Broody Indian runners

by Sarah
(Sturmer Essex )

Everything I've read tells me that Indian runners do not make good parents. However I have a trio and both females are sharing brooding seven eggs.

I've kept an eye on them and all seven are good and there are two eggs that have started to crack. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do next? My inclination is to leave them to it - they've got this far on their own but I'm concerned with how they will react to the ducklings emerging. Thanks very much.

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Jul 29, 2011
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Something is Eating My Chicken Eggs
by: Anonymous

I have got 2 Indian Runners; 1 drake and 1 female and they were laying until somthing ate their 4 eggs and that was 6 days ago. Since then they have only laid 2 eggs. What do I do ?

Jun 27, 2011
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Broody Indian Runner
by: Rainey

I am currently waiting for my female Indian Runner to hatch her first nest as well. She is sitting on 9 eggs I am pretty sure. I am wondering if once they are hatched is it okay to leave them with the mom and dad? I am uncertain as to how the fathers react also what do I feed them, would it just be duck starter like chickens?

Jun 13, 2011
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Broody ducks
by: Katarina

Hey,
I got a pair of Indian Runners early this year and in April duck started to lay. I was also unsure and nervous because of reputation they have as parents, but we decided to leave them alone (we did't even see her sitting, she was in a small dog-house). On 1st May we heard noises and on 2nd she came out with five cute ducklings and took them for a swim and some food (I bought food for ducklings). She is a very good mother and drake is sometimes chasing after them, but nothing serious (he doesn't hurt them). Only one duckling didn't hatch, but I believe it was dead already before hatching.
So my suggestion is to wait and see what happens.

K

Jun 05, 2011
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Indian Runner Ducks and Bad Parenting
by: Countryfarm Lifestyles

Always let nature take its course where possible.

The least interference the better, but then you will have to use your judgment. If you see that the chicks have been abandoned, then you will have to intervene, but at this stage, all is looking good, so play the wait-and-see game before you take action.

So far your ducks have displayed some good parenting skills but sitting on the eggs well enough to get to the hatching stage.

One should never generalize about any breeds as you will often find the opposite of some characteristics the breed is known for. I think that in the main Indian runners generally are not as good as other breeds when it comes to being broody and parenting, but that doesn't mean to say that they are all bad parents.

Good luck and let us know if you have a willing mum/mums. Let's hope you do! Send us some pictures of your ducklings and ducks when you can.

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