colors in each variety, with specific characteristics that will disqualify the bird from meeting the standard. In the United States, standards are set out in the American Poultry Association's publication, the American Standard of Perfection.

    Physical Characteristics

    • Judges and breeders look for a specific gait in a duck. It should walk, not waddle. The body shape should resemble a wine bottle, with the head and neck blending into the body with no defined shoulders. The head should be long and flat, and the eyes should be close to the top of the skull. Height is important, and an upright stance with the tail tucked in. The back should be rounded, not flat.

    Domestic uses

    • Indian runner ducks are known for their high rate of egg production. They lay white eggs that are the same size as chickens' eggs. A good bird will lay at a rate of about 200 per year. They are also excellent at finding food in the form of insects, slugs and snails. Their flavor is supposed to be similar to wild duck, but farmers do not usually keep them for meat because they are a small bird.