Indian Runner ducks are a wonderful addition to any homestead, especially if you want a natural, eco-friendly approach to managing pests in your vegetable garden. Since the arrival of "Ruby, Kindy and Mum" as named by our kids I felt I should share the why and how of Indian Runner ducks as they get a fairly regular feature now over on our Instagram. With their sleek, upright stance, energetic personalities, and natural foraging habits, it makes them perfect for keeping your garden pest-free. Plus they are super cute and give Beatrix Potter meets Secret Garden vibes. Whilst we have only had them for a short while now this is how we care for our ducks: from feeding and housing, to their role in the garden and overall care tips. I wasn't originally sold on the idea but after proff of their help in the garden I am sure you'll add them to your homestead wishlist too.
Pest Control in the Vegetable Garden
One of the most compelling reasons to raise Indian Runner ducks is their incredible ability to control pests. They thrive on a diet that includes slugs, snails, beetles, and other common garden nuisances. As they roam through your vegetable patch and garden, they efficiently clear out these pests without disturbing the plants too much.
Unlike chickens, which tend to scratch and dig up soil, Runner ducks don't harm garden beds as much. Their narrow bodies allow them to slip between rows of plants, and they rarely uproot anything. However, young seedlings might still need protection because the ducks could be tempted to nibble on tender leaves. To avoid this, consider using cloches or row covers until your plants are sturdy enough.
Feeding Your Indian Runner Ducks
While Runner ducks will happily forage in your garden, it's important to supplement their diet. Their primary food source should still be a quality poultry or duck feed to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients. A high-protein duck or waterfowl pellet works well, especially during their laying season.
Along with pest hunting, ducks love treats like peas, lettuce, and other greens. It's best to feed them in moderation to avoid them overindulging on your veggies! We also specifically give them these chopped in a bowl so they are't tempted by what we are growing. You can also offer grains like oats or barley as additional snacks.
Fresh water is essential for ducks, especially when they're eating. Ducks need to wash their food down with water, so make sure they always have access to clean drinking water. If you can, provide a small pond or trough for them to dip their heads and swim in—ducks love to play in water, and it helps keep them clean.
Housing Your Ducks
Even though Indian Runner ducks are relatively hardy, they still need proper shelter to keep them safe from predators and the elements. A well-ventilated duck house that’s predator-proof is essential. Ducks don’t roost like chickens, so they’ll need ground-level accommodations with plenty of space to move around. A house with straw bedding that’s easy to clean is ideal.
Ducks are social animals, so ensure they have enough space to sleep together comfortably—aim for about 1 square meter of floor space per duck. At night, it’s crucial to lock them up to protect them from foxes, dogs, or other predators.
During the day, if they have free rein of the vegetable garden, make sure their area is securely fenced. Ducks can wander, and a good fence will also help keep out predators. Electric netting or a strong wire fence works well for this purpose.
Water Requirements
One of the unique aspects of keeping ducks is their love of water. While they don’t require a full pond, it’s nice to offer a kiddie pool or shallow trough where they can swim and clean themselves. Regular bathing keeps their feathers in good condition and helps with pest control on their bodies, such as mites.
Make sure their water source is easy to refresh daily. Ducks can make quite a mess of their water, so frequent changes are necessary to keep it clean. Water is also essential for egg production, so during laying season, provide them with plenty of access. We use an old bath in the veegie patch that whilst its annoying to empty, mostly because iit'sat ground level and we use a bucket for this. The water from the ducks adds valuable nutrients to the veggies when we use it to water the plants. It's a win-win.
Care and Health Maintenance
Indian Runner ducks are relatively low-maintenance, but they still need regular attention to stay healthy. Here are some tips for their ongoing care:
Bedding: Clean their bedding regularly. Straw or wood shavings are good choices, but make sure they stay dry to prevent respiratory issues.
Foot Care: Watch their feet for signs of injury, as they can sometimes develop sores if their environment is too wet or if sharp objects are present in their pen.
Parasites: Keep an eye on external parasites like mites or lice, particularly if you notice them preening excessively or if their feathers look rough. A regular dust bath or treatment with diatomaceous earth can help prevent infestations.
Egg Laying: During the laying season, provide them with nesting boxes or areas where they can comfortably lay their eggs. Runners can lay up to 180-200 eggs per year, so make sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to nest.
How Much Care Do Indian Runner Ducks Need?
One of the best aspects of keeping Indian Runner ducks is that they don’t require an extensive amount of care. Once you’ve set up their housing and water system, daily tasks include feeding, refreshing their water, and checking on their well-being. Ducks tend to be more self-sufficient than chickens in many ways, and their hardy nature makes them excellent for a hands-off approach.
However, they still appreciate attention and human interaction, especially when it comes to food! Spending time with your ducks also helps you keep an eye on their health and spot any issues early. Ours are still very nervous around us and quite unsure but day by day they have been happy to edge closer while I garden around them. They are also adjusting well to Bailey, our youngest border collie pup (14 weeks old) who is quick to sneak in the veggie patch behind me to eat their food and poop.
Additional Tips for Success
Companionship: Ducks are social animals, so always keep at least two or three together. They can get lonely and stressed if left on their own. We have a trio; two ducks and a drake.
Winter Care: In colder months, make sure they have a dry and insulated shelter to retreat to. Ducks are quite resilient, but they need protection from strong winds, snow, and freezing rain.
Pest and Garden Management: Rotate your ducks around the garden to ensure that pests are evenly controlled across all areas. You may also want to establish boundaries or specific areas where the ducks are allowed to roam during certain seasons, especially if you want to protect vulnerable crops. We've used bed mosquito netting over our garden frames and cloches to protect certain plants while they grow and have fenced off the sunflower patch until they are bigger and look less tasty.
Raising Indian Runner ducks in your vegetable garden is not only a practical chemical-free solution for pest control but also a rewarding experience. Our garden feels like all our homesteading picturesque dreams have come true since they've settled in. By giving them the right food, housing, and care, you can maintain a healthy, thriving flock that supports your garden’s growth and biodiversity.
Happy gardening,
Clair
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